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A new hotline is inviting Americans to congratulate the U.S. women’s hockey team after its historic Olympic gold medal win—and it’s already flooded with messages. Launched yesterday by the PR firm Jennifer Bett Communications in collaboration with Cosmopolitan, the “gold medal hotline” allows fans to leave voicemails celebrating Team USA. The number, 1-833-SHE-WON1, has received 278 messages since opening yesterday afternoon, many from girls and women who say the team inspired them. “This hotline is essentially a giant, collective ‘thank you’ from fans everywhere,” Jennifer Meyer, founder of Jennifer Bett Communications, tells Fast Company. “We want to remind them that they are seen, they are celebrated, and they have the full support of a country that is incredibly proud of them.” And the messages themselves reflect that outpouring of gratitude. “You guys are what I wanted to be when I grew up, but they didn’t let girls play hockey back then. I am bursting with pride over what you’ve done. Congratulations,” one message went. Another said: “Boys in my class always make fun of me for playing hockey and sometimes make me think I should quit, but you guys just rebuilt my confidence on and off the ice.” The hotline comes after the U.S. women’s team defeated Canada on Sunday to secure its third Winter Olympics gold medal—and its first since 2018—though the victory was partly overshadowed by a viral video from the men’s team’s locker room later that day. In the clip, President Donald The President congratulated the men’s team over video call and invited them to the State of the Union and the White House, adding he was also “going to have to bring the women’s team” and that if he didn’t, he’d “probably be impeached.” Players could be heard laughing, a reaction that drew accusations of misogyny online. All but five members of the USA men’s ice hockey team later visited the Oval Office on Tuesday, while a USA Hockey spokesperson said the women’s team also received an invitation but declined. New Jersey Devils player Jack Hughes, who scored the winner for the U.S., addressed the backlash. “People are so negative out there and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing,” he told the Daily Mail. “Everything is so political. We’re athletes.” Others were quick to point out that partying with FBI director Kash Patel and celebrating a historic win by attending the State of the Union is, in fact, what makes sports political. View the full article

Online review management is the systematic process of collecting and responding to customer feedback across various platforms. It’s essential since nearly 90% of consumers rely on reviews before making purchases. Effective management can greatly boost your credibility and conversion rates. If you overlook this aspect, you risk losing potential customers and damaging your reputation. So, what steps can you take to improve your online presence and guarantee your business thrives? Key Takeaways Online review management involves collecting, monitoring, and responding to customer reviews to enhance a business’s online reputation. 93% of consumers read reviews before purchasing, making effective review management crucial for attracting customers. Engaging with reviews, both positive and negative, builds customer trust and loyalty, leading to higher conversion rates. Ignoring reviews can significantly damage a business’s reputation, with 94% of consumers avoiding businesses with negative feedback. Utilizing review management tools streamlines the process, enabling businesses to track feedback and make informed decisions to improve customer satisfaction. Understanding Online Review Management Online review management is essential for any business aiming to strengthen its online reputation and attract more customers. This process involves systematically collecting, monitoring, responding to, and leveraging customer reviews across various digital platforms. For effective business review management online, you need to engage actively with your customers, as 93% of consumers read online reviews before making purchasing decisions. Implementing strategies for online reputation management for restaurants or other businesses can greatly influence consumer trust and behavior. Research shows that displaying five or more positive reviews can lead to a 270% increase in conversion rates. Conversely, a two-star rating or lower can deter 97% of consumers from considering your business. The Importance of Online Reviews for Businesses When considering the factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions, the role of online reviews can’t be overstated. Approximately 90% of consumers read reviews before making a decision, making them crucial for your business’s success. If you have a higher volume of positive reviews, you could see conversion rates increase by up to 270%. Conversely, 94% of individuals avoid local businesses with negative reviews, which highlights the need for effective restaurant reputation management tools. Engaging with customers through online review services not only improves your relationships but also boosts customer loyalty and retention. Furthermore, research shows that responding to reviews can greatly improve your business’s reputation; 89% of consumers are likely to engage with brands that actively respond to feedback. Using review generation software can streamline this process, ensuring that you maintain a positive online presence that attracts new customers and retains existing ones. Consequences of Neglecting Online Reviews Neglecting online reviews can have serious consequences for your business, especially as potential customers increasingly rely on them to make informed decisions. If you ignore reviews, you risk reputational damage, as 94% of individuals avoid local businesses with negative feedback. This can overshadow any positive experiences you may have. In addition, 90% of consumers read online reviews before making purchases, meaning poor review management can cost you potential customers. Failing to respond to reviews likewise means you miss valuable insights regarding customer preferences, which can hinder improvement efforts. By not engaging with feedback, you may lose customer trust, as 70% of consumers prefer brands that actively respond to reviews. Rebuilding a tarnished online reputation can take years, leading to decreased sales and limited growth opportunities. Using automatic review generation software can help you manage reviews effectively, ensuring you stay connected with your customers and maintain a positive online presence. Effective Strategies for Review Management To effectively manage online reviews, businesses must adopt strategic approaches that improve their reputation and cultivate customer engagement. Automating review requests after a purchase can considerably boost the number of customer reviews, as 67% of customers are likely to leave a positive review following a good interaction. Real-time monitoring of reviews is vital; 94% of individuals avoid local businesses with negative reviews, making timely responses critical. Engaging with both positive and negative reviews helps build customer trust, with 89% of consumers likely to engage with brands that respond. Furthermore, a proactive approach to collecting and addressing feedback can improve SEO rankings, as businesses with higher ratings and more reviews rank better in search results. Utilizing reputation management software can centralize this process, allowing you to track new reviews across multiple platforms efficiently, thereby improving your response times and overall review management strategy. Utilizing Review Management Tools Utilizing review management tools can greatly streamline your approach to handling customer feedback across various platforms. These tools provide a centralized dashboard that allows you to track new reviews efficiently, improving your overall management process. Many of them additionally feature sentiment analysis, helping you identify recurring issues and customer preferences for targeted improvements. By integrating these tools with existing systems, like your CRM, you can guarantee that all customer interactions are captured in one place. Automated review requests can remarkably increase the volume of feedback you collect, as studies show they generate more responses than manual outreach. Regularly analyzing trends in review sentiment through these tools guides you in making informed decisions to improve customer satisfaction and enhance your brand’s reputation. In short, adopting review management tools is a strategic move for any business aiming to optimize customer feedback handling. Monitoring and Responding to Reviews Monitoring online reviews consistently is essential for your brand, especially since a significant number of consumers rely on reviews before making purchases. Timely responses can’t only safeguard your reputation but additionally encourage customer engagement, as many customers prefer brands that address their feedback. Importance of Timely Responses Timely responses to online reviews are crucial for any business aiming to nurture strong customer relationships and improve its reputation. When you engage with reviews quickly, you not just show commitment to customer satisfaction but also boost consumer trust. Here are some key benefits of responding without delay: Boosts Engagement: 89% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands that respond to reviews. Mitigates Damage: 53% of customers expect a response to negative feedback within a week. Builds Trust: 79% of consumers trust businesses more when they see active engagement with reviews. Increases Loyalty: Timely responses can turn dissatisfied customers into repeat buyers. Monitoring Platforms Effectively Many businesses find that effectively monitoring review platforms is fundamental to maintaining a positive online reputation. Regularly checking reviews is important since 70% of consumers have written a review in the past year. Tools like BrightLocal‘s Reputation Manager can simplify this process, especially for multi-location businesses. Setting up automated notifications for new reviews keeps you proactive in addressing feedback. Timely responses are critical; 89% of consumers engage with brands that respond. A strong response strategy, including personalized replies, can boost consumer trust and improve brand perception. Action Purpose Monitor Reviews Stay updated on customer feedback Use Management Tools Simplify tracking across multiple platforms Set Notifications Address feedback proactively Personalize Responses Build consumer trust Building a Positive Online Reputation Through Reviews During the process of maneuvering through the digital marketplace, you’ll find that building a positive online reputation through reviews is essential for your business’s success. With 93% of consumers reading reviews before purchasing, positive feedback can greatly improve trust and attract customers. Businesses showcasing five or more product reviews can see conversion rates soar by 270%. To effectively build your online reputation, consider these strategies: Engage with customer feedback to strengthen relationships and show commitment to satisfaction. Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, boosting your visibility. Monitor reviews consistently to identify areas for improvement. Respond quickly to both positive and negative reviews, nurturing trust and transparency. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Online Review Management? Online review management involves actively monitoring, collecting, and responding to customer reviews across various digital platforms. You engage with feedback to shape consumer perceptions and influence purchasing decisions. By encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, you can improve your business’s reputation. Furthermore, addressing negative feedback swiftly helps mitigate potential damage. Utilizing automated tools can streamline this process, ensuring you maintain a positive online presence and cultivate customer trust effectively. Why Are Online Reviews so Important? Online reviews are essential since they greatly influence consumer decisions. About 90% of shoppers read reviews before buying, and 94% steer clear of businesses with negative feedback. Positive reviews can boost conversion rates by up to 270%, enhancing trust and visibility in search results. What Is the Main Purpose of the Management Review? The main purpose of review management is to actively monitor and respond to customer feedback. By addressing negative reviews without delay, you can mitigate damage to your reputation as well as highlighting positive experiences to potential customers. This practice not just improves trust but likewise provides insights into customer preferences, enabling you to improve your offerings. In addition, managing reviews can boost your search engine visibility, making it easier for new customers to find you online. Why Is Online Reputation Management Important? Online reputation management is important as it directly influences consumer behavior. With 93% of consumers reading reviews before purchasing, a strong online presence can build trust. Businesses showcasing positive reviews see higher conversion rates, whereas negative feedback can deter 94% of potential customers. Moreover, engaging with reviews promotes customer loyalty, as 89% of consumers prefer brands that respond. Conclusion In summary, effective online review management is vital for businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. By actively monitoring and responding to customer feedback, you can improve your brand’s credibility and cultivate customer trust. Neglecting reviews can lead to missed opportunities and a tarnished reputation. Implementing strategic review management practices not just boosts visibility but likewise greatly influences purchasing decisions, in the end driving sales and growth. Prioritizing this aspect of your business is fundamental for long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Online Review Management and Why It Matters?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. When the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow Robot Vacuum and Mop was released in early 2026 as an upgrade to the original Qrevo Curv, it was dubbed one of the longest-lasting and most powerful automatic cleaners on the market—but it also came at a high price. For those who want similar performance at a more budget-friendly price than the flagship release, the Qrevo Curv S5X Robot Vacuum and Mop is a reliable option that’s now more affordable than ever at $649.99 (originally $1,149.99), marking a 43% drop to its lowest price yet. Qrevo Curv S5X Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.99 at Amazon $1,149.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $649.99 at Amazon $1,149.99 Save $500.00 It has a powerful suction strength of around 18,500 Pa and a dual anti-tangle brush that prevents pet and human hair from wrapping around it. Paired with a side brush and mop that gets into corners and edges, it easily tackles blind spots. Its dock is also fully automated, which is a big win for convenience, as this low-maintenance model self-empties dust, refills water, washes its own mop pads, and manages dirty water. It has LiDAR mapping and single-camera reactive obstacle avoidance, and can be automated via the companion app, which automatically generates cleaning modes and adjusts settings. While it does have obstacle avoidance, unlike the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, it doesn’t raise its body over thresholds, such as carpeting, so it may get stuck on thicker rugs. Battery life is also shorter at 190 minutes compared to 242 minutes, but this is still sufficient to clean moderately sized homes. It also only supports 2.4GHz wifi. That said, it’s also around .5 centimeters thinner, making it easier to fit under low-profile furniture. Ultimately, this model has automated features and does most of what the updated Curv does, minus a few top-tier specs like better obstacle avoidance, slightly stronger suction, and hot water washing and drying. If you want strong performance for a significantly lower price tag (a nearly $1,000 difference), the Qrevo Curv S5X Robot Vacuum and Mop is a capable model with no shortage of features. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $157.90 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $299.99 (List Price $599.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Gray) — $379.99 (List Price $499.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

HubSpot and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced an expanded collaboration aimed specifically at nurturing and scaling startups. This partnership, originally initiated in 2023, ushers in a wave of benefits that small business owners, especially those in the startup phase, may find compelling as they strive for growth amid fierce competition. Key Takeaways: Discounted Services for Startups: HubSpot’s initiative, HubSpot for Startups, now offers a remarkable 90% discount for Series A companies in their first year, significantly increasing from a previous 50% discount. Access to AWS Marketplace: Entrepreneurs will find HubSpot’s offerings more accessible through AWS Marketplace, simplifying the adoption of critical business tools. AI Innovation Opportunities: The collaboration emphasizes the development of AI-powered applications via Amazon Bedrock, enhancing the capabilities of businesses using HubSpot. HubSpot for Startups is a global initiative designed to provide investment-backed startups with invaluable resources, including access to HubSpot’s integrated marketing, sales, and customer service tools. With over 35,000 startups already benefiting from the platform—including notable names like Pennylane and Goldcast—this expanded program looks to provide even more substantial support. “Through our expanded collaboration with AWS, HubSpot for Startups will continue to invest in new online resources and programming for founders,” said a HubSpot representative. The initiative will include practical technical guidance and real-world founder stories, enabling startups to learn from peers who have successfully navigated their own growth journeys. Furthermore, in-person events hosted in conjunction with AWS startup spaces will offer networking opportunities and additional learning experiences. The partnership will also enhance HubSpot’s Partner Growth Accelerator, which is designed to help app and solutions partners reach new customers while providing them with HubSpot’s tools tailored to their services. This facet of the collaboration aims to create a more synergistic environment for partners focusing on customer-centric solutions. For small business owners considering the adoption of both HubSpot and AWS services, the potential for artificial intelligence integration could be game-changing. This aspect of the partnership taps into Amazon Bedrock, a managed service that enables developers to generate AI applications. As generative AI continues to gain traction, scalability and efficiency in marketing, sales, and customer service are likely to improve dramatically. However, while the benefits are clear, there are some challenges that founders may need to consider. Adapting to new platforms and services can be complex, requiring both an investment of time and knowledge. Small business leaders may need to ensure they have the necessary talent on their team or look to external consultants for implementation support. As HubSpot continues to evolve its offerings in collaboration with AWS, small business owners have greater opportunities to capitalize on these enhancements, particularly those poised for growth. The increased discount options for early-stage companies and expanded resources are strategically beneficial, especially in a climate where small businesses face rising operational costs. With HubSpot and AWS’s focus on enabling growth at every stage, startups stand to gain access to an arsenal of tools that could significantly improve their business outcomes. This collaboration not only offers practical applications in terms of technology but also promotes a community-oriented approach, essential for new entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of a startup environment. For more details on this initiative, you can read the original announcement from HubSpot here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "HubSpot and AWS Boost Startup Growth with Expanded Collaboration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A reader writes: I’m hiring for some new roles in my team and this has generated some excitement from internal folks looking to grow in their careers. That’s great! I’m always happy to meet with internal people before they submit resumes/go through the formal interview process, it’s very much a part of our team culture. However, twice now, different internal candidates have scheduled a one-on-one with me during a time when I already have a meeting and am showing as booked! This has kind of thrown me for a loop (do they not know how to use our extremely basic common scheduling software? do they think I’m booked for fun and will reschedule for them?) and honestly given me some hesitation around them as real candidates. But then I was wondering, is this just a personal pet peeve of mine and not a genuine yellow flag for their candidacy? Do personal pet peeves get to factor into my hiring decision if I’m their manager? If they move to the interview stage, are there ways I can feel out if they have a lack of attention to detail/lack of care for people’s work schedules without just saying, “Hey, why did you schedule a one-on-one for one of the only times I was not available?” The primary lens you want to run all concerns like this through is: how does this relate to the skills and qualities that are need to do this specific job well? If something is genuinely just a pet peeve but doesn’t have any real connection to what it will take to do the job well — like if you were irrationally irritated by people who don’t record an outgoing message on their voicemail or who write “gentle reminder” in emails (that last one is my own pet peeve) — you should set that aside. Having a mildly annoying habit doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be the best candidate for the job. But some pet peeves do very much speak to how the person would approach the work, and those are fair game to consider. In this case, I assume the scheduling stuff is alarming you because it feels like it speaks to a lack of attention to detail, or maybe that they don’t know how to use very basic office systems, pointing to a sort of baseline incompetence. Those are reasonable to consider. That said, these are also internal candidates, so you have access to a lot more info about them than you would have if they were external candidates. The reason small things can matter a lot with external candidates is because when you’re working with very limited info about someone, you have no choice but to rely on whatever info you get during the hiring process — but that is not the case with internal candidates. So: are either of these candidates your direct reports? If so, you probably have enough regular contact with them and their work that you know if they do in fact have issues with attention to detail. If they don’t report to you and you don’t have a lot of interaction with them, it’s a reasonable question to pose to their direct manager (whose input you should be soliciting on them regardless). And you can also ask about things that are weighing on you! It’s fine to say, “I noticed you tried to schedule a one-on-one for one of the only times I wasn’t available — is my calendar not showing up correctly on your end, or how did that happen?” (Note you’re not assuming the error was on their end and are allowing for the possibility that it wasn’t.) Just make sure you evaluate the answer, whatever it is, through the lens of what actually matters for the job you’re hiring for. The post is it petty to hold small details against internal candidates? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

WWC Mountain View is taking shape. By popular request these are our BIG THEMES - with more to come. Register now! The post BIG THEMES: Your guide to Wi-Fi World Congress 2026 in Mountain View, CA – with more to come appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

OpenAI started introducing ads to free and Go-tier users of ChatGPT in the U.S., marking a significant shift in its monetization strategy — and drawing scrutiny from competitors. What’s happening. After signaling plans last month, OpenAI quietly rolled out ads to U.S.-based users earlier this month. The move comes amid rising competition, including high-profile marketing pushes from Anthropic. What OpenAI says. Speaking at the India AI summit, COO Brad Lightcap described the rollout as “iterative,” emphasizing user trust and privacy. He said ads, if done right, can be “additive” to the product experience — but acknowledged the company is still in early testing and will need time to refine the model. The backdrop. CEO Sam Altman recently sparred publicly with Anthropic over its Super Bowl ad campaign, defending OpenAI’s commitment to broad, free AI access. He argued that scale creates a “differently-shaped problem” for OpenAI compared to rivals with smaller user bases. The money angle. Reports suggest OpenAI is charging premium rates — as high as $60 CPM — with minimum commitments reportedly starting around $200,000. Meanwhile, partners like Shopify are enabling merchants to advertise inside ChatGPT through Shop Campaigns, alongside early testers including Target and Adobe. Between the lines. OpenAI is walking a tightrope: monetize its massive free user base without eroding trust — especially as privacy concerns and competitive pressures intensify. The bottom line. Ads are now part of ChatGPT’s future. The question isn’t whether OpenAI will monetize — it’s whether it can do so without compromising the product experience that fuelled its growth. Dig Deeper. OpenAI COO says ads will be ‘an iterative process’ View the full article

Creating an app video is vital for showcasing your app’s features and attracting users. To start, you need to define your concept clearly, allowing you to communicate your app’s unique value. Next, crafting a compelling script will help you convey your message effectively. Then, developing a visual style aligned with your brand guarantees consistency. Comprehending the strategic distribution of your video is likewise important for maximizing its reach. As you proceed, consider the specific requirements for app store videos to improve your chances of success. Key Takeaways Define your app’s core concept and unique selling points to create an engaging narrative that resonates with your target audience. Craft a compelling script that highlights the app’s problem-solving capabilities and includes a clear call to action for downloads. Develop a visual style that aligns with your app’s brand identity, using high-quality visuals and consistent design elements throughout the video. Edit the video for clarity and flow, ensuring smooth transitions and a polished final product that effectively communicates your message. Choose appropriate distribution platforms and adhere to app store guidelines for video length and format to maximize viewer engagement. Understanding App Demo Videos When you create an app demo video, it’s vital to understand its primary purpose: to showcase the app’s key features and benefits effectively. Unlike marketing videos, app demos focus on functionality and user experience, presenting concise, visually engaging content. You’ll want to highlight how your app solves specific user problems, emphasizing benefits that lead to greater viewer retention. Quality visuals, animations, and screen recordings are fundamental for clarity, especially when using the best Android editing apps video. Good video apps for Android can help you produce polished content. If you’re wondering, “What is InShot?” it’s an excellent tool for creating professional-looking videos. Finally, include a clear call to action to prompt viewers to download and engage with your app. Key Considerations for Creating an Effective App Video Creating an effective app video hinges on several key considerations that can greatly impact viewer engagement and retention. Start by ensuring clarity and concision; focus on the app’s most impactful features to keep it easy to understand. High-quality visuals are crucial—use animations and screen recordings to improve the presentation. Here are three critical points to remember: Tailor the content and tone to resonate with your target audience, addressing their specific needs. Include a clear call to action, guiding viewers to download the app after watching. Incorporate subtitles for accessibility, broadening your audience reach. Utilizing cool video editing apps for Android or film editing apps for Android can help you make app video that stands out effectively. Step 1: Define Your Concept Defining your concept is essential for crafting a compelling app video that resonates with your audience. Start by pinpointing your app’s core purpose and unique selling points, focusing on how it addresses specific user problems or improves experiences. Develop an engaging narrative that showcases key features and benefits, aligning them with your target audience’s interests. Keep the video concise, ideally between 15 to 30 seconds for app store previews and around 60 seconds for other platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather insights, ensuring a thorough view of the app’s functionalities. Use storyboarding techniques to visualize your concept, mapping out scenes that effectively illustrate the app’s functionality and user experience, ensuring compatibility with inshot compatible formats for seamless editing. Step 2: Craft a Compelling Script Crafting a compelling script is a key step in producing an effective app video that resonates with viewers and highlights your app’s benefits. To achieve this, focus on these three crucial elements: Value Proposition: Clearly convey how your app solves specific user problems and improves their experience. Concise Messaging: Highlight impactful features in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow for your target audience. Structured Narrative: Use a problem-solution approach to guide viewers through the app’s functionalities, maintaining their interest. Incorporate call-to-action phrases to encourage viewers to download the app or explore its features. Remember to tailor the tone and language of your script to resonate with your demographic, increasing relatability and engagement. Step 3: Develop Your Visual Style When developing your visual style, make sure it aligns with your app’s brand identity, using consistent colors, fonts, and imagery. High-quality visuals and animations can greatly improve user engagement, so prioritize these elements to showcase your app effectively. Furthermore, consider incorporating screen recordings to provide an authentic demonstration of your app’s functionality, allowing viewers to see how it addresses their needs. Align With Brand Identity Creating a visual style that aligns with your app’s brand identity is essential for establishing a cohesive presentation that users can easily recognize. When you develop this style, consider the following elements: Color Schemes: Use consistent colors that reflect your brand’s personality and values, enhancing recognition. Typography: Choose fonts that complement your brand and maintain readability, ensuring a professional look. Logo and Imagery: Incorporate your logo and relevant graphics throughout the video to create a sense of ownership and trust. Use High-Quality Visuals Using high-quality visuals is crucial for making your app video both engaging and informative. Start by utilizing high-resolution screen recordings and animations to effectively showcase your app’s features, ensuring clarity for viewers. Incorporate your app’s branding elements—such as colors and logos—to create a cohesive visual identity throughout the video. Aim for clean, modern design aesthetics that align with current trends, enhancing visual appeal and maintaining viewer interest. Employ visual storytelling techniques to guide users through your app’s functionality, making it easier for them to understand navigation. Furthermore, consider including subtitles and annotations to improve accessibility and comprehension, catering to a wider audience while enhancing viewer retention. These strategies will greatly enhance the quality of your app video. Incorporate Engaging Animations Incorporating engaging animations into your app video not merely improves its visual appeal but also helps convey information more effectively. By using animations, you can simplify complex features and augment the overall viewer experience. To create impactful animations, consider these key elements: Motion Graphics: Use dynamic visuals to illustrate your app’s functionalities, making them easier to understand. Animated Text and Icons: Emphasize crucial points and calls to action, guiding viewers through the app’s benefits seamlessly. Brand Alignment: Confirm your animations match your app’s branding and visual identity, creating a cohesive narrative. Step 4: Record High-Quality Footage To effectively showcase your app’s features, recording high-quality footage is vital. Start by utilizing screen recording software to capture interactions directly from your device. Make sure you set the resolution to at least 1080p for professional-quality visuals. A quiet environment is important; background noise can distract viewers, so consider using a high-quality microphone for voiceovers or commentary. Filming multiple takes of key features allows you to capture different angles and interactions, making your video more dynamic. Finally, use a storyboard to plan specific shots and sequences, guaranteeing you highlight all important functionalities clearly and concisely. This preparation will help create a polished and engaging video that effectively communicates your app’s value to potential users. Step 5: Edit Your Video for Clarity Editing your video for clarity is crucial, as it guarantees that your app’s features are presented in the most effective way possible. To achieve this, follow these steps: Trim unnecessary footage: Keep your video concise, ideally between 15 to 30 seconds for app store submissions, confirming every second counts. Utilize high-quality visuals: Incorporate engaging visuals and animations that clearly showcase your app’s key features and functionalities, capturing viewer attention. Add text overlays and subtitles: Improve accessibility and comprehension by including clear text overlays and subtitles, catering to diverse audiences and boosting overall insight. Finally, review your edited video multiple times to verify clarity, flow, and coherence, making necessary adjustments for a polished final product. Step 6: Integrate Sound Design and Music Integrating sound design and music into your app video is vital for enhancing its overall impact, as these elements can greatly influence viewer engagement. Background music that aligns with your app’s brand identity can improve retention, especially since 65% of people are visual learners who benefit from auditory support. Sound effects serve to highlight key features and actions, aiding viewers in comprehending your app’s functionality. It’s important to balance audio levels of voiceovers, sound effects, and music to maintain clarity and professionalism. Furthermore, subtle shifts in music can guide viewers through different sections, enhancing the storytelling aspect. Step 7: Distribute Your Video Strategically Once you’ve created your app video, distributing it strategically becomes essential for maximizing its impact and reach. To guarantee your video reaches the right audience, follow these steps: Choose Your Platforms: Select social media, websites, and email marketing channels, tailoring your content to suit each platform’s audience for better engagement. Add Download Links: Make it easy for users by including clear and separate download links for both iOS and Android in the video description or on the end screen. Utilize Analytics: Track viewer engagement and conversion rates using analytics tools, allowing you to refine your strategy based on what works best. App Store Video Requirements When creating app videos for the App Store, it’s vital to understand the specific requirements to guarantee your content meets platform standards. iOS app preview videos must be between 15 and 30 seconds long, which means you need to capture your audience’s attention quickly. Make sure your video file size doesn’t exceed 500 MB, as this is the maximum allowed. Furthermore, you can choose either portrait or scenery orientation for your video, depending on your app’s design. Since autoplay is enabled, starting strong is fundamental. Finally, consider including subtitles to improve accessibility and engage a broader audience. Adhering to these guidelines will help make certain your app video stands out in the competitive App Store environment. Android Google Play Video Guidelines To effectively promote your app on the Google Play Store, comprehending the video guidelines is crucial. Following these guidelines guarantees your video meets platform standards and engages users effectively. Video Length: Aim for a video duration of around 60 seconds. Although you can go longer, keeping it concise improves viewer engagement. Orientation: Upload your video in horizontal orientation to align with the Play Store’s design, providing a better user experience. Upload Options: You can either upload the video directly or provide a YouTube link. Just remember to adhere to YouTube’s upload guidelines regarding file size and format to avoid any issues. Leveraging App Promo Videos in Marketing Strategies App promo videos are a potent tool in your marketing strategy, extending beyond the Google Play Store to various platforms like social media, websites, and email campaigns. To maximize reach and engagement, guarantee your videos are versatile and customized to different audience segments. Incorporating clear calls to action can greatly improve conversion rates, guiding viewers to download the app or visit your site for more information. Testing promotional strategies, such as direct download links for iOS and Android, can provide valuable insights into user behavior and boost download rates. Furthermore, using app promo videos within marketing funnels streamlines the customer experience, driving software adoption and reducing the need for users to search for the app independently. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make a Step by Step Video? To create a step-by-step video, start by defining your video’s goal and target audience. Plan your content by scripting each step clearly, ensuring it’s concise and easy to follow. Develop a storyboard to visualize the sequence and improve viewer engagement with visuals. Record high-quality video and audio, using screen recordings if necessary. Finally, edit the video to remove irrelevant parts, and add annotations and subtitles for clarity and accessibility throughout the process. How to Make a Video of Your App? To create a video of your app, start by defining its core functionality and user benefits. Write a clear script that highlights key features. Use high-quality visuals and screen recordings to demonstrate the app in action, keeping the video concise, ideally under 30 seconds. Record a professional voiceover to guide viewers through the content. Finally, include a strong call to action, encouraging viewers to download your app with direct links to app stores. How to Make an App Step by Step? To make an app step by step, start by identifying your target audience and defining the app’s purpose. Next, outline key features and create wireframes to visualize your design. After that, choose a development platform, whether it’s native or cross-platform. Build the app, focusing on user experience, and conduct thorough testing for bugs. Finally, launch the app on relevant app stores and promote it using marketing strategies to reach your audience effectively. How to Create an App Walkthrough? To create an effective app walkthrough, start by defining your app’s key features and benefits. Script a clear, step-by-step guide that avoids technical jargon. Use high-quality screen recording software to showcase the app in action, incorporating engaging visuals. Add a voiceover to provide clear instructions and improve the narrative. Finally, wrap up the video with a strong call to action, encouraging viewers to download the app and explore its features further. Conclusion Creating an effective app video requires careful planning and execution. By defining your concept, crafting a clear script, and developing a visually appealing style, you can highlight your app’s unique features. Confirm your video adheres to app store guidelines for ideal distribution. Once your video is complete, leverage it in your marketing strategies to improve visibility and engagement. Following these steps will help you produce a professional app video that effectively communicates your app’s value to potential users. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make an App Video – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating an app video is vital for showcasing your app’s features and attracting users. To start, you need to define your concept clearly, allowing you to communicate your app’s unique value. Next, crafting a compelling script will help you convey your message effectively. Then, developing a visual style aligned with your brand guarantees consistency. Comprehending the strategic distribution of your video is likewise important for maximizing its reach. As you proceed, consider the specific requirements for app store videos to improve your chances of success. Key Takeaways Define your app’s core concept and unique selling points to create an engaging narrative that resonates with your target audience. Craft a compelling script that highlights the app’s problem-solving capabilities and includes a clear call to action for downloads. Develop a visual style that aligns with your app’s brand identity, using high-quality visuals and consistent design elements throughout the video. Edit the video for clarity and flow, ensuring smooth transitions and a polished final product that effectively communicates your message. Choose appropriate distribution platforms and adhere to app store guidelines for video length and format to maximize viewer engagement. Understanding App Demo Videos When you create an app demo video, it’s vital to understand its primary purpose: to showcase the app’s key features and benefits effectively. Unlike marketing videos, app demos focus on functionality and user experience, presenting concise, visually engaging content. You’ll want to highlight how your app solves specific user problems, emphasizing benefits that lead to greater viewer retention. Quality visuals, animations, and screen recordings are fundamental for clarity, especially when using the best Android editing apps video. Good video apps for Android can help you produce polished content. If you’re wondering, “What is InShot?” it’s an excellent tool for creating professional-looking videos. Finally, include a clear call to action to prompt viewers to download and engage with your app. Key Considerations for Creating an Effective App Video Creating an effective app video hinges on several key considerations that can greatly impact viewer engagement and retention. Start by ensuring clarity and concision; focus on the app’s most impactful features to keep it easy to understand. High-quality visuals are crucial—use animations and screen recordings to improve the presentation. Here are three critical points to remember: Tailor the content and tone to resonate with your target audience, addressing their specific needs. Include a clear call to action, guiding viewers to download the app after watching. Incorporate subtitles for accessibility, broadening your audience reach. Utilizing cool video editing apps for Android or film editing apps for Android can help you make app video that stands out effectively. Step 1: Define Your Concept Defining your concept is essential for crafting a compelling app video that resonates with your audience. Start by pinpointing your app’s core purpose and unique selling points, focusing on how it addresses specific user problems or improves experiences. Develop an engaging narrative that showcases key features and benefits, aligning them with your target audience’s interests. Keep the video concise, ideally between 15 to 30 seconds for app store previews and around 60 seconds for other platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather insights, ensuring a thorough view of the app’s functionalities. Use storyboarding techniques to visualize your concept, mapping out scenes that effectively illustrate the app’s functionality and user experience, ensuring compatibility with inshot compatible formats for seamless editing. Step 2: Craft a Compelling Script Crafting a compelling script is a key step in producing an effective app video that resonates with viewers and highlights your app’s benefits. To achieve this, focus on these three crucial elements: Value Proposition: Clearly convey how your app solves specific user problems and improves their experience. Concise Messaging: Highlight impactful features in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow for your target audience. Structured Narrative: Use a problem-solution approach to guide viewers through the app’s functionalities, maintaining their interest. Incorporate call-to-action phrases to encourage viewers to download the app or explore its features. Remember to tailor the tone and language of your script to resonate with your demographic, increasing relatability and engagement. Step 3: Develop Your Visual Style When developing your visual style, make sure it aligns with your app’s brand identity, using consistent colors, fonts, and imagery. High-quality visuals and animations can greatly improve user engagement, so prioritize these elements to showcase your app effectively. Furthermore, consider incorporating screen recordings to provide an authentic demonstration of your app’s functionality, allowing viewers to see how it addresses their needs. Align With Brand Identity Creating a visual style that aligns with your app’s brand identity is essential for establishing a cohesive presentation that users can easily recognize. When you develop this style, consider the following elements: Color Schemes: Use consistent colors that reflect your brand’s personality and values, enhancing recognition. Typography: Choose fonts that complement your brand and maintain readability, ensuring a professional look. Logo and Imagery: Incorporate your logo and relevant graphics throughout the video to create a sense of ownership and trust. Use High-Quality Visuals Using high-quality visuals is crucial for making your app video both engaging and informative. Start by utilizing high-resolution screen recordings and animations to effectively showcase your app’s features, ensuring clarity for viewers. Incorporate your app’s branding elements—such as colors and logos—to create a cohesive visual identity throughout the video. Aim for clean, modern design aesthetics that align with current trends, enhancing visual appeal and maintaining viewer interest. Employ visual storytelling techniques to guide users through your app’s functionality, making it easier for them to understand navigation. Furthermore, consider including subtitles and annotations to improve accessibility and comprehension, catering to a wider audience while enhancing viewer retention. These strategies will greatly enhance the quality of your app video. Incorporate Engaging Animations Incorporating engaging animations into your app video not merely improves its visual appeal but also helps convey information more effectively. By using animations, you can simplify complex features and augment the overall viewer experience. To create impactful animations, consider these key elements: Motion Graphics: Use dynamic visuals to illustrate your app’s functionalities, making them easier to understand. Animated Text and Icons: Emphasize crucial points and calls to action, guiding viewers through the app’s benefits seamlessly. Brand Alignment: Confirm your animations match your app’s branding and visual identity, creating a cohesive narrative. Step 4: Record High-Quality Footage To effectively showcase your app’s features, recording high-quality footage is vital. Start by utilizing screen recording software to capture interactions directly from your device. Make sure you set the resolution to at least 1080p for professional-quality visuals. A quiet environment is important; background noise can distract viewers, so consider using a high-quality microphone for voiceovers or commentary. Filming multiple takes of key features allows you to capture different angles and interactions, making your video more dynamic. Finally, use a storyboard to plan specific shots and sequences, guaranteeing you highlight all important functionalities clearly and concisely. This preparation will help create a polished and engaging video that effectively communicates your app’s value to potential users. Step 5: Edit Your Video for Clarity Editing your video for clarity is crucial, as it guarantees that your app’s features are presented in the most effective way possible. To achieve this, follow these steps: Trim unnecessary footage: Keep your video concise, ideally between 15 to 30 seconds for app store submissions, confirming every second counts. Utilize high-quality visuals: Incorporate engaging visuals and animations that clearly showcase your app’s key features and functionalities, capturing viewer attention. Add text overlays and subtitles: Improve accessibility and comprehension by including clear text overlays and subtitles, catering to diverse audiences and boosting overall insight. Finally, review your edited video multiple times to verify clarity, flow, and coherence, making necessary adjustments for a polished final product. Step 6: Integrate Sound Design and Music Integrating sound design and music into your app video is vital for enhancing its overall impact, as these elements can greatly influence viewer engagement. Background music that aligns with your app’s brand identity can improve retention, especially since 65% of people are visual learners who benefit from auditory support. Sound effects serve to highlight key features and actions, aiding viewers in comprehending your app’s functionality. It’s important to balance audio levels of voiceovers, sound effects, and music to maintain clarity and professionalism. Furthermore, subtle shifts in music can guide viewers through different sections, enhancing the storytelling aspect. Step 7: Distribute Your Video Strategically Once you’ve created your app video, distributing it strategically becomes essential for maximizing its impact and reach. To guarantee your video reaches the right audience, follow these steps: Choose Your Platforms: Select social media, websites, and email marketing channels, tailoring your content to suit each platform’s audience for better engagement. Add Download Links: Make it easy for users by including clear and separate download links for both iOS and Android in the video description or on the end screen. Utilize Analytics: Track viewer engagement and conversion rates using analytics tools, allowing you to refine your strategy based on what works best. App Store Video Requirements When creating app videos for the App Store, it’s vital to understand the specific requirements to guarantee your content meets platform standards. iOS app preview videos must be between 15 and 30 seconds long, which means you need to capture your audience’s attention quickly. Make sure your video file size doesn’t exceed 500 MB, as this is the maximum allowed. Furthermore, you can choose either portrait or scenery orientation for your video, depending on your app’s design. Since autoplay is enabled, starting strong is fundamental. Finally, consider including subtitles to improve accessibility and engage a broader audience. Adhering to these guidelines will help make certain your app video stands out in the competitive App Store environment. Android Google Play Video Guidelines To effectively promote your app on the Google Play Store, comprehending the video guidelines is crucial. Following these guidelines guarantees your video meets platform standards and engages users effectively. Video Length: Aim for a video duration of around 60 seconds. Although you can go longer, keeping it concise improves viewer engagement. Orientation: Upload your video in horizontal orientation to align with the Play Store’s design, providing a better user experience. Upload Options: You can either upload the video directly or provide a YouTube link. Just remember to adhere to YouTube’s upload guidelines regarding file size and format to avoid any issues. Leveraging App Promo Videos in Marketing Strategies App promo videos are a potent tool in your marketing strategy, extending beyond the Google Play Store to various platforms like social media, websites, and email campaigns. To maximize reach and engagement, guarantee your videos are versatile and customized to different audience segments. Incorporating clear calls to action can greatly improve conversion rates, guiding viewers to download the app or visit your site for more information. Testing promotional strategies, such as direct download links for iOS and Android, can provide valuable insights into user behavior and boost download rates. Furthermore, using app promo videos within marketing funnels streamlines the customer experience, driving software adoption and reducing the need for users to search for the app independently. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make a Step by Step Video? To create a step-by-step video, start by defining your video’s goal and target audience. Plan your content by scripting each step clearly, ensuring it’s concise and easy to follow. Develop a storyboard to visualize the sequence and improve viewer engagement with visuals. Record high-quality video and audio, using screen recordings if necessary. Finally, edit the video to remove irrelevant parts, and add annotations and subtitles for clarity and accessibility throughout the process. How to Make a Video of Your App? To create a video of your app, start by defining its core functionality and user benefits. Write a clear script that highlights key features. Use high-quality visuals and screen recordings to demonstrate the app in action, keeping the video concise, ideally under 30 seconds. Record a professional voiceover to guide viewers through the content. Finally, include a strong call to action, encouraging viewers to download your app with direct links to app stores. How to Make an App Step by Step? To make an app step by step, start by identifying your target audience and defining the app’s purpose. Next, outline key features and create wireframes to visualize your design. After that, choose a development platform, whether it’s native or cross-platform. Build the app, focusing on user experience, and conduct thorough testing for bugs. Finally, launch the app on relevant app stores and promote it using marketing strategies to reach your audience effectively. How to Create an App Walkthrough? To create an effective app walkthrough, start by defining your app’s key features and benefits. Script a clear, step-by-step guide that avoids technical jargon. Use high-quality screen recording software to showcase the app in action, incorporating engaging visuals. Add a voiceover to provide clear instructions and improve the narrative. Finally, wrap up the video with a strong call to action, encouraging viewers to download the app and explore its features further. Conclusion Creating an effective app video requires careful planning and execution. By defining your concept, crafting a clear script, and developing a visually appealing style, you can highlight your app’s unique features. Confirm your video adheres to app store guidelines for ideal distribution. Once your video is complete, leverage it in your marketing strategies to improve visibility and engagement. Following these steps will help you produce a professional app video that effectively communicates your app’s value to potential users. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make an App Video – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard University amid a campus review of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the university announced Wednesday. Summers, who has been on leave since November and whose name appeared hundreds of times in newly released Epstein files, will leave at the end of the school year, according to a statement from Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton. “Professor Summers has announced that he will retire from his academic and faculty appointments at Harvard at the end of this academic year and will remain on leave until that time,” Newton said. In a statement, Summers said it was a difficult decision and expressed gratitude to the students and colleagues he worked with over 50 years. “Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues,” Summers said. Summers served as treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton and went on to lead Harvard as president for five years starting in 2001. It’s the latest fallout from the Justice Department’s recent release of millions of pages of records pertaining to Epstein and his longtime confidant and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. Resignations have rippled across the academic, legal, and business communities. In Britain, former Prince Andrew and ex-diplomat Peter Mandelson were arrested because of their connections to Epstein and Maxwell. ____ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Collin Binkley, AP education writer View the full article

Companies want to hire workers with artificial intelligence skills, but don’t want to pay the premium. Those are the findings from a new report from Payscale, a leading online provider of data on salaries and compensation. Payscale’s 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report finds that while 60% of companies mention AI as part of their job descriptions, only 55% are willing to shell out extra money for those skills in the form of higher salaries, bonuses or even equity in the company. Why? Well, according to the report, there are a few reasons for the discrepancy, including the impact of a tight job market on hiring, coming at a time when businesses are also tightening their budgets. In fact, 51% of the businesses surveyed say their biggest challenge in the current economic landscape is balancing employee pay expectations with budget constraints. It could be that while companies want to pay more, they just don’t have the cash. So, how much are jobs paying? The report finds the median base pay increase in 2026 is only 3.5%. Job hugging trend continues in workplace Another reason for lower-than-desired salaries is “job hugging“—the current trend where employees are staying longer in their positions and choosing not to leave their jobs. Only about 8% of U.S. workers are actually voluntarily quitting, the report finds. And those positions take about 30 days to fill, signaling “reduced churn” and less urgency on the part of companies to compete aggressively for talent. According to the report, 40% of the organizations surveyed say they have indeed experienced “job hugging” in 2025, with 15% agreeing that it inhibits business growth. With confidence in finding a new job at an all-time low among workers, and “workers hold[ing] onto their jobs for dear life”—it’s no wonder AI skills aren’t boosting salaries across the board. How AI is transforming the job market While 59% of the human resource leaders and compensation teams that Payscale surveyed say they are not replacing employees with AI now or in the future, 30% already are—or are considering it for the future. Construction, business services, technology (including software), and healthcare are the leading industries already replacing workers with AI, according to the report. View the full article

At a time of broken climate pledges and an economy-wide bearhug of automation and artificial intelligence, the dominant themes of the recently announced 2026 National Design Awards—climate action, sustainability, dedication to craft—are a refreshing reset. Rewarding innovation and impact among U.S.-based designers, the awards are both an honor and a pulse check on the state of design. This year’s group of winners represent a diverse group of practitioners and firms exploring ways that work in design and the arts can counteract environmental catastrophe and re-center the human hand in shaping the future. Honorees include the indigenous underpinnings in the textiles of fashion designer Josh Tafoya, the cross-border ecological and social research outposts of Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman, and the environmentally sensitive museum design of architecture firm Frida Escobedo Studio. Other winners were selected for works pushing the boundaries of fields from digital cartography to ecological restoration. Launched in 2000 by the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, the awards honor designers across design disciplines from architecture to digital design to interior design. Despite the awards program being created as a project of the White House Millennium Council, this year’s honorees zag away from the trendlines of current national politics. Two standout honorees include Mattaforma, a New York City-based architecture and research studio focusing on mass-timber and sustainable building materials, and Berea College Student Craft, a hands-on experiential design and craft program that dates back to 1893. The 2026 jury was chaired by Aric Chen, director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, and also included Liz Danzico, vice president of design at Microsoft AI, Henk Ovink, executive director and founding commissioner for the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, and Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Here’s the full list of categories and winners: Architecture: Frida Escobedo Studio Climate Action: UCSD Community Stations by Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman Communication Design: Thought Matter Design Visionary: Robert Earl Paige Digital Design: Laura Kurgan Emerging Designer: Mattaforma Fashion Design: Josh Tafoya Interior Design: Charlap Hyman & Herrero Landscape Architecture: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects Product Design: Berea College Student Craft View the full article

For five of the six private mortgage insurers, the surge of originations during the fourth quarter led to more new business versus the prior three months. View the full article

Google is rolling out a significant update to how average daily budgets pace in campaigns that use ad scheduling — and it could materially change monthly spend totals. What’s happening. Starting March 1, 2026, Google Ads will begin proactively pacing budgets to spend up to the full 30.4x monthly limit, even if campaigns only run on specific days via ad scheduling. How it works: The 2x daily overspend rule stays in place. The 30.4x average daily budget monthly cap remains unchanged. Campaigns will not run outside scheduled hours. But Google will now attempt to hit the full monthly ceiling within the allowed schedule. Why we care. Until now, advertisers running limited schedules — like weekends only — effectively spent less per month because Google paced against active days. Campaigns using ad scheduling may start spending significantly more per month — even though daily budgets and billing caps haven’t changed. Google will now push harder to hit the full 30.4x monthly limit within scheduled days, which could double spend for weekend-only or limited-hour campaigns. Without adjusting daily budgets, marketers risk unintentionally overshooting their intended monthly targets. Example. A campaign set to weekends only with a $100 daily budget previously spent about $800/month (roughly eight weekend days). Under the new pacing logic, it could spend up to $1,600/month — hitting $200 (2x daily budget) on each scheduled day. What Google says. According to Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin, the goal is to better align pacing behavior with advertisers’ expectations around monthly spend limits. Spend will still be driven by campaign objectives like conversions or conversion value, and no campaign will exceed the existing billing caps. Ginny also clarified that only advertisers who received notifications about this update will be affected and the change will be slowly rolled out. Between the lines. This is less about raising limits — and more about how aggressively Google uses existing ones. For advertisers relying on ad scheduling to naturally suppress spend, this could lead to unexpected increases unless daily budgets are recalibrated. What to do now: Review campaigns using ad scheduling. Recalculate daily budgets based on true monthly goals. Lower daily budgets if you want to maintain previous monthly spend levels. The bottom line. Google isn’t changing how much you can spend — it’s changing how quickly you will spend it. Flighted and part-time campaigns should adjust before March 2026. First spotted. This updated was mentioned by Jordan Fry who shared the Google message he got on LinkedIn. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup is here, and in most ways, it's an upgrade. There are new features like the privacy display, alongside more expected upgrades to the chipset, battery life (for the base model), and charging speed (for the Ultra). But one key part of the S26 ecosystem remains a downgrade from even the Galaxy S24's: Samsung removed Bluetooth from the Galaxy S25 Ultra's S Pen last year, and unfortunately, it's not back for the S26 Ultra. It's a hit to fans of the S Pen's former wireless control features, which debuted on the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019 and allowed the S Pen to do things like take a photo or switch between camera modes from afar. Essentially, it was a built-in remote control for your phone, so you wouldn't need to fuss with camera timers or PowerPoint remotes anymore. Users were clear that they didn't like it being removed from the S25 Ultra, but it seems like that wasn't enough to keep Samsung from leaving the feature in the past. Why did Samsung get rid of Bluetooth on the S Pen?With the S26 Ultra's announcement, the last glimmer of hope that Bluetooth on the S Pen might make a triumphant return seems pretty dead. Samsung's been quiet about it this time around, but the company did offer some explanation for why the feature was removed back when the S25 Ultra was revealed. In a statement to Android Police, Samsung blamed the feature's discontinuation on low user adoption, saying "Bluetooth Low Energy is not supported on the Galaxy S25 Ultra as Samsung found that S Pen usage for BLE-enabled features was very low." However, the company also took the opportunity to plug products that still offered some of the features cut from the S Pen, adding that "Galaxy users are utilizing gesture controls on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch for hands-free photo capture instead." While it's heartening that Samsung hasn't given up on remote control for its phones entirely, it should be noted that the current generation Galaxy Watch starts at $350, while the Galaxy Ring is $400. These aren't exactly replacements for an accessory that comes with your phone. What features did the S Pen lose?Bluetooth on the S Pen was also a bit more versatile than gesture controls on the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring. While the S Pen was useful for photo capture, its full list of Bluetooth features included: Capturing photos and adjusting camera modes from afar. Moving to the next photo in the Samsung Gallery app. Moving forward and back in the Samsung Internet browser with the function button, and using gestures to navigate the page. Recording voice notes. Navigating around the Samsung Notes app and selecting pens from afar. Moving between slides in PowerPoint. Controlling audio and media playback. Using Air Actions, which functioned like gesture controls for activating specific, sometimes customizable phone features. Can I still use the Galaxy S24 Ultra? Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now at Amazon The most recent phone to have Bluetooth included in the S Pen is Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra, and if you're a diehard Bluetooth S Pen user, I've got good news for you. The Galaxy S24 line was Samsung's first to promise seven years of updates, meaning the Galaxy S24 Ultra will get official support straight from Samsung until 2031. That leaves you plenty of time until you'll need to upgrade, so you can stubbornly stick to your handset for at least a little while longer. And despite being a few years old, the S24 Ultra is still plenty powerful, with the same display resolution and amount of RAM as the S26 Ultra, a still competitive Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and a 200MP main rear camera lens. Unless you absolutely need the most cutting edge technology possible, that's a great setup, and can run even demanding apps like Genshin Impact on high settings without issue. Now that we're two generations past the S24 Ultra, it seems unlikely that Bluetooth is going to leave Samsung's graveyard. But if you have an older device, you won't have to mourn for at least a little while longer. View the full article

The newest Galaxy series is officially here. Samsung announced its latest batch of flagship phones During its big Unpacked 2026 event. The company had announced as much ahead of the presentation but was silent on the name, though few will be surprised to learn this year's phones are the Galaxy S26 series—specifically, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the new devices look similar to last year's models, there are some new features and changes (including ones exclusive to the S26 Ultra) that may make them worth upgrading. The S26 series comes with new Galaxy AI features Credit: Sachin Bahal Since Samsung is all-in on AI, it's only fitting there are a couple of new Galaxy AI features making their debut on the Galaxy S26 series. First is the "Now Nudge," Samsung's answer to the Pixel 10's Magic Cue feature. Now Nudge uses AI to understand the context of what's currently on your screen and prompts users with helpful information, such relevant photos, calendar availability and more. The Galaxy S26 series supports switching between three AI assistants at once. You can access Google Gemini and Bixby, of course, but users will now be able to use Perplexity as well. This includes hands-free voice commands (e.g. "Hey Plex.") Galaxy S26 users can utilize Perplexity to get info, manage tasks, or even navigate through their device using natural voice or text prompts. Samsung is also upgrading Circle to Search with version 3.0. Now, users can circle multiple items within an image, such as a whole outfit, and Galaxy AI can identify and itemize each item at once. Then, there's Notification Intelligence, where the AI will prioritize your most important messages and notifications, such as conversations with humans, above promotional or subscription notifications. The higher priority notifications will appear higher in your incoming notifications list. Credit: Sachin Bahal One of the S26 Ultra's exclusive features is Privacy Display, which allows users to make their screen only visible when viewing straight on, as if you're using a privacy screen protectors. Privacy Display can be enabled all the time or during certain conditions, like using certain apps or when entering a passcode or password. These are the specs for the Galaxy S26 series Credit: Sachin Bahal All models in the Galaxy S26 series are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, a slightly overclocked version of the SoC exclusive to Samsung phones. Compared to last year's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the 8 Elite Gen 5 brings a 20% performance boost and 35% CPU power efficiency, thanks to the 3 nanometer manufacturing process. The new Adreno GPU in the 8 Elite Gen 5 should also improve graphics performance by 23%. Like the Galaxy S25 series, all three Galaxy S26 models feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which supports an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB on the S26 and S26+, while the S26 Ultra comes in an optional 1TB variant as well. All three come with 12GB of RAM, but the 1TB S26 Ultra comes with 16GB of RAM. Screen sizes have stayed relatively the same apart from the base S26, which has gone up to 6.3 inches: Galaxy S26: 6.3-inch display (2340 x 1080) Galaxy S26+: 6.7-inch display (3120 x 1440) Galaxy S26 Ultra: 6.9-inch display (3120 x 1440) The base model S26 comes with a 4,300 mAh battery, up from the 4,000 mAh battery on the S25, while the S26+ stays with a 4,900 mAh battery and the S26 Ultra continues with a 5,000 mAh battery. The S26 supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, while the S26+ supports 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. The S26 Ultra, however, has the fastest speeds of all, with 60W wired and 25W wireless charging. Despite those speeds, the Galaxy S26 series does not support Qi2 with the built-in magnetic array like Pixelsnap on the Pixel 10 series. That being said, Samsung will happily sell you their official cases with magnets built-in and will offer a magnetic charging puck and magnet battery pack. Credit: Sachin Bahal As far as the cameras go, Samsung isn't changing much with the Galaxy S26 series. The S26 and S26+ have the same 12MP ultra-wide, 50MP wide, and 10MP telephoto lenses as the S25 and S25+. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets a slight upgrade, at least to the 200MP wide lens, which now comes with a new f/1.4 aperture. It carries over the 50MP ultra-wide and two telephoto lenses, 10MP (3x) and 50MP (5x), of the S25 Ultra. The 12MP selfie camera on all three models also hasn't changed from the S25 series. Thanks to the wider aperture on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, you can shoot what Samsung calls Nightography Video. It allows users to capture more detail in low light environments, to complement Samsung's Nightography photo mode. When is the Galaxy S26 available? Credit: Credit: Sachin Bahal The Galaxy S26 series is available for pre-order starting today. The phones will be available in a number of colors including, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue and Black. View the full article

To coincide with the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch, Google announced three Gemini-related upgrades for Android, coming first to both the Galaxy S26 series and the Google Pixel 10 range. In fact, one of these new features seems like a significant step forward for AI on smartphones: the ability for Gemini to handle multi-step tasks on an Android phone. The examples Google gives are booking a ride through Uber or reordering a meal on DoorDash, where the AI takes care of everything in the background, leaving you free to worry about, well, whether it's going to work. Google wants Gemini to perform tasks on your behalf "When you're working on a repetitive daily task, it's easy to daydream about handing it off to someone else," explains Google in the announcement blog post. "Now, we're showing an early preview of what's possible." Understandably, this has a "beta" label as well as an "early preview" label attached, and it's initially only going to be available on Galaxy S26 phones and Pixel 10 phones (the Pixel 10a misses out). It'll also be limited to the U.S. and South Korea to begin with. As per Google, the process will be tightly controlled: Automations begin with your voice command and end as soon as the task is finished. Live notifications will keep you updated throughout, and you can jump in and take manual control at any time. What's more, the app is run in a "secure, virtual window" on your phone, with restricted app access. It's going to be interesting to see how well this works. If it works well, this feels like a notable moment in getting AI to actually do mobile tasks for us. It's not clear if Google needs third-party app permission for this, but for now the feature will be available "for select apps" in the food, grocery, and rideshare categories. Google is upgrading Circle to Search and Scam DetectionNext, Google is upgrading Circle to Search on Android, the feature that lets you circle anything on screen and run a search from it. Circle to Search can do everything from find you a lamp online to warn you about a phishing scam. Now, Circle to Search will be able to search multiple elements on screen at once. It might be different pieces of furniture in a room, or different items of clothing in an outfit. You don't actually make the selections yourself: You just circle the relevant area (or the entire screen), and Gemini picks out the various constituent parts. "We know that sometimes you aren't just looking for a single thing on your screen—you're looking for the whole thing," says Google. "Whether you're curating a mood board, building an entire outfit or just satisfying your multi-layered curiosity...Circle to Search is getting a whole lot more helpful." Circle to Search can now scan for multiple items in a search. Credit: Google Google is also embedding the ability to virtually try on clothes from your phone in the Circle to Search flow. It's similar to the Gemini multi-step process above, with the AI taking on several sequential tasks to (in theory) be even more useful—technically, Google calls it a query fan-out technique. Again, this will be exclusive to Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 phones, with no word yet on this potentially expanding to other handsets. Finally, the last upgrade is more of a wider roll out than a new feature. The Scam Detection AI that Android uses to detect if you're being scammed in calls in real time is coming to the Galaxy S26 series for users in the U.S. It's already offered on multiple Pixel models in the U.S., the UK, Australia, Canada, India, and Ireland. The same technology is also currently available in Google Messages to catch text-based scams, and Google says it's "enhancing" how this works to recognize more varied scams, starting with Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 devices. The new and improved tech will use on-device models to better spot techniques used by scammers. View the full article

Next week, a rare celestial event will take to the skies. On March 3, amateur astronomers will get to witness a blood moon and a worm moon all at once. According to Space.com, a blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, as the Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon and casts a shadow across the moon’s surface. The moon appears red due to the way the Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight. “This effect, known as Rayleigh scattering, is the same reason that the sky takes on magnificent shades of red and orange around sunset,” the site explains. While different seasons often bring exciting astrological events, this one is exceptionally rare. According to NASA, a blood moon can only occur during the full moon phase. But the blood moon also coincides with March’s full worm moon, named for the time of year when the Earth begins to thaw (which the worms appreciate). When can I see the blood moon? The eclipse, which will be visible across most of the U.S., is set to begin at 3:33 a.m. EST on March 3. The eclipse won’t begin to enter totality until around 6:04 a.m. EST, reaching its “greatest point at 6:33 a.m. ET, just minutes before the Full Moon peak,” explains Almanac.com. Do I need to wear protective glasses? Luckily, you won’t need any special equipment to view the event. It’s safe to look directly at a lunar eclipse (unlike a solar eclipse, which you need to wear protective eyewear to safely view, minus during complete totality). Still, NASA says that, if you want an even better view, binoculars are a good idea. “For a more dramatic observing experience, seek a dark environment away from bright lights. Binoculars or a telescope can also enhance your view,” it explains. What other celestial events are coming up? After the dramatic show next week, the event will not take place again until New Year’s Eve 2028–2029. That means, if you’re hoping to catch the show, you better make sure you’re looking up. Especially because constellations may appear brighter, too, as the moon’s light is dimmed. But another exciting astrological event will take place just days later. Space.com says on March 8, a “conjunction” of Venus and Saturn will appear in the sky. While the planets are, in fact, very far apart, as Venus “passes one degree to the upper right of Saturn,” they’ll appear closer than ever from Earth. View the full article

Economist continues retreat from public commitments following emails detailing correspondence with Jeffrey EpsteinView the full article

A reader writes: I am about to make my first hire. We posted the job a couple of days ago. The job is semi-specialized work with specific qualifications. The job description clearly says cover letter and resume. Of the many applications I’ve received, one, maybe two, indicate that they’ve read the application before applying. The others appear to be following a job search plan that is along the lines of “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks” – ranging from generic cover letters that don’t mention either the name of the employer or the job itself (if there’s a cover letter) to resumes that show nothing in the form of meeting requirements. Is this really a common job hunt strategy? Is it fallout from unemployment and a bit of desperation on the part of job-seekers, or are people just getting bad advice, and not figuring out what works for them? I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: Should I not say “my team”? How to explain interviewing for a new job after working for yourself The post why are so many unqualified candidates applying for the job we advertised? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Comments by Peter Kyle come on Brussels trip aimed at securing British access to ‘Made in Europe’ schemeView the full article

The growing backlash to data centers, and the rising electricity bills that accompany them, has become difficult for politicians to ignore. President Donald The President is now the latest to address the issue. In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, The President announced what he called a “ratepayer protection pledge,” for which the White House will tell “major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs.” “We have an old grid,” The President said. “It could never handle the kind of numbers, the amount of electricity that’s needed.” Under the agreement, tech companies can build their own power plants, which The President says will protect community electricity prices from going up. “In many cases,” he added, “prices of electricity will go down for the community, and very substantially down.” Another empty promise? To climate experts, though, that pledge sounds like another empty promise from the president, just like his campaign vow to reduce Americans’ utility costs. One of The President’s key campaign promises was to slash Americans’ energy bills in half within the first year of his presidency. But in reality, electricity bills rose 13% nationally by the end of 2025, according to Climate Power, a climate advocacy organization. That hike hasn’t been entirely because of the AI-driven data center boom. Bills rose in part because the The President administration has canceled clean energy projects like wind and solar and instead made the country more dependent on foreign oil and fossil fuels. Those efforts will only exacerbate the energy costs associated with data centers. Wind and solar power are cheaper than coal and natural gas for utility-scale electricity—but as data centers demand more and more power, the country is building more natural gas power plants. “If The President and Republicans were serious about lowering costs, they’d focus on bringing more made in America clean energy onto the grid,” Climate Power senior advisor Jesse Lee said in a statement following the State of the Union. “Instead, they’re trying to ban it.” Data centers becoming a political issue The President’s ratepayer protection pledge is the latest version of a data center solution that has been growing in popularity. As they face increased backlash, with communities opposing data center projects in their backyards, some tech companies like Anthropic have taken it upon themselves to promise to pay for their increased energy use. Politicians, on both sides of the aisle, are also increasingly calling for fixes. In November 2025, Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race after focusing on rising electricity bills during her campaign. She specifically called out data centers, saying she’ll make sure they pay “their own way and their fair share” of their new electricity and transmission needs. More recently, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill this month to stop data centers from driving up energy costs by requiring them to have their own power sources. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders just this week went for a more extreme solution, calling for a moratorium on data center construction. It’s not clear if these efforts will do anything to stem the rising costs for all the data centers already planned or in the works, though—which would add a total of 93 GW of electricity demand to the grid by 2029. Already in response to that demand, proposals for new natural gas plants are soaring, tripling in 2025 compared to the year prior, according to nonprofit research organization Global Energy Monitor. The U.S. now has the most gas-fired power capacity in development (that includes projects that have been announced as well as those in preconstruction and/or construction), the nonprofit says—with more than a third of that capacity slated to directly power data centers. View the full article

Aulene Wessel also previously worked in the fintech sector, and will be heading up accounting in her new post at the nonbank mortgage lender and servicer. View the full article

Amazon Pharmacy is stepping up its game and making waves in the pharmaceutical landscape with the announcement of its expansion of Same-Day medication delivery services. By the end of 2026, the company plans to reach nearly 4,500 cities and towns across the U.S., significantly enhancing access for millions of consumers. This move opens doors not just for individual customers but also presents an opportunity for small businesses aiming to navigate the evolving healthcare environment. John Love, Vice President of Amazon Pharmacy, emphasized, “Patients shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live.” This philosophy is particularly relevant for small business owners who often juggle multiple responsibilities and seek efficient solutions to improve their operations. Faster medication delivery is crucial, especially in areas where traditional pharmacies may struggle due to staffing shortages or transportation issues. This is particularly true in states like Idaho and Massachusetts, where pharmacy access has historically been limited. For small business owners operating in or serving these regions, the convenience of quick delivery can enhance employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction—a winning combination for any workplace. The service has already garnered attention with its record delivery speeds, capturing a range of communities from dense urban neighborhoods to remote locations. For instance, Amazon Pharmacy utilizes electric vehicles for suburban areas and even ferries and horses for deliveries on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Such logistical innovations highlight how Amazon’s extensive delivery network can meet diverse needs, potentially influencing how small businesses structure their health benefits and medication coverage. Among the standout features of the expanded service is access to licensed pharmacists 24/7. This can be particularly appealing for small business owners who might need quick consultations about employees’ health needs or medication side effects. The expansion also includes in-person kiosks, enabling customers to pick up prescriptions efficiently right after medical appointments, a model that could improve employee health management significantly. Yet, with these advancements also come challenges. Small businesses must be prepared to adapt to a digital-first approach as patients increasingly expect services that merge technology with convenience. This shift could involve updating health benefits, providing education on using digital pharmacy services, or even reevaluating existing relationships with local pharmacies. On the savings front, Amazon Pharmacy has made a point of maintaining transparency in pricing, a crucial aspect for small business owners managing budgets tight due to inflation and rising costs. The company reports that it helped customers save over $150 million in 2025 through automatic application of manufacturer-sponsored coupons. For small businesses, leveraging Amazon Pharmacy’s offerings could streamline employee healthcare expenses significantly. Moreover, Prime members can benefit from the $5-per-month RxPass program, which provides access to over 50 commonly prescribed medications. This could represent a valuable resource for small business owners looking to manage healthcare costs while providing comprehensive services to their employees. However, small businesses must think critically about integrating Amazon Pharmacy into their employee health programs. While the convenience of Same-Day delivery is attractive, potential dependency on a single supplier could raise questions about reliability and service quality in case of outages or supply chain disruptions. Moreover, some small business owners may feel a strong allegiance to local pharmacies, fostering community engagement. Balancing this with the efficiency and savings that Amazon Pharmacy offers could present a complex decision. As the digital pharmacy sector evolves, the implications for small business owners are significant. Whether it’s through employee health management, navigating costs, or keeping pace with customer expectations, the expansion of Amazon Pharmacy’s Same-Day delivery service serves as a case study in the importance of adaptability. With rapid shifts in consumer behavior and technology integration, small businesses must stay informed and agile to ensure they are meeting both their own needs and those of their employees. For further details on Amazon Pharmacy’s initiatives and how they might affect your small business, you can visit the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Amazon Pharmacy to Boost Same-Day Prescription Delivery to 4,500 Cities" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Amazon Pharmacy is stepping up its game and making waves in the pharmaceutical landscape with the announcement of its expansion of Same-Day medication delivery services. By the end of 2026, the company plans to reach nearly 4,500 cities and towns across the U.S., significantly enhancing access for millions of consumers. This move opens doors not just for individual customers but also presents an opportunity for small businesses aiming to navigate the evolving healthcare environment. John Love, Vice President of Amazon Pharmacy, emphasized, “Patients shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live.” This philosophy is particularly relevant for small business owners who often juggle multiple responsibilities and seek efficient solutions to improve their operations. Faster medication delivery is crucial, especially in areas where traditional pharmacies may struggle due to staffing shortages or transportation issues. This is particularly true in states like Idaho and Massachusetts, where pharmacy access has historically been limited. For small business owners operating in or serving these regions, the convenience of quick delivery can enhance employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction—a winning combination for any workplace. The service has already garnered attention with its record delivery speeds, capturing a range of communities from dense urban neighborhoods to remote locations. For instance, Amazon Pharmacy utilizes electric vehicles for suburban areas and even ferries and horses for deliveries on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Such logistical innovations highlight how Amazon’s extensive delivery network can meet diverse needs, potentially influencing how small businesses structure their health benefits and medication coverage. Among the standout features of the expanded service is access to licensed pharmacists 24/7. This can be particularly appealing for small business owners who might need quick consultations about employees’ health needs or medication side effects. The expansion also includes in-person kiosks, enabling customers to pick up prescriptions efficiently right after medical appointments, a model that could improve employee health management significantly. Yet, with these advancements also come challenges. Small businesses must be prepared to adapt to a digital-first approach as patients increasingly expect services that merge technology with convenience. This shift could involve updating health benefits, providing education on using digital pharmacy services, or even reevaluating existing relationships with local pharmacies. On the savings front, Amazon Pharmacy has made a point of maintaining transparency in pricing, a crucial aspect for small business owners managing budgets tight due to inflation and rising costs. The company reports that it helped customers save over $150 million in 2025 through automatic application of manufacturer-sponsored coupons. For small businesses, leveraging Amazon Pharmacy’s offerings could streamline employee healthcare expenses significantly. Moreover, Prime members can benefit from the $5-per-month RxPass program, which provides access to over 50 commonly prescribed medications. This could represent a valuable resource for small business owners looking to manage healthcare costs while providing comprehensive services to their employees. However, small businesses must think critically about integrating Amazon Pharmacy into their employee health programs. While the convenience of Same-Day delivery is attractive, potential dependency on a single supplier could raise questions about reliability and service quality in case of outages or supply chain disruptions. Moreover, some small business owners may feel a strong allegiance to local pharmacies, fostering community engagement. Balancing this with the efficiency and savings that Amazon Pharmacy offers could present a complex decision. As the digital pharmacy sector evolves, the implications for small business owners are significant. Whether it’s through employee health management, navigating costs, or keeping pace with customer expectations, the expansion of Amazon Pharmacy’s Same-Day delivery service serves as a case study in the importance of adaptability. With rapid shifts in consumer behavior and technology integration, small businesses must stay informed and agile to ensure they are meeting both their own needs and those of their employees. For further details on Amazon Pharmacy’s initiatives and how they might affect your small business, you can visit the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Amazon Pharmacy to Boost Same-Day Prescription Delivery to 4,500 Cities" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article