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Chips giant beats Wall Street’s expectations as it surpasses $200bn in annual revenue for the first timeView the full article

Software group projects revenue could be short of Wall Street’s expectationsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The Galaxy S26 series is official, even if they're not quite officially here yet. Samsung announced the new smartphones at today's Unpacked 2026, touting their upgraded chips (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy), pro camera features, and new Galaxy AI capabilities. It might be a relatively quiet update, but an update's an update. If you're looking for the fastest Galaxy devices on the market, the choice just moved from the S25 to the S26. When is Samsung releasing the Galaxy S26?While the entire S26 lineup is currently available to preorder, they aren't yet available to purchase. Samsung is making users wait a bit—two weeks, to be exact. Preorders start today, Feb. 25, while the units themselves will be available in stores starting March 11. Still, even if you have two weeks to buy any of the S26 series, you might want to consider preordering them ahead of time if you want to secure your device. The newest smartphones from companies like Samsung tend to sell out on release, pushing shipping dates back further than the official release date. That's no guarantee it'll happen this time, but preorder sets your place in line if you're sure which model you want. How much does the Galaxy S26 cost?Three phones, three different starting prices: the Galaxy S26 is the smallest of the bunch, and costs the least, starting at $899.99 the S26 Plus starts at $1,099.99 the S26 Ultra starts at $1,299.99 Those are just the entry prices, of course—for the base storage for each device. If you want more storage, you'll need to pay more, though you could save some money, depending on the preorder deal you choose. Where to preorder the Galaxy S26 series (and the best deals)There are a number of stores you can preorder the Galaxy S26 series from, but Samsung would obviously prefer you to buy direct. The company is running promotions for preorders, such as trade-in deals, to knock some money off the price tag, but the best reason to go through Samsung is if you want one of their exclusive colors: Silver Shadow and Pinkgold are only available on Samsung's official site. Here are the current preorder deals I'm seeing: Galaxy S26AT&T: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in. Amazon: Save $200 off the 512GB model, and get a free gift card. Best Buy: Save $200 off the 512GB model. Trade-in offers accepted. Boost Mobile: $3 per month on the Infinite Access for Galaxy $65 Plan Samsung: Save up to $500 with eligible trade-in, plus $50 off through PayPal code. T-Mobile: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in or new line on the Experience Beyond plan. Verizon: As low as $0 per month with Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan. Galaxy S26 PlusAT&T: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in. Amazon: Save $200 off the 512GB model, and get a free gift card. Best Buy: Save $200 off the 512GB model. Boost Mobile: $8.33 per month with the Infinite Access for Galaxy $65 plan. Samsung: Save up to $500 with eligible trade-in, plus $50 off through PayPal code. T-Mobile: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in or new line on the Experience Beyond plan. Verizon: As low as $0 per month with Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan. Galaxy S26 UltraAT&T: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in. Amazon: Save $400 off the 512GB model, and get a free gift card. Best Buy: Save $200 off the 512GB model. Boost Mobile: $13.89 per month with the Infinite Access for Galaxy $64 plan. Samsung: Save up to $900 with eligible trade-in, plus $50 off through PayPal code. T-Mobile: As low as $0 per month with eligible trade-in or new line on the Experience Beyond plan. Verizon: Save up to $36.11 per month with the Unlimited Ultimate plan. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I have a bad habit, and you probably do too: When someone opens their phone near me, I instinctively look. I'm not looking for anything intentionally—my eyes glance involuntarily, hovering for a moment before I return someone's privacy—but I've seen everything from harmless wallpapers to lock codes, bank statements, and text messages during relationship fights. I'm not a nosy person, nor am I overly concerned about my own privacy when it becomes too inconvenient. But the most common form of privacy invasion is likely the simplest: glancing at someone's phone screen, or someone glancing at yours. Years ago, I protected my privacy with privacy screens on both my laptop and phone, but I let that practice lapse so much that I almost forgot privacy screens existed. Today, at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, the company introduced the privacy screen I wanted all along. This is the transition angle where viewability begins to fade. Credit: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked / Lifehacker Samsung's new Privacy Display can narrow the pixel light on your phone screen so it's only visible to you. The feature can be toggled on and off, and it's also customizable by app, allowing some apps to be viewable to others while keeping sensitive apps, like your banking app or an HBO show, unviewable to passersby. When the Privacy Display feature is off, pixels are viewable from every angle, but when it's on, the pixel lights narrow to you. Essentially, you can control when you want people to see your phone from over your shoulder, which is probably rare compared to when you'd rather have your phone protected from side angles. The Privacy Display will be available on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, but the feature is so useful that it was the most interesting announcement from Galaxy Unpacked, and once competitors catch on, I expect a built-in privacy screen to become the standard in smartphones. It doesn't take much to imagine third-party privacy screens soon becoming obsolete. This is the angle from the side, where others can no longer view the screen. Credit: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked / Lifehacker After expensive device upgrades and buying a long list of accessories, adding a privacy screen protector can feel like a waste of money. To save a few bucks, I simply tell myself that I'll be more aware of my surroundings. Still, just yesterday on the subway, I noticed someone's harmless Shadow the Hedgehog screensaver, followed by their private, potentially embarrassing app notifications. Realistically, others have likely glanced at the same kind of information on my phone, too, no matter how "aware of my surroundings" I hope to be. So far, the new Privacy Display appears to be available only on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will have a starting price of $1,299. Hopefully, the feature will be adopted more broadly, including on the cheaper S26, which will start at $899, and the S26+, which will start at $1,099. I don't know what took phone manufacturers so long to build such a useful tool, but I would guess it comes down to focusing on clumsily forcing AI into features I'll rarely use. Samsung Unpacked had plenty of hamfisted AI announcements—you should check out the longer list of those—but the simple utility of the privacy display stole the show. And it's better late than never. View the full article

Anthropic updated its crawler documentation to list separate Claude bots for training, search indexing, and user requests, with visibility tradeoffs when blocked. The post Anthropic’s Claude Bots Make Robots.txt Decisions More Granular appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

With Netflix now streaming original podcasts and Apple announcing a “category-leading video experience” on its app this spring, the meaning of the word “podcast” has grown increasingly diffuse. It was much easier to pin down during the medium’s mid-aughts infancy. Back then, a podcast was simply asynchronous talk radio—the natural next step after moving from terrestrial radio, to satellite platforms like SiriusXM, to a new and purely digital format that could be downloaded and consumed on demand. In the years since, the definition has vastly expanded. Essentially, any form of episodic audio or video content that involves people speaking into microphones can now be considered a podcast. We’ve drifted so far away from the original context and definition of the word that perhaps it’s time for semantics to catch up. “The consumption is moving more and more toward video-based podcasts,” says Jonathan Miller, a former Fox digital media and NBA executive and current CEO of Integrated Media Co. “At some point, there needs to be a new name. But it’s not going to happen easily.” Pivoting to video Originally coined in early 2004 by British journalist Ben Hammersley, the word “podcast” was an ingenious turn of phrase at the time. The punny portmanteau succinctly describes the then-emergent format of a broadcast that emanates from one’s iPod. The only problem? That title assumed a world in which iPods hung around for the long haul, rather than entering obsolescence just three years later with the invention of the iPhone. (The iPod ultimately remained in circulation for another 15 years, until Apple ceased manufacturing them in 2022.) Anyone on the younger end of the prime podcasting demographic of 18 to 34 years old has likely never used an iPod, and might regard one with the same anthropological curiosity they would a VCR or rotary phone. If the podcast’s outdated nominal inspiration weren’t enough reason for a rebrand, though, the popularity of video may be what cinches it. As more and more podcasters have started putting their shows on camera, YouTube has become the top podcast platform in the U.S., with over 1 billion active users logging on for them each month. Meanwhile, Apple’s audio-only app loses a little more of its market share every year, going from 15.7% of monthly podcast listeners’ preference in 2022 to 11.3% in 2025. Perhaps the company’s forthcoming video experience will help Apple regain some of that ground—if Netflix and its competitors all inevitably throwing their hats in the ring doesn’t erode that number further. But if a podcast is no longer something audiences hear but watch, is it even the same medium? “What we’re witnessing isn’t a departure from podcasting—it’s an evolution,” says Matt Sandler, general manager of creator services at Amazon. “The content itself has evolved from interviews into ensemble conversations, documentary-style storytelling, live experiences, and hybrid shows that blur the lines between what we’ve traditionally seen on social [media], podcasts, and TV. As a result, podcasts have naturally moved from audio-only experiences to screens.” As popular as the video format is getting, not everyone sees it as a full industry takeover. “I don’t see a pivot to video but an addition,” says Adam Curry, the former MTV VJ whose early adoption of podcasting earned him the nickname “The Podfather.” Of course, the addition of video to an audio format has always been disruptive, to say the least. The revolution will not be podcasted Before it became known as television, one of the invention’s developers, Charles Francis Jenkins, dubbed it “radiovision.” There must have been very little doubt among the public about which technology TV was intended to replace. The introduction of TV solved the problem of how boring and undynamic it must have been to gather one’s family around a radio and listen to Fibber McGee and Molly on a Thursday night. It created a dazzling new galaxy of programming possibilities that revolutionized show business, and just about every other kind of business. TV obviously didn’t kill radio, but it drastically diminished radio’s appeal and quickly supplanted it as the top option for home entertainment. Among the reasons radio has flourished well beyond TV’s invention is because people also wanted to be entertained outside the home. It turned out there were many situations where the dynamism of a visual component proved unnecessary—while driving, working, or shoveling snow, for instance. The main distinction between the rise of video podcasts and the rise of television is that, unlike the medium that TV disrupted, podcasts were originally made precisely for such moments of divided attention. People mostly consume them while their eyes are focused elsewhere. In fact, according to a YouGov survey from 2023, the topmost popular podcast-consuming situations are while doing chores, commuting, or working out. “I want something I can listen to like an audiobook when I’m driving, riding the subway, or walking in the park,” says Dave Winer, a software developer, writer, and pioneering podcaster. Though it’s technically possible to watch a long-form podcast while doing all those things, it’s not exactly practical. Still, the medium is now in a weird straddling moment in which many podcasters have not yet figured out for which of their audience’s senses they’re primarily creating content. It’s now quite common for the hosts of a podcast to pantomime actions, make faces and hand gestures, or employ some other visual aid that provokes an in-studio laugh, followed by a reflexive explanation to “our listeners” about what just happened on-screen. Will they eventually stop explaining? Or will they instead stop playing to the camera? Either way, it might be helpful to know that not as many people may be watching podcasts as it seems. According to Triton Digital’s annual podcasting report, only 7% of audiences exclusively watch their favorite podcasts, while 13% exclusively listen to them, and the remaining 80% now alternate between the two options. These results hint at an epidemic of video podcasts playing inside listeners’ jean pockets as they go about their business. Maybe not for long, though. What’s in a name Whichever way people prefer to consume video podcasts, the popularity of these shows has big business implications. As the recent cancellations of both Kelly Clarkson‘s and Sherri Shepherd‘s TV shows indicate, podcasts are coming for daytime TV. They’re also coming for the ailing late-night TV industry, and any other talky TV format that could technically be made with a tiny crew and no union involvement. (After launching without union coverage and incurring some blowback, Netflix’s The Pete Davidson Show has since signed with SAG-AFTRA.) “Talk television is set to become a derivative of video podcasting,” says Miller. Fewer traditional talk show options will inevitably mean more video podcasts with high-wattage guests, like Amy Poehler’s Good Hang and Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang’s Las Culturistas. That means more people will likely start consuming their podcasts on smart TVs while curled up on the couch with a second screen. In a scenario where that mode of consuming podcasts becomes more dominant, the word podcast will feel even more dissonant than it does now. Part of the reason any medium needs a definitive name is to quantify audience consumption for advertisers. As an industry, video podcasts are now roughly at the point where streaming series were at about a decade ago, when it was still common to call them TV shows. Nielsen struggled to adjust its language when TV moved to streaming, and remains stuck in a swamp of acronyms like SVOD (subscription video on demand), OTT (over-the-top), and CTV (connected TV). Keeping the podcast label would cleanly delineate shows like the Kelce brothers’ New Heights and Call Her Daddy for the remaining years of linear television. But if the word were to be replaced, what would we start calling podcasts instead? “We might call it ‘Social media TV,” says Henry Jenkins, a media studies professor at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “The format is a longer and mostly unedited discussion compared to what’s possible via broadcasting. It’s consumed asynchronously. Both of these overlap with podcasts as we have understood them.” But with video, the medium is now yet another step removed from that original meaning, adds Jenkins. “What I like about ‘Social media TV’ is it conveys the hybrid nature of this new format,” he says. “I much prefer understanding it as something new than to allow it to define what podcasting becomes.” Miller thinks a potential linguistic change might be simpler, though. “What a podcast really refers to is a unit of something—one pod is one episode,” he says. “So maybe, at the end of the day, they simply become known as ‘episodes.’” Just because video podcasts have become the dominant commercial format, though—to the point of possibly redefining the medium—doesn’t mean the original format is on its way out. “If podcasting becomes video, and audio podcasting disappears . . . we’ll just boot up podcasting again with a different name,” Winer says. But don’t be surprised if the word sticks around as the industry evolves around it. “We still use paperclip icons to attach a file, and a floppy disc icon to save something,” Curry notes. Similarly, there’s a reason why iPhones still have the word phone in them, even though making phone calls is now among the device’s more marginal functions. Sometimes, words continue to survive long after the idea that inspired them becomes redundant. One such word, which originally referred to sowing seeds by scattering them over a wide area, is broadcast. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. A lot of us spend significant time and energy organizing our closets, home offices, and even our kitchen cabinets, but we toss our weekly groceries and daily leftovers into the fridge with little thought. Soon enough, we can't find the ranch dressing behind all the plastic containers filled with food that looks more like a science experiment. Even if you don’t let your fridge situation get quite that bad, a lack of organization in there will make it harder to keep it clean and find and grab what you need. If you want to get serious about organizing your fridge, you have to go beyond the standard drawers and shelves most models offer. Here are the products I recommend to turn your chaotic fridge into something more manageable. Add extra drawers to your fridgeMany refrigerators come with just a few drawers for storing produce or other foods, and that may not be enough to keep things separated. These under-shelf drawers clip into place and provide extra pull-out storage that won’t eat up precious shelf space (though they do, admittedly, reduce the vertical space you can use, so you have to be thoughtful about where to place them). Use fridge drink organizersMy wife buys a lot of soda. A lot. She used to just shove those cardboard sleeves into the fridge and take cans as she needed them, but the cans would sometimes just roll out onto the floor, the cardboard often got soggy, and it was just ugly. The better choice is to install a can holder—either a stand-up version like this one, or a plastic dispenser like this. Either choice will keep those cans organized and in place, and will make your fridge look neater. Stackable pull-out drawer bins make use of vertical fridge spaceThe key to fridge organization is a modular approach, dividing those vast shelf spaces into tidy, stackable components. These plastic bins are a good choice here: They can be stacked up so you can actually use the vertical space in your fridge, and their contents can be accessed via a pull-out drawer, so you don’t need to un-stack them to get to what you need. Add storage bins with removable colanders for your produceA great option for folks who eat a lot of produce that needs washing before use, these sturdy, airtight plastic containers stack up in your fridge for maximum neatness and have a built-in colander for quick and easy rinsing before use. Organize your condiments with a Lazy SusanA Lazy Susan—a rotating turntable—is an amazing addition to your refrigerator’s interior. It allows you to keep all those condiments and jars of leftover sauce in one place so you can easily access them without excavating the entirety of your refrigerator’s contents. Use peel and stick fridge organizers to save shelf spaceAnother way to maximize the vertical space in your fridge is to get those yogurt containers currently eating up so much real estate off the shelves. These peel-and-stick organizers fit four standard yogurt containers—or any similarly sized plastic containers. They can be mounted under shelves or even sideways on the walls of the fridge, keeping them out of the way but easily accessible. Use shelf dividers to make better use of your fridge door space The door shelves on your refrigerator are loaded with condiments, milk cartons, and anything else, all of it crammed together. The solution is to divide up the space. These adjustable dividers allow you to corral your bottles and jars, and they can be moved and removed to create different storage solutions as your grocery list changes over time. Organize your freezer tooIf you’ve got packs of meat, frozen meals, vegetables, and/or boxed items stacked up in the freezer, this organizer rack is an easy way to keep everything tidy and easily accessible. It’s designed with built-in handles, so you can easily pull the whole thing out if you need to, or just pluck that one box to defrost for dinner tonight. Use an egg storage tray to stack a few dozenThere are two kinds of people in this world: Those who enjoy an egg every now and then, and those who fuel their entire life on a steady supply of them. If you fall into the latter category, consider picking up a stackable egg holder or two. They are a far more efficient system than foam egg cartons for storing your eggs. Use an under-the-shelf bottle rack to free up shelf spaceAnother way to keep your shelf spaces clear is to get those bottles of soda, beer, wine, or water off of them. This under-the-shelf bottle holder is a great solution. It not only clears up shelf space, it makes it easy to grab your favorite beverage without rooting around in the depths of your refrigerator. View the full article

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

Total consumer debt in the United States hit $18.2 trillion by the end of last year, with $12.8 trillion attributed to first mortgages, according to Equifax. 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

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

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

The merger adds strengths of Direct Mortgage's conventional and government segments to the Lendermac platform, supporting the latter's growth ambitions. 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

Garcia says justice department appears to have broken law requiring disclosure of all unclassified material in caseView 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