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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Beats Powerbeats Pro have been on the market for years, and they remain a go-to option for people who work out and want earbuds that stay in place. At launch, they cost $249.95. Right now, they are $134.95 on Woot, and you can use code CNN2025 at checkout to take an extra $5 off. For comparison, refurbished units are selling for $149.97 on Amazon, which makes this new pair the better value. This deal runs for the next eight days or until stock runs out. Prime members get free standard shipping. Beats Powerbeats Pro $134.95 at Woot $249.95 Save $115.00 Get Deal Get Deal $134.95 at Woot $249.95 Save $115.00 What has kept the Powerbeats Pro relevant since their 2019 release is how well they handle the basics. Each earbud has an adjustable ear hook that wraps around your ear, along with four sizes of silicone tips to help you find a secure seal. During runs, strength training, or cycling sessions, that over-ear design makes a difference. They are also rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance, so sweat-heavy workouts and light splashes shouldn’t be a problem, but they are not designed to be submerged. Using them is straightforward: Controls are physical and mirrored on both sides, which means you can adjust volume, skip tracks, or take calls from either ear without fumbling through touch gestures mid-workout. Built-in sensors automatically pause music when you remove an earbud and resume when you put it back in. As for battery life, you get up to nine hours of listening time on a single charge, with more than 24 additional hours from the charging case, notes this PCMag review. These earbuds do not offer active noise cancellation; instead, they rely on the passive noise isolation that comes from a snug in-ear seal. There’s also no customizable equalizer in the companion software. In other words, the sound profile is fixed out of the box, with the tuning leaning into the brand’s familiar presentation of strong bass and crisp highs. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $369.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $139.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A reader writes: For many years, my boss has given flowers to all his assistants for Valentine’s Day. But he has the same two assistants for several years. Both are retired professionals who decided to go back to work, and both originally were married. Now one of them is a widow and he was told by other members of the management team that he couldn’t give her flowers because she was single, but it was okay if he still sent the other assistant flowers. This seems out of place and it made the widowed assistant feel awful. Is this okay? No, it is not okay in any way. Your boss is being a bit of ass, but the people who gave him this guidance are the bigger problem. First, their take on this is absurd — flowers aren’t an inherently romantic gesture (see all the people giving them to their moms). However, in our culture they are a gendered gesture, which is why I bet he wouldn’t give flowers to a male assistant. Second, presumably the thinking is that it’s “safe” for him to give flowers to married women since clearly his intentions would just be platonic, but as soon as a potential flower recipient doesn’t have a living spouse, there’s too much risk of misinterpretation? If so, that’s a sign that this flower-giving never should happened in the workplace at all. If he’s worried that a gesture could read as romantic depending on the other person’s marital status, that’s a very good litmus test that it doesn’t belong at work at all. If your boss suddenly felt uncomfortable with giving flowers to one of the assistants, he needed to stop giving them to all of the assistants — not leave out the woman who just lost her husband (what the hell?). The fact that the cruelty of this wasn’t immediately obvious to him and the rest of the management team is troubling. Also, could we all just agree to leave Valentine’s Day completely out of our professional relationships? We really don’t need it intersecting with work at all. (Here’s a relevant SNL skit.) The post my boss gives flowers to his assistants, but only if they’re married appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

TikTok is giving entertainment marketers in Europe new tools to reach audiences with precision, leveraging AI to drive engagement and conversions for streaming and ticketed content. What’s happening. TikTok is introducing two new ad types for European campaigns: Streaming Ads: AI-driven ads for streaming platforms that show personalized content based on user engagement. Formats include a four-title video carousel or a multi-title media card. With 80% of TikTok users saying the app influences their streaming choices, these ads can directly shape viewing decisions. New Title Launch: Targets high-intent users using signals like genre preference and price sensitivity, helping marketers convert cultural moments into ticket sales, subscriptions, or event attendance. Context. The rollout coincides with the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival, underscoring TikTok’s growing role in entertainment marketing. In 2025, an average of 6.5 million daily posts were shared about film and TV on TikTok, with 15 of the top 20 European box office films last year being viral hits on the platform. Why we care. TikTok’s new AI-powered ad formats let streaming platforms and entertainment brands target users with highly personalized content, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions. With 80% of users saying TikTok influences their viewing choices (according to TikTok data), these tools can directly shape audience behavior, helping marketers turn cultural moments into subscriptions, ticket sales, or higher viewership. It’s a chance to leverage TikTok’s viral influence for measurable campaign impact. The bottom line. For entertainment marketers, TikTok’s AI-driven ad formats provide new ways to engage audiences, boost viewership, and turn trending content into measurable results. Dig deeper. TikTok Adds New Ad Types for Entertainment Marketers View the full article

One of the companies best known for cranking out ultracheap goods is facing a serious investigation in Europe over concerns about illegal products and predatory business practices. The EU’s European Commission said Tuesday that it has opened “formal proceedings” against Shein under the Digital Services Act, which sets ground rules for online services that Europeans use. In the announcement, the commission says it is targeting Shein over worries that the shopping platform is addictive by design, powered by opaque algorithms, and engages in the sale of illegal goods, including weapons and child sexual abuse material in the form of “child-like sex dolls.” Late last year, French watchdog agency the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control flagged the Chinese online retailer to authorities after finding “sex dolls constituting child sexual abuse material” for sale along with other “pornographic content” not restricted by an age gate. “These acts fall within the scope of serious criminal offences under French law,” the regulator wrote at the time, noting that the violations could be punishable by imprisonment and a €100,000 fine under the country’s criminal code. Based on the findings, French authorities initiated a criminal investigation into Shein over the sale and distribution of child sexual abuse material and kicked off a coordinated European investigation under the Digital Services Act. The French consumer protection agency found childlike sex dolls for sale on Chinese e-commerce site AliExpress, owned by Alibaba Group. In a parallel investigation, French customs agents inspected 200,000 Shein packages for compliance with French laws and found that eight out of ten products it examined potentially ran afoul of the law, including cosmetics containing banned ingredients and unsafe children’s toys. In response, Shein said that it would restrict the sale of sex dolls and permanently ban “all seller accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products” on its platform. “The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein,” Shein Executive Chairman Donald Tang said in a statement addressing the controversy. “These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers — but I take this personally.” Regulators catch up to fast fashion Fast fashion retailers like Shein and Temu, which ship lightning fast from China and offer hundreds of thousands of designs, have exploded in recent years. Regulators are only beginning to catch up to the controversial business model, which has seen Shein sprint toward $2 billion in revenue in 2025, in spite of the company’s many headwinds. The online shopping frenzy over trendy, ultra-cheap clothes took off during the pandemic and got a massive boost from TikTok, where Gen Z influencers reveal and review their clothing shipments in haul videos. Shein and other fast fashion retailers rely on a “test and repeat” model that throws many thousands of clothing designs at the wall to see what sticks, producing small batches of 50 to 100 items. Designs that flop are swiftly retired and if a design takes off, its production scales up to meet demand. While the fast fashion trend keeps TikTok creators well-stocked with fresh content, the phenomenon’s major players have faced an array of serious concerns during their rise. The fast fashion world’s quick cycles and frequent returns create vast amounts of waste destined for the landfill, not to mention the emissions consequences of shipping so many small packages around the globe on short notice. Beyond the steep environmental price of cheap goods, investigations have found that the laborers constantly sewing new designs for Shein and its ilk often work grueling shifts in difficult conditions – and sometimes those workers aren’t even old enough to legally be there. Shein also got wrapped up in The President’s tariff wars last year, when the president ended the “de minimis” loophole that made it possible for Chinese companies to ship small, low-value packages into the U.S. without paying tariffs and extra duties. EU finance ministers followed suit late last year, announcing that Europe would begin to impose customs duties on low value packages shipped into Europe some time in 2026. View the full article

Right now, criminal and state-sponsored hackers are intercepting and storing encrypted data they cannot yet decode. Likely targets include everything from corporate secrets and medical records to legal agreements and military communications. Why would these actors bother to steal data they can’t read? Because they are betting on developments in quantum computing that will eventually let them crack this encrypted data wide open. This isn’t a fringe theory. The NSA (National Security Agency), NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and ENISA (European Agency for Cybersecurity) are all treating this “harvest now, decrypt later” scenario as a live threat that is serious enough to demand immediate action. The NSA has mandated that all U.S. national security systems must transition to quantum-resistant cryptography by 2035—with new acquisitions required to be compliant by 2027. In Europe, ENISA issued updated guidance in April 2025 warning that the threat is “sufficient to warrant caution, and to warrant mitigating actions to be taken,” and recommending that organizations begin deploying post-quantum cryptography immediately. NIST has launched a parallel global effort to develop the new cryptographic standards on which these transitions will depend. The message from all three bodies is the same: organizations are running a grave risk if they wait until quantum computers can break current encryption standards to begin upgrading. That is the reason business leaders need to pay attention to quantum computing now—not because the technology is ready, but because the risk is grave, and the cost of preparation is trivial compared to the cost of being caught flat-footed. Quantum Computing 101 Classical computers store and process information as “bits,” where each bit is either a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers, by contrast, exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, working instead with qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Tapping into the unusual features of quantum states in this way allows quantum computers to explore vast numbers of possibilities in parallel rather than working through them one by one. This doesn’t mean that quantum computers are generally better than, or a replacement for, classical computers. Rather, quantum computers are a specialist tool for handling a specific class of problems that involve enormous combinatorial complexity—the kind of problems where the number of possible solutions explodes so fast that even the most powerful classical supercomputers can’t meaningfully explore them. In areas like these, quantum computers have the potential to offer not just incremental improvements on classical computing, but to redefine what is computationally possible in whole fields. Logistics optimization, financial modeling, drug discovery, and cryptography are all examples of fields that involve exactly the kind of combinatorial complexity that quantum computers are built to handle. Of these, it is cryptography that demands the most immediate attention. Hype and Reality Disentangling the reality from the hype about quantum computing is genuinely difficult—and not just for casual observers. In January 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested that useful quantum computers could be decades away, sending stocks in quantum-related companies into freefall. By mid-2025, he was far more bullish, describing the field as being on the cusp of an inflection point. If one of the most technically informed CEOs on the planet can shift his assessment that dramatically in six months, the rest of us should be humble about our ability to call the timing. As is often the case with new technologies, there is real momentum on both sides. On the bullish side, Google announced in late 2024 that its Willow quantum chip solved a problem in five minutes that they claimed would have taken a classical supercomputer ten septillion years. In February 2025, Microsoft unveiled its Majorana 1 chip, claiming that they had implemented a new approach to building qubits that could scale faster than competing designs. IBM continues to publish ambitious roadmaps. Credible researchers such as Nathalie de Leon, an experimental quantum physicist at Princeton, say that there has recently been a “vibe shift“ in the field—a growing sense that useful quantum machines could arrive within ten years rather than thirty. “I am much more certain that quantum computation will be realized, and that the timeline is much shorter than people thought,” Dorit Aharonov, a computer scientist at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, told Nature. Capital markets are paying attention too. But the bear case is also serious. Quantum computing stocks like Rigetti and D-Wave have traded at more than 500 times estimated sales—with almost no real-world revenue and few practical applications. The machines remain fragile, error-prone, and require operating temperatures near absolute zero. There is a persistent and uncomfortable pattern in the research: researchers working on quantum computing announce a speedup, and classical computing researchers almost immediately find ways to match it. Quantum computing could be the next big thing—or it could be the next hot air balloon. The point isn’t to resolve this debate. The point is that smart, informed people disagree sharply about when—or whether—quantum computing will deliver on its promise. And that disagreement should sound uncomfortably familiar. We’ve Been Here Before When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, it became the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Within two months, it had 100 million users. Enterprises scrambled to adapt. Boards demanded AI strategies overnight. It felt like a bolt from the blue. But it wasn’t. Machine learning as a discipline dates back to the 1950s. Neural networks were being explored seriously in the 1980s. Even looking at the more recent past, the technology had been visibly advancing for over a decade. In 2016, AlphaGo defeated world champion Lee Sedol 4–1. In 2017, transformer architecture was introduced, which became the foundation for modern large language models. This is not a story about AI. Rather, it’s a long-running, frequently recurring story about institutional blindness to technological disruption. With AI, the technology was visibly coming, and still most companies were caught without a plan, a team, or any institutional understanding of what was happening. Quantum computing is following a similar pattern: once again we see real scientific progress, genuine uncertainty about timescales, sharp disagreement among experts, and a business community that is mostly not paying attention. “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it,” said the philosopher George Santayana. So let us remember the general state of unpreparedness around AI, and try to do better with quantum computing. What Businesses Should Do Today The whole point of learning from the AI experience is that preparation doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to start early. 1. Develop organizational literacy. You don’t need to hire quantum physicists. You need a small number of people—in strategy, technology, and risk management—who can follow developments, read past the hype, and flag when something becomes relevant to your business. The goal is to ensure that when a headline lands about a qubit milestone or a new standard, someone in your organization can tell you whether it matters and why. 2. Identify your exposed workflows. The potential impact of quantum computing on your business extends well beyond cryptography. Which of your core operations involve the kind of complex optimization, simulation, or modeling processes that could be disrupted—or where a competitor with quantum capabilities could leapfrog you? You don’t need to solve for this today. You need to know where to look when the time comes. 3. Define your trigger conditions. What specific developments—a demonstrated commercial application in your sector, a regulatory mandate, a breakthrough in error correction—would move you from monitoring to investing? Set these thresholds now, so that when news breaks, you’re executing a plan rather than reacting to a headline. 4. Get your cryptographic house in order. This is the most concrete and most urgent action. The NSA, ENISA, and NIST are all moving toward post-quantum cryptographic standards, but those standards are still evolving. That means you need two things. First, you need an understanding of where encryption actually sits in your organization—which of your systems depend on which cryptographic standards and where does encrypted data flow to third parties whose security posture you don’t control? Second, you need architecture that lets you swap cryptographic components independently when the standards settle, without forcing a rebuild of everything around them. Engineers call this crypto-agility. Think of it as future-proofing your security not against a specific threat, but against the certainty that the regulatory and threat landscape will keep shifting. None of this is to say that quantum computing is certain to become practically relevant to your organization in the near future – or even in any future. Experts themselves disagree over this question. The point is that businesses cannot afford to wait for the experts to reach consensus. If quantum computing becomes practically useful within the next decade, the implications could be enormous. The cost of paying attention is low; the cost of being caught flat-footed could be devastating. View the full article

If you’re interested in video editing but don’t want to invest in expensive software, you’re in luck. There are several excellent free video editors available that cater to various skill levels and needs. From professional-grade tools to user-friendly interfaces, these options provide a range of features that can improve your editing experience. Each editor has its strengths, making it crucial to find the one that fits your style. Let’s explore the top choices available today. Key Takeaways DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade editing features with advanced color grading and supports 4K exports without watermarks. Lightworks provides a free version with non-linear editing, customizable interface, and a range of audio cleanup tools for diverse skill levels. ACDSee Luxea Video Editor features an intuitive interface, guided edits, and versatile export options, making it ideal for quick video creation. iMovie is tailored for beginners, featuring advanced tools like chroma keying and video stabilization, optimized for macOS and iOS devices. CapCut includes an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, multi-layer editing, and rich visual effects, making it accessible for mobile users on iOS and Android. DaVinci Resolve: The Professional Choice for Free Editing DaVinci Resolve stands out as a premier choice for video editing, offering a suite of professional-grade features at no cost. It’s one of the best freeware applications available, providing advanced tools like HDR color grading and over 100 GPU-accelerated effects. Furthermore, you can collaborate with others seamlessly, making it a good free video editor for teams. Its Fairlight audio workspace integrates robust sound editing capabilities, allowing you to improve your video projects considerably. You can edit and export in 4K without watermarks, and it supports various formats across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although it’s highly recommended free software, be prepared for a steeper learning curve, necessitating time to master its extensive features through tutorials. ACDSee Luxea Video Editor: User-Friendly for Serious Beginners ACDSee Luxea Video Editor stands out with its intuitive interface, making it easy for you to navigate and edit your videos without feeling overwhelmed. You can utilize keyframing features to create dynamic content, whereas its versatile export options, including 4K support, guarantee your projects look professional. This software offers crucial tools like trimming and adding effects, allowing you to produce high-quality videos efficiently, even with the free version’s watermarked outputs. Intuitive Interface Design When you’re looking for a video editor that balances strong features with ease of use, ACDSee Luxea Video Editor stands out for its intuitive interface. This software is among the best freeware available, making it ideal for serious beginners. It simplifies the editing process with guided edits and templates, allowing you to create videos quickly without feeling overwhelmed. The design is user-friendly, ensuring you can efficiently record screen and webcam footage during editing. Plus, it supports 4K video editing, providing robust capabilities alongside its accessible layout. Regular updates keep the interface modern and responsive, catering to the evolving needs of users. If you’re seeking top freeware options, ACDSee Luxea is definitely a good free program to contemplate. Keyframing Features One of the standout features of ACDSee Luxea Video Editor is its intuitive keyframing capabilities, which make it easy for users to animate video elements across the timeline. You can create dynamic shifts and effects by adjusting keyframes for properties like position, scale, and opacity. This user-friendly software supports 4K video editing, ensuring high-quality output during enhancing your visual storytelling. Here’s a quick overview of keyframing features: Feature Description Benefit Intuitive Interface Easy navigation and learning curve Quick adoption for beginners Pre-set Keyframe Animations Ready-to-use animations for efficiency Achieve professional results fast High-Quality 4K Support Edit and export in 4K Stunning visuals for your projects If you’re exploring apps like CapCut free, Luxea is a strong contender. Versatile Export Options Versatile export options are crucial in video editing software, and ACDSee Luxea Video Editor shines in this area. It supports a range of export formats, including 4K, making it ideal for both personal and professional projects. This flexibility guarantees that you can tailor your videos for various platforms, whether it’s a social media post or a high-quality presentation. The user-friendly interface simplifies the editing process, allowing serious beginners to create videos efficiently. Moreover, Luxea’s keyframing capabilities enable you to improve your projects with dynamic animations and shifts. It likewise includes features for screen and webcam recording, perfect for tutorials or presentations. Although the free version has a watermark, it still offers robust tools for developing your editing skills. Clipchamp: The Best Web-Based Video Editor Clipchamp stands out as a leading web-based video editor, especially for those who prefer a straightforward, efficient editing experience without the hassle of software installation. Compatible with Chrome and Edge browsers, it allows you to plunge right into editing from any device. Clipchamp supports multi-track editing, enabling you to layer multiple video and audio tracks for more complex projects. The platform offers a variety of free templates and assets, streamlining the editing process for users of all skill levels. Although performance depends on your internet speed and computer capabilities, the free version lets you export videos at 1080p resolution. For those needing additional stock assets and advanced editing tools, premium features are available through a subscription. Imovie: an Ideal Option for Mac Users For Mac users seeking a reliable and user-friendly video editing solution, iMovie is an ideal choice that brings strong editing tools right to your fingertips. This free software is designed exclusively for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, making it accessible and seamless. Here are some key features that improve your editing experience: User-friendly interface simplifies the editing process for beginners. iCloud integration allows easy access to footage captured on your devices. Advanced features like chroma keying and video stabilization boost your projects. 4K video editing enables the production of high-quality content for platforms like YouTube. Optimized for Apple devices, ensuring smooth operation on macOS and iOS. With iMovie, you can create polished videos efficiently and effectively. Kdenlive: The Open-Source Gem for All Platforms If you’re looking for a robust video editing tool that’s accessible across multiple platforms, Kdenlive stands out as a remarkable option. This open-source software works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, catering to a diverse user base. With its thorough editing interface, you can seamlessly handle multi-track editing, organizing multiple video and audio tracks with ease. Kdenlive offers advanced features like keyframe animations, color correction, and various effects, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned editors. Moreover, it supports a wide range of video formats for import and export, ensuring versatility. A strong community backs Kdenlive, providing numerous tutorials and resources to improve your editing skills. Feature Description Benefit Multi-Track Editing Supports multiple video/audio tracks Organizes complex projects Advanced Effects Includes keyframe animations, color correction Enhances video quality Cross-Platform Support Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux Accessible to all users CapCut: The Powerful Mobile Editing App CapCut stands out as a user-friendly mobile editing app, perfect for creating videos effortlessly. With advanced editing features like multi-layer editing and a vast library of effects and music, you can craft professional-looking content right from your phone. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate, allowing you to focus on your creativity without the hassle of complicated tools. User-Friendly Interface How easy is it to navigate a video editing app that caters to both novices and experienced users? CapCut shines in providing a user-friendly interface that simplifies the editing process for everyone. You can effortlessly import and arrange video clips, music, and effects using its drag-and-drop functionality. The app’s pre-built templates, effects, and changes amplify your creativity with just a click. Plus, it supports multi-layer editing, allowing you to work with multiple video and audio tracks simultaneously. Here are some key features that contribute to its ease of use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface Wide variety of pre-built templates One-click effects and changes Multi-layer editing capabilities Free on iOS and Android platforms Advanced Editing Features Though many video editing apps cater primarily to basic needs, CapCut stands out by offering a robust set of advanced editing features that augment its versatility. You can take advantage of multi-layer editing, allowing you to manipulate various video elements concurrently. The chroma keying feature enables you to create stunning green screen effects, whereas a rich library of visual effects and transitions improves your videos’ appeal. Furthermore, CapCut provides access to royalty-free music and sound effects, along with customizable templates to boost your creativity. With support for high-resolution exports, including 4K, your videos will maintain their quality for social media sharing. AI-powered tools for automatic scene detection and smart video editing further streamline your editing process, making it efficient and user-friendly. Lightworks: Professional-Grade Tools for Aspiring Editors Lightworks stands out as a potent option for aspiring video editors, providing professional-grade tools that cater to a range of skill levels. With its free version, you get access to non-linear editing and various video formats. Although the free version limits exports to 720p, the premium subscription reveals higher quality outputs and additional features. Here are some key features you’ll appreciate: Advanced trimming capabilities for precise edits Customizable workspace layout to suit your workflow A variety of audio cleanup tools and effects User-friendly interface for easier navigation Extensive resources, including tutorials and community support Lightworks equips you to improve your editing skills as you deliver high-quality results. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Video Editor for Free? The best free video editor largely depends on your needs. DaVinci Resolve is often recommended for its professional capabilities, especially in color correction and audio editing. If you prefer a user-friendly option and are on a Mac, iMovie is excellent. For those interested in visual effects, HitFilm Express offers extensive features. On the other hand, consider OpenShot for its simplicity and flexibility. Each option has unique strengths, so evaluate them based on your specific editing requirements. What Do Youtubers Use to Edit for Free? YouTubers often turn to free video editing software for professional results without the cost. DaVinci Resolve offers advanced color correction and no watermarks, whereas HitFilm Express combines editing with visual effects, boasting over 410 effects. Lightworks provides a customizable workspace, though its free version limits exports to 720p. For Mac users, iMovie’s user-friendly interface is a top choice, and Kdenlive serves as a versatile, open-source option across multiple platforms. What Is the No. 1 Best Video Editor? The No. 1 best video editor is often considered DaVinci Resolve. It offers professional-grade features like advanced color correction, audio post-production tools, and multi-user collaboration, all without watermarks. You’ll find it compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, catering to both beginners and experienced editors. Key features include HDR color grading and AI-driven tools, enhancing your editing experience. Nevertheless, be aware that it requires robust hardware, which could limit accessibility for some users. Is Capcut Worth It? CapCut’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile video editing tool. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, whereas advanced features like motion tracking and color grading can improve your projects. You can easily access royalty-free music and sound effects, boosting audio quality without extra costs. Plus, exporting videos in high definition, including 4K, is a notable advantage. Although some features require a premium upgrade, the free version offers substantial functionality. Conclusion To sum up, exploring free video editing software opens up a world of possibilities for creators at any skill level. DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer professional tools, whereas ACDSee Luxea and iMovie provide intuitive interfaces for beginners. For those who prefer web-based options, Clipchamp is an outstanding choice, and Kdenlive serves as a robust open-source alternative. Finally, CapCut stands out in mobile editing, catering to on-the-go creators. Each of these editors has unique features to suit various editing needs. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Good Free Video Editors You Should Try Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Hotel magnate Thomas Pritzker will step down as the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels after details of his affiliation with Jeffrey Epstein were revealed in documents related to the burgeoning investigation of ties between the notorious sex trafficker and the elite and powerful. Pritzker, in a prepared statement, said he deeply regrets his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a long time associate of Epstein who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,” Pritzker said in a statement. “I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.” There are numerous emails between Pritzker and Epstein included in a cache of Epstein-related documents recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, with several detailing attempts for dinner meet ups and invitations to various functions. Interactions between the two continued even after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Emails made public late last year show the crime did little to diminish the desire of that network to stay connected to the financier. Epstein died by suicide while incarcerated in 2019. Pritzker, 75, who is the cousin of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, was the executive chairman at Hyatt for more than 20 years. His retirement is effective immediately. Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian will succeed Pritzker as chairman. Hyatt has more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive resorts in more than 83 countries. Revelations of ties to Epstein have led to the departure or ousting of multiple high-profile individuals in recent days. Dubai announced last week that it was replacing the chairman of one of the world’s largest logistics companies, DP World, because of his ties to Epstein. Also last week, Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at storied investment bank Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, announced her resignation after emails between her and Jeffrey Epstein showed a close relationship where she described him as an “older brother” and downplayed his sex crimes. Brad Karp resigned as chairman of one of the most prestigious U.S. law firms earlier this month, saying news coverage of his exchanges with Epstein had “created a distraction.” Karp had served as chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison since 2008. The New York firm has advanced the cause of civil rights, handled the legal affairs of corporate power brokers and grown into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise. Late last year, King Charles III striped his brother, formerly Prince Andrew, of all his titles and honors, for his relationship with Epstein. This month, King Charles said that he is ready to “support’’ UK police examining claims that his brother gave confidential information to Epstein. —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

Over the years, Apple Music has improved its algorithmic playlists. There's now an AI DJ, and you can use ChatGPT to generate playlists. With iOS 26.4, which is currently in beta, Apple wants you to make playlists with its own AI tech. The upcoming update includes a feature called "Playlist Playground," which lets you generate AI playlists directly in the Apple Music app—as long as you're running iOS 26.4. How to download and install iOS 26.4I do not recommend installing and running beta versions of iOS on your primary iPhone. Beta software is unfinished, which means you could run into bugs and glitches that may impact how you use your iPhone, or even result in data loss. If you're itching to try out new features, it's best to ensure that you've taken a complete backup of your iPhone first. That way, you can always revert to an older installation in case something goes wrong. Even so, it's safer to run test software on a backup iPhone as opposed to your daily driver. With that said, if you're sure you want to go ahead and install iOS 26.4 right now, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Select Beta Updates > iOS 26 Developer Beta. Now, go back to the Software Update page and wait until you see iOS 26.4 Beta 1 appear. You can now download and install the update to try this new Apple Music feature. How to create AI-generated playlists in Apple MusicOnce you're on iOS 26.4, you can open the Music app to get started with this feature. Tap the Library tab in the bottom bar, and then select the New Playlist button in the top-right corner. You should see the Playlist Playground feature here. (Note that this feature may not appear on devices that don't support Apple Intelligence, or if your Apple Account is from a region where Apple has restricted the rollout of AI features.) Once you activate the feature, you'll be able to generate playlists with AI. From here, you tell the AI what you want to listen to. You could get specific, with certain artists, songs, or genres, or ask for playlists that encompass a certain idea of mood. Apple has some pre-written prompts to get you started, such as "hip-hop party songs," but you can use your own text prompts too. AI-generated playlists have 25 songs by default, and you do have the option to customize the playlist further after it's created. You'll also be able to edit the title, cover image, and the description of AI-generated playlists. These playlists can be shared with others or displayed on your Apple Music profile, just like other playlists you create on the streaming service. It's similar in concept to other AI playlist generators on platforms like Spotify or YouTube Music. Try AI-generated playlists without installing iOS 26.4While Apple Music's Playlist Playground feature is a good start, it's not yet available to those of us who are unwilling to install developer beta versions of iOS 26. If that's you, there are other options out there for AI generated Apple Music playlists. There's the aforementioned ChatGPT integration, of course, but you could also use a third-party app, like PlaylistAI. It has many prompts for you to get started with, and can even generate playlists from music festival posters. The app does prompt you to get a subscription, but you can skip that prompt and use the free tier to generate a playlist quickly. View the full article

Meta Platforms is embedding newly acquired AI agent tech directly into Ads Manager, giving advertisers built-in automation tools for research and reporting as the company looks to show faster returns on its AI investments. What’s happening. Some advertisers are seeing in-stream prompts to activate Manus AI inside Ads Manager. Manus is now available to all advertisers via the Tools menu. Select users are also getting pop-up alerts encouraging in-workflow adoption. The feature rollout signals deeper integration ahead. What is Manus. Manus AI is designed to power AI agents that can perform tasks like report building and audience research, effectively acting as an assistant within the ad workflow. Why we care. Manus AI brings AI-powered automation directly into Meta Platforms Ads Manager, making tasks like report-building, audience research, and campaign analysis faster and more efficient. Meta is currently prioritizing tying AI investment to measurable ad performance, giving advertisers new ways to optimize campaigns and potentially gain a competitive edge by testing workflow efficiencies early. Between the lines. Meta is under pressure to demonstrate practical value from its aggressive AI spending. Advertising remains its clearest path to monetization, and embedding Manus into everyday ad tools offers a direct way to tie AI investment to performance gains. Zoom out. The move aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push to weave AI across Meta’s product stack. By positioning Manus as a performance tool for advertisers, Meta is betting that workflow efficiencies will translate into stronger ad results — and a clearer AI revenue story. The bottom line. For advertisers, Manus adds another layer of built-in automation worth testing. Early adopters may uncover time savings and optimization gains as Meta continues expanding AI inside its ad ecosystem. View the full article

Every year, freelancers unintentionally hand the IRS more money than they need to simply because they overlook deductions they’re fully entitled to claim. This breakdown of the 14 key business deductions to be aware of is designed to help you avoid revenue-boosting blind spots on your freelance business tax return before you file. It’s easy to miss expenses that qualify as business deductions because the tax code is complex and constantly shifting. This is why it is important to be aware of changes that may affect your freelance return and work with a tax professional who can help you identify additional opportunities to reduce your taxable income and maximize any refund you may be entitled to. As a reminder, if your freelance business entity is an S-Corp, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership or Multi-member Limited Liability Company your return is due on March 15, 2026. For C-corporations the deadline is April 15, 2026. Here are the key freelance business deductions to be aware of, including updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) legislation from 2025. 1) Home office expenses Deducting your home office remains one of the most reliable business deductions available to freelancers. While you do not need a separate office in your home to claim a deduction, you do need a clearly defined workspace that you use regularly and exclusively for business. There are two ways to calculate the home office deduction: Claim the standard office deduction is $1500 which is a topline deduction on your return.Alternatively, you can take the deduction by calculating the actual square footage that is used exclusively for business in your home and multiplying it by $5.00 per square foot (up to 300 square feet) as well as deducting a proportional amount. 2) Health insurance premiums Freelancers often overlook the health insurance deduction even though it can offset a significant portion of annual expenses. If you pay for your own coverage and are not eligible for employer‑sponsored insurance, you may be able to deduct 100 percent of your premiums. This includes medical, dental, and long‑term care coverage for you, your spouse, and your dependents such as premiums for medical, dental, and long‑term care insurance provided you have a net profit for the year and are not eligible for an employer-subsidized plan. 3) Professional development Freelancers invest heavily in staying current, and the bill continues to support deductions for training that maintains or improves skills in your existing line of work. The key is that education must relate directly to the services you already provide. When it does, these costs are recognized as legitimate business expenses. Courses, workshops, and certifications tied to your current servicesBooks, online programs, and industry publicationsConferences and seminars that support skill developmentProfessional development may increase your earning potential significantly and it may also reduce your tax bill if the cost of the course/written materials, etc., qualify for these deductions. 4) Software and subscriptions Digital tools are essential to running a freelance business, and the bill maintains clear deductibility for software and subscription services. These recurring charges may seem small, but they add up quickly over the course of a year. Software subscriptions and cloud storageDesign tools, accounting platforms, and project management systemsEmail marketing services and paid newslettersDocumentation of business purpose for mixed‑use toolsTracking these expenses ensures your tax return reflects the actual cost of keeping your business operational. Subscriptions can be deducted immediately in the year paid. One-time, long-term software purchases might need to be depreciated over 36 months if they last more than one year. 5) Phone and internet expenses For phone and internet services, you can deduct the business portion. The expectation is a reasonable estimate supported by your usage patterns. You can generally deduct: A percentage of your phone bill based on business use.A percentage of your internet bill based on business use.Be sure that you have documentation of your business activities conducted through these services such as your meeting calendar, activities requiring internet to run your business and itemized phone bills. These services are essential to client communication, and deducting the business portion is both allowed and expected. 6) Business meals Business meals remain deductible at 50 percent when they are directly tied to your work. The rules emphasize that documentation is a must which means that you must keep itemized receipts and state the client name, business purpose for the meeting over which you ate the meal and the date on which it occurred. You can also deduct your own meals when traveling for work as long as the food is purchased at an eating establishment rather than a convenience store or grocery store. 7) Mileage and transportation Even if you only make short trips for work, tracking your mileage throughout the year can add up to significant deductions. You can deduct mileage (The 2025 tax year mileage rate deduction is 70 cents per mile) and transportation costs for business activities such as: Mileage for client meetings, conferences, and project work. Parking fees, tolls, and ride share costs for business travel.Short trips for supplies, shipping, or errands.Whether you use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses, consistency matters in tracking your mileage so consider using an app to track it accurately and make it easier to have the data at hand when you need it for filing your return. 8) Equipment and depreciation Freelancer business owners often remember to deduct major purchases but overlook smaller tools that are essential to their work. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets placed in service after January 19, 2025. While bonus depreciation has no limit, the OBBBA also enhanced Section 179 deductions, allowing up to $2.5 million in immediate expensing for 2025, with a phase-out starting if purchases exceed $4 million. Some examples of items considered necessary business assets include: Laptops, cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment.Office chairs, desks, and ergonomic accessories.Printers, scanners, and related tools.Vehicles that exceed 50% business use and are greater than 6,000 pounds. Heavy SUVs and trucks are eligible for up to $31,300 and cars are eligible for up to $20,200 in the first year. Recognizing these items as business assets helps you reflect the true investment required to deliver your services and may equal substantial tax deductions. 9) Bank fees and payment processing costs Payment platforms make it easy to get paid, but the associated fees reduce your income, however you can offset some of this with deductions for these costs such as: Payment processing fees from PayPal, Stripe, or Square Monthly bank charges for business accountsCredit card interest on business purchasesFees tied to business transactionsThese small amounts accumulate over time and deducting them ensures your taxable income reflects your actual earnings. Be sure to track these expenses and if available, use the statements and tax documentation provided by these platforms. Please note that these fees are tax-deductible only if they are incurred for business purposes, acting as an "ordinary and necessary" cost of operation, incurred in business accounts. Maintenance fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft fees, and returned item fees are generally deductible. Please maintain detailed records of all banking fees to support your deductions. Please keep detailed records, such as transaction reports from your PayPal account, for at least three years to support the deductions in case of an audit. 10) Business-related insurance Professional Liability Insurance premiums for coverage such as errors and omissions, business property insurance, and cybersecurity safeguards for your business are deductible. 11) Expanded SALT Deduction Cap The state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap has been increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for the 2025 tax year. This cap will increase by 1% annually by 2029 before reverting to its previous limit in 2030. However, this benefit is phased out for higher-income taxpayers, so not all freelancers will be able to take full advantage. For 2025, the full deduction is available for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) under $500,000. It phases out completely at $600,000 or more, where it reverts to a $10,000 limit. The cap is reduced by 30% of the amount by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount. That threshold amount is $500,000 for 2025, with a one percent increase each year through 2029. For those in high-tax states, this change could provide meaningful relief, but it is critical to also be aware of how the potential state-level workarounds mentioned below might impact you. 12) State-Level SALT Workaround for Businesses In response to the SALT deduction cap noted above, several states have implemented workarounds to help businesses mitigate its impact. For example, New York State has introduced the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), which allows businesses to pay state taxes at the entity level rather than the individual level. PTET allows partnerships and S-corps to pay state taxes at the entity level, which are fully deductible on federal returns. This workaround enables businesses to bypass the SALT cap and potentially reduce their overall tax burden. The new federal bill has no impact on these state-level workarounds. However, freelancers operating pass-through entities should always monitor the specific developments related to SALT in the states where they do business closely. 13) Tip and Overtime Income Deductions Two new deductions have been introduced for 2025 tax year that may benefit freelancers working in service-based industries: The tip income deduction allows up to $25,000 in tip income to be deducted from taxable income without itemizing if married and filing a married filing jointly (MFJ) return, whereas the allowable deduction for a single person is up to $12,500. This is specifically beneficial for workers in occupations where tipping is standard (e.g., food service, hospitality, transportation).This deduction phases out at $150,000 in income for single taxpayers, and at $300,000 for those who are married filing jointly. The overtime deduction permits employees (non-exempt, paid overtime employees based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLAS) who receive Form W-2) who receive overtime pay to deduct up to $12,500 annually for single filers, ($25,000 annually for married filing jointly), with a phaseout for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $150,000 for single filers ($300,000 for married filing joint filers).This deduction is not available to freelancers. Independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers are generally considered self-employed, not W-2 employees, and are therefore not eligible for this specific deduction. Freelancers are responsible for 15.3% in self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on all income, including any "extra" hours worked. Those who receive Form W-2 as non-exempt employees and have qualified overtime pay (the "half" in "time-and-a-half") from their federal taxable income. This overtime deduction has Income limits and Phase-out begins as follows: the dededuction begins to phase out if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (married filing jointly). Only the "premium" portion of overtime (the extra half of "time-and-a-half" pay) is deductible. If you earn $20/hr and $30/hr for overtime, only the $10/hr premium is deductible. While this reduces federal income tax, payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) still apply to all overtime earnings. While it is a deduction from income tax, overtime pay is still subject to payroll taxes (FICA). Qualified overtime will be listed in Box 14 of the W-2 with the code "FLSA OT Prem" starting in 2025. Overtime wages continue to be subject to federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, just like regular wages. However, under the new federal “No Tax on Overtime” provisions, certain taxpayers may now qualify for a deduction on a portion of their overtime earnings. This deduction applies only to qualifying overtime wages and only for taxpayers who fall within specific income thresholds. Amounts earned above those thresholds will continue to be taxed as usual. Overtime is not fully tax-free. Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply to all overtime earnings. There is no special overtime tax rate; overtime continues to be taxed as ordinary income within your existing tax bracket so be sure to retain any documentation related to reporting of wages, including overtime. If you notice any discrepancies in your pay stubs or year-end documents, contact your employer (if you also have a W-2 position) and/or clients (if you receive a 1099) promptly to correct them. These deductions are applicable to all tip and overtime income from 2025 and the provision is currently set to expire after 2028 so freelancers in eligible business industries should take advantage of them while they last. Alternative for Freelancers While freelancers cannot use the "No Tax on Overtime" deduction, they can still reduce their tax liability through other methods that we discuss in the 14 points, such as: Business Expenses: Deduct legitimate business expenses, such as software, hardware, or home office costs, to lower taxable income.QBI Deduction: Eligible self-employed individuals may deduct up to 20% of their Qualified Business Income (QBI).Self-Employment Tax Deduction: You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax when calculating your federal income tax. For 2025, employers are not required to break out overtime separately on W-2s, so you may need to use paystubs to calculate your eligible amount. 14) Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction The OBBB made permanent the extension of the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction (Section 199A deduction) for pass-through income. If you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S-corporation, you can continue to deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income, plus 20 percent of qualified real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership (PTP) income subject to income thresholds and business type. Income earned through a C corporation or by providing services as an employee is not eligible for the deduction. What qualifies as a trade or business, is specified in the instructions for Form 8995-A or Form 8995. The deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayer itemizes on Schedule A or takes the standard deduction. There are two parts to this deduction: (1) QBI component – equal to 20% of QBI from a domestic business operated as a sole proprietorship or through a partnership, S corporation, trust or estate. It is subject to limitation, depending on taxable income which may include the type of trade or business, the amount of W-2 wages paid by the qualified trade or business, and the unadjusted basis immediately after acquisition (UBIA) of qualified property held by the trade or business. It may be reduced by the patron reduction if the taxpayer is a patron of an agricultural or horticultural cooperative. (2) REIT/PTP component – equal to 20% of qualified REIT dividends and qualified PTP income and Is not limited by W-2 wages or UBIA of qualified property. Depending on taxable income, the amount of PTP income that qualifies may be limited depending on the type of the PTP’s trade or business. The deduction is limited to the lesser of the QBI component plus the REIT/PTP component or 20 percent of the taxpayers’ taxable income minus net capital gain. QBI is the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction, and loss from any qualified trade or business, including income from partnerships, S corporations, sole proprietorships, and certain trusts. This includes the deductible part of self-employment tax, self-employed health-insurance, and deductions for contributions to qualified retirement plans such as SEP, SIMPLE and qualified plan deductions, just to list a few of items that are included in the calculation. QBI does not include items that are: not property includable in taxable income, investments such as capital gains or losses, interest income that is not properly allocable to a trade or business, wage income, income that is not effectively connected with the conduct of business within the US, commodities transactions or foreign currency gains or losses, certain dividends and payments in lieu of dividends, income/loss or deductions from notional principal contracts, annuities (unless received in connection with the trade or business), amounts received as reasonable compensation from an S corporation, amounts received as guaranteed payments from a partnership, payments received by a partner for services other than in a capacity as a partner, qualified REIT dividends, and PTP income. A safe harbor is available to individuals and owners of passthrough entities who seek to claim the deduction under section 199A with respect to a rental real estate enterprise. Under the safe harbor a rental real estate enterprise will be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the QBI deduction if certain criteria are met. For more information on the safe harbor, see News Release IR-2019-158 An interest in rental real estate that does not meet the requirements of the safe harbor may still be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the QBI deduction if it otherwise is a section 162 trade or business. In addition, the rental or licensing of tangible or intangible property that does not rise to the level of a section 162 trade or business is nevertheless treated as a qualified trade or business for purposes of section 199A if the rental or licensing of property is to a commonly controlled trade or business operated by the individual or a passthrough entity as provided in Treas. Reg. § 1.199A-1(b)(14). The QBI deduction has been a major benefit for freelancers since its introduction in 2018, and its permanence adds much-needed stability to long-term freelance business tax planning. Mitigate Your Tax Burden with Maximum Business Deductions The key to maximizing your deductions is awareness and documentation. When you understand what qualifies and keep good records throughout the year, tax season becomes less stressful and more rewarding. A tax professional who understands the freelance landscape can also help you uncover deductions you may not realize you’re entitled to. With the right guidance and a little extra attention to detail, you can make sure you’re keeping more of what you earn and paying the IRS only what you legitimately owe. View the full article

Every year, freelancers unintentionally hand the IRS more money than they need to simply because they overlook deductions they’re fully entitled to claim. This breakdown of the 14 key business deductions to be aware of is designed to help you avoid revenue-boosting blind spots on your freelance business tax return before you file. It’s easy to miss expenses that qualify as business deductions because the tax code is complex and constantly shifting. This is why it is important to be aware of changes that may affect your freelance return and work with a tax professional who can help you identify additional opportunities to reduce your taxable income and maximize any refund you may be entitled to. As a reminder, if your freelance business entity is an S-Corp, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership or Multi-member Limited Liability Company your return is due on March 15, 2026. For C-corporations the deadline is April 15, 2026. Here are the key freelance business deductions to be aware of, including updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) legislation from 2025. 1) Home office expenses Deducting your home office remains one of the most reliable business deductions available to freelancers. While you do not need a separate office in your home to claim a deduction, you do need a clearly defined workspace that you use regularly and exclusively for business. There are two ways to calculate the home office deduction: Claim the standard office deduction is $1500 which is a topline deduction on your return.Alternatively, you can take the deduction by calculating the actual square footage that is used exclusively for business in your home and multiplying it by $5.00 per square foot (up to 300 square feet) as well as deducting a proportional amount. 2) Health insurance premiums Freelancers often overlook the health insurance deduction even though it can offset a significant portion of annual expenses. If you pay for your own coverage and are not eligible for employer‑sponsored insurance, you may be able to deduct 100 percent of your premiums. This includes medical, dental, and long‑term care coverage for you, your spouse, and your dependents such as premiums for medical, dental, and long‑term care insurance provided you have a net profit for the year and are not eligible for an employer-subsidized plan. 3) Professional development Freelancers invest heavily in staying current, and the bill continues to support deductions for training that maintains or improves skills in your existing line of work. The key is that education must relate directly to the services you already provide. When it does, these costs are recognized as legitimate business expenses. Courses, workshops, and certifications tied to your current servicesBooks, online programs, and industry publicationsConferences and seminars that support skill developmentProfessional development may increase your earning potential significantly and it may also reduce your tax bill if the cost of the course/written materials, etc., qualify for these deductions. 4) Software and subscriptions Digital tools are essential to running a freelance business, and the bill maintains clear deductibility for software and subscription services. These recurring charges may seem small, but they add up quickly over the course of a year. Software subscriptions and cloud storageDesign tools, accounting platforms, and project management systemsEmail marketing services and paid newslettersDocumentation of business purpose for mixed‑use toolsTracking these expenses ensures your tax return reflects the actual cost of keeping your business operational. Subscriptions can be deducted immediately in the year paid. One-time, long-term software purchases might need to be depreciated over 36 months if they last more than one year. 5) Phone and internet expenses For phone and internet services, you can deduct the business portion. The expectation is a reasonable estimate supported by your usage patterns. You can generally deduct: A percentage of your phone bill based on business use.A percentage of your internet bill based on business use.Be sure that you have documentation of your business activities conducted through these services such as your meeting calendar, activities requiring internet to run your business and itemized phone bills. These services are essential to client communication, and deducting the business portion is both allowed and expected. 6) Business meals Business meals remain deductible at 50 percent when they are directly tied to your work. The rules emphasize that documentation is a must which means that you must keep itemized receipts and state the client name, business purpose for the meeting over which you ate the meal and the date on which it occurred. You can also deduct your own meals when traveling for work as long as the food is purchased at an eating establishment rather than a convenience store or grocery store. 7) Mileage and transportation Even if you only make short trips for work, tracking your mileage throughout the year can add up to significant deductions. You can deduct mileage (The 2025 tax year mileage rate deduction is 70 cents per mile) and transportation costs for business activities such as: Mileage for client meetings, conferences, and project work. Parking fees, tolls, and ride share costs for business travel.Short trips for supplies, shipping, or errands.Whether you use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses, consistency matters in tracking your mileage so consider using an app to track it accurately and make it easier to have the data at hand when you need it for filing your return. 8) Equipment and depreciation Freelancer business owners often remember to deduct major purchases but overlook smaller tools that are essential to their work. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets placed in service after January 19, 2025. While bonus depreciation has no limit, the OBBBA also enhanced Section 179 deductions, allowing up to $2.5 million in immediate expensing for 2025, with a phase-out starting if purchases exceed $4 million. Some examples of items considered necessary business assets include: Laptops, cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment.Office chairs, desks, and ergonomic accessories.Printers, scanners, and related tools.Vehicles that exceed 50% business use and are greater than 6,000 pounds. Heavy SUVs and trucks are eligible for up to $31,300 and cars are eligible for up to $20,200 in the first year. Recognizing these items as business assets helps you reflect the true investment required to deliver your services and may equal substantial tax deductions. 9) Bank fees and payment processing costs Payment platforms make it easy to get paid, but the associated fees reduce your income, however you can offset some of this with deductions for these costs such as: Payment processing fees from PayPal, Stripe, or Square Monthly bank charges for business accountsCredit card interest on business purchasesFees tied to business transactionsThese small amounts accumulate over time and deducting them ensures your taxable income reflects your actual earnings. Be sure to track these expenses and if available, use the statements and tax documentation provided by these platforms. Please note that these fees are tax-deductible only if they are incurred for business purposes, acting as an "ordinary and necessary" cost of operation, incurred in business accounts. Maintenance fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft fees, and returned item fees are generally deductible. Please maintain detailed records of all banking fees to support your deductions. Please keep detailed records, such as transaction reports from your PayPal account, for at least three years to support the deductions in case of an audit. 10) Business-related insurance Professional Liability Insurance premiums for coverage such as errors and omissions, business property insurance, and cybersecurity safeguards for your business are deductible. 11) Expanded SALT Deduction Cap The state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap has been increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for the 2025 tax year. This cap will increase by 1% annually by 2029 before reverting to its previous limit in 2030. However, this benefit is phased out for higher-income taxpayers, so not all freelancers will be able to take full advantage. For 2025, the full deduction is available for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) under $500,000. It phases out completely at $600,000 or more, where it reverts to a $10,000 limit. The cap is reduced by 30% of the amount by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount. That threshold amount is $500,000 for 2025, with a one percent increase each year through 2029. For those in high-tax states, this change could provide meaningful relief, but it is critical to also be aware of how the potential state-level workarounds mentioned below might impact you. 12) State-Level SALT Workaround for Businesses In response to the SALT deduction cap noted above, several states have implemented workarounds to help businesses mitigate its impact. For example, New York State has introduced the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), which allows businesses to pay state taxes at the entity level rather than the individual level. PTET allows partnerships and S-corps to pay state taxes at the entity level, which are fully deductible on federal returns. This workaround enables businesses to bypass the SALT cap and potentially reduce their overall tax burden. The new federal bill has no impact on these state-level workarounds. However, freelancers operating pass-through entities should always monitor the specific developments related to SALT in the states where they do business closely. 13) Tip and Overtime Income Deductions Two new deductions have been introduced for 2025 tax year that may benefit freelancers working in service-based industries: The tip income deduction allows up to $25,000 in tip income to be deducted from taxable income without itemizing if married and filing a married filing jointly (MFJ) return, whereas the allowable deduction for a single person is up to $12,500. This is specifically beneficial for workers in occupations where tipping is standard (e.g., food service, hospitality, transportation).This deduction phases out at $150,000 in income for single taxpayers, and at $300,000 for those who are married filing jointly. The overtime deduction permits employees (non-exempt, paid overtime employees based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLAS) who receive Form W-2) who receive overtime pay to deduct up to $12,500 annually for single filers, ($25,000 annually for married filing jointly), with a phaseout for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $150,000 for single filers ($300,000 for married filing joint filers).This deduction is not available to freelancers. Independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers are generally considered self-employed, not W-2 employees, and are therefore not eligible for this specific deduction. Freelancers are responsible for 15.3% in self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on all income, including any "extra" hours worked. Those who receive Form W-2 as non-exempt employees and have qualified overtime pay (the "half" in "time-and-a-half") from their federal taxable income. This overtime deduction has Income limits and Phase-out begins as follows: the dededuction begins to phase out if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (married filing jointly). Only the "premium" portion of overtime (the extra half of "time-and-a-half" pay) is deductible. If you earn $20/hr and $30/hr for overtime, only the $10/hr premium is deductible. While this reduces federal income tax, payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) still apply to all overtime earnings. While it is a deduction from income tax, overtime pay is still subject to payroll taxes (FICA). Qualified overtime will be listed in Box 14 of the W-2 with the code "FLSA OT Prem" starting in 2025. Overtime wages continue to be subject to federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, just like regular wages. However, under the new federal “No Tax on Overtime” provisions, certain taxpayers may now qualify for a deduction on a portion of their overtime earnings. This deduction applies only to qualifying overtime wages and only for taxpayers who fall within specific income thresholds. Amounts earned above those thresholds will continue to be taxed as usual. Overtime is not fully tax-free. Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply to all overtime earnings. There is no special overtime tax rate; overtime continues to be taxed as ordinary income within your existing tax bracket so be sure to retain any documentation related to reporting of wages, including overtime. If you notice any discrepancies in your pay stubs or year-end documents, contact your employer (if you also have a W-2 position) and/or clients (if you receive a 1099) promptly to correct them. These deductions are applicable to all tip and overtime income from 2025 and the provision is currently set to expire after 2028 so freelancers in eligible business industries should take advantage of them while they last. Alternative for Freelancers While freelancers cannot use the "No Tax on Overtime" deduction, they can still reduce their tax liability through other methods that we discuss in the 14 points, such as: Business Expenses: Deduct legitimate business expenses, such as software, hardware, or home office costs, to lower taxable income.QBI Deduction: Eligible self-employed individuals may deduct up to 20% of their Qualified Business Income (QBI).Self-Employment Tax Deduction: You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax when calculating your federal income tax. For 2025, employers are not required to break out overtime separately on W-2s, so you may need to use paystubs to calculate your eligible amount. 14) Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction The OBBB made permanent the extension of the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction (Section 199A deduction) for pass-through income. If you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S-corporation, you can continue to deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income, plus 20 percent of qualified real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership (PTP) income subject to income thresholds and business type. Income earned through a C corporation or by providing services as an employee is not eligible for the deduction. What qualifies as a trade or business, is specified in the instructions for Form 8995-A or Form 8995. The deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayer itemizes on Schedule A or takes the standard deduction. There are two parts to this deduction: (1) QBI component – equal to 20% of QBI from a domestic business operated as a sole proprietorship or through a partnership, S corporation, trust or estate. It is subject to limitation, depending on taxable income which may include the type of trade or business, the amount of W-2 wages paid by the qualified trade or business, and the unadjusted basis immediately after acquisition (UBIA) of qualified property held by the trade or business. It may be reduced by the patron reduction if the taxpayer is a patron of an agricultural or horticultural cooperative. (2) REIT/PTP component – equal to 20% of qualified REIT dividends and qualified PTP income and Is not limited by W-2 wages or UBIA of qualified property. Depending on taxable income, the amount of PTP income that qualifies may be limited depending on the type of the PTP’s trade or business. The deduction is limited to the lesser of the QBI component plus the REIT/PTP component or 20 percent of the taxpayers’ taxable income minus net capital gain. QBI is the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction, and loss from any qualified trade or business, including income from partnerships, S corporations, sole proprietorships, and certain trusts. This includes the deductible part of self-employment tax, self-employed health-insurance, and deductions for contributions to qualified retirement plans such as SEP, SIMPLE and qualified plan deductions, just to list a few of items that are included in the calculation. QBI does not include items that are: not property includable in taxable income, investments such as capital gains or losses, interest income that is not properly allocable to a trade or business, wage income, income that is not effectively connected with the conduct of business within the US, commodities transactions or foreign currency gains or losses, certain dividends and payments in lieu of dividends, income/loss or deductions from notional principal contracts, annuities (unless received in connection with the trade or business), amounts received as reasonable compensation from an S corporation, amounts received as guaranteed payments from a partnership, payments received by a partner for services other than in a capacity as a partner, qualified REIT dividends, and PTP income. A safe harbor is available to individuals and owners of passthrough entities who seek to claim the deduction under section 199A with respect to a rental real estate enterprise. Under the safe harbor a rental real estate enterprise will be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the QBI deduction if certain criteria are met. For more information on the safe harbor, see News Release IR-2019-158 An interest in rental real estate that does not meet the requirements of the safe harbor may still be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the QBI deduction if it otherwise is a section 162 trade or business. In addition, the rental or licensing of tangible or intangible property that does not rise to the level of a section 162 trade or business is nevertheless treated as a qualified trade or business for purposes of section 199A if the rental or licensing of property is to a commonly controlled trade or business operated by the individual or a passthrough entity as provided in Treas. Reg. § 1.199A-1(b)(14). The QBI deduction has been a major benefit for freelancers since its introduction in 2018, and its permanence adds much-needed stability to long-term freelance business tax planning. Mitigate Your Tax Burden with Maximum Business Deductions The key to maximizing your deductions is awareness and documentation. When you understand what qualifies and keep good records throughout the year, tax season becomes less stressful and more rewarding. A tax professional who understands the freelance landscape can also help you uncover deductions you may not realize you’re entitled to. With the right guidance and a little extra attention to detail, you can make sure you’re keeping more of what you earn and paying the IRS only what you legitimately owe. View the full article

A core targeting lever in Google Demand Gen campaigns is changing. Starting March 2026, Lookalike audiences will act as optimization signals — not hard constraints — potentially widening reach and leaning more heavily on automation to drive conversions. What is happening. Per an update to Google’s Help documentation, Lookalike segments in Demand Gen are moving from strict similarity-based targeting to an AI-driven suggestion model. Before: Advertisers selected a similarity tier (narrow, balanced, broad), and campaigns targeted users strictly within that Lookalike pool. After: The same tiers act as signals. Google’s system can expand beyond the Lookalike list to reach users it predicts are likely to convert. Between the lines. This effectively reframes Lookalikes from a fence to a compass. Instead of limiting delivery to a defined cohort, advertisers are feeding intent signals into Google’s automation and allowing it to search for performance outside preset boundaries. How this interacts with Optimized Targeting. The new Lookalike-as-signal approach resembles Optimized Targeting — but it doesn’t replace it. When advertisers layer Optimized Targeting on top, Google says the system may expand reach even further. In practice, this stacks multiple automation signals, increasing the algorithm’s freedom to pursue lower CPA or higher conversion volume. Opt-out option. Advertisers who want to preserve legacy behavior can request continued access to strict Lookalike targeting through a dedicated opt-out form. Without that request, campaigns will default to the new signal-based model. Why we care. This update changes how much control advertisers will have over who their ads reach in Google Demand Gen campaigns. Lookalike audiences will no longer strictly limit targeting — they’ll guide AI expansion — which can significantly affect scale, CPA, and overall performance. It also signals a broader shift toward automation, similar to trends driven by Meta Platforms. Advertisers will need to test carefully, rethink audience strategies, and decide whether to embrace the added reach or opt out to preserve tighter targeting. Zoom out. The shift mirrors a broader industry trend toward AI-first audience expansion, similar to moves by Meta Platforms over the past few years. Platforms are steadily trading granular manual controls for machine-led optimization. Why Google is doing this. Digital markerter Dario Zannoni, has two reasons as to why Google is doing this: Strict Lookalike targeting can cap scale and constrain performance in conversion-focused campaigns. Maintaining high-quality similarity models is increasingly complex, making broader automation more attractive. The bottom line. For performance marketers, this is another step toward automation-centric buying. While reduced control may be uncomfortable, comparable platform changes have often produced performance gains in mainstream use cases. Expect a new testing cycle as advertisers measure how expanded Lookalike signals affect CPA, reach, and incremental conversions. First seen. This update was spotted by Zannoni who shared his thoughts on LinkedIn. Dig deeper. Use Lookalike segments to grow your audience 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. The Anker Prime 20,000mAh 200W Power Bank is built for the moments when your phone is at 3%, your laptop is at 8%, and there is no outlet in sight. Right now, it is selling for $79.99 on Woot, down from its listed $139.99. That is a $60 drop, or about 43% off. The same model is also $79.99 refurbished on Amazon, so this price puts a new unit on par with what you would normally pay for a refurb. Also, it comes with a two-year manufacturer's limited warranty. Shipping is free for Amazon Prime members, while others pay $6, and this deal runs for 11 more days or until it sells out. Anker Prime 20,000mAh 200W Power Bank $79.99 $139.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $79.99 $139.99 Save $60.00 This is a high-output power bank meant for more than topping off a phone. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with a combined 200W total output. Each USB-C port can deliver up to 100W on its own, which is enough to charge two devices at full speed—Anker says it can boost an iPhone 16 Pro to 30% in 15 minutes. In practice, its 20,000mAh capacity translates to roughly three to four full smartphone charges or a significant recharge for a light laptop. Its digital display shows remaining battery percentage along with real-time input and output, so you can see exactly how much power is flowing in or out. When the battery itself runs low, it supports 100W input over USB-C and can recharge in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, provided you use a compatible high-wattage charger. As for its portability, at 4.9 by 2.1 by 1.9 inches, it is compact for the power it offers, but it is still heavier than basic 10,000mAh banks. This makes more sense in a backpack than in a pocket. That said, it does not support app control, which may matter if you want deeper monitoring. For frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone charging multiple devices at once, the performance matches the current price. For casual use, it may have more capacity and output than you actually need. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $369.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $139.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Restaurant operators have been automating customer service processes for years. Implementing kiosks, self-checkout, and mobile ordering has helped margins and cut labor costs. But now there’s a problem. Friendliness scores dropped 12 points in just one year. Thirty-three percent of customers actively avoid restaurants that feel too automated. And AI is about to flood the market. Here’s the choice operators face: double down on customer-facing automation and watch friendliness scores keep falling or use AI differently. It’s time to stop automating what customers value and instead start automating what they don’t see. Smart operators recognize that having AI take orders is not the win. The win is using AI to orchestrate back-of-house operations. That includes tasks like: Making sure your kitchen doesn’t run out of the appetizer everyone wants on Friday night. Triggering loyalty promos when inventory starts piling up. Adjusting labor schedules in real time when online orders spike. That’s AI as a conductor, coordinating information across your tech stack so your staff can focus on what drives loyalty, making guests feel seen. THE NEXT AI REVOLUTION There IS a consumer-facing AI revolution coming. Just not the one operators expect. It’s not in the dining room. It’s on phones, in cars, and through smart speakers. Half of consumers already use AI-powered search for buying decisions. Soon they’ll place orders directly through ChatGPT or voice assistants or their car dashboard. Before long, customers will say, “Hey Siri, order our usual from [Restaurant]” while they are driving. Soon they will be able to order a pizza from the ad they see while watching a game. This isn’t science fiction. The infrastructure is already in everyone’s pockets and living rooms. So now you’ve got a new front door. Great. Except most operators can’t even walk through it. Why? Because their tech stack is a mess: POS doesn’t talk to inventory. The loyalty platform won’t integrate with voice ordering. Menu data is scattered. Operators deploying chatbots to replace hostesses? They’re building on sand. The ones investing in integrated platforms that let AI coordinate inventory, labor, loyalty, and ordering? They’re building the foundation. When voice ordering becomes default, operators can capture more market share. 3 AUTOMATION STRATEGIES Successful automation requires going back to the basics. 1. Audit your tech stack. Look for integration gaps. If your systems can’t share data, you’re not ready. 2. Stop automating guest interactions. Kill pilot programs. Instead, shift the budget to technology that supports operational intelligence, such as predictive inventory, dynamic scheduling, loyalty engines that learn. 3. Clean up your menu data. Make it structured with consistent item names, modifiers, and rules that machines can understand. Make it API-ready, so other systems can reliably query what’s available and order it correctly. When voice ordering goes mainstream in 2026, restaurants that can’t be found by AI agents will be invisible. Simple as that. Here’s what it comes down to. AI isn’t replacing your people. It’s making them better. And it’s making sure you show up when someone says “order pizza” to their car. Miss that, and you’re invisible. Savneet Singh is the president and CEO of PAR Technology Corp. View the full article

Jeff Dean says Google’s AI Search still works like classic Search: narrow the web to relevant pages, rank them, then let a model generate the answer. In an interview on Latent Space: The AI Engineer Podcast, Google’s chief AI scientist explained how Google’s AI systems work and how much they rely on traditional search infrastructure. The architecture: filter first, reason last. Visibility still depends on clearing ranking thresholds. Content must enter the broad candidate pool, then survive deeper reranking before it can be used in an AI-generated response. Put simply, AI doesn’t replace ranking. It sits on top of it. Dean said an LLM-powered system doesn’t read the entire web at once. It starts with Google’s full index, then uses lightweight methods to identify a large candidate pool — tens of thousands of documents. Dean said: “You identify a subset of them that are relevant with very lightweight kinds of methods. You’re down to like 30,000 documents or something. And then you gradually refine that to apply more and more sophisticated algorithms and more and more sophisticated sort of signals of various kinds in order to get down to ultimately what you show, which is the final 10 results or 10 results plus other kinds of information.” Stronger ranking systems narrow that set further. Only after multiple filtering rounds does the most capable model analyze a much smaller group of documents and generate an answer. Dean said: “And I think an LLM-based system is not going to be that dissimilar, right? You’re going to attend to trillions of tokens, but you’re going to want to identify what are the 30,000-ish documents that are with the maybe 30 million interesting tokens. And then how do you go from that into what are the 117 documents I really should be paying attention to in order to carry out the tasks that the user has asked me to do?” Dean called this the “illusion” of attending to trillions of tokens. In practice, it’s a staged pipeline: retrieve, rerank, synthesize. Dean said: “Google search gives you … not the illusion, but you are searching the internet, but you’re finding a very small subset of things that are relevant.” Matching: from keywords to meaning. Nothing new here, but we heard another reminder that covering a topic clearly and comprehensively matters more than repeating exact-match phrases. Dean explained how LLM-based representations changed how Google matches queries to content. Older systems relied more on exact word overlap. With LLM representations, Google can move beyond the idea that particular words must appear on the page and instead evaluate whether a page — or even a paragraph — is topically relevant to a query. Dean said: “Going to an LLM-based representation of text and words and so on enables you to get out of the explicit hard notion of particular words having to be on the page. But really getting at the notion of this topic of this page or this page paragraph is highly relevant to this query.” That shift lets Search connect queries to answers even when wording differs. Relevance increasingly centers on intent and subject matter, not just keyword presence. Query expansion didn’t start with AI. Dean pointed to 2001, when Google moved its index into memory across enough machines to make query expansion cheap and fast. Dean said: “One of the things that really happened in 2001 was we were sort of working to scale the system in multiple dimensions. So one is we wanted to make our index bigger, so we could retrieve from a larger index, which always helps your quality in general. Because if you don’t have the page in your index, you’re going to not do well. “And then we also needed to scale our capacity because we were, our traffic was growing quite extensively. So we had a sharded system where you have more and more shards as the index grows, you have like 30 shards. Then if you want to double the index size, you make 60 shards so that you can bound the latency by which you respond for any particular user query. And then as traffic grows, you add more and more replicas of each of those. And so we eventually did the math that realized that in a data center where we had say 60 shards and 20 copies of each shard, we now had 1,200 machines with disks. And we did the math and we’re like, Hey, one copy of that index would actually fit in memory across 1,200 machines. So in 2001, we … put our entire index in memory and what that enabled from a quality perspective was amazing. Before that, adding terms was expensive because it required disk access. Once the index lived in memory, Google could expand a short query into dozens of related terms — adding synonyms and variations to better capture meaning. Dean said: “Before, you had to be really careful about how many different terms you looked at for a query, because every one of them would involve a disk seek. “Once you have the whole index in memory, it’s totally fine to have 50 terms you throw into the query from the user’s original three- or four-word query. Because now you can add synonyms like restaurant and restaurants and cafe and bistro and all these things. “And you can suddenly start … getting at the meaning of the word as opposed to the exact semantic form the user typed in. And that was … 2001, very much pre-LLM, but really it was about softening the strict definition of what the user typed in order to get at the meaning.” That change pushed Search toward intent and semantic matching years before LLMs. AI Mode (and its other AI experiences) continues Google’s ongoing shift toward meaning-based retrieval, enabled by better systems and more compute. Freshness as a core advantage. Dean said one of Search’s biggest transformations was update speed. Early systems refreshed pages as rarely as once a month. Over time, Google built infrastructure that can update pages in under a minute. Dean said: “In the early days of Google, we were growing the index quite extensively. We were growing the update rate of the index. So the update rate actually is the parameter that changed the most.” That improved results for news queries and affected the main search experience. Users expect current information, and the system is designed to deliver it. Dean said: “If you’ve got last month’s news index, it’s not actually that useful.” Google uses systems to decide how often to crawl a page, balancing how likely it is to change with how valuable the latest version is. Even pages that change infrequently may be crawled often if they’re important enough. Dean said: “There’s a whole … system behind the scenes that’s trying to decide update rates and importance of the pages. So, even if the update rate seems low, you might still want to recrawl important pages quite often because the likelihood they change might be low, but the value of having updated is high.” Why we care. AI answers don’t bypass ranking, crawl prioritization, or relevance signals. They depend on them. Eligibility, quality, and freshness still determine which pages are retrieved and narrowed. LLMs change how content is synthesized and presented — but the competition to enter the underlying candidate set remains a search problem. The interview. Owning the AI Pareto Frontier — Jeff Dean View the full article

With iOS 18, Apple introduced a feature that allowed you to set a charge limit on your iPhone. The goal was to extend the lifespan of the battery, by limiting how often you fully charge it up. Batteries age with each full charging cycle, so by preventing your battery from charging to 100% every time you keep it plugged in, you can slow down that aging process, which means your device will last longer in between charges. Now, that same feature is coming to your Mac. Apple is currently testing the feature as part of macOS 26.4, which means you'll soon be able to ask macOS to stop charging your laptop once the battery level hits a specific charge level. This feature is great for anyone that keeps their MacBook plugged in all the time while working: It'll allow you to ask your MacBook to stop charging when the battery is at 80%, or at any charge level up to 100%. Battery optimization is nothing new for macOS Credit: Pranay Parab To be clear, your MacBook ships with a battery optimization feature already, which is enabled by default. This feature automatically slows down your MacBook's charging speed once the charge level reaches 80%. Based on your past usage habits, macOS waits to continue charging your MacBook until it thinks you'll need to use the laptop again. So, if you plug in your MacBook at night, and you typically take it off the charger at 8 a.m., it might keep your MacBook at 80% until 7 a.m., then charge the extra 20% over the following hour. You can check if it's enabled by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac's screen, and going to System Settings > Battery. Click the i button next to Battery Health and you'll see that Optimized Battery Charging is enabled. But this is all automated, based on how you use your MacBook. What makes this new charging feature different is that you set the charge limit manually. That way, if you work with your MacBook plugged in all day, it doesn't need to charge to 100% whenever it thinks it should. Instead, you can keep it at any charge limit between 80% and 100%. How to enable charge limit on your MacBookThis new feature is available with macOS 26.4, which is currently available in the Developer Beta channel for Mac updates. I strongly recommend against installing this on your primary MacBook, as issues with the beta could mean losing data or bricking your laptop. Unless Apple decides to pull the feature, it should ship to everyone with the general release of macOS 26.4. If you have a spare MacBook where you've installed macOS 26.4 beta, you can go to System Settings > Battery, where you'll see the "Charge Limit" feature listed under Battery Health. Here, you can manually limit the maximum charging level between 80% and 100%. Third-party battery management apps are betterWhile Apple's methods to reduce battery aging are good enough for most people, you can do a lot more with third-party battery management apps. Those apps will allow you to do more than just set a charge limit. For instance, you can start charging the Mac when the battery hits 50% and stop charging when it's at 80%, or stop charging if the battery is too hot. View the full article

Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh has several paths toward reducing the central bank's $6.6 trillion balance sheet but the process will be costly and lengthy, Wall Street strategists say. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m looking for advice on how to pursue a new job discreetly, particularly when the interview process requires multiple rounds and my current workplace has very little flexibility. I’ve been with my current employer for 10 years. I started here before I even graduated from college, and I’ve grown tremendously. It’s a well-regarded organization with a prestigious name, and I genuinely believe they care about their people. That said, it’s time for me to leave. I’m no longer challenged, the work doesn’t excite me, and at my site things are fairly old school: no work from home, less vacation than many other employers, no flex hours, and we pay for our own downtown parking. And while my pay is decent for my field, the same role in another industry would pay significantly more with better benefits. My boss is kind and well-intentioned, but very emotionally invested in me staying. She frequently tells me she never wants me to leave, and I think she would take my departure personally, even if she tried to be supportive. She doesn’t see the lack of flexibility or benefits as an issue and has framed concerns I’ve raised as criticism of the company itself. While I believe she would counteroffer if I resigned, I know it wouldn’t address the bigger picture of flexibility, culture, and work-life balance that I’m seeking. Recently, I applied for a role that seems to align almost perfectly with what I want right now: a hybrid schedule with three work-from-home days, more time off, family-friendly culture, a roughly 20% pay increase, and more. I was referred by a former colleague who left our industry for similar reasons and has spoken very highly of the culture. The initial screening went well, but I’m anxious about how to get through the interview process without alerting my current employer. The next steps include a 45-minute video interview, followed by a half-day in-person interview with peers and managers (including a team lunch), and a final meeting with the CEO. My current workplace has little tolerance for time off, even when legitimate, and missed days are noticed and judged. While I have an office and could technically close the door for a video call, I sit directly across from my boss, who keeps close tabs on my day. Thin walls make privacy difficult. I know I’ll likely need to call in sick at least once, and I’m uncomfortable with lying, but I don’t see another option. Calling off multiple times over several weeks would be highly unusual for me and would almost certainly raise suspicion. My biggest fear is going through all of this, not getting the job, and then returning to a workplace where trust has quietly eroded because leadership assumes I was interviewing elsewhere. How do people navigate multi-round interview processes when their current job offers so little flexibility? Is it reasonable to protect my own interests, even if it means bending the truth temporarily? And how much risk is simply unavoidable when you’ve outgrown a role but haven’t secured the next one yet? You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. The post how do I look for a new job without my boss finding out? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Large and mega investors accounted for 5.8% of all single family-home purchases in December, up from 4.8% at the same time last year, according to Cotality. View the full article

Company veteran Austin Niemiec is running the wholesale arm after the departures of Fawaz, a prominent broker advocate, and general manager Dan Sogorka. View the full article

BONUS: a telephone screening form. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

BONUS: a telephone screening form. By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Impeccable period vibes are a highlight of Ponies, the Peacock spy show starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. They play a couple of housewives living in Moscow with their CIA agent husbands, at least until their spouses are killed under mysterious circumstances. In order to get to the bottom of things, the two convince the Moscow station chief that they could be useful as agents themselves. He figures, hey—who'd ever suspect a couple of secretaries? You can stream Ponies on Peacock, and then stream these stories of other unexpected spies. The Americans (2013 – 2018) Set during the Cold War 1980s, and created by former CIA officer Joe Weisberg, Americans follows Soviet KGB intelligence agents Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), living lives as an American couple in the DC metro area—and raising their American-born children. The critically acclaimed (and popular) show makes much of its period setting and a central conflict that places two spies in the heart of suburban America, even as they're tasked with undermining the Reagan-era government under which their children will grow up. Stream The Americans on Disney+ and Hulu. The Americans (2013 – 2018) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+ Kleo (2022 – ) With this German import, we have a Cold War-era spy thriller punctuated by moments of very dark comedy. Jella Haase stars as Kleo Straub, a ruthless East German Stasi assassin who was framed for treason a couple of years before the series kicks off in 1989, and who's now free to pursue brutal revenge. Sven Petzold (Dimitrij Schaad), meanwhile, is the hapless police officer who's linked Kleo to a murder he'd been investigating, and pursues her before discovering that he's in way, way over his head. Stream Kleo on Netflix. Kleo (2022 – ) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Black Doves (2024 – ) This genre-bender has been something of a hit for Netflix—enough to have earned a second-season renewal. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, wife of the Secretary of State for Defence of the U.K., and a secret spy in the employ of the mercenary spy organization of the title. She learns from her handler (Sarah Lancashire) that her lover has been killed, thus potentially blowing her cover, but luckily she has a hitman bestie (Ben Whislaw) to help her out. It's all deliberately pulpy, with a tongue-in-cheek self-awareness that lightens the tone. Stream Black Doves on Netflix. Black Doves (2024 – ) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Homeland (2011 – 2020) The series begins with CIA case officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) coming to suspect that that decorated Marine Corps scout sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), recently rescued from an al-Qaeda compound, has been turned and is planning a terrorist attack on the United States. As she's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her superiors don't give Mathison's suspicions much credence, kicking off a cat-and-mouse/is-he-or-isn't he? game between the two. Both leads won Emmys for their performances, and the series took the Outstanding Drama prize in its first year. Stream Homeland on Hulu and Netflix. Homeland (2011 – 2020) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu The Sympathizer (2024)A stellar miniseries with a reminder that boys can be spies, too. Based (kinda) on a true story, the show stars Hoa Xuande as the Captain (we know him only by that title), a member of the South Vietnamese army during the run-up to the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Except that he has a pretty big secret: He's a spy for the communist north, and, when he's evacuated to the United States, it's as a double agent. His new life in sunny Southern California gets very complicated as he struggles with his old loyalties and his new life. With touches of dark comedy, great performances and some absolutely brilliant direction from showrunner Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, No Other Choice), this is an impressively unconventional period spy story. Stream The Sympathizer on HBO Max. The Sympathizer (2024) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Recruit (2022 – 2025) A bit of fun in the "unlikely spy" genre, this one stars Noah Centineo as Owen Hendricks, a nobody-in-particular young lawyer at the CIA who comes across an extortion threat from a former CIA asset in some otherwise boring paperwork. The discovery triggers a series of fast-paced, globetrotting adventures for which Hendricks is generally unprepared—always knowing more than he should, but not nearly enough to keep him out of trouble. It's an adventure show more than a thriller, mostly, and a fair bit of fun for it. Stream The Recruit on Netflix. The Recruit (2022 – 2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Killing Eve (2018 – 2022) Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer star as the two halves that form one of television's great cat-and-mouse narratives, with Oh as Eve Polastri, a bored MI5 analyst who becomes obsessed with hunting down the brutal and notorious assassin known only as Villanelle. It starts as a professional compulsion before it becomes personal: Eve and Villanelle begin toying with each other, and it soon becomes clear that the fascination goes both ways—like Ponies, it's the rare spy drama with two women out in front. Stream Killing Eve on Prime Video, Paramount+, Britbox, Tubi, and Netflix. Killing Eve (2018 – 2022) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024 – ) One-upping the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie movie on which it's based, Mr. & Mrs. Smith stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as a couple of spies tasked to pose as a married couple while coordinating (and sometimes competing against one another) on missions. Smartly, each episode takes on a standalone mission in a different location, while complicating the relationship between the two and gradually upping the stakes until the season finale, which sees them pitted against each other. The show has been renewed for season two, but it's been delayed, and it's unclear if Glover and Erskine will be returning, or if we'll be getting a new Mr. & Mrs. Stream Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Prime Video. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024 – ) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Day of the Jackal (2024 – ) Cinematic in scope, this new adaptation of the Frederick Forsyth novel is buoyed by brilliant casting: Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, a steely international assassin pursued by MI6 operative Bianca Pullman, played by Lashana Lynch (putting her experience as the new 007 in No Time to Die to good use). I'm not sure there's anything here we haven't seen in countless other spy thrillers (including, of course, the 1973 and 1997 film adaptations), but the performances and production values are top-notch, with each episode playing out like a tense mini-movie. Stream The Day of the Jackal on Peacock. The Day of the Jackal (2024 – ) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Down Cemetery Road (2025 – ) Splitting the difference between spy and detective genres, this show (from the works of Mick Herron, writer of the more specifically spy-centric Slow Horses novels), this one starts out as a murder mystery and builds to a rather massive government conspiracy. Emma Thompson stars as hard-living, hard-drinking private investigator Zoë Boehm, hired by Ruth Wilson's Sarah Trafford, a married art restorer whom nobody takes seriously (including and especially her husband)—even when she becomes invested in the fate of a young girl whose family is killed in a gas explosion (allegedly) down the street. The girl, whose parents were killed, disappears into the system and no one really seems to care until Sarah hires Zoë and her husband to look into it. Turns out both women are in way over their heads, as the missing girl points to a much broader conspiracy. Thompson and Wilson are a brilliantly mismatched pair, and their performances are more than worth the price of admission. Stream Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV+. Down Cemetery Road (2025 – ) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ View the full article

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Our exclusive expert council offers insight. By Martin Bissett Passport to Partnership Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article