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OpenAI has announced the release of new tools designed to help developers and enterprises build AI agents that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users. The update includes a suite of APIs and tools aimed at simplifying the development of agentic applications. According to OpenAI, “We’re launching a new set of APIs and tools specifically designed to simplify the development of agentic applications.” These tools include the Responses API, built-in tools for web search, file search, and computer use, the new Agents SDK, and integrated observability tools for tracking agent workflow execution. Responses API: A New Foundation for AI Agents OpenAI’s new Responses API combines elements of the Chat Completions API with tool-use capabilities from the Assistants API, offering developers a more flexible approach to building AI agents. The API allows users to leverage multiple built-in tools, including web search and file search, making it easier to integrate real-world data into AI applications. “The Responses API is designed for developers who want to easily combine OpenAI models and built-in tools into their apps, without the complexity of integrating multiple APIs or external vendors,” OpenAI says in a blog post. The company noted that the API does not train models on business data by default, even when stored on OpenAI’s platform. Built-In Tools: Web Search, File Search, and Computer Use Developers can now access new built-in tools to enhance AI agent capabilities: Web Search: Provides real-time search capabilities with citations from sources such as news articles and blog posts. File Search: Enables retrieval of information from large document repositories using optimized queries and metadata filtering. Computer Use: A research-preview tool that allows AI agents to interact with digital environments, automating tasks on a computer through mouse and keyboard actions. These tools aim to improve AI agents’ ability to complete multi-step tasks by integrating external data and automating complex workflows. The Agents SDK for Workflow Orchestration To facilitate the management of multi-agent workflows, OpenAI has introduced the open-source Agents SDK. This toolkit allows developers to configure AI agents, manage task handoffs, enforce guardrails, and trace agent execution. “The Agents SDK is suitable for various real-world applications, including customer support automation, multi-step research, content generation, code review, and sales prospecting,” OpenAI noted. Companies like Coinbase and Box have already leveraged the Agents SDK to develop AI-powered applications for research, data extraction, and customer support automation. Future Plans and Industry Impact OpenAI envisions AI agents becoming integral to various industries by enhancing productivity and automating complex tasks. “With today’s releases, we’re introducing the first building blocks to empower developers and enterprises to more easily build, deploy, and scale reliable, high-performing AI agents,” OpenAI stated. The company plans to continue expanding its platform with additional integrations and tools to support AI-driven automation across industries. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Introduces New Tools for Building AI Agents" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The new Pixel 9 lineup launched last summer—and the Pixel 9a is around the corner—so it's no surprise there's been a drop in prices for the Pixel 8 lineup. Amazon is offering the higher end Pixel 8 Pro for $599 (though prices seem to vary a bit based on location), but if your budget is a bit tighter, you can get the Pixel 8a for $399 (originally $499) after a $100 discount. That matches the Pixel 8a's lowest-ever price, according to price-checking tools. (The Pixel 9a is likely to cost $499 when it launches, so if you want to save yourself some money and don't need the latest device, this is a great choice.) Google Pixel 8a Unlocked Android Phone with Google AI, Advanced Pixel Camera and 24-Hour Battery - Bay - 128 GB $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 The Pixel "a" series is the Pixel lineup's budget option. These devices tend to be missing some features of their pricier counterparts, but they often end up a better value for the money. For example, the Pixel 8a was available to preorder last May, and the biggest "cut" from the Pixel 8/8 Pro was the camera. Here is what assistant tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt had to say about the differences between the two: The 8a’s camera is 64MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 13MP on the front. By comparison, the regular Pixel 8 is 50MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 10.5MP on the front. However, due to improved light sensing and pixel size, the Pixel 8’s camera may be a better choice for some. The Pixel 8a has the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8/8 Pro, a slightly smaller 6.1-inch 120Hz “Actual” display, and a slightly better camera system in terms of pixels, but it may have weaker sensors. Still, the 8a is getting Google Gemini Nano support, like the other Pixels, along with seven years of guaranteed software support as well as the same new drop features. (You can read our full review of the 8a here.) View the full article

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has filed a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule barring medical debt from credit reports. View the full article

City cheers crackdown on red tape but there are questions over how much it can boost growthView the full article

Intuit has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone for QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S., providing small and mid-market businesses with a streamlined way to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone. The new functionality enables QuickBooks users to manage their business finances more efficiently while improving cash flow and payment processing. “With Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re giving customers a competitive advantage that accelerates cash flow, business growth, and customer loyalty,” David Hahn, SVP, QuickBooks Money Platform says. “What makes Tap to Pay on iPhone unique for QuickBooks customers, is that it allows them to streamline their in-person payments and seamlessly connect them to their books and our end-to-end services, putting their full business finances all in one place. This new feature, coupled with our AI-powered platform and ‘done-for-you’ experiences, empowers small businesses to reach new levels of growth and success.” Enhanced Payment Processing for Small Businesses Tap to Pay on iPhone allows QuickBooks Payments customers to accept in-person contactless payments through the QuickBooks mobile or GoPayment iOS apps without requiring additional point-of-sale (POS) hardware. Transactions processed through this feature automatically sync with QuickBooks Online, allowing business owners to manage and reconcile payments seamlessly on a single platform. According to the Intuit QuickBooks Quarterly Small Business Insights, nearly half of small businesses in the U.S. report cash flow as a major challenge. The introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone aims to address this issue by offering businesses a faster and more flexible way to receive payments, while also catering to consumer expectations for convenience and security. Key Benefits of Tap to Pay on iPhone Seamless Payments: Businesses can process transactions on the go with the QuickBooks mobile or GoPayment apps, eliminating the need for extra hardware. The platform also automatically categorizes and reconciles payments to keep records updated. Flexible Checkout Options: The feature supports all forms of contactless payments, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, ensuring secure and private transactions. Expanded Invoicing Capabilities: Business owners can get paid instantly on open invoices or create new invoices to accept payments in person. Lower Processing Fees: Tap to Pay on iPhone offers a cost-effective payment solution with reduced transaction fees compared to manually entered payments. Security and Privacy: Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology ensures that no card numbers or transaction data are stored on the device or Apple servers, maintaining high security standards. Availability Tap to Pay on iPhone begins rolling out today and will be available to all QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S. with a QuickBooks Payments plan within the coming weeks. For more details, visit QuickBooks Payments. Image: Intuit This article, "Intuit QuickBooks Introduces Tap to Pay on iPhone for Seamless Contactless Payments" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There’s always something to deal with when managing a project. One responsibility of the project manager is to identify what’s wrong and devise a way to resolve it. This requires getting to the cause of the problem, which is what the 5 whys technique was created to do. What are the 5 whys and how can it be used in project management as well as other disciplines? We’ll get to that and how to use it. Then we’ll provide a real-life example and even a link to a free 5 whys template to download and use. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-whys-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free 5 Whys Template Use this free 5 Whys Template for Excel to manage your projects better. Download Excel File What Is the 5 Whys Analysis? The 5 whys analysis is a problem-solving technique used to identify the root cause of an issue by asking “why” five times (or as many times as needed) to dig deeper into the cause-and-effect chain. Sakichi Toyoda originally developed it and it is widely used in lean and Six Sigma methodologies. It is particularly effective for troubleshooting recurring issues and is useful in quality control, process improvement and incident investigations. The 5 whys are a simple yet powerful tool that enables teams to uncover the underlying reasons behind problems rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms. Of course, the 5 whys only sets up the successful mitigation of whatever issue is plaguing the project. Resolving it requires creating a plan of action. In other words, there needs to be a project. To implement a project properly, that plan must be created and executed with project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has multiple project views to schedule and execute work. Project managers can schedule tasks, resources and costs on Gantt charts, including linking dependencies to avoid costly delays, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track progress in real time. Teams can use kanban boards or task lists to manage their work, while the calendar view offers a monthly overview of progress to keep stakeholders updated. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgProjectManager’s Gantt charts turn 5 whys into actionable plans. Learn more When to Use the 5 Whys Analysis Technique The 5 whys analysis technique is a powerful tool for identifying the root cause of problems, making it useful in various scenarios where understanding the underlying issue is crucial. It is most effective when applied to recurring problems, process inefficiencies or unexpected incidents. By asking “why” multiple times, it digs deep into cause-and-effect relationships, helping teams develop targeted solutions. Project Management In project management, the 5 whys technique is used to analyze project issues, delays or failures. It helps project managers understand why a project is not meeting its objectives, whether due to resource constraints, miscommunication or scope creep. By uncovering the root cause, teams can implement corrective actions, making sure that similar problems don’t arise in future projects. It’s particularly useful during post-mortem reviews to learn from project challenges and enhance planning and execution. Business Process Improvement For business process improvement, the 5 whys technique is instrumental in identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks. It helps teams understand why a process is underperforming or producing defects. By addressing the root cause, organizations can streamline workflows, reduce waste and improve productivity. This approach aligns with methodologies like lean and Six Sigma, where continuous improvement and waste reduction are key goals. Operations Management In operations management, the 5 whys technique is valuable for troubleshooting operational issues such as equipment breakdowns, supply chain disruptions or quality control failures. It allows operations managers to identify why problems occur, whether due to maintenance lapses, inadequate training or poor supplier performance. By resolving the underlying cause, businesses can enhance operational efficiency, minimize downtime and maintain consistent quality. This approach supports preventive maintenance and process reliability strategies. How to Implement the 5 Whys Analysis Technique The 5 whys analysis technique is a straightforward yet effective method for identifying the root cause of problems. As noted above, by repeatedly asking “why” a problem occurred, teams can dig deeper into the cause-and-effect chain, revealing the underlying issue rather than just addressing symptoms. This structured approach ensures that solutions are targeted and effective, preventing recurring problems. Here’s how to implement the technique step by step. 1. Identify and Describe the Problem The first step is to identify and describe the problem. This involves defining the issue in specific, measurable terms. It’s important to be precise and avoid vague statements. For example, instead of saying “production is slow,” a more detailed problem description would be “production output is 20 percent below the target for the past month.” Gathering data and involving team members familiar with the process helps ensure an accurate understanding of the issue. 2. Ask 5 Whys to Find Underlying Causes of the Problem Next, ask “why” the problem occurred and continue asking “why” to each subsequent answer. Typically, this is done five times, but the number of repetitions can vary depending on the issue’s complexity. The goal is to move past symptoms and superficial causes to uncover the underlying reasons. It’s important to maintain objectivity, rely on facts and avoid assumptions. Documenting each question and answer helps maintain clarity and traceability. 3. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem After completing the questioning process, identify the root cause of the problem. This is the fundamental reason behind the issue, often related to a process failure, policy gap or system weakness. At this stage, it’s crucial to confirm that the root cause is within the organization’s control and actionable. Once the root cause is identified, develop and implement corrective actions to eliminate it, ensuring the problem does not recur. Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of these solutions helps maintain continuous improvement. 5 Whys Analysis Template To further explain the usefulness of this technique, download our free 5 whys template for Excel. It lays out the structure for the process and allows users to simply input the data and come to the root cause of the problem they’re experiencing. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-whys-template.png Once users download the free template, it’s customizable if users want to add more whys. As formatted, there’s a space to add the problem, then the five whys and their answers, which leads to the last cell where the root cause is determined. 5 Whys Analysis Example Let’s look at using the 5 whys in a real-life scenario. For our example, we’ll focus on a manufacturer that has a production line that is not working regularly. Problem: A manufacturing line experiences frequent equipment breakdowns. Why? The equipment overheats. Why? The cooling system is not functioning properly. Why? Maintenance of the cooling system was delayed. Why? Spare parts were not available on time. Why? There is no inventory management system for critical spare parts. Root Cause: Lack of an inventory management system for critical spare parts. Solution: Implement an inventory management system to track and reorder spare parts proactively. Benefits of Using the 5 Whys Analysis Technique There are many advantages of using the 5 whys to figure out the root cause of a problem. Here are some of them. Simplicity and Efficiency: It is easy to implement without complex tools or extensive training. Cost-Effective: It requires minimal resources and can be conducted in a short timeframe. Focus on Root Cause: It avoids superficial solutions by uncovering the underlying issue. Promotes Continuous Improvement: It fosters a culture of questioning and learning from mistakes. Disadvantages of Using the 5 Whys Analysis Technique That doesn’t mean that the 5 whys are without criticism. There are issues with the method, which are listed below. Subjectivity: The quality of the analysis depends on the team’s knowledge and perspective, leading to potential bias. Inadequate for Complex Problems: It may oversimplify complex, multi-faceted issues. In such cases, other tools like fishbone diagrams or failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) might be more effective. Risk of Stopping Too Soon: Teams may stop asking “why” prematurely, leading to incomplete root cause identification. Related Project Management Templates There are other ways to resolve problems other than the 5 whys, and we have free templates to do so. Below are a few of the over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Issue Tracking Template Download this free issue tracking template for Excel to document, manage and monitor issues or problems that arise during a project or within a business process. It helps teams keep track of reported issues, assign responsibilities and ensure timely resolution. Fishbone Diagram Template A fishbone diagram, also known as a root cause analysis, is a tool used to identify and organize the potential causes of a problem. Use this free fishbone diagram template for Word to visually map out all possible contributing factors, helping teams analyze complex issues systematically. Risk Register Template Use this free risk register template for Excel to identify, assess and manage risks throughout a project or business process. It provides a structured way to document potential risks, evaluate their impact and likelihood, and plan appropriate responses. How to Manage Problems With ProjectManager All of the above templates, including the 5 whys, are great for brainstorming the cause of an issue and figuring out a plan to address it, even track it. But the truth is that once the templates have been used to identify the root cause, then it’s time to abandon the templates. These static documents aren’t equipped to handle the dynamic nature of managing a project. Resolving a problem successfully requires project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views to plan, manage and track the work in real time. Robust Resource Management Keep Everyone Productive After resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart, project managers can onboard their teams. But before assigning them to tasks, our software lets them set the team’s availability. That includes PTO, vacation and global holidays as well as pay rate and skill sets. This streamlines the assignment process and gets the right resources on the right job at the right time. The color-coded workload chart offers an overview of resource allocation, which makes it easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized. The workload can be balanced from the same chart to keep teams working at capacity without threatening burnout. A team page provides a daily or weekly summary of the team’s activities, which can be filtered by priority and progress. Managers can update tasks without leaving the team page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Work With Real-Time Dashboards, Reports and More Problems have to be solved within a specific timeline and budget. To ensure that occurs as planned, project managers must monitor and control the execution of project tasks. They can get a high-level project overview with our real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They’re automatically updated with live data that’s displayed on easy-to-read graphs and charts showing time, cost, workload and more. For a more detailed view, customizable reports on project or portfolio status, variance, timesheets and workload can be generated with a keystroke and filtered to show individual data points or a more general summary that can be shared with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets help keep track of labor costs to stay on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpg Related Content The 5 whys is one way to get to the root cause of a problem. However, there are many different methods to identify and manage issues in project management. Below are some examples from the more recent posts we’ve published on our blog. Issue Management Process in Project Management How to Conduct a Gap Analysis: Definition, Steps & Example What Is an Issue Log? Templates & Tips Steps for Effective Problem Management in IT What Is Project Risk? 7 Project Risks to Track Project Risk Analysis: Tools, Templates & Techniques ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated on email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 5 Whys Technique in Root Cause Analysis appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Think-tank report comes as Keir Starmer seeks to convince Labour MPs to back welfare spending cuts View the full article

Google I/O, the company's annual developer's conference, doesn't start until May 20, but expectations are already swirling about what will be announced during the event. Here's what we think might show up at this year's Google I/O, plus details on how to watch. When and how to watch Google I/O 2025This year's Google I/O is scheduled for May 20 and 21, with the first keynote beginning at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). The event will be live streamed online at io.google and on YouTube. Anyone can view the keynotes and sessions without registering, though developers can register for free to receive event communications. What's coming to Google I/O 2025The schedule for I/O 2025 hasn't been published, and what we think we'll see is (so far) based on rumors, speculation, and leaks. That said, there are a few things we can reasonably expect—or at least hope for. First is the launch of Android 16, which Google has already pegged to Q2 2025. According to Android Police, leaks suggest an official release date of June 3, meaning an announcement at I/O is likely. Public betas have been rolled out with new features for photography, security, device management, foldable detection, and small tweaks to accessibility and health functionality. Another possible release date announcement could come for Wear OS 5.1, which has some relatively minor new features and stability improvements. And while Google isn't expected to launch Wear OS 6—which would follow suit with the release of Wear OS 4 in July 2023 and Wear OS 5 in July 2024—or even announce any of its features, it could hint at what we'll see in Wear OS in the future. Finally, Google recently confirmed the launch date for the first Android XR-powered headset and revealed more details about specs and features. This came following Samsung's extended reality (XR) prototype reveal during January's Galaxy Unpacked event. Other hardware news is less likely, as the Pixel 9a is expected to drop in March ahead of I/O. Of course, AI is expected to be heavily featured at I/O 2025, with possible updates about Project Astra. The "advanced seeing and talking responsive agent," announced at I/O 2024, is billed as a next-gen AI assistant that can receive real-world inputs and respond to what it sees. The event lineup could also include updates on Gemini features like Circle to Search, AI Overviews, and integrations with Android, Search, and YouTube—and maybe even the official switch from "Hey Google" to "Hey Gemini." View the full article

In the 50-plus days since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration has announced wide-ranging policy changes—from tariffs to immigration and beyond. The “chaos” of the early months of the Trump administration is creating uncertainty for the 1.5 million small business owners that Hello Alice serves with its free digital platform, according to Carolyn Rodz, co-founder and CEO. Even though there’s a lot of confusion about how these policies will impact small businesses, Rodz advises against a wait-and-see approach. “That’s probably the most dangerous approach an entrepreneur can take,” Rodz said Sunday during discussion at the Fast Company Grill at SXSW. Instead, she encouraged entrepreneurs to be proactive. “A lot of the guidance that we’re providing is: Prepare for today, but have a plan B and have a plan C, and I think it’s smart in any environment, but more so today.” UNDERSTAND UNIT ECONOMICS In light of the tariffs President Trump has already imposed on some trade partners—and more that he’s threatened—Rodz said entrepreneurs should seek out alternative sources for sourcing products if they’re importing from countries “on the hot seat.” And it’s important that small business owners understand their unit economics, she said, because that will inform how they prioritize their business needs. “Does a shift in tariffs tomorrow all of a sudden shatter your unit economics? If it shatters your unit economics, you better start thinking about that today.” Even if higher costs ultimately must be passed along to consumers, Rodz said it’s very important to communicate to customers why prices are going up. “Be really transparent with your customer base,” Rodz advised small business owners in the audience. “If people understand the why, they’re going to be much more likely to stick with your company and see you through the change.” A LOT OF UNKNOWNS But the administration’s stance on immigration, for example, is creating “a lot of unknowns” that’s causing small business owners to freeze up rather than take action, Rodz said. Once again, she advised getting a headstart on establishing a stable workforce and building programs for employee loyalty and talent acquisition. “Really think through what those processes look like for your specific industry and business so that you’re prepared to find the best talent that you can find independent of what the political situation looks like,” Rodz advised small business owners. Another area where Rodz has seen businesses—especially corporations—become afraid is with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. “They’re afraid to move,” she said. “There is a great fear of the public backlash on either side of their move.” Hello Alice has firsthand experience with the backlash to DEI. In 2023, it was sued over a program that offered $25,000 grants to Black-owned businesses by American First Legal, which is backed by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, on the grounds of racial discrimination. Even though a judge ruled against Miller in favor of Hello Alice in May 2024, the company’s million-dollar legal battles continue. “We’re a small company and we’re a very nimble company, and so we’ve been able to actually fight this fight longer than many of the large corporations with massive pocketbooks around us have,” Rodz said. While other companies have settled similar lawsuits, Rodz said Hello Alice will continue to push as far as it can because it remains important to find ways to ensure everyone feels they’re getting a fair shot. “At the end of the day, it’s figuring out how do we operate in the environment that we’re in today and still offer the resources and needs and fulfill the needs of what is clearly an economic gap that the status quo won’t solve.” OPTIMISM AND SILVER LININGS Despite all of the uncertainty of recent months, small business owners remain largely optimistic, Rodz said, adding that surveys show that more than 60% of Hello Alice’s users are confident or highly confident that the future will be better than today—a share that doesn’t waver, regardless of politics or the administration in charge. “Small businesses are a really optimistic group.” And there are some silver linings, like taxes, that could benefit entrepreneurs if President Trump follows through on campaign promises to reduce tax rates and build a simpler tax structure, Rodz says. “Small businesses will stand to benefit if a lot of this policy goes through.” Staying abreast of the latest news out of Washington, D.C. is difficult for anyone, let alone someone trying to run a business. Hello Alice has always focused on education, and now some of that has shifted to policy changes. Likewise, Rodz said artificial intelligence could be another valuable resource for trusted information—and, more broadly, will give entrepreneurs an advantage in growing their business, which should remain their focus. “To the degree you can, cut out the noise and focus on the one, two, or three things that you can do today to push your company forward,” Rodz said. View the full article

Google released version 2.9 of Google Ads Editor, adding new campaign management tools, video ad enhancements, and better support for Shopping and Performance Max campaigns. Key updates: Manager Account Labels. Advertisers can now attach labels from Google Ads Manager (MCC) accounts to campaigns, ad groups, and keywords. Expanded Shopping Ads. Retail Performance Max campaigns can now serve shopping ads on brand-related searches, even if those brands are typically excluded. Vertical Video Generation. Responsive video ads now support automatic vertical video creation for Video Views campaigns. Masthead Ads Support. Advertisers can create and manage YouTube Masthead ads directly within Ads Editor. Better Measurement. Limited support for lift measurement now allows adding or removing campaigns from existing studies. Performance Max Age Exclusions. Advertisers can now set negative age criteria at the campaign level. VRC Campaign Conversion Tool. Standard Video campaigns with Target CRM bidding are transitioning to VRC 2.0, which includes inventory control settings and requires responsive video ads. Multi-Tab Google Sheets Export. Advertisers can now export data to Google Sheets with separate tabs for different entity types, improving usability. Why we care. The latest update helps you streamline workflows, improve video ad performance, and better manage audience targeting across multiple campaigns. The big picture. These updates reflect Google’s push for automation, video-first advertising, and improved measurement capabilities to help advertisers optimize campaigns more efficiently. What’s next. Google Ads Editor 2.5 and older versions will no longer be supported, making it essential for advertisers to upgrade to the latest version to access these new features. View the full article

Government spending rose to $603bn in February despite hyperactive efficiency drive, data showsView the full article

Google is rolling out performance upgrades for Display & Video 360’s connected TV (CTV) ad solutions, enhancing audience targeting, measurement, and campaign insights. Key upgrades: Enhanced audience targeting. Marketers can now reach households based on demographics, shared interests, or purchase intent. Improved measurement. New conversion tracking capabilities in Display & Video 360 and Campaign Manager 360 will help advertisers connect CTV ads to household purchasing behavior. Household-level insights. Reach metrics will now include household-level data alongside existing people-based reach, improving comparisons between CTV and traditional TV. Why we care. As CTV viewership grows, advertisers need better tools to reach the right households and measure ad performance across devices. The update introduces custom bidding experiments, enabling A/B testing of bidding strategies to determine the best-performing approach. Additionally, the new multi-goal bidding capability lets advertisers optimize for multiple objectives (e.g., conversions, viewability) within a single campaign, which could lead to better performance and ROI. The big picture. By leveraging IP addresses and other privacy-aligned signals, Google aims to help advertisers optimize CTV campaigns while respecting user privacy. What’s next. These updates will roll out over the coming months, with automatic benefits for advertisers using Display & Video 360 across YouTube and top streaming platforms. View the full article

Featuring Fara Howard, Chief Marketing Officer, GoDaddy; Taylor Montgomery. Chief Marketing Officer, North America, Taco Bell and Dan Murphy, SVP, Marketing, Liquid Death. Moderated by Jeff Beer, Senior Staff Editor, Fast Company. Brands have a history of leaning into the unexpected to capture customers’ attention and cultivate loyal fan bases. But what’s the secret to properly executing such a campaign? And if the unconventional has become your calling card, how do you switch it up without losing your brand identity? Hear from executives navigating these questions and get insight into how you should approach your next marketing strategy. View the full article

In the wake of the controversy surrounding PayPal's Honey browser extension, Google Chrome has updated its policies to ban the practices that the extension was observed to be engaging in. Chrome's updated extension policies for affiliate ads includes wording that seems to be a direct response to many of the tactics Honey was accused of participating in, such as injecting affiliate codes without providing discounts. Given that Chrome powers most browsers available now, expect this to have major ramifications on shopping extensions going forward. If you're out of the loop about the Honey controversy, a multi-year investigation by YouTuber MegaLag recently uncovered evidence of unexpected behavior. Honey was accused of allowing retailers to control which discount codes you could access, and as a result, not letting you discover the best available deals, despite advertising to the contrary. The extension was also observed to be inserting its own affiliate codes in every shopping website you visit, and was seen replacing other affiliate codes with its own, which means that it effectively was pocketing others' commissions. Additionally, Honey actually confirmed to MegaLag that it deliberately engages in some of these practices. According to Chrome's updated affiliate ads policy, extensions now cannot add affiliate links, codes, or cookies without providing a tangible benefit to users. Extensions will also have to prominently describe their affiliate policy before installation, in the user interface, and on the Chrome Web Store page. Google described some common violations of this policy to make it clearer for developers too, where the company said extensions can't insert affiliate links without providing any discounts or cashback offers. It also banned extensions from inserting affiliate links in the background without "related user action". According to Google, this means that extensions cannot insert shopping-related cookies while you're browsing without letting you know. They also can no longer insert or replace affiliate codes or promo codes without the user's knowledge. Honey, and other extensions that let you find the best deals, will have to change the way they operate in order to comply with these policies. In case your favorite shopping-related browser extension is affected by Google's new policies, you can still use other tools for price comparison. Lifehacker's in-house deals expert Daniel Oropeza has a full list of his favorite price-tracking tools for you to check out. It includes a few browser extensions and even a price-tracking tool by Honey itself (don't worry, this one is not a browser extension), which are all very useful for deal hunters. My personal favorite is Slickdeals, a site I've relied on for over a decade to find great deals. More than its price tracking, I value Slickdeals' community a lot. The best deals are heavily upvoted and the comments below each deal help me quickly determine whether a deal is actually a steal. View the full article

Featuring Monica Dinsmore, Head of Esports, Electronic Arts; Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku and Tony Khan, Founder, CEO, GM, and Head of Creative, All Elite Wrestling. Moderated by Yasmin Gagne, Staff Editor, Fast Company. When it comes to sports entertainment, networks and streamers are in heated bidding wars for exclusive rights, new leagues are disrupting incumbents, and the “esports winter” is thawing out to create new opportunities for the massive industry. Hear how execs from Roku, All Elite Wrestling, and EA Sports are rewriting the rules of their industries and shaping the future of sports entertainment. View the full article