ResidentialBusiness

The gas and oil company is struggling to recover from record losses after Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine destroyed its business modelView the full article

UK gross government debt rose from 85.7% of GDP in 2019 to 101.8% in 2024View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My coworker doesn’t want to report our boss for harassment Recently a coworker shared information with me about some pretty egregious sexual comments our mutual boss made. My personal feeling is that she needs to share this with HR and/or our company leadership team (we are a small startup with less than 50 employees, going to leadership would be fine). She has said she’ll consider it but she just needed to tell someone. Then she asked that I tell no one. I want to tell our HR anyway because there should be an investigation and/or consequences. What are my obligations in this scenario? If I make an “anonymous” tip, it will be easy to figure out it came from me since (I believe) I am the only person she told. And if it comes out and I don’t tell, am I in trouble for knowing but not reporting (I am not in any sort of legal mandated reporting situation)? Basically, what do I do here? If you’re a manager, you’re legally obligated to report it; not reporting it would expose your company to legal liability. But if you’re not a manager, that doesn’t apply — and in that case I’d argue that you should respect your coworker’s wishes. While it shouldn’t be this way, the reality is that reporting harassment can have real repercussions for the victim. Hopefully that won’t be the case at your company, but there’s a risk that your coworker’s life at work would get worse, not better, and/or that she’ll be put in (further) uncomfortable situations she doesn’t want to be in, miss out on professional opportunities, or even be pushed out. That’s not a decision you should make on her behalf. I understand the impulse to report your boss, but your coworker is the person who will be most affected if you do, and you should err on the side of respecting her wishes. 2. I accidentally let a contact think my dad is still alive My dad was born and grew up in another country, let’s say Narnia. After moving here, he continued a very deep interest in and connection with it all his life and made sure it was part of my life growing up. Flash forward to today: I work in sales and am developing a relationship with a very prominent Narnian company, and in the course of chitchat with my contact it came up that my dad was born in Narnia. He was delighted and now mentions it often when introducing me to other Narnians as a kind of fun fact, and says things like “you’ll have to show X to your dad” or “your dad must be proud you’re working with Narnians” and so on. The problem: my dad is in fact dead. He passed away about a month before I first met my contact, and I did (and still sometimes do!) habitually refer to him in the present tense, and it simply didn’t occur to me until after the meeting. I realize that sounds sociopathic, but I just … forgot. My contact is so pleased about this Narnian connection and is generally such a lovely man that I don’t know how to clear up this misunderstanding — which has now been going on for about four months — without actually saying, “I forgot that my dad died.” Help! (For what it’s worth, I think my dad would indeed be very proud that I’m working with Narnians, and would also find this situation extremely funny.) The next time it comes up and your contact refers to your dad in the present tense, just say, “I should have mentioned — my dad died last year. But you’re absolutely right that he’d be so happy that I’m working with other Narnians!” There may be a brief moment of awkwardness, which is okay — but it’s likely to just seem like something that got misunderstood in the past, not like you were purposefully hiding anything from him. It’s also possible that he won’t even think about the fact that the previous conversations had been in present tense and will just think there hadn’t been an opportunity for it to come up yet. Mostly he’s likely to be focused on telling you he’s sorry to hear it. And then it will be handled and you won’t have to feel weird about it anymore! 3. My coworker got angry that I gave her time-sensitive info at the start of her shift Today at work we had a few call-outs. This meant last-second game plan changes. Everyone adjusted just fine, except my coworker Elizabeth. Elizabeth came into work and started small-talking with people right away. As soon as a supervisor spoke up (after giving her time to finish her conversation) to let her know about workflow changes for the day, she became incredibly frustrated and seemed to be holding back from saying something. I joined in the conversation and let her know I had taken care of some extra work to so she wouldn’t have to adjust from her normal workflow and gave her some follow-up info to make her workday easier. In the middle of us talking to her, she stormed off. I figured she might be having a hard day so I gave her time to cool off and half an hour later checked in on her. She was still angry and said she couldn’t handle talking about work that early in the day. Her shift just started. This seems unreasonable to me. We work in medical care and if we drop the ball, patients can suffer. We have plenty of time to chat once we get our work done, but much of the work we do is very time-sensitive. How can I adjust to Elizabeth’s responses in the future? I would like to be compassionate and try to understand where she’s coming from. However, at the moment I plan on not keeping her informed and letting her figure things out on her own, as it’s not my job to manage her emotional responses when I’m just sharing information like I would with anyone else in the workplace. I’d love your feedback on adjustments I could make or if I am being unreasonable with how to handle her. Elizabeth is being unreasonable; you are not. “Can’t handle talking about work during work time” is a little bananas — I mean, she might feel that way, but that’s something for her to manage on her own, not to make others manage for her. And being visibly frustrated and storming off because you’re trying to update her on time-sensitive work?! Your instinct that it’s not your job to manage her emotional responses is the right one. But your plan to not keep her informed and let her figure things out on her own might not be; that one depends on whether you have a responsibility to impart info to her and whether patients will be harmed if you don’t. If either of those things are the case and you’re finding yourself hesitant to talk to her because of her volatility, that’s a sign to bring in your manager to help. 4. Can I thank my spouse’s boss for being awesome? After 20-odd years of retail hell that did their damndest to beat my husband’s self-esteem and sense of worth in the workplace into the dirt, he finally landed in a job that not only pays the bills (and keeps up with inflation), but has him feeling like the extremely experienced and valued employee that he really is. This is mostly thanks to his absolute rockstar of a boss. She takes care of all of her employees, her unit is the best and most well-liked in the entire state and has won awards from the huge corporate offices, she goes to bat without hesitation for her crew, has open communication, encourages and respects healthy work/home boundaries, and is genuinely a funny and cool person! My husband has witnessed her go above and beyond for her team consistently, both in the every day and when emergencies strike. Everyone he meets is happy with my husband’s work, and his boss in particular is very pleased, but is there an appropriate way I could pass on thanks for, well, putting an end to literal decades of toxic workplaces that my husband has had to work to make ends meet? It’d probably be weird to pass on a card that says, “Thanks for making a great workplace that I haven’t directly joined but have benefitted from!” Nope, don’t do it. This is your husband’s relationship to manage, not yours, and it would be overstepping for you to do that (and potentially even a little undermining to your husband, depending on exactly what you shared). Enjoy and appreciate the situation from a remove. 5. Employers that ask for too much info in doctor’s notes I’m a nurse practitioner working in primary care. I see patients for their annual physicals, maintenance of chronic conditions, and for same-day sick visits. My question is about doctor’s notes for patients who have called out sick from work. My usual template is as follows (can be edited as needed, obviously): “Please be advised that the above named patient was seen in our office today (date) for an acute condition. They may return to work without restrictions on (date). Please excuse their absence (date range).” I like it because it says “yes, this person had a medical thing, they’re allowed to work again on this date, their absence was legitimate” but doesn’t get into any unnecessary detail. But I have been running into situations more often lately where an employer requires very specific things in their sick note — “diagnosis and prognosis” as one example, so they ask me to write that they had the flu and that a complete recovery is expected. I don’t have much of a problem with this in the case of common viral illnesses, but what about anxiety? Or chronic knee pain that’s flared up? I feel this violates the privacy that patients should expect when they visit their doctor. Not to mention when some employers require FMLA paperwork to be completed for any absence three days or longer … this is a huge waste of time for most situations for both the employee and their doctor. Is there any way to push back on these kind of requirements? Should employees push back? Or should we all just do what HR has decided it likes best? You’re absolutely right. Doctor’s notes aren’t supposed to contain specific diagnoses, details of medical treatment, or any other private medical info that isn’t directly related to the employee’s ability to perform their job. Legally, notes should be kept to the minimum necessary to fulfill their purpose: a confirmation that the person was seen on a particular date, the need for time off, and any other work-related restrictions. Anything more detailed than that puts the employer at risk of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits them from requesting information beyond what’s “job-related and consistent with business necessity.” When an employer asks for more info than they’re entitled to, you don’t need to comply. You can provide the info you and the employee are comfortable with and ignore inappropriately invasive questions (or employ vague terms like “temporary condition” or “illness”). Related: what’s your boss allowed to ask when you call in sick? View the full article

YouTube has unveiled a series of changes to its mid-roll ad system aimed at optimizing ad delivery, enhancing transparency, and providing creators with more control over ad placements. The updates, which begin rolling out in May, reflect evolving viewer behavior and are intended to balance creator earnings with viewer satisfaction and advertiser expectations. According to YouTube, the platform is adjusting how ads appear in videos to keep up with shifting content trends and viewing habits. “Videos are getting longer, viewing habits are shifting, and we need to adapt to ensure ads are delivered effectively,” the company stated. Hybrid Ad Placement Model Encouraged One of the key changes involves a more integrated approach to combining automatic and manual ad slots. YouTube said, “Our experiments have shown an average 5% increase in revenue when creators utilize this combination.” Creators can still manually place ad slots within their videos, but the system will now offer new insights into which slots are likely to be used. This transparency enables creators to make more informed decisions about ad placements. “We’re now giving you more insights into which ad slots are likely to be used. This added transparency empowers you to optimize your ad placements with greater precision,” YouTube stated. Improving Automatic Ad Slot Accuracy The platform acknowledged creator concerns over automatic mid-roll ads and said it is working to improve their precision. Updates arriving in May will refine how ads are placed based on content flow and viewer expectations. “We’re rolling out updates in May that will further refine ad placement based on viewer expectations and content flow,” YouTube announced. “Just because there’s many ad slots doesn’t mean we will serve an ad on each one of them.” YouTube emphasized that its system evaluates multiple factors when deciding where to serve ads, with a goal of maximizing revenue while minimizing disruption. Tools for Existing and New Content To make managing ad placements easier, YouTube is offering creators the option to add automatic mid-roll slots to existing videos that currently use only manual ad breaks. Creators who wish to opt out must do so by May 12, 2025. For new content uploads, YouTube recommends reviewing the initial automatic ad slots provided and adjusting or removing them as needed. Creators can then add manual slots and use platform feedback to fine-tune placements. “When uploading new videos, take a look at the automatic ads slots that we first provide. Adjust or remove any of those as you see fit,” YouTube said. Emphasis on Natural Breaks The updated system encourages creators to place ads at “natural pauses, scene changes, or breaks in the content,” and to avoid interruptions during key moments like action sequences or important dialogue. Feedback tools in YouTube Studio will now indicate which ad slots are unlikely to serve both before and after the May update, enabling creators to adjust their strategy accordingly. More Data, Better Decisions Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and creator success, YouTube stated, “We believe that better information powers both Creators’ and YouTube’s long-term success.” The platform’s goal with these updates is to deliver a smoother viewing experience while giving creators the opportunity to increase revenue through smarter ad placement and more precise control over how ads are integrated into their content. Image: YouTube This article, "YouTube Announces Mid-Roll Ad System Updates to Boost Creator Revenue and Viewer Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

YouTube has unveiled a series of changes to its mid-roll ad system aimed at optimizing ad delivery, enhancing transparency, and providing creators with more control over ad placements. The updates, which begin rolling out in May, reflect evolving viewer behavior and are intended to balance creator earnings with viewer satisfaction and advertiser expectations. According to YouTube, the platform is adjusting how ads appear in videos to keep up with shifting content trends and viewing habits. “Videos are getting longer, viewing habits are shifting, and we need to adapt to ensure ads are delivered effectively,” the company stated. Hybrid Ad Placement Model Encouraged One of the key changes involves a more integrated approach to combining automatic and manual ad slots. YouTube said, “Our experiments have shown an average 5% increase in revenue when creators utilize this combination.” Creators can still manually place ad slots within their videos, but the system will now offer new insights into which slots are likely to be used. This transparency enables creators to make more informed decisions about ad placements. “We’re now giving you more insights into which ad slots are likely to be used. This added transparency empowers you to optimize your ad placements with greater precision,” YouTube stated. Improving Automatic Ad Slot Accuracy The platform acknowledged creator concerns over automatic mid-roll ads and said it is working to improve their precision. Updates arriving in May will refine how ads are placed based on content flow and viewer expectations. “We’re rolling out updates in May that will further refine ad placement based on viewer expectations and content flow,” YouTube announced. “Just because there’s many ad slots doesn’t mean we will serve an ad on each one of them.” YouTube emphasized that its system evaluates multiple factors when deciding where to serve ads, with a goal of maximizing revenue while minimizing disruption. Tools for Existing and New Content To make managing ad placements easier, YouTube is offering creators the option to add automatic mid-roll slots to existing videos that currently use only manual ad breaks. Creators who wish to opt out must do so by May 12, 2025. For new content uploads, YouTube recommends reviewing the initial automatic ad slots provided and adjusting or removing them as needed. Creators can then add manual slots and use platform feedback to fine-tune placements. “When uploading new videos, take a look at the automatic ads slots that we first provide. Adjust or remove any of those as you see fit,” YouTube said. Emphasis on Natural Breaks The updated system encourages creators to place ads at “natural pauses, scene changes, or breaks in the content,” and to avoid interruptions during key moments like action sequences or important dialogue. Feedback tools in YouTube Studio will now indicate which ad slots are unlikely to serve both before and after the May update, enabling creators to adjust their strategy accordingly. More Data, Better Decisions Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and creator success, YouTube stated, “We believe that better information powers both Creators’ and YouTube’s long-term success.” The platform’s goal with these updates is to deliver a smoother viewing experience while giving creators the opportunity to increase revenue through smarter ad placement and more precise control over how ads are integrated into their content. Image: YouTube This article, "YouTube Announces Mid-Roll Ad System Updates to Boost Creator Revenue and Viewer Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TikTok has introduced Security Checkup, a new feature designed to give users a streamlined and centralized way to manage their account security settings. Announced by Kim Albarella, Head of TikTok Global Security, the tool provides a comprehensive dashboard that helps users take control of their account security with ease and confidence. According to the announcement, “Security Checkup, a powerful new tool that provides an all-in-one security dashboard to easily review and update account security settings.” The dashboard offers a step-by-step guide through several security features, aiming to simplify the process of safeguarding accounts. Simplified Access and Control Users can access the Security Checkup tool from their TikTok profile by selecting ‘Settings and privacy’ and then tapping ‘Security & permissions.’ Once inside the dashboard, they are presented with options to enhance various aspects of account security. Key features include the ability to link both a phone number and email address, providing a backup login method. The tool also encourages users to enable 2-Step Verification for additional protection when logging in from unfamiliar devices. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts TikTok’s new tool also supports device monitoring. Users are encouraged to “regularly check which devices are logged into your account and remove any that are unrecognized or no longer in use.” Additionally, TikTok proactively detects unusual account behavior and flags it in the ‘Security & permissions’ settings. This allows users to spot suspicious activity quickly and take appropriate action. Modern Authentication Options The Security Checkup tool includes support for device-based authentication methods. Users now have the option to go password-free by using technologies like Face ID or Touch Unlock. According to the company, this provides “a secure and seamless sign-in” experience. Image: TikTok This article, "TikTok Launches Security Checkup Tool to Enhance User Safety" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TikTok has introduced Security Checkup, a new feature designed to give users a streamlined and centralized way to manage their account security settings. Announced by Kim Albarella, Head of TikTok Global Security, the tool provides a comprehensive dashboard that helps users take control of their account security with ease and confidence. According to the announcement, “Security Checkup, a powerful new tool that provides an all-in-one security dashboard to easily review and update account security settings.” The dashboard offers a step-by-step guide through several security features, aiming to simplify the process of safeguarding accounts. Simplified Access and Control Users can access the Security Checkup tool from their TikTok profile by selecting ‘Settings and privacy’ and then tapping ‘Security & permissions.’ Once inside the dashboard, they are presented with options to enhance various aspects of account security. Key features include the ability to link both a phone number and email address, providing a backup login method. The tool also encourages users to enable 2-Step Verification for additional protection when logging in from unfamiliar devices. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts TikTok’s new tool also supports device monitoring. Users are encouraged to “regularly check which devices are logged into your account and remove any that are unrecognized or no longer in use.” Additionally, TikTok proactively detects unusual account behavior and flags it in the ‘Security & permissions’ settings. This allows users to spot suspicious activity quickly and take appropriate action. Modern Authentication Options The Security Checkup tool includes support for device-based authentication methods. Users now have the option to go password-free by using technologies like Face ID or Touch Unlock. According to the company, this provides “a secure and seamless sign-in” experience. This article, "TikTok Launches Security Checkup Tool to Enhance User Safety" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US chipmaker could suffer $17bn-a-year hit to business if energy efficiency rules are enforced more strictlyView the full article

DBS chief embraced technology and rode tailwinds of regional growth and rising wealthView the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Imagine a world where marketing managers oversee AI copywriters, sales leaders direct AI-powered CRM systems, and engineers supervise code-generating agents. This is already starting to happen. By 2030, AI is projected to displace 92 million jobs while creating 170 million new ones, according to the World Economic Forum. Rather than replacing humans, AI is redefining their roles. In the near future, individual contributors will transition into AI managers who orchestrate workflows between human creativity and machine efficiency. Instead of coding or other technical skills, the most sought-after skill of tomorrow will be the ability to manage AI systems and teams of AI agents effectively. The key to surviving this shift? AI literacy. The AI literacy divide: Beyond hype to practical mastery A recent study from Deloitte found that only 20% of leaders feel the talent at their organizations is prepared to deploy AI successfully. Many assume AI integration requires hiring armies of machine learning engineers. This misconception is as outdated as believing every company needs a team of electrical engineers to use lightbulbs. AI is infrastructure, not magic. You don’t need to understand AI transformer architectures any more than you need to grasp TCP/IP protocols to send an email. The problem for most organizations is simply that employees don’t know how to leverage AI tools effectively. The challenge for leaders today, then, lies in bridging the gap between awareness and applied proficiency. The three pillars of AI literacy The good news is that anyone can learn AI literacy. Today’s business leaders can start by building their team’s, and their own skills in three core areas of AI literacy: understanding what AI can do, improving prompting skills, and managing AI’s limitations. 1. Generative AI awareness AI evolves faster than human intuition. Six months ago, ChatGPT couldn’t generate realistic images (remember the people with tiny teeth?). Today, tools like Midjourney v6 produce photorealistic outputs indistinguishable from human-created content. 2. AI prompting proficiency Effective AI use requires structured prompts. For example, I use a 5C prompting framework: clarity, contextualization, command, chaining, and continuous refinement. Clarity: Start with a clear and specific task for the AI agent. A marketer might start with, “generate 10 search ads for an online learning solution.” Context: Then, share relevant context. Continuing the example above, the marketer might add details about their company, define the audience for the ad, and state the goals of the ad campaign. Command: Here, I specify what the output should look like. The marketer might include, “format the 10 search ads in a table, including relevant SEO keywords as an additional column. Limit each ad to 100 characters.” Chaining: This is also known as “chain of thought” prompting. Spell out the specific tasks you’d like the AI agent to complete and in what order. The marketer might say, “Start by reviewing recent ads from X, Y, and Z learning companies.” Continuous refinement: The final step will depend on the output from the AI agent. It’s up to you, the human, to review the output and ask for revisions from your AI agent as needed. 3. Manage limitations AI hallucination rates hover around 3% for top models—a small percentage, but one that can have huge impacts. Human oversight of AI outputs is critical. When an AI-generated legal brief cited non-existent cases a few years ago, it wasn’t the tool that failed; it was the human who skipped verification. Build an AI-literate organization For hiring managers and business leaders, an easy place to start is by embedding AI literacy into job descriptions. For example: In the 1990s, just about every job that involved computers asked for Excel proficiency. Soon, AI workflow design will define many of tomorrow’s roles. To get your teams ready for this shift, prioritize hands-on AI training at your company. Reading about AI is like learning to swim from a book. Eventually, you need to dive in to gain mastery of the tools. This doesn’t mean that soft skills no longer matter—in fact it’s quite the opposite. Leaders should be helping their teams refine the human skills that will matter most in the near future. A few of these include strategic decision making, to ensure AI agents are carrying out the right tasks to meet business goals, and empathetic communication to lead, inspire, and collaborate effectively with other humans. AI as an amplifier of human potential History shows that rather than eliminating the need for human skills, technological revolutions amplify it. While the printing press reduced demand for scribes, it also created publishers, journalists, and educators—and ultimately, led to increased rates of literacy across the globe. Similarly, rather than replace humans, AI will empower those who master it to achieve new levels of productivity and innovation. The most successful organizations will be those that view AI not as a threat, but as a force multiplier. By investing in AI literacy today, business leaders are doing more than future-proofing their workforce; they’re unlocking human potential to solve problems once deemed impossible. The question isn’t whether AI will change people’s jobs. It’s whether you’ll be the one wielding it—or watching from the sidelines. Tigran Sloyan is cofounder and CEO of CodeSignal. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Most of us have heard the phrase “supply chain disruption” a few times too many in recent years. An extreme weather event or material shortage in one corner of the earth can ripple through thousands of global businesses, causing major delays. As the CEO of a company that builds data centers for some of the biggest technology providers in the world, it’s a concept I’m all too familiar with. It’s also one I refuse to accept as blanket reality. Truth is that many supply chain disruptions are born out of the transactional nature of supplier-business partnerships. Companies over-rotate on getting the lowest prices for materials and components, and in the process they miss an opportunity to pursue high quality, collaborative relationships with suppliers. My company set out to reimagine the supply chain a few years ago. We wanted to make our supply chain flexible, resilient, and a powerful source of innovation. The benefits have been countless: better utilization, faster timelines, lower total cost, new product and service models, and partners to help us thrive in a rapidly growing and changing industry. So how did we get here? We reframed the relationship and changed how we get the job done. We don’t have a procurement function; we have an innovation function. This way of thinking and working was a natural extension of already strong, decade-long relationships. Anything but transactional The bottom line is, we treat suppliers like partners. Recognizing that no one is immune to supply chain disruptions, in 2021, we started meeting with our suppliers more frequently, at least weekly. These meetings gave us a chance to ask questions, better understand the issues, and avoid surprises. That transparency goes in all directions. We also meet with our customers frequently, relaying updates on potential issues. We take an all-hands-on-deck approach to keeping available materials in the pipeline, so projects stay on track. This transparency means we can find ways to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions in real time. According to McKinsey, companies that regularly collaborate with suppliers see higher growth, lower operating costs, and better profitability than peers. That makes a lot of sense. The collaboration that has come from our supply chain has certainly paid dividends. Problem solving with partners is a two-way street As data center development skyrocketed at the beginning of the decade, our partner Schneider Electric, who provides prefabricated power modules for data centers, needed to expand its footprint and bring additional integration facilities online…and fast. We invited them to be our neighbor. We had land, power, and the ability to build the type of facility they needed. Schneider could expand without taking on too much risk and didn’t need to start from scratch to find land, secure power, and develop building plans. Now, Schneider can integrate our power centers and test our uninterruptible power supplies close to our campus. This collaborative approach resulted in faster delivery times and improved efficiency across the board. There was so much trust between our two companies, it guaranteed that we were working toward a common goal and making us better able to weather the inevitable challenges. Intimacy might be the mother of invention Close partnerships with suppliers also allow you to respond to market forces faster. Because of our close ties with Vertiv, we shaved months off the timeline to develop a new cooling system to meet the requirements of AI. Our customers were eager to adopt AI quickly, but not ready to say goodbye to traditional CPUs nor go down the high-cost path of a data center redesign or retrofit. To solve the challenge, we had to think “inside the box” and figure out how to adapt liquid cooling within our existing footprint. Retrofitting and re-engineering the buildings wasn’t an option from a cost and timeline perspective. The result was a system that allowed deployments of AI to flex between air and liquid cooling, achieving the flexibility and energy efficiency our clients required while supporting the high-density computing needed for AI. Our engineers collaborated with Vertiv’s on this solution, and the initial units are already being deployed. With today’s breakneck pace of AI innovation and adoption, this level of close collaboration was absolutely critical to meeting customer demand. One thing I know for sure: The supply chain can always improve. It can always be more flexible, more efficient, more resilient. Who knows where else we’ll go with these partners, but knowing we share a continuous improvement mindset means every time there’s a problem, we’ll roll up our sleeves and figure it out. Temporary challenges always become long-term advantages if you use them to discover better ways of doing things. A closely-coupled supply chain is the future Transforming the supply chain takes time, significant effort, and most importantly, mutual trust. Coming together with your suppliers can create transparency. It can also create a continuous improvement mindset. With flexible approaches, you tackle challenges and innovate together. You create relationships that become your competitive differentiator and are valued from the C-suite all the way to the field. That’s what a closely-coupled supply chain means to me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Chris Crosby is CEO of Compass Datacenters. View the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. I’ve always considered immersive multimedia experiences as a medium that chips away at solitude. But never did I expect we’d slide so far down the path of loneliness that it would be considered “a global public health concern,” “an epidemic of loneliness,” or a threat as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. It’s official: We’re living in an age of social isolation. And, yet, we’ve never been this connected. Advances in technology have bridged previously insurmountable distances, keeping friends and families in close and constant contact, and given us the ability to build and sustain communities in ways, and on scales, once unfathomable. For many, they’ve proven indispensable for sharing ideas, expressing emotions, and offering support. Every single day, billions of text messages ping-pong across the world weaving us into a state of hyperconnection. So, why do we feel so alone? Connections should be social, not just digital At the heart of this paradox are two overlapping trends: a growing retreat from the physical world and a deepening plunge into the digital one. The internet has so overwhelmingly overhauled how we relate to each other and our world, that we now think of “connections,” “friends,” and “engagement” as the stuff of digital—not physical—life. More and more, the same can be said for shopping, playing, working, and dating. Occupied by doom-scrolling for dopamine hits, binge-watching content on demand, and being otherwise swallowed into the glow of our devices, Americans are spending 20% less time socializing in person than they did two decades ago—and plenty more within the comforts and confines of their own homes.But humans are social beings that evolved in close, physical proximity to other social beings—and are hardwired to feel better that way. Our need for social connection runs so deep that it’s been found to be as fundamental as our need for food, water, and shelter. Studies show that simply looking someone in the eyes can synchronize brain waves; physical touch releases feel-good hormones key for comfort and connection; and someone’s scent can convey their emotional state and trigger empathy in those around them. More than “just a bad feeling” or even an epidemic, our loneliness is a valuable sign that we aren’t spending enough time together. It’s telling us that being chronically online may not be enough to combat isolation—even more, it might be getting in the way of the real-world closeness we need most. Real connection requires real presence In our digitally-driven world, entertainment that presents a compelling case to leave the comforts of home and gather in the real world, feels more necessary than ever. Grounded in space and in time, immersive experiences create the sense of being part of—and part of creating—a shared reality, unique and precious in its fleetingness. But immersive experiences aren’t just about bringing people physically together; they’re about making them feel together, too. After all, haven’t we all stood in a crowd, surrounded by others, only to feel completely and utterly alone, together? With interactive storytelling, multisensory environments, and digital art stretching into 3D, immersive experiences rely on new technologies to counter some of the very issues they’ve been blamed for causing. They invite us to engage with our environment, to feed off each other’s emotions, to linger in the in-between, and ultimately connect to something real. The goal isn’t an intensity that takes you out of your body, but rather an attention and presence that brings you deeper into it—only to then be collectively transported into something bigger. These experiences have a way of bringing us back to a simple truth: There are some moments that can only be shared in the here and in the now. So, perhaps the real challenge isn’t resisting the pull of new technologies, but finding ways for them to inspire connection. Our designs can invite meaningful participation, create moments of empathy, and embrace the wonderfully unfiltered chaos of real life. With each new innovation, what constitutes togetherness will keep evolving. But if we prioritize depth over distraction, and immersion over detachment, the experiences we create can be part of what makes the world a little less lonely, after all. Now, it’s up to us to design them. Sakchin Bessette is cofounder and executive creative director at Moment Factory. View the full article

Kyiv says Washington’s proposal would be ‘grand agreement’ but does not include taking over nuclear power plantsView the full article

Money for increase from April will come from aid budget and backup funds 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. Whether you’re after long-term support, phenomenal cameras, or just an all-around great phone, the Google Pixel 9 lineup has a lot to offer. And with the Amazon Spring Sale on, you can snag any of the three phones in that lineup at a considerable discount. Whether it’s the top-of-the-line Pixel 9 Pro XL or the more modest Pixel 9, you’ll get well over $100 off. Here are the three devices you can choose from: Google Pixel 9: $640 (was $799) at Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro: $799 (was $999) at Amazon Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $899 (was $1099) at Amazon The Pixel 9 sets a strong baseline for the Pixel lineup. It has a simple but elegant design that’s compact and budget-friendly. The display is excellent, offering a sharp resolution, incredible brightness, and smooth visuals. Around back it features a pair of high-resolution cameras offering wide and ultra-wide focal lengths. And Google tops it off with a modest chipset that powers some impressive AI features and that will get long-term software support for even more value. The Pixel 9 Pro takes everything the Pixel 9 sets up and raises it a notch. It gets an even sharper and brighter display. And its camera system steps it up with an upgraded selfie shooter and a 5x telephoto sensor on that back that makes a huge difference when you want to zoom in on a subject or get some nice bokeh blur. And for those of you who don’t love the industry’s shift toward increasingly large phones, you’ll love to hear that the Pixel 9 Pro is the same size as the Pixel 9. For those who love extra screen space, the Pixel 9 Pro XL brings it. You get all the upgrades of the Pixel 9 Pro but tucked into a bigger phone. This model sports a 6.8-inch display and bumps up to a 5,060mAh battery to help out with longevity. All three models come with some future-ready tech including Wi-Fi 7, eSIM support, and satellite communication. They’re also built nice and sturdy with aluminum frames, tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IP68-rated protection against dust and dunk in water. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's withdrawal of tenant requirements and an unfair and deceptive acts and practices bulletin sets the tone for the future. View the full article

OpenAI integrates free image generation into GPT-4o, creating context-aware visuals with text capabilities for all users. The post OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4o Image Creation To Everyone appeared first on Search Engine Journal. 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. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is on now, a mini version of Prime Day that has inspired competing sales at Target and Walmart. Plenty of fitness trackers and smartwatches are among the discounted items. Here are my picks for the best deals, including watches from Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, and Samsung. Apple WatchesThe Apple Watch SE, the most budget version of this smartwatch, is available starting at $169 today. (As with all Apple Watches, the price goes up if you want a larger size or if you buy the version with cellular connectivity.) That’s 32% off the original price of $249. The Apple Watch Series 10, the one we crowned the best Apple Watch for most people, is available for $299 and up today, down from $399 regular price. Again, that’s the smaller, non-cellular version, with upgrades adding a bit—but all sizes and types are on sale. Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm] with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Ink Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon Neutral $299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.00 Save $100.00 Garmin fitness watchesGarmin’s Forerunner 55 is still on that sale from a few days ago, when our Lifehacker's deals writer Daniel Oropeza flagged it as his favorite deal of the day. It’s $149, a great price for a running watch that does all the basics. It will track your pace, location, heart rate, sleep, and more. It has a retro feel, with its MIP screen and button navigation instead of a touchscreen. But you really can’t beat the price. Two other older-generation Forerunner watches are also on sale today, and since they both end in -55, you know they have that same MIP screen, which is reflective in sunlight and needs a backlight in the dark to light them up. (Many runners prefer MIP to the more smartwatch-style AMOLED screens, so who am I to judge?) Aside from the screen, the Forerunner 255, a steal at $229 today, and it is almost identical to my favorite running watch, the Forerunner 265. (The only other major feature it’s missing? Music storage, but you can get a Forerunner 255 Music for just $20 more.) That said, the Forerunner 265 is also on sale today, for $399, which is $50 off its usual price. Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS Running Smartwatch (Gray) $227.97 at Walmart $349.99 Save $122.02 Get Deal Get Deal $227.97 at Walmart $349.99 Save $122.02 Garmin’s Forerunner 955 is the big brother to the 255, with onboard maps that make it great for hiking and trail running. It’s just $349, down from an original price of $499 when it was released in 2022. And if you’d like to go for the solar version, to top up your battery when you’re out in the sun, the Forerunner 955 Solar is $399 today. If you want something a little less sport-specific, Garmin’s Vivoactive 5 is $217 today, down from a regular price of $299. This is the lifestyle smartwatch that beat out the Pixel Watch 3 in my head-to-head comparison. If you’re looking for a fresh alternative to Fitbit smartwatches, the Vivoactive 5 would be my pick. If you want an actual Fitbit, though, those are on sale as well. Fitbit trackers and smartwatchesAll of Fitbit’s major models are on sale today, including the iconic bracelet-styled Charge 6 for $119, originally $159. Opinions vary, but if you want mine: The Charge 6 is the best Fitbit. (If you want a smartwatch, go for a Garmin.) If you’re more of a minimalist, though, the Inspire 3 is worth a look. Normally retailing for $99, it’s just $69 today. The Inspire 3 doesn’t have its own GPS chipset, instead relying on your phone for location. It’s also just a more pared-down experience in other ways, with fewer exercise types and fewer apps. Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black) $69.95 at Walmart $89.95 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $69.95 at Walmart $89.95 Save $20.00 Samsung watchesSamsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is on sale today for just $409, down from $649. It comes in a 47mm size with LTE cellular connectivity, and is basically Samsung’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We have more details on its features here. The Best Amazon Spring Sale Deals You Can Get Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" A16 Chip 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $328.86 (List Price $349.00) Sonos Move 2 — $359.00 (List Price $449.00) Blink Mini 2 (White, 2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Black, S/M 130-180mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $94.99 (List Price $139.99) Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black) — $69.95 (List Price $99.95) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $249.99 (List Price $399.99) Fitbit Sense 2 — $199.95 (List Price $249.95) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

As genetic testing company 23andMe heads to bankruptcy court, there is a lot of data at stake. The company, which analyses DNA through its salvia test kits and offers information about customers’ ancestry, health traits, and genetic risks, now seeks “authorization from the Court to commence a process to sell substantially all of its assets through a chapter 11 plan,” according to 23andMe’s press release. Your DNA data could be part of those assets. A close reading of the bankruptcy docket shows the company’s terms of service appear to allow 23andMe to transfer personally identifiable information in the event of “bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization or sale of assets.” That could mean millions of customers may have signed away their rights to their own DNA and genetic material without realizing it, paving the way for 23andMe to sell it to whomever buys their assets. The bankruptcy comes after the company rejected previous acquisition offers; saw a steep decline in market value, in part due to a 2023 data breach that impacted millions of customers; and experienced a fair share of company drama, including the resignation of the board. If you’re one of the millions of people who shared your DNA with 23andMe, it’s now a good time to delete your data. That’s as New York’s Attorney General issued a rare “consumer alert” on Tuesday urging 23andMe customers to delete their accounts and data, following a similar warning from California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday, in which Bonta said customers should also ask California-based 23andMe to “destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.” 23andMe customers take to social media to complain about deleting data However, as many customers scramble to delete their data to protect their privacy, some are finding that it hasn’t been as easy or straightforward as they had hoped. And they’re taking to social media to air their complaints. On a Reddit thread, a number of 23andMe customers said they are having trouble actually deleting their data, including Reddit user jacmrose, who complained, “tried canceling and never got the email they are supposed to send to confirm.” Another user responded, “I have tried 3 times over the last few months and NEVER got the email to confirm deletion.” Over on X, another social media user reported that people trying to delete their 23andMe DNA data are facing website issues, displaying the proof: a photo of an error message. That same user also shared another observation: “[people] who think they deleted it get a confirmation email—but buried inside is a link they still have to click to ‘complete’ deletion.” “Looks like they really don’t want us to delete the data,” that user wrote. How do I delete my 23andMe data and test sample? According to a press release from the California Attorney General’s office, here’s how to delete your data on 23andMe: Log into your 23andMe account on the website Go to the “Settings” section of your profile Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page Click “View” next to “23andMe Data” Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding Scroll to the “Delete Data” section Click “Permanently Delete Data” Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request Make sure to double check your spam box for that confirmation email, or visit 23andMe’s Help Page with any questions. If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference to destroy your test sample, you can do so from your account settings page, under “Preferences.” If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.” If you live in another state besides California, you can also take these steps as a precaution, but check with your local state consumer protection agency for the laws governing your home state. View the full article

The White House says the law firm ‘abandoned the profession’s highest ideals’ and ‘condoned partisan lawfare’ 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. Cyber Monday is long gone, but with spring sales popping up this week in response to Amazon's Big Spring Sale event, there's still plenty of good tech to be found for cheap. Across Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more, gadgets from laptops to TVs are seeing deep discounts. Shopping these sales can be a bit difficult unless you know how to track an item’s price history, but fortunately, I’ve already done all of the work for you. Keep checking in here throughout the week for the best deals on laptops, TVs, tablets, video games, and more. Prices are accurate as of time of writing, but you can expect them to fluctuate and inventory to sell out, so you may not want to hesitate if you see a sale that grabs you. The best deals on laptops Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch with M4 Chip $949.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $949.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $50.00 Sales events are a great time to buy laptops, as they're one of the most frequent items to go on sale during these periods. Here are some of my favorite picks for the best laptop deals available now. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 Chip: $949 at Amazon (was $999). Released earlier this month, Apple's M4 MacBook Air is already on sale. At time of writing, the discount only applies to the 13-inch model with 16GB of RAM, but that's still enough for plenty of users. Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Chip: $1,399 at Amazon (was $1,599). For a more powerful Apple computer, the MacBook Pro is the obvious choice. As time of writing, sales are present across all chip options (the M4 has multiple upgrades available), as well as across multiple RAM and storage loadouts, but you will need to stick to a 14-inch screen. Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: $1,475 at Amazon (was $1,699). A Windows-based alternative to the MacBook Air, although with power potentially rivaling the Pro at points, this lightweight laptop is a touch more expensive, but comes with a higher resolution OLED screen with a higher refresh rate, plus the ability to convert into a tablet. Microsoft Surface Laptop: $980 at Amazon (was $1,400). A cheaper alternative to the MacBook Air, the Microsoft Surface Laptop offers a familiar form factor and, thanks to its Qualcomm chip, higher battery life and greater AI compatibility, although at the cost of some performance. Lenovo IdeaPad 1i: $420 at Best Buy (was $600). This is a more basic, "get the job done" kind of laptop, but with a respectable mid-range chip, surprisingly generous storage for the price, and a touchscreen, there's quite a bit of value to be had here. HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop: $900 at Best Buy (was $1,500). The HP Victus 16 is a tremendous deal below $1,000, getting you a respectable chip, 16GB of RAM, and enough storage to get by, but also the RTX 4070 GPU, which is typically reserved for much more expensive machines. The best deals on tablets Apple 11-Inch iPad Pro with M4 Chip $899.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $999.00 Save $100.00 Good tablets are a bit rarer to find deals on during sales events, since iPads so overwhelmingly dominate the space, and Apple can be a little more stringent with supply. Still, there are good opportunities to be found if you're willing to look. Apple 11-Inch iPad Pro with M4 Chip: $899 at Amazon (was $999). Apple's first iPad with an OLED screen, the M4 Pro is now available for less than four figures, with deals available for all storage configurations. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+: $700 at Amazon (was $1,000). A premium Android tablet from Samsung, this rectangle boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, 12GB of memory, 256GB of storage, a 12-inch 2,800 x 1,752 AMOLED screen, and comes with a stylus. Microsoft Surface Pro 13-Inch: $999 at Best Buy (was $1,200). This pick blurs the line between a tablet and a laptop, coming equipped with Windows 11, which gives it a full desktop ecosystem of apps to explore. Plus, this particular model also has a few Copilot+ goodies thrown in. Storage is 512GB and RAM is 16GB. The best deals on phones Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked) $629.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $169.01 Get Deal Get Deal $629.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $169.01 Similar to tablets, the current phone deals are a bit held back by Apple, as iPhone sales tend to be a bit hit-or-miss, often relying on third-party sellers with refurbished devices. However, if you're on Android, you have a wealth of options. Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked): $640 at Amazon (was $799). Google's latest non-pro phone has the Tensor G4 chip, a lot of exclusive Gemini-powered goodies, and a 6.3-inch OLED "Actua" display. Google Pixel 9 Pro (Unlocked): $849 at Amazon (was $1,099). An upgrade to the base Pixel 9, the Pro model has improved cameras, more storage options, and a higher resolution display. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (Unlocked): $899 at Amazon (was $1,099). Priced similarly to the standard Pixel 9 Pro, the XL offers identical power, but a larger, 6.8-inch display. Samsung Galaxy S25 (Unlocked): $700 at Amazon (was $800). Samsung's Galaxy phones are a favorite alternative to Google's Pixels, with a more traditional camera setup and more powerful chips. You lose out on Google's exclusive Pixel software features, but if you can get used to Samsung's own ecosystem, there's also some convenience to be gained with its spin on Android. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Unlocked): $1,195 at Amazon (was $1,420). An upgrade to the base Samsung Galaxy S25, the Ultra has more storage options, a larger, 6.9-inch screen, better cameras, and a slightly bigger battery. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Unlocked): $1,068 at Amazon (was $1,220). Flip phones are still an expensive proposition, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a bit more affordable with the sale. This phone has many of the same specs as the S25, albeit with the camera's performance being traded out a bit in favor of the foldable screen. Motorola Razr+ (Unlocked): $700 at Amazon (was $1,000). This nostalgic flip phone is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Z Flip series, with a slightly weaker chipset but also a slightly larger size. The best deals on TVs Amazon Fire TV 55" $769.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $899.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $769.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $899.99 Save $130.00 Like laptops, TVs almost always go on sale at every opportunity, and waiting until these discounts drop is a great way to get a display that punches above its weight class. LG 77-inch B3 OLED TV: $1,497 at Amazon (was $2,297). OLED is still my favorite display tech out there, and if I can get on my soapbox for a moment, it's the only one that really compares to CRTs. LG makes some of the best OLED TVs around, and this big-screen model has a 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. There are four HDMI 2.1 inputs. Amazon 55-inch Fire TV Omni Series: $770 at Amazon (was $900). Amazon's Fire TVs are a great way to get a lot of screen on a budget. This 4K Mini-LED smart display has a 144Hz refresh rate, supports hands-free Alexa control, comes with up to an 85-inch screen, and has various HDR options. Roku 55-inch Plus Series QLED 4K Smart TV: $430 at Best Buy (was $500). Roku is one of Amazon's biggest rivals in the budget TV category. Available in up to 75 inches, this TV is 4K, supports Dolby Vision at a lower price point than Amazon's option, has a 60Hz refresh rate, and comes with Roku's snappy operating system built in. TCL 55-inch Class Q6-Series 4K Smart Google TV: $300 at Best Buy (was $320). If you're not big on Amazon's or Roku's operating systems, then a TCL TV is a good bet. This model comes in up to 98 inches, has a 4K QLED panel, supports Dolby Vision, and has a 60Hz native refresh rate. The best sales on video game tech Xbox Core Wireless Gaming Controller $45.00 at Walmart $59.99 Save $14.99 Get Deal Get Deal $45.00 at Walmart $59.99 Save $14.99 Video game sales tend to be more often relegated to summer and fall, but there are still a few sales to be found right now, especially on accessories. Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition: $435 at Amazon (was $450). Console deals are few and far between during this sales event, but you can snag the current most powerful Xbox for a slight discount right now, but you'll need to get the version without a disc drive. Amazon Fire TV 4K Max with Xbox Core Wireless Controller and 1 Month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $105 at Amazon (was $145). This bundle will snag you Amazon's best streaming stick plus an Xbox controller and one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, turning it into a full-on cloud gaming console. Xbox Core Wireless Gaming Controller: $45 at Amazon (was $60). Almost no video game accessory is as versatile as the basic Xbox controller, which can work across a slew of devices and has a standard layout that most games recognize immediately. 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller: $48 at Amazon (was $60). This is a reliable third-party alternative to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, with both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, plus motion controls, back paddles, extra trigger buttons, macro compatibility, and durable TMR sticks. Note that you have to be an Amazon Prime member to get this deal. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article

Office for National Statistics is working on revisions to earnings figures that are important for monetary policyView the full article

The law would have expanded the state's 12% interest rate cap in a manner that would have effectively banned fintech lending in the state. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. A good kitchen appliance should last you years. And like any long-term relationship, you want to make sure it’s the right fit before you invest your time or money into it. Right now, with Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, you have an opportunity to start a relationship with a kitchen appliance you’ve been flirting with, and at prices that feel less risky. Here are some of my favorite discounts popping up this week. Vitamix Ascent X3 Blender, Professional-Grade, 3 Preset Blending Programs, 48-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Shadow Black $549.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $549.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.95 Save $100.00 Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven with Bake, Grill, Broil & Warm Options, Stainless Steel, TOA-70 $139.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $229.95 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $229.95 Save $90.00 Instant Vortex 5.7-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer (Black) $83.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.99 Save $56.00 Get Deal Get Deal $83.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $139.99 Save $56.00 Instant Pot 6.5 Quart Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid with WIFI, 13-in-1 Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Combo, Sauté, Slow Cook, Bake, Steam, Warm, Roast, Dehydrate, Sous Vide, & More, Includes App with Recipes $159.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $229.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal Get Deal $159.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $229.95 Save $69.96 Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.95 Save $50.00 Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.95 Save $50.00 SEE 3 MORE Vitamix Ascent X3Whenever big sales like these roll around, it’s completely normal to ask yourself if today is the day to finally splurge on a Vitamix blender. I don’t know your budget, but after testing the Vitamix Ascent X5 (read here for the deets), I can tell you that it is the most mighty blender I’ve used to date. Sad news: The X5 isn’t on sale. Great news: The Vitamix X3 is on sale. The X3 model has the three most common presets that you’ll use on any Vitamix anyway (smoothie, frozen dessert, soup) and you can always use the regular Start, Stop, and Pulse buttons to take care of dips and nut butters as you wish. The power and craftsmanship is still the caliber you'd expect from the Vitamix brand. With the relatively compact dimensions of 9.75"D x 7.75"W x 17"H, this model can easily be stored in a low cabinet or pantry closet. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster OvenMy top pick for best overall air fryer is nearly 40% off right now. The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a large oven-style air fryer with a wide viewing window and analog turning dials for time, temperature, and fan speed settings. The thing that sets this air fryer apart from all the other mini convection ovens out there is the super quiet convection fan. Read here for my full review of this powerful and discreet appliance. Instant VortexLet it never be said that I left the basket-style air-fryer lovers behind. My favorite basket-style air fryer, the Instant Vortex is 40% off right now for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. This appliance is a true workhorse. It’s continuously produced even browning and crisping, the basket style is extremely easy to clean, and it’s lightweight enough to lift, move, and store if you don’t have much counter space. Currently at $83.99, down from its usual $139.99, this air fryer is a bargain right now. KRUPS Waffle MakerEvery functional kitchen needs a waffle maker. This might surprise you, but it’s not just for making waffles. A waffle maker is a versatile appliance with a special indented pattern that, when pressed into ingredients, increases surface area and can make foods even more crispy and delicious with increased browning and caramelization. You can waffle burger patties, cheese, rice, shrimp, or even entire sandwiches. This waffle maker from KRUPS is 25% off right now and has removable plates, which I highly recommend to simplify your cleanup. Instant Pot DuoThe Instant Pot has lost some of its social vigor—fine—but that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredible kitchen appliance. In fact, losing its novelty makes it kind of the best time to buy. Observe: This Instant Pot 6.5 Quart Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid with Wifi is currently 30% off, and it's a full-on multicooker that is wifi enabled and has apparently over two thousand recipes accessible via the Instant app. This is the largest discount that this air fryer has experienced yet so it’s worth checking out if you’ve been in the market. It’s important to note that this is part of the Instant Duo line, which means it has air-frying capabilities as well. That’s a pretty big deal for something that made its name via steam pressure. Food processorA food processor can be a huge help in the kitchen, especially for big batches and prep work that requires a lot of chopping, slicing, or shredding. This highly rated food processor from Cuisinart is 20% off right now. This Cuisinart food processor has a 14-cup container, so it’s on the larger side of the spectrum, and has a simple two-button operating system. It comes with a standard S-blade, a slicing and shredding attachment, and a dough-kneading attachment. If you’ve been looking for a professional-quality food processor, this is the one to grab. The Best Amazon Spring Sale Deals You Can Get Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" A16 Chip 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $328.86 (List Price $349.00) Sonos Move 2 — $359.00 (List Price $449.00) Blink Mini 2 (White, 2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Black, S/M 130-180mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $94.99 (List Price $139.99) Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black) — $69.95 (List Price $99.95) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $249.99 (List Price $399.99) Fitbit Sense 2 — $199.95 (List Price $249.95) Deals are selected by our commerce team 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. If you're sick of a huge television dominating your living room, Nebula's Capsule Air TV projector will let you ditch the set while still streaming as much content as you want. The Nebula Capsule Air supports over 30,000 Google Play apps, including Netflix. It's easy to set up, features 720p resolution, and it's on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale for $279.99— that's 30% off the list price of $399.99. Anker Nebula Capsule Air $279.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $279.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.99 Save $120.00 Best of all, this device is fully portable—the size of a soda can—so you can bring it anywhere, and you don't even have to plug it in. The built-in battery runs for up to two hours, letting you watch a feature-length movie while you're camping or otherwise away from power outlets. Our sister site PC Mag took a more in-depth look, and the Capsule Air was awarded their coveted Editors' Choice award for lightweight mini projectors. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including: The Best Over-Ear Headphones The Best Wireless Earbuds The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets The Best Projectors View the full article