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If you've been dealing with Google Messages issues—particular with regards to sending photos and videos—you aren't alone. Messages users are complaining about images that are slow to load when sent via RCS. Media shows up blurry for minutes at a time before users can actually open them. Photos and videos are also arriving compressed, which is something to be expected on SMS, not RCS. Luckily for those affected, Google has taken notice. In a Tuesday post on the company's support website, a community manager acknowledged the "frustrating issues" with sending media in Google Messages, and shared some good news: The Google team has been "actively working on this," and has issued updates dedicated to "significantly improving media receiving performance." There doesn't appear to be a new update to install to solve the issues on the users' end, which likely indicates these changes are happening behind the scenes on Google's side. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep Google Messages itself updated. Head to its Play Store page to make sure you're running the latest version of the app. If not, you'll want to hit Update. Hopefully, following all these changes, you'll shake these media issues for good. Despite the company's optimism about the update, the post does suggest the problems here could be complicated. It doesn't help that Google avoids identifying the specific features in question that they've addressed, simply noting them as slowdowns and failures with media. As such, Google encourages users to continue sharing any issues they run into. Whether that means Google knows these particular issues could still be present when sending and receiving media in Google Messages isn't clear, but it's good context moving forward. How to report Google Messages bugs to GoogleIf after today, you're still experiencing these media problems, or any issues at all with Google Messages, you should tell Google about them. To do so, open the app, tap your profile icon in the top right, then choose Help & feedback. Tap Send feedback at the bottom of this page, then choose whether you'd like Google Play services to access your device logs. (Choosing not to is fine.) From here, you can write out your feedback, and including screenshots or system logs if you like, before sending the feedback as an email. View the full article

Google publishes new Robots.txt documentation that provide SEOs and publishers with a refresher on how to control search crawler behavior The post Google Publishes New Robots.txt Explainer appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The legislative proposal highlights tensions around broader utilization of partial claim-style mortgage options and the VA's particular difficulty funding one. View the full article

Champion of light regulation expected to be welcomed by Wall Street View the full article

With focus turning to increased domestic production, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange plans to launch a new lumber futures trading exchange in late March. View the full article

NetSuite is one of the most popular ERP (enterprise resource planning) platforms on the market. For many organizations, NetSuite is the all-in-one platform through which every single process flows. The more data it has — and the more up to date it is — the better they can operate. But there are situations when the data you need isn’t in NetSuite. It might be in separate CRM software, in a project management tool used by a third-party collaborator, or even buried in someone’s email inbox. In these situations, NetSuite integrations can get the data you need out of other tools and keep it centralized in NetSuite. Here’s how they work — and which ones you might need. How do NetSuite integrations work? A NetSuite integration is a piece of software that pushes data from NetSuite to other tools or vice-versa. It can automate parts of the business processes going through NetSuite, but it’s mainly about making sure your data is exactly where you need, no matter how many tools are involved in a workflow. Not all integrations are created equal. NetSuite has several built-in integrations that allow users to connect it to other tools without paying for a third-party integration platform. These integrations include: NetSuite Connector: This tool integrates NetSuite with common e-commerce platforms like Shopify and eBay, as well as tools like Salesforce. SuiteCloud Platform Integration: Software developers and engineers can use this platform to design, test, and deploy custom integrations. NetSuite Data Warehouse: This platform is used to centralize data from multiple NetSuite apps, imported CSV files, and databases like Snowflake and Amazon Web Services (AWS). But these methods can be limited, and won’t suit every organization. A third-party integration platform allows organizations to integrate NetSuite with other tools in a way that suits them. Here are just a few examples of third-party integration providers for NetSuite: Unito: A true 2-way sync platform, Unito allows users of all technical backgrounds to build flows between NetSuite and over 50 tools. It creates 2-way relationships between work items so they’re created automatically in all tools and kept up to date as you work. Zapier: An automation platform used to create simple one-way automations between tools. This allows the creation of work items in other tools to create new work items in NetSuite, and vice-versa. Tray.io: An iPaaS (integration platform as a service), this is an all-in-one platform for automating all sorts of tools with NetSuite. While it offers hundreds of integrations, they’re not often as deep as those offered by other solutions. The 5 best NetSuite integrations for your business While you’ll eventually want to integrate your entire tool stack with NetSuite, you’ll often need to prioritize some tools, especially if you’re testing out a new integration platform. With that in mind, here are the tools you should integrate with NetSuite first. Chat and meeting tools Integrating a chat app like Slack with NetSuite means you can go from a conversation to a new project in moments. How many of your projects start in a Slack thread or a Zoom meeting? And how much manual work is involved before the information shared in that communication channel is appropriately shared in NetSuite? By integrating your chat and meeting tools with NetSuite, you can eliminate hours of manual data entry while making sure everyone has the context they need to do their best work. Examples of these tools: Slack Zoom Microsoft Teams Customer relationship management (CRM) software A good CRM tool brings sales, customer success, and marketing together in one place, unlocking powerful cross-functional collaboration. CRM platforms are often an organization’s central database for all their customer data. Conversations with sales, customer interactions, support tickets, and more. Despite everything NetSuite can do, CRM tools are still in use by most organizations. That means there’s a disconnect between NetSuite data and anything involving your customers. By integrating these tools, everyone at your organization will have all that rich customer data at their fingertips, enriching everything they’re working on. Examples of these tools: HubSpot Salesforce Pipedrive Spreadsheets Spreadsheet tools are still the backbone of many essential business processes, from budgeting to reporting. Despite how powerful NetSuite’s tools are, you’ll always have some data buried in a spreadsheet somewhere. With no integration solution, you’ll be stuck importing spreadsheets and spending hours cleaning up that data or jumping back and forth between NetSuite and your spreadsheet. That’s why having an integration platform that supports spreadsheets is absolutely essential. Examples of these tools include: Google Sheets Microsoft Excel Whiteboarding tools Whiteboarding tools allow teams to get together to brainstorm ideas and plan their strategy without being in the same room. Sometimes, you just need a whiteboard and a few post-its to turn an idea into a full-fledged campaign. These collaborative spaces are a fantastic place for brainstorming, but create hurdles for the rest of your workflow. After all, someone has to manually copy and paste the outcome of these sessions into NetSuite if you’re going to do anything with it. That’s why an integration is essential if you use these whiteboards at all. Examples of these tools include: Miro Microsoft Whiteboard Nuclino Project management tools Project management tools are essential for collaborating across teams on mission-critical projects. While NetSuite has some strong project management capabilities, there might be teams in your organization that use dedicated PM tools, creating data silos that impact other workflows. Software developers, for example, often rely on Jira to track their development work. Marketers, HR teams, and other business teams might use Asana or Trello to track projects, creating their own silos. By integrating all your project management systems, you can ensure everyone has the data they need to push their project to the finish line. Examples of these tools include: Jira Asana Trello How to integrate NetSuite with your tech stack Integrating NetSuite with two-way flows is essential to eliminating data silos and enabling cross-functional work. While there are multiple options for integrating NetSuite with your other tools on the market, only one stands above the rest. Unito. Unito is a two-way integration solution with some of the deepest integrations on the market for tools like NetSuite, Jira, Slack, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, and Salesforce. It’s the only tool that allows teams to deploy integrations in days without relying on IT or expensive third-party consultants while keeping the customization and robust integration capability of enterprise-grade solutions. Ready to integrate NetSuite? Meet with our experts to see what Unito can do. Book a demo View the full article

Now the structured mortgage securities are cheap enough that CLO investors are watching them more closely, according to strategists and investors. View the full article

The final (final) deadline for the Department of Homeland Security's REAL ID requirement is upon us, and unlike so many instances in the two decades since the new rules were passed, it doesn't appear that air travelers are getting another extension to obtain an identification that complies. The 2005 REAL ID Act aimed to standardize state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards by 2008, though the rollout was delayed until 2020, then 2023, then 2025. Starting May 7, anyone age 18 and over passing airport security or entering certain federal buildings with their license will need a REAL ID. Many states have issued REAL IDs in recent years upon license renewal or upgrade, so if yours has a gold or black star in the corner, you are already good to go. However, if you've procrastinated this change, you may still be able to fly with an alternative ID. Alternatives to REAL ID for air travelIf you need to go through a TSA checkpoint after May 7 and don't have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can use one of the following alternative forms of identification: U.S. passport U.S passport card DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (available to residents in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington only) TSA will also accept IDs like Enhanced Tribal Cards, permanent resident and border crossing cards, Department of Defense IDs (and other federal worker credentials), and foreign passports. TSA does accept expired IDs up to a year after expiration, and you may still be allowed to clear security without a valid ID upon completion of an identity verification process. To get a REAL ID, you'll need to check your state's requirements. Typically, these include proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and residency status. You'll also need to go in person to have your photo taken and pay a fee. REAL ID is only required for clearing security at airports (and some federal buildings)—you do not need one to drive or vote. View the full article

Some “copycat” versions of popular weight-loss drugs will soon be restricted in the U.S. The change comes as a federal judge declined an injunction that would’ve allowed compounding pharmacies to keep making more affordable versions. In a Good Morning America segment, Dr. Tara Narula, ABC News chief medical correspondent, explained how compound-drug creation works to meet demand. “When a drug is in short supply, the FDA allows these compounding pharmacies to essentially create copycat drugs. But when the drug companies say, ‘we are able to meet the demand,’ then those compounding pharmacies can no longer sell those drugs,” Narula said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now begin restricting the creation of the compound drugs. In 2022, the popularity of weight-loss drugs was rising too quickly for drug companies to keep up with demand. Patients turned to compound versions, which were made by licensed pharmacists but were not FDA approved. Last year, around 200,000 prescriptions for copies of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy alone were being filled each month. But now, the makers of the original versions of the drugs say they are no longer facing shortages and have removed the drugs from the FDA’s shortage list. Three weeks ago, the FDA made that declaration in a press release, and, at the same time, announced that selling copycat versions “with rare exceptions” was now “illegal.” In the release, Dave Moore, president of Novo Nordisk and executive vice president of U.S. operations and global business development, said, “We are pleased the FDA has declared that supply of the only real, FDA-approved semaglutide medicines is resolved, affirming that Novo Nordisk is meeting or exceeding current and projected nationwide demand. No one should have to compromise their health due to misinformation and reach for fake or illegitimate knockoff drugs that pose significant safety risks to patients.” Still, patients who rely on copycat weight-loss drugs pay a fraction of the price tag for the real thing, which averages around $1,000 per month. Narula said that patients’ wallets will certainly be impacted by the FDA’s move. “This is all going to affect people who are getting these drugs, usually at a much lower cost and much easier to find,” Narula said. Telehealth companies, such as Hims & Hers Health, which capitalized on the supply issues by selling compound versions, may also be hard hit. Hims’s shares have already tumbled, dropping 46% since semaglutide was taken off the FDA’s shortage list. To that end, a Change.org petition organized by the GLP-1 Collective, a nonprofit that advocates for access to the drugs, has sprung into action to combat the FDA’s latest moves. The petition has garnered more than 24,700 signatures at the time of publication. The petition not only urges the FDA to allow compounding pharmacies to keep making the drugs, it also asserts the importance of generic versions of the drugs, insurance coverage, and competitive pricing. View the full article

Moscow’s soldiers step up the offensive just hours after Kyiv backs 30-day, US-brokered armisticeView the full article

Study after study shows that humans can't really multitask but we all keep trying to do it anyway. Why is that? In part, I blame our nice big computer monitors, which can fit lots of open windows at once. I have a habit of leaving a chat window open in the background when I should be focused on my writing, and I bet you do something similar, even if you know—and agree—with the research that suggests this only increases your distractibility. Recently I stumbled upon Monocle, a $4 indie Mac application that seeks to solve this problem. Monocle blurs everything on your screen except for your current window. The idea is that this will force you to focus on the task at hand, instead of constantly monitoring several open windows. Sure, you could do the same thing by using all of your applications in full screen or by only having one application open at the time, but this approach means you can still switch easily between windows when that's actually useful (as opposed to whenever your attention wanders). If this sounds a bit abstract, perhaps some screenshots will make things a bit more clear. Here's a cluttered Mac desktop with multiple windows open: Credit: Justin Pot And here's what that same desktop looks like with Monocle running: Credit: Justin Pot The currently open window is clear, as is the menu bar. All of the other windows, not to mention the wallpaper, are blurred. In theory, blurring everything you're not currently working on will make it easier to focus. If this strikes you as too extreme, Monocle offers a compromise of sorts: an option that blurs only the bottom three quarters of each window. This allows you to note what's open without getting sucked in: Credit: Justin Pot There are a few more features in the settings worth exploring. You can exclude certain applications from triggering the effect, if you want. You can also adjust the graininess of the blurring and set up keyboard shortcuts for turning the feature on and off. I tested out Monocle for a couple of days, mostly while writing. That, for me, is the primary task I do better at when I am solely focusing on the task at hand. For this use case, I found Monocle super helpful. It's also the only time I really left the blurring turned on. That's because there are all sorts of tasks that actually require typing in one window while looking at another. When I'm researching, for example, I tend to have two windows open: Obsidian for my notes, and a browser for the information I'm gathering. I constantly need to be looking at both of those windows at once. I think most people have at least some tasks that likewise require multiple windows, and leaving blurring on during tasks like that isn't going to be useful at all. The good news is, you can toggle the blurring using either a keyboard shortcut or by clicking a menu bar icon. I recommend doing this often—it's a good way to learn the kinds of work where you do (and do not) benefit from having multiple windows open. I also recommend hiding your Mac's menu bar in addition to turning on the app—that blocks out even more things that could disrupt your focus. If you're curious about Monocle, the app offers a seven-day free trial. Try it out for yourself and see if it's helpful. View the full article

A trio of trends — rates, prices and economic uncertainty — will dominate the 2025 Spring buying season and likely affect activity, Realtor.com warned. View the full article

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

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

Fiscal watchdog’s preliminary forecasts based on UK borrowing costs exclude recent rise in gilt yieldsView 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

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

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