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On Wednesday, Apple officially revealed the iPhone 16e, the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE. While the second and third-generation SEs borrowed from the design language of the iPhone 8, this new iPhone looks just like an iPhone 14. There are a lot of perks that come with that decision, but in doing so, Apple has also done something pretty drastic: It has officially killed off the Home button. With the launch of the iPhone 16e, no iPhone, nor any iPad Apple currently sells, ships with a Home button. (The iPod touch was killed off a long time ago.) This is, definitively, the end of an era, and I come not to mourn the Home button, but to praise it. Let's take a look at the life of Apple's Home button—what it did right, what it did wrong, and where we go from here. A brief history of the Home buttonWhen Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in 2007, a lot of attention was given it its "giant" touch screen—as Jobs described the iPhone's 3.5-inch display. But while touch controls certainly stole the spotlight, it wasn't the iPhone's only unique feature to get a shoutout. Here's what Jobs had to say when addressing the Home button for the first time: "And on the front, there's only one button down there. We call it the 'Home' button: [It] takes you home from wherever you are." And at that point in time, that's all the Home button did. Want to leave an app? Hit the Home button. Welcome home. But that simplicity didn't last forever. Very quickly, simply clicking the Home button to go home wasn't enough: Users expected more from their smartphones, and Apple had to adapt. One of the first non-home functions of the Home button was to take screenshots. Anyone who has used an iPhone with a Home button knows how it works: You press the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button together, and presto: screenshot. (The functionality on today's Face ID iPhones is similar, but now you use the Side button with the Volume up button.) All of a sudden, the Home button had more than one purpose. Next came Voice Control. Not Siri, mind you: Voice Control is a rudimentary version of Siri that launched on the iPhone 3GS in 2009. (Fun fact: It still exists on iOS!) As you might expect, to activate Voice Control, you hold down the Home button, wait for the Voice Control UI to appear, then ask it to complete a task (e.g. "Call Mom," or "play a song.") With the release of iOS 4 in 2010, Apple introduced app switching: By clicking the Home button twice, you could reveal a new menu at the bottom of your screen with all of your recently-used apps. Tap one, and you could switch to it, without needing to go to your Home Screen first to find the app you were looking for. Of course, the real revolution came in 2011, with the iPhone 4S and Siri. Apple took the Voice Command control and assigned it to Siri. With a long-press of the Home button, you could call upon the digital assistant to help answer questions and complete tasks. (The utility of asking Siri to do anything has been a point of contention ever since.) The Home button's next milestone came with the iPhone 5s. For this model, Apple outfitted the button with a fingerprint reader. It was the era of Touch ID. Gone was the iconic rounded square icon in the center of the Home button, replaced by solid glass. Users could now scan their fingerprints using the button and unlock their iPhones without having to punch in a passcode. Perhaps the Home button's final development was when it ceased to be a true button at all. With the iPhone 7 series, Apple replaced the physical button with a capacitive one. Just as with its MacBooks, a Taptic Engine underneath the bottom bezel of the iPhone provides a clever vibration each time you "press" on the button. In effect, it creates the illusion a click, even though the "button" never moves at all. (There was nothing quite like the feeling of the Home button going dead when your iPhone ran out of charge at the worst possible moment.) A new player in townFor a number of years, the Home button was a key component of most Apple products—minus the Mac. Whether you bought an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, even a particular iPod nano, you were using a Home button. But nothing lasts forever. The Home button took up a lot of screen real estate, if you recall: As other smartphones pushed their displays to the edge of the device, the iPhone still sported the same general design for about 10 years. Sure, the overall device looked different, and the screens got much larger, but the display was still sandwiched between a large top and bottom bezel—the latter of which held the Home button. When Apple was looking to overhaul the iPhone's design for the iPhone X while pushing the display to its physical limits, there was only one thing to do: nix the Home button. The iconic button was pushed out, in favor of Face ID, so Apple could present its "10th anniversary iPhone" with an edge-to-edge (-ish) display. The iPhone 8 (left) vs. the iPhone X (right). Credit: Marques Brownlee/YouTube The Home button wasn't totally eliminated, of course—along with the iPhone X, Apple released the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, which included the same capacitive Home button as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. But by the following year, Apple's entire lineup of flagship phones—the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR—had all ditched the Home button. Since then, only the iPhone SE line has offered a Home button—at least in the iPhone space. Apple kept the Home button alive on iPad for a while, until the third-generation iPad Pro (2018), fourth-generation iPad Air (2020), sixth-generation iPad mini (2021), and 10th-generation iPad (2022). And as of the iPhone 16e, the Home button is gone from Apple's lineup. What the Home button got rightIt's not that gesture controls aren't great—they are! Swiping around iOS feels intuitive and, in many ways, is objectively better than getting around using the Home button. But the Home button had some undeniable perks. It's tough to remember for those of us with Face ID iPhones, but there was a time when it was much simpler to unlock your iPhone in the morning without resorting to using your passcode. You didn't need to contort your face in the right position away from your pillow in order to authenticate yourself: Touch ID works however you're lying down. (Touch ID also works when your face is all puffy from sleep.) That ease extends to however you unlock your iPhone: As long as you can physically touch the Home button with the correct fingerprint, you're in. Just try to unlock a Face ID iPhone while it's resting on your desk without moving your face towards it. And don't get me started on what it was like unlocking a Face ID iPhone while wearing a mask during the pandemic: Before Apple issued an update making it easier, that was a nightmare. More simply, the Home button was a button, and buttons are great! Devices in general seem to be moving away from buttons in favor of touch or voice controls, and while those can certainly be effective, physical buttons are kind of the best. There's a satisfaction in clicking something and seeing an action as a result. Swiping is perfectly fine: I'm used to swiping up to go home, or swiping up and over to access my app switcher. But clicking once to go home, or clicking twice to pull up my open apps, still works really well—as does clicking the button without purpose, just because it's there. You could also have some fun with the Home button that you can't with Face ID. Touch ID settings let you save five fingerprint scans on each device, but most of us have ten fingers. So, when setting up each fingerprint, you'd alternate fingers until a scan was complete—which effectively registered two fingers on one scan. Repeat that five times, and you could use any finger to authenticate yourself. (This still works on Macs with Touch ID.) What the Home button left to be desiredHere's the problem with buttons, though: they can break. I never had a Home button break on me, but plenty of others did, for one reason or another. And if your Home button broke, it was a real pain in the ass. It's possible to fix a Home button yourself—iFixit sells a kit at a reasonable price—but if you want Touch ID to keep working, you need to take it to the Apple Store, which will likely charge you hundreds of dollars for the privilege. While Touch ID is superior to Face ID in some ways, it falls short in many others. Are your hands wet? Your fingerprint will not scan until they're dry. Do you suffer from dry skin in the winter? Ge used to using your passcode for a few months. Wearing gloves? Better take them off. Not to mention, Face ID is way more secure than Touch ID, at least according to Apple: The company claims the former has less than a one in a million chance of unlocking when someone else uses your phone, while Touch ID has a one in 50,000 chance of the same failure. The extra screen real estate the removal of the bottom bezel affords is also an undeniable plus. The largest Home button iPhone had a 5.5-inch display, while the smallest Face ID iPhone Apple currently sells has a 6.1-inch display. It's hardly a contest. I will say, I don't see those advantages for watching videos: I don't like cropping out my content to fill my iPhone's display, so on a Pro Max iPhone, the overall video size is about the same as it would be on, say, an 8 Plus. But for everything else on iOS? Those bezels are hardly missed. Don't call the coroner yetThe Home button may be gone from Apple's lineup, but it won't soon be forgotten. It was an iconic attribute of the iPhone for the first 10 years of the product's life: Many phones had a similar design to the iPhone, but only one had that distinct rounded Home button. It also isn't dead. There are still plenty of Home button iPhones in use right now. Apple still supports the second and third-generation iPhone SE, as well as a number of Home button iPads, so the company will still need to keep Home buttons in mind when developing its software for some time. And while Apple itself won't sell you a new iPhone with a Home button, you can still easily buy one elsewhere. You can find new and used iPhone SEs through many retailers, and while I wouldn't recommend doing so if you care about your device's longevity, you can even pick up a used iPhone 8 or 8 Plus for less than $100. The point is, for a long time, the Home button mattered. And until Apple drops support for all Home button devices entirely, it still does. View the full article

In the about 1,000 days between her drunken-driving crash in May 2022 and her death, South Korean mainstream news organizations published at least around 2,000 stories on film actor Kim Sae-ron. They illustrate how the local media often cover a celebrity’s fall from grace. Previously one of the brightest young stars in South Korean cinema, Kim was condemned and ridiculed for driving drunk; for talking about her financial struggles after losing roles; for taking a job at a coffee shop; for attempting a comeback in theater; for going out with friends instead of “showing remorse”; and for being seen smiling on set while shooting an indie movie. After the 24-year-old actor was found dead at her home Sunday, the headlines predictably swung to calling for changes to the way celebrities are treated in the public arena. Kim’s death, which police consider a suicide, adds to a growing list of high-profile celebrity deaths in the country, which some experts attribute to the enormous pressure celebrities face under the gaze of a relentlessly unforgiving media that seizes on every misstep. EDITOR’S NOTE: In South Korea, callers can receive 24-hour counseling through the suicide prevention hotline 1577-0199, the “Life Line” service at 1588-9191, the “Hope Phone” at 129 and the “Youth Phone” at 1388. Here’s a look at the intense pressure faced by South Korean celebrities who fall from grace. A sudden fall from grace South Korea is notoriously harsh on its celebrities, particularly women. Kim rose to stardom as a child actor with the 2010 hit crime thriller The Man from Nowhere and garnered acclaim and popularity for her acting in movies and TV dramas for years. But that changed after May 18, 2022, when Kim crashed a vehicle into a tree and an electrical transformer while driving drunk in southern Seoul. She posted a handwritten apology on Instagram and reportedly compensated around 60 shops that lost power temporarily because of the crash, but that did little to defuse negative coverage and she struggled to find acting work. When a Seoul court issued a 200 million won ($139,000) fine over the crash in April 2023, Kim expressed her fears about the media to reporters, saying many articles about her private life were untrue. “I’m too scared to say anything about them,” she said. Relentless negative coverage In the wake of Kim’s drunken-driving crash, celebrity gossip channels on YouTube began posting negative videos about her private life, suggesting without providing evidence that she was exaggerating her financial straits by working at coffee shops, and arguing that social media posts showing her socializing with friends meant she wasn’t showing enough remorse. Other entertainers, especially female, have struggled to find work after run-ins with the law, including drunken driving or substance abuse, and experts say many of them are reluctant to seek treatment for mental health problems like depression, fearing further negative coverage. Kwon Young-chan, a comedian-turned-scholar who leads a group helping celebrities with mental health issues, said celebrities often feel helpless when the coverage turns negative after spending years carefully cultivating their public image. Kwon, who stayed with Kim’s relatives during a traditional three-day funeral process, said her family is considering legal action against a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of subscribers for what they describe as groundless attacks on Kim’s private life. Peter Jongho Na, a professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, lamented on Facebook that South Korean society had become a giant version of “Squid Game,” the brutal Netflix survival drama, “abandoning people who make mistakes or fall behind, acting as though nothing happened.” Media blamed for celebrity deaths The National Police Agency said officers found no signs of foul play at Kim’s home and that she left no note. But a spate of high-profile deaths has sparked discussions about how news organizations cover the private lives of celebrities and whether floods of critical online comments are harming their mental health. Similar conversations happened after the 2008 death of mega movie star Choi Jin-sil; the death of her former baseball star husband, Cho Sung-min, in 2013; the deaths of K-Pop singers Sulli and Goo Hara in 2019; and the death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun in 2023. Sensational but unsubstantiated claims like from social media are widely recycled and amplified by traditional media outlets as they compete for audience attention, said Hyun-jae Yu, a communications professor at Seoul’s Sogang University. Struggling with a sharp decline in traditional media readership, he said, media turn to covering YouTube drama as the easiest way to drive up traffic, often skipping the work of reporting and verifying facts. Following the 2019 deaths of Sulli and Goo Hara, which were widely attributed to cyberbullying and sexual harassment both in the public and media, lawmakers proposed various measures to discourage harsh online comments. These included expanding real-name requirements and strengthening websites’ requirements to weed out hate speech and false information, but none of these proposed laws passed. Reforms remain elusive South Korean management agencies are getting increasingly active in taking legal action to protect their entertainers from online bullying. Hybe, which manages several K-Pop groups including BTS, publishes regular updates about lawsuits it’s filing against social media commentators it deems malicious. But Yu said it’s crucial for mainstream media companies to strengthen self-regulation and limit their use of YouTube content as news sources. Government authorities could also compel YouTube and other social media platforms to take greater responsibility for content created by their users, he said, including actively removing problematic videos and preventing creators from monetizing them. The South Korean office of Google, YouTube’s parent company, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Heo Chanhaeng, an executive director at the Center for Media Responsibility and Human Rights, said news organizations and websites should consider shutting down the comments sections on entertainment stories entirely. “Her private life was indiscriminately reported beyond what was necessary,” Heo said. “That’s not a legitimate matter of public interest.” —Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press View the full article

You can now use a feature that's very similar to Android's "circle-to-search" on iPhone. While it's not exactly called that, both the Chrome app and the Google app will now allow you to circle text or images to search whatever's in your selection using Google Lens. The limitation? On Android, you can use the circle-to-search feature across your entire phone, but on iPhones, this feature is limited to the Chrome and Google apps. When you've got a webpage loaded in the iPhone Google app, press the three-dots button in the top-right corner and tap Search this Screen. In Chrome for iOS, open any webpage, tap the three-dots button in the bottom-right corner, and select Search Screen with Google Lens. You'll then see a gradient layer over the webpage, where you can either circle, tap, or highlight the part you wish to search. Google will then use Lens to identify what you're looking at and show search results accordingly. I used it to look up house crows, so I could learn more about a bird that's made a habit of sitting at my window and demanding food, and check what it might like to eat (pretty much everything, it turns out). The new feature is quite fast on both Chrome and the Google app, and it handles multiple different types of queries pretty well. That's to be expected, since Google Lens has been around for a long time and is generally quite dependable. This is really just a new, more intuitive way of selecting subjects to search. I also tried multiple different gestures instead of circling (everything from a tap to drawing an octagon), and all of them worked quite well. If you want to search for one word, tapping or highlighting works best, but for a larger block of text or a part of an image, you can use other gestures. Google does say that you can use any gesture that feels natural, so feel free to use anything that you like. Google also announced that you'll be seeing more AI overviews in Lens search results. You won't be able to block these results here because they're in Google's own apps, but there are many ways to block AI in your favorite browser. View the full article

A TikTok trend claims giving your baby a tablespoon or two of butter before bed will help them sleep better at night. “What if I told you my toddler was still waking up every 2 hours at almost 2 years old until I started giving her real grass fed butter before bed,” reads one TikTok post by creator @bridgette_.gray. Since then, her child has experienced “a week straight of sleeping almost 8 hours every night.” Another TikTok user @abbyexplainsitall calls butter (importantly, not margarine) the “best sleep hack for kids” and she lets hers eat “as much as they want.” The video currently has 279.8K views. In the caption she adds, “The fats help keep them satiated and that helps with sleeping! My kids sleep from 6:30pm – 6:30am and still take amazing naps throughout the day.” But experts are pumping the brakes on the trend. According to pediatric consultant Niamh Lynch, there is actually no scientific evidence that giving babies butter before bed makes them sleep longer. “Unfortunately butter is not going to make babies sleep better,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “It might upset their tummy. It might cause diarrhoea. It’s a choking hazard obviously to give them a big chunk of butter. So, park the butter idea.” Instead she suggests a list of foods that do actually help with sleep, including kiwi, cherries, milk, fatty fish, nuts, and rice (although beware of allergies). Giving babies any solid food before they are around 6 months old is also not recommended. From about 6 months old, babies can begin to be offered nutritious solid foods. Even then, butter is not the best option as it is high in salt and saturated fat, which are not recommended in large amounts. Butter is not the only sleep-hack tried and tested by desperate parents. It was once thought that adding cereal in a bottle of milk before bedtime would also help babies sleep through the night (research found this did not increase sleep in the slightest). More recently, the viral lime hack, where parents cut a lime in half, place it in a dish, and position it next to their child’s bed for better sleep, has been doing the rounds online. The truth is, it is perfectly normal for babies to wake during the night. Not even a stick of Kerrygold or half a lime can come to parents’ rescue. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I would love to hear stories from people who made the transition from nonprofit work to for-profit work, as I am considering that transition myself. I’ve only ever worked in this sector and have a master’s in Nonprofit Management (not even an MBA) so the idea of changing sectors is really overwhelming, but I know people have done it before. Readers who have made this transition, please share advice in the comment section. View the full article

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) is one of Google’s three Core Web Vitals. Like the other two (Cumulative Layout Shift and Interaction to Next Paint), it’s not exactly clear what it means. Lots of tools can show your LCP score and outline ways to improve it. But their tips are often generic, and lack the detail you need to actually take action. So, in this guide I’ll walk you through actionable steps to improve your LCP. I’ll separate them by: Their potential impact The effort required to make the fix Which specific aspect of your LCP score they help with But first, let’s talk about what LCP actually means for your website (jump to this part for the fixes). What Does Largest Contentful Paint Even Mean? Largest Contentful Paint measures how long it takes for the main content of your webpage to appear on your user’s screen—whether that’s a hero image, heading, or block of text. It’s not the most intuitive phrase, so let’s break it down word by word: Largest: The biggest piece of visible content on the screen. This could be a large image, a big headline, or any major element that stands out. Contentful: It’s something that has actual content—like text or an image—and isn’t just a background or frame. Paint: This refers to how your browser “draws” (or renders) that element on your screen. For example, imagine clicking a link to read a news article. The page might load various elements quickly, like the header menu at the top and placeholders for ads. But if the article text takes five seconds to show up, that’s a poor experience. That delay is what LCP measures. When you think about LCP, think about your visitors. It’s the difference between someone seeing your main product image or headline right away versus waiting and possibly leaving. A faster LCP generally means a better user experience. And a better experience means happier visitors who trust your site and want to hang around (and potentially buy from you). Further reading: For more on how loading speed can affect your website experience and optimization, check out our full guide to page speed and SEO. What Is a Good LCP Score? Google provides three scoring ranges for LCP: Good: 2.5 seconds or faster Needs Improvement: 2.5 to 4 seconds Poor: Longer than 4 seconds These benchmarks serve as useful guidelines, but your users’ actual experience matters most. A visually rich photography portfolio might take longer to load but still satisfy visitors. Meanwhile, a simple text-based article that loads in three seconds might frustrate users who expect instant access. So, focus on your audience’s expectations and behavior. Check your analytics to see if slower LCP correlates with higher bounce rates or lower conversion rates. These numbers tell you more about your site’s real performance than any benchmark can. If your conversion rate is 10x the industry average, it likely won’t make a massive dent in your bottom line if you improve your LCP score. But if people aren’t staying long on your important pages, improving your LCP score could help boost your site’s performance. This, in turn, can lead to better results for your business. How to Measure Your LCP Score There are lots of tools you can use to measure your LCP. But you don’t want to just get your score. You also want to learn these two things: What your LCP element is Which stage of your LCP is longest Finding these two pieces of information is key for prioritizing which methods you should use to improve your LCP. For example, you could spend hours minifying your code, inlining your CSS, and deferring JavaScript. But it won’t make much of a difference if your LCP element is a hero image you just haven’t optimized yet. As for the stages: LCP is made up of four stages: Time to First Byte (TTFB) Resource load delay Resource load time Element render delay Each stage is affected by different factors (and methods of optimization). So, if you can identify which stages of your LCP are taking the longest, you can prioritize your fixes accordingly. Here are two ways to find this information. Note: With many tools, you’ll get different LCP scores depending on whether you check the mobile or desktop version of your site. Optimizing for both helps improve your experience for all users. Google PageSpeed Insights Google’s PageSpeed Insights (PSI) is a popular choice if you want a simple, web-based report. Just plug in your URL, and you’ll get a quick overview of your Core Web Vitals, including LCP. PSI is great if you’re not a big fan of digging around in complex dashboards. It gives you clear visuals and actionable tips without much fuss. It also has a handy diagnostics section which tells you some of the main ways you can reduce your score. Just make sure you select the “LCP” option next to “Show audits relevant to.” Click the “Largest Contentful Paint element” option to see which element on that page is the LCP element. It also shows you the breakdown (as a percentage) of each stage of your LCP. From the example above, you can see the vast majority (88%) of our LCP time comes from the render delay stage. Knowing this lets us focus our efforts on the methods in the next section that specifically help reduce that stage of the LCP score. Chrome DevTools Chrome’s DevTools can give you detailed, real-time feedback on various aspects of your page’s performance. It’s especially useful for testing changes on the fly, but it might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re completely new to web development. Access it in Chrome on any webpage by right clicking and selecting “Inspect.” In the interface that appears, head to the “Performance” tab. (You can select the three dots next to the cog icon and change where the dock goes—I find horizontal is best for analyzing LCP.) This view shows your LCP score. If you hover over the “LCP element” underneath the score, you’ll see which part of the content is the largest contentful element. Then, get a breakdown of the LCP stages by clicking the “Record and reload” button. This will run the performance checks again on the page, and you’ll see more information along with a waterfall chart. Ignore that for now, and instead click the “LCP by phase” drop-down. This breaks the LCP down into its four constituent parts, showing the actual time for each stage along with a percentage. As before, you can use this information to prioritize your optimization efforts and more effectively improve your LCP. How to Improve Your LCP You can improve your LCP in several ways, and some methods will help you more than others. The table below sorts the methods by impact, also indicating the effort level each one requires and which stage of your LCP it’ll help reduce. Method Impact Helps Reduce Use a CDN High Resource Load Time Optimize Your Images High Resource Load Time Use WordPress Plugins High Potentially all stages Implement Caching High Time to First Byte Use a Faster Host High Time to First Byte Minify Your Code Medium Resource Load Time Optimize Your Fonts Medium Resource Load Time Avoid Lazy Loading Above the Fold Medium Resource Load Delay Remove Elements You Don’t Need Medium Element Render Delay Use Defer/Async for JS Medium Element Render Delay Inline Critical CSS Medium Element Render Delay Switch to SSR Medium Element Render Delay Preload Important Resources Medium Resource Load Delay These values are all relative. Your own skill level, your website’s setup, and your budget will affect how easy or cost-effective these changes are for you. I’ve taken each method in isolation, as the relative impact of each fix may decrease as you implement each one. For example, if you implement lots of these methods but don’t use a CDN, your LCP score will likely improve to the point that using a CDN might not make much difference to the score (although it may still improve your user experience). Finally, a few of these might help reduce different stages of your LCP. As with every change you make to your website, there’s usually a bit of overlap in terms of what it’ll affect. I’ll explain more of the nuances and who each fix is best suited to below. Free Resource: Stay on top of your LCP optimization efforts with our free LCP progress tracker. Use a CDN Impact: High | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Time A Content Delivery Network (CDN) stores (cached) copies of your content across servers around the world. When people visit your site, they’re served files from the closest server to them. That means faster load times for your users. If you’re running a small local blog, you might not absolutely need a CDN. But if you have visitors from all over, a CDN can boost your LCP by reducing the travel time for your data. This is most impactful for: Websites with visitors from multiple regions Sites with lots of large images or media files Anyone wanting to improve global load times without lots of coding How to Implement This You can sign up for a CDN service like Cloudflare, KeyCDN, or StackPath. They’ll provide instructions for changing your domain’s settings to route traffic through their servers. Once set up, the CDN will serve your website files to users from the server that’s physically located closest to them. There are cheap and free options, but it can get expensive for larger sites with lots of traffic. If you use WordPress or a similar content management system (CMS), there are often plugins that make the setup process even smoother. Optimize Your Images Impact: High | Effort: Medium | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Time Large image files are a common reason for poor LCP scores. This is especially true if you use a large hero image at the top of your pages or blog posts. By compressing images before uploading them, you reduce their file size to make them load faster. This is most impactful for: Sites with lots of large product or blog images Photographers or ecommerce stores with high-res visuals Anyone looking for a straightforward way to speed up load times How to Implement This You can optimize your images using online tools, and there are lots of free options. Or you can use plugins that auto-compress images when you upload them to your content management system. Squoosh is a free tool that lets you tweak the optimization settings, choose a format to convert to, and resize the image: To do this in bulk, you can also use a tool like TinyPNG: Just keep an eye on quality—if you compress too much, your images might look blurry. But most of the time, you can shrink them a lot without anyone noticing. Pro tip: Beyond images, it’s usually best to avoid having a video above the fold. This can lead to poor LCP scores. Use WordPress Plugins Impact: High | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Potentially all stages For many WordPress users, plugins are the easiest way to speed up your site and fix LCP issues with minimal effort. They can handle image optimization, caching, code minification, and more—all from a simple dashboard. The caveat is that the best ones aren’t always free. So you’re often paying a convenience cost. But there are still some unpaid options out there. Another downside is the risk of plugin “bloat,” which can slow your site if you install too many or choose poorly optimized ones. Compatibility issues may also pop up, especially if you try to use multiple optimization plugins at one time. But as long as you don’t have hundreds of plugins, and check for compatibility, I find the benefits typically outweigh the downsides here. Note: If you use a different CMS, like Shopify, there are likely apps or add-ons that can help with your LCP score. This is most impactful for: WordPress users without technical know-how Anyone who wants a quick fix for multiple performance issues Those willing to spend a bit of money to solve a lot of issues at once (although there are free options) How to Implement This There are lots of WordPress plugins that are great for improving your LCP in particular, and your page speed in general. One example is WP Rocket. It’s a paid WordPress optimization plugin that does a lot of the things on this list for you. Including: Image optimization Code minification Preloading/prefetching resources CDN implementation Caching There are lots of customization options, making this a useful plugin a quick and fairly easy solution to improve your LCP. Autoptimize is a free WordPress plugin that does a lot of the same things as WP Rocket. It does lack a few features, like generating critical CSS and caching. But it’s a good starting point for beginners on a budget with a WordPress site. Implement Caching Impact: High | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Time to First Byte Caching stores parts of your site on your user’s browser so it doesn’t have to request them from scratch every time they visit the site. This can speed up your LCP because your server won’t need to work as hard to deliver the key page elements the next time the user visits. Many hosting providers include caching by default. You can also install plugins that handle caching for you. This is most impactful for: Sites with repeat visitors (e.g., blogs, online magazines) Websites on platforms that generate pages dynamically (like WordPress) Sites experiencing slow server response times How to Implement This If your host offers caching, enable it in your hosting dashboard. Otherwise, consider a caching plugin. If you use a CDN, it already relies on caching to serve your content to users with faster load times. Note: You only need to use one effective caching setup or plugin at a time. Using multiple can lead to no performance improvements at best, and various compatibility issues at worst. Use a Faster Web Host Impact: High | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Time to First Byte Switching to a more powerful hosting plan or provider can make a big difference in how quickly your site’s main content loads. That’s because your web host’s speed is going to have the largest impact on your Time to First Byte. This is often the simplest route if you don’t want to tinker with technical details. However, premium hosting can be expensive. If you have a small site or a tight budget, you might find it hard to justify the cost for LCP gains alone. But for large businesses or sites that generate a lot of revenue, investing in better hosting can pay off. Note: This is also unlikely to put a dent in your LCP if your host is already pretty quick. I’d generally only recommend considering this option if your Time to First Byte is exceptionally long. Or if you’re noticing other performance issues or extended periods of website downtime. This is most impactful for: High-traffic sites that need consistent speed Businesses with a budget to invest in premium hosting Sites that have outgrown their current hosting plan How to Implement This When upgrading your web host, look for: Reliable uptime Scalability Good support Security features Robust backup options Migrating your site can be as simple as using a migration plugin if you’re on WordPress, or asking your new host for help. It’s usually fairly straightforward if you’re staying with your current host and just upgrading your plan. But moving hosts can be a little more effort-intensive. Further reading: Website Migration Checklist: Essential SEO Steps for Success Minify Your Code Impact: Medium | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Time Minifying code involves stripping out anything “unnecessary,” like extra spaces or new lines, from your site’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. This makes them smaller and faster to load. If you’re not a developer, you can still do this using tools or plugins that automate the process (like WP Rocket mentioned above). Just be sure to back up your site or test it in a staging environment. Sometimes, minification can cause layout or script issues. This is most impactful for: Sites with lots of CSS and JavaScript files Pages that rely on multiple libraries or frameworks How to Implement This You can minify your code with free tools like Minifier: If you use a CMS like WordPress, use plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, Autoptimize) that automatically shrink your CSS, JS, and HTML. Here’s how it looks in the “File Optimization” screen of WP Rocket: Most plugins let you choose which files to minify, so if you see any issues, uncheck or exclude the problematic file and test again. Alternatively, reach out to a developer to help with this instead. Optimize Your Fonts Impact: Medium | Effort: Medium | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Time Fancy fonts can look great, but they can also slow down your page. Custom fonts often have to be downloaded from a separate server. If you optimize or host them locally, you reduce delays that stop your text (like big headlines) from being visible. You do want to maintain your site’s style, so it’s a balance between looking good and loading fast. Some sites solve this by using system fonts that don’t need extra downloads. This is most impactful for: Sites using multiple custom fonts or large font families Design-heavy pages with fancy typography Anyone noticing a “flash of invisible text” when pages load How to Implement This Hosting fonts locally is often faster than pulling them from external servers. If you use Google Fonts, you can download them and serve them from your own domain. But honestly, this just won’t be necessary for most site owners. While it might reduce your LCP, it’s unlikely to be a massive gain and may not be worth the effort. Alternatively, let a plugin handle font optimization for you. Minimize the number of font weights you use—if you only need bold and regular, don’t load the entire family. Avoid Lazy Loading Above the Fold Impact: Medium | Effort: Low | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Delay Lazy loading is a feature that only loads images when you scroll down to them. In other words, images only load when they’re in the user’s “viewport” (on their screen). It’s great for boosting page load time, and is typically regarded as a best practice for fast websites. But if you lazy load images that are right at the top of your page, your visitors will see a blank space before anything else pops in. That can really hurt your LCP. The idea behind lazy loading is to not load images the user doesn’t need to see yet. But when it’s the first image you want a user to see as soon as they land on your page, clearly you don’t want to delay loading at all. So, it’s usually best to load above-the-fold content right away, then lazy load what’s below. This is most impactful for: Sites that lazy load everything by default Above-the-fold areas with key images or banners Pages where the main header image is crucial for user engagement How to Implement This Many lazy-loading tools let you exclude certain images. Find the settings or plugin option that specifies “above the fold” or “first contentful paint” images, and disable lazy loading for those. In WP Rocket, you do that in the “Media” area: If you’re not using a CMS like WordPress, just make sure the LCP image’s HTML looks like this, with either loading=“eager” or no loading attribute (“eager” is the default): Rather than like this, with the loading=“lazy” attribute: Remove Elements You Don’t Need Impact: Medium | Effort: Medium | Helps Reduce: Element Render Delay Every script, image, or widget on your site adds to the time it takes for your page to fully load. So you need to think carefully about what appears above the fold. If there’s a huge banner, multiple images, or extra code that doesn’t add real value, consider removing it or placing it below the fold. Just make sure you don’t strip away elements that are crucial for your users or your brand message. This is most impactful for: Content-heavy sites filled with widgets or ads Homepages stuffed with multiple banners, slideshows, or animations Anyone looking to simplify their design without sacrificing core features How to Implement This Audit your site’s above-the-fold area and ask, “Does this element help my user right away?” If not, move it below the fold (or remove it entirely). Think about collapsing large sign-up forms or extra images. Removing unnecessary scripts, like old tracking codes, can also help. To pinpoint snippets you might want to remove, look out for the “Reduce unused JavaScript” opportunity in PageSpeed Insights: Use Defer/Async for JS Impact: Medium | Effort: Medium | Helps Reduce: Element Render Delay JavaScript files can block the rendering of your page if they load first. By deferring or asynchronously loading scripts, you let your main content appear before any heavy scripts run. This helps your LCP because the biggest chunk of your page shows up without waiting for all your JS to finish loading. The main reason you’ll likely want to look into async and defer is if the tool you’re measuring your LCP with says you have render blocking resources. Like this: Basically, without any attributes, the browser will attempt to download and then execute your JavaScript as it encounters it. This can lead to slower load times, and longer LCP times if it blocks the LCP element from loading. With async, it won’t pause parsing (breaking down and analyzing) of the HTML during the download stage. But it still pauses as the script executes after downloading. With defer, the browser doesn’t pause HTML parsing for the download or execution of your JavaScript. This can lead to lower LCP scores, but it means your JavaScript won’t execute until the browser has finished parsing the HTML. You might need a developer’s help if you’re not sure which scripts to defer or load asynchronously, or how to do it. Some optimization plugins for platforms like WordPress can also handle this for you. This is most impactful for: Sites that rely on several JavaScript libraries Pages slowed down by loading scripts too early Website owners looking for a middle-ground solution without full SSR (more on that below) How to Implement This If you’re on WordPress, look for an optimization plugin that includes deferring or async-loading scripts. In custom setups, you’d add attributes like “defer” or “async” to your script tags in the HTML. Just make sure you don’t delay any critical scripts (like core functionality) too much. Inline Critical CSS Impact: Medium | Effort: High | Helps Reduce: Element Render Delay Inlining CSS means putting small blocks of CSS code right into your HTML, so your page doesn’t need to fetch a separate file for that part. It can speed up how quickly your main elements appear. But you can’t inline everything, or you’d end up with a massive HTML file that defeats the purpose. This method can be helpful for critical (above-the-fold) styles, but it shouldn’t replace your entire stylesheet. Plus, the Chrome team’s official guidance on this is that: “In general, inlining your style sheet is only recommended if your style sheet is small since inlined content in the HTML cannot benefit from caching in subsequent page loads. If a style sheet is so large that it takes longer to load than the LCP resource, then it’s unlikely to be a good candidate for inlining.” This is most impactful for: Sites with a small amount of critical CSS for the header area Minimalist designs that don’t rely on big external stylesheets Anyone looking to shave off small load delays How to Implement This Identify the essential CSS you need to style your page’s top section, and place it directly in the HTML <head>. This can reduce the time it takes to render the crucial above-the-fold part. Keep the rest of your CSS in external files to avoid bloating your HTML. Some performance plugins can automate this “critical CSS” approach for you. Autoptimize offers a cheap solution, while it’s baked into plugins like NitroPack and WP Rocket. While there are also dedicated critical CSS plugins, I’d generally recommend going for a more feature-rich option for a bit of extra money (if you have the budget). You’ll typically get more value than spending $10 a month on one feature that may have limited impact on your LCP. Switch to SSR Impact: Medium | Effort: High | Helps Reduce: Element Render Delay CSR (Client-Side Rendering) means your user’s browser does a lot of the work to build the page. SSR (Server-Side Rendering) means most of the work happens before the page hits the user’s browser. SSR can help LCP for sites heavy in JavaScript, because the biggest content is already “pre-built” for the user. But switching from CSR to SSR can be a big project if you’re not familiar with it. For some sites, it’s overkill. For others, it’s the key to big performance gains. This is one method where you really need to weigh up the benefits and how they might apply to your specific situation: Run a fairly standard blog, service website, or ecommerce store? Switching to SSR might bring noticeable performance gains. Got a highly interactive web app? You might want to stick with CSR for a better user experience. Generally, if you implement other methods like caching and using a CDN, you’ll see performance benefits with SSR that outweigh the potential server load increase. This is most impactful for: JavaScript-heavy web apps (e.g., React, Vue) Sites noticing a significant delay before content appears Advanced users or teams that can handle more complex architecture How to Implement This Switching from Client-Side Rendering to Server-Side Rendering (or a hybrid approach) typically involves using frameworks (like Next.js for React) that pre-render your content on the server. This can speed up LCP since the browser receives a ready-made page. However, it’s a bigger project requiring code changes and a good understanding of your tech stack. If you’re not comfortable with that, you might need to hire a developer or agency. Preload Important Resources Impact: Medium | Effort: Medium | Helps Reduce: Resource Load Delay Preloading tells the browser which files it should grab or prepare in advance. It can shave off a bit of loading time and help your main content appear slightly faster. For many small sites, these optimizations won’t create dramatic changes. But on bigger sites or those with lots of images and unique fonts, it can make a difference. This is most impactful for: Sites that rely on off-site resources (e.g., fonts or images) Those comfortable editing HTML headers or using plugins that can do this at scale How to Implement This You can preload fonts and images by adding special link tags in your site’s <head>. They tell the browser to grab or prepare certain resources before they’re actually needed. You simply add rel=“preload” to the <link> tag. Like this: How much effort this requires depends on your specific setup and how many pages you want to deploy it on. But it’s a fairly simple process that can help reduce your LCP score. Note: As with a lot of the other methods on this list, WordPress plugins can help here too. Boost Your Rankings by Improving Your Page Experience Improving your LCP is one way to boost your overall page experience for users. In turn, this can actually end up having an impact on your rankings beyond Google’s page experience signals. Check out our guide to user behavior and SEO to learn how the way your users behave on your website could potentially impact how Google ranks your site. (It makes optimizing for factors like LCP and the other Core Web Vitals A LOT more important.) The post How to Improve Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) in Under an Hour appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

Currently, the mobile AI apps market is valued at $2 billion, primarily led by the success of ChatGPT and the sector continues to rise with more apps. In 2024 alone, over 4 thousand new AI apps were released and downloads reached a staggering 1.49 billion times across all AI apps. But what are the most popular AI apps worldwide and in the US, besides ChatGPT? Most Popular AI Apps (Top Picks) As of January 2025, ChatGPT ranks as the most popular AI app worldwide with 349.41 million monthly active users worldwide. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Doubao were the most downloaded AI apps worldwide in 2024. In 2024, ChatGPT became the most popular AI app in the US, recording 31 million downloads. Most Popular AI Apps Worldwide by Monthly Active Users (January 2025) ChatGPT was the most popular AI app in January 2025 with 349.41 million app monthly active users worldwide (excluding website users). A total of 6 AI-first apps have an active monthly user base of 30 million and over. Here’s a complete ranking of the most popular AI apps worldwide as of January 2025 ranked by monthly active users: Note: Data above includes app users only, excluding website users. Rank, App Developer App Monthly Active Users Worldwide 1. ChatGPT OpenAI (US) 349.41 million 2. Doubao ByteDance (China) 78.61 million 3. Nova HubX (Turkey) 56.6 million 4. DeepSeek DeepSeek (China) 33.7 million 5. Talkie AI SubSup (Singapore) 32.8 million 6. Remini Bending Spoons (Italy) 31.77 million 7. ChatOn AIBY (US) 29.1 million 8. Character AI Character Technologies (US) 28.75 million 9. Ask AI Ai Search (US) 28.35 million 10. Chatbot App HubX (Turkey) 25.65 million 11. FaceApp HubX (Turkey) 25.35 million 12. Hypic ByteDance (China) 19.95 million 13. Kimi Moonshot AI (China) 19.43 million 14. AI Mirror Polyverse (US) 19.37 million 15. Google Gemini Google (US) 19.18 million 16. Genius No data available 16.67 million 17. Umax No data available 16.11 million 18. Luzia Luzia (Spain) 16.04 million 19. Photoroom Photoroom (France) 13.67 million 20. AI Chatbot No data available 13.49 million Source: Aicpb Most Popular AI Apps by Downloads Worldwide (2024) ChatGPT was the most downloaded AI app in 2024 by far with 250.1 million installs worldwide, followed by Gemini and Doubao. Here’s a complete table of the most downloaded AI apps across iOS and Google Play worldwide in 2024: Note: Download estimates above include data for 99 countries and the total number of worldwide downloads may differ. Rank, App Downloads Worldwide (2024) 1. ChatGPT 250.1 million 2. Google Gemini 81.5 million 3. Doubao No data available 4. Microsoft Copilot No data available 5. Nova 31.7 million 6. ChatOn 29.6 million 7. Chatbot AI 29.2 million 8. Talkie 27.9 million 9. Character AI 27.9 million 10. Genius 23.2 million Source: Analysis of Sensor Tower, Appfigures data Most Popular AI Apps by Downloads in the US (2024) In 2024, ChatGPT was the most downloaded AI app in the US with 31 million downloads, followed by Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. Here’s a complete list of the most downloaded AI apps in the US in 2024: Rank, App Downloads in the US (2024) 1. ChatGPT 31 million 2. Microsoft Copilot No data available 3. Google Gemini 7 million 4. PolyBuzz 6.5 million 5. Question.AI 6.5 million 6. Talkie 6 million 7. Character AI 5.4 million 8. ChatOn 5.4 million 9. Linky AI 3.52 million 10. Future Baby Generator: Cosplay 2.72 million Source: Analysis of Sensor Tower, Appfigures data Most Popular AI Apps by Downloads in the US in First 18 Days Since Launch in the App Store ChatGPT’s US launch ranked #1 with 1.4 million downloads in the App Store in the first 18 days since app release, followed by Google Gemini (951 thousand) and Microsoft Copilot (518 thousand). Here’s the complete list of the most downloaded AI apps in the US in the first 18 days of release for each app: Rank, App Downloads in the US (First 18 Days) 1. ChatGPT 1.4 million 2. Google Gemini 951 thousand 3. Microsoft Copilot 518 thousand 4. DeepSeek 384 thousand 5. Grok 256 thousand 6. Claude 132 thousand Source: Appfigures The post Most Popular AI Apps appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

Hey peeps, The remote work world is full of debates—should we scrap job titles? Will the WFH culture war ever end? And, most importantly, how do you actually land a remote job in 2025? This week, we’re diving into: ✅ Why one startup ditched job titles—and what happened next ✅ How to move past the endless WFH vs. office debates ✅ What you really need to know before applying for a remote job Vic Our Favorite Articles 💯Why We've Removed Job Titles At ElevenLabs (Sifted)At ElevenLabs, employees don’t have job titles—just responsibilities. Is this the future of remote work? ​Read more​. Things to Know Before Applying for a Remote Job in 2025 (InclusivelyRemote)A strong résumé isn’t enough to land a remote job; here’s what really matters in the hiring process. ​Learn more​. How Do We End The WFH Culture Wars? I Have The Answer (The Guardian)Still arguing about WFH vs. the office? This piece makes a case for calling a truce once and for all. ​Check it out​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Too many emails? Declutter your inbox with Meco, your home for reading newsletters. Try it for free Remotive Jobs 💼 Is this job for you? 👉 ​Backend/Full-stack Python Developer​ (Odoo) at YouNav (Europe) 👉 ​Migrations Engineer - Support Role at Discourse​ (Americas, EMEA) 👉 ​iOS Developer at nooro ​(USA) 👉 ​Backend Engineer at Clerkie​ (USA) 👉 ​Senior Frontend Developer at Mimo GmbH​ (EMEA, UK) 👉 ​Senior Backend Developer at Mimo GmbH​ (EMEA, UK) 👉 S​enior Sharepoint Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Django Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior ERP Solutions Developer (NetSuite) at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) Free Guides & Tools​Public Job Board​We curate 2,000 remote jobs so you don't have to! ​Find your remote job →​ ​Exclusive Webinar​3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking For A Remote Startup Job (And What To Do Instead) ​Register for free →​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely ​Check it out → Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

Alphabet Inc’s Google is close to deciding on locations in its key market of India where it will open its first physical retail stores outside the United States, three sources familiar with the matter said. Google counts India as a key growth market, where it has committed to investing $10 billion. It currently has only five physical stores, all in the United States, which sell its products such as Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds. It is aiming to mirror a retail approach that helped Apple Inc. rake in billions of dollars in the past two decades by showcasing its own products. Apple has 500 plus stores worldwide. Google is in advanced stages of finalising locations in or around the capital of New Delhi, and the financial capital Mumbai, said three sources, who declined to be named as the process is confidential. Google declined to comment on the matter. The first source said the stores are likely to be around 15,000 square feet, and will take at least another six months to open, though the timeline could change. The IT hub of Bengaluru in south India was also considered, but New Delhi and Mumbai are the frontrunners, the person added. “The idea is to compete with Apple . . . especially to target the luxury segment,” said the person, adding more stores will be considered if the initial ones do well. Google currently sells it products in India through authorised retailers, as does Apple. But in 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited India to open its first company-run stores in Mumbai, and then in New Delhi. Pixel phones in India cost from about $370 to $2,000 for top-end models. Apple’s iPhones cost from about $520–$2,130. Google has also started making Pixel smartphones in India. In 2024, Apple dominated the local market for premium phones, priced above $520, with a roughly 55% share, compared with Pixel’s 2% share, research group Counterpoint said. The fast-growing Indian market has about 712 million smartphone users currently. Google’s plan to open the stores is firm and will be executed soon, there are some standard regulatory and compliance processes to clear before the stores can be set up, said the second source, without elaborating on the issues. A third source said one of the possible locations Google is considering near New Delhi is in the satellite city of Gurugram, where many global corporations such as Uber and Meta have offices and the likes of Uniqlo have retail outlets. In India, Google is battling many regulatory and legal challenges. Among them are ongoing antitrust cases related to its in-app billing system and abuse of market position in the market for smart TVs. In a top-level departure, Google lost its India head of public policy this month, marking the second departure in around two years from the critical role which is key to government engagement. —Aditya Kalra, Reuters View the full article

Studio agrees deal with longtime producers Michael Wilson and Barbara BroccoliView the full article

Setting up a new computer is annoying, especially if that computer is running Windows. There are all kinds of frustrating things Microsoft adds to the operating system that you want to remove, and all kinds of apps that you actually want but need to install yourself. WinUtil is a free and well regarded tool maintained by Chris Titus that does all of this at once. With it, you can install dozens of apps by checking a few boxes and run common tweaks, from uninstalling OneDrive to disabling privacy-invasive telemetry. There are two ways to get started. The free way is to run Windows PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, right-click the PowerShell in the Start menu and click "Run as administrator." After that, you need to copy and paste the launch command from the documentation into the shell. If you'd rather avoid that step you can buy an EXE file for $10, supporting the developer in the process. Either way you will be presented with a window broken into five tabs. The first lets you install a wide range of software in just a couple clicks. Simply check the applications you want and then click the Install/Upgrade Selected button. Credit: Justin Pot Now, all of the applications will install without prompting you. There's a progress bar in the top-right corner, or, if you prefer, you can reopen the PowerShell window to watch the installations happen there. Credit: Justin Pot The next tab, Tweaks, lets you make all kinds of adjustments. It's probably best not to check anything unless you understand how it works—you can click the question mark next to each item for more information. But some of the tweaks that are most useful include bringing back the classic right-click menu, removing the annoying Home and Gallery tabs in Explorer, and disabling Copilot. Check all the tweaks you want, then click Run Tweaks to make those changes. Credit: Justin Pot The right panel has a bunch of common Windows preferences you can configure just by clicking. Here, you can do things like enable dark mode, turn off Bing search in the start menu, and show hidden files. The next tab, Config, lets you install a bunch of common Windows features that aren't included by default—think things like .NET or the Windows Subsystem for Linux. You'll find a button for automatically logging into your PC, instead of requiring a password each time, which can be nice for a desktop computer you're not worried about others accessing. There's also quick access to settings panels that are somewhat buried in Windows 11, including the traditional Control Panel. Credit: Justin Pot Another tab, Updates, lets you quickly configure how often updates are installed. By default, Windows will install updates as soon as they're available. You can instead delay security updates by four days and feature updates by two years. This might be a good idea if you value stability over access to the latest features. You can choose to disable all updates, but that's probably not a good idea. Finally, there's Microwin, which makes stripped down versions of the Windows installer. You'll start by downloading a Windows ISO from Microsoft and the tool will remove any features you don't want. It's a lot of features crammed into one little utility. There's even support for exporting your collection of applications and tweaks, allowing you to run an identical process on other computers. You can learn more about that, and get details about all the tweaks offered, by reading the documentation. View the full article

IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with: I. Richard Farson on contradictions: “Contradictory impulses to both succeed and fail can be found in every project, every work team, even every individual. Every management choice, Job offer, or new applicant can appear both appealing and unappealing. Every deal is both good and bad. That is why leadership is essentially the management of dilemmas, and why tolerance for ambiguity—coping with contradictions—is essential for leaders, and why appreciating the coexistence of opposites is crucial to the development of a different way of thinking. It is often the most valuable service one can offer an organization. But it requires nontraditional thinking. Deeply held ideologies and cultural values, tunnel vision, selective perception, deference to the judgment of others—these are all enemies in our efforts to see what is really going on.” Source: Management of the Absurd: Paradoxes in Leadership II. Steven B. Sample on thinking gray: “The leader whose thinking is constrained within well-worn ruts, who is completely governed by his established passions and prejudices, who is incapable of thinking either gray or free, and who can’t even appropriate the creative imagination and fresh ideas of those around him, is as anachronistic and ineffective as the dinosaur. He may, by dint of circumstances, remain in power, but his followers would almost certainly be better off without him.” Source: The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership * * * Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading Blog. Find more ideas on the LeadingThoughts index. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

Inflation is a significant concern for both economists and policymakers. It has been increasing globally, with no country appearing to be exempt from its impact. So what’s behind this troubling trend, and why does it seem to be getting worse? This article will explore some potential causes of inflation. Let’s get started! What is Causing Inflation? As small business owners, it’s important to stay informed about inflation. After all, higher costs brought on by inflation can have a big impact on your bottom line. As prices for goods and services rise, your costs go up as well. READ MORE: Inflation is a Top Concern for Small Business Owners as Prices Soar So what’s causing it? Here are the eight main factors contributing to high inflation: The Ukraine War The consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war are immense and range from soaring food prices to social unrest. Russia is a huge supplier of oil, gas, and metals. Ukraine on the other hand is a big supplier of corn and wheat. The law of supply and demand tells us that when there’s a conflict in a major producing region, prices go up. As such, the prices of these five commodities, among others, have gone up sharply all over the world due to reduced supplies. Soaring Energy Prices Energy prices overall are up a staggering 34% in the past year with gas prices alone jumping almost 49%. This is mainly due to the sanctions put on Russia since the start of the war by the US, EU, and other major economies. When sanctions are imposed on a country, the prices of their exports increase. And since Russia is a major oil exporter, the prices of energy commodities have skyrocketed. The price for a barrel of crude oil has reached as high as $123.70, while oil prices were only $76.08 at the beginning of that period. READ MORE: What is Inflation Demand Outstripping Supplies Consumer demand has been growing faster than the rate of production, leading to shortages and consumer inflation. Global supply chains continue having issues that are a contributing factor to the sky-high prices we’re continuing to see everywhere. Consumer Prices Higher consumer prices on items like food are being caused by many different things such as the high cost of transportation, and food processing plants paying all-time high wages since there are more jobs open than they can fill. Jammed-up supply chains aren’t helping either. Federal Reserve In recent times, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others didn’t seem to think the inflation threat was something to be overly concerned about. They characterized higher consumer prices as a “transitory” problem. Current data say otherwise. Why is inflation so high? The Federal Reserve has a target inflation rate of 2%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current rate is about 8.6% meaning they’ll likely raise interest rates in an effort to slow the economy and bring inflation down. However, many experts, including former US Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, say the Fed has moved too slowly. Especially at a time when inflation is so high. READ MORE: How Inflation Impacts Businesses Jobs Market The recovering job market in the U.S. added about 390,000 jobs recently, which is better than many economists expected. However, even with a strong job market, the U.S. is seeing historic levels of both job openings and people quitting. This is forcing companies to pay higher hourly earnings to keep workers, causing employers to pass the extra costs onto consumers. If you are wondering why inflation is so high, these factors contribute significantly to the rising costs. Higher Prices The increasing cost of living is a concern for many people right now. Over the past year, prices for vehicles, food, and fuel have all risen significantly. This is because labor shortages combined with booming demand have made it difficult for businesses to keep up production at existing levels or find new suppliers who can meet their needs profitably without cutting back on quality whatsoever. Trillions in Stimulus Money During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments from all over the world flooded trillions of dollars into the system to keep the global economy moving. The United States has provided approximately $5 trillion in government aid to its citizens. When the government prints additional money, it results in currency devaluation, reduces consumer purchasing power, and contributes to our current financial predicament. Could Inflation Lead to a Recession? Over a decade has passed since the last recession, and many experts are now warning that another one could be on the horizon. One of the biggest concerns is inflation, which has been rising steadily over the last year. READ MORE: Inflation Concerns Highest Since 1981 for Small Businesses Higher prices impacting consumers may result in a significant decline in consumer spending, as individuals may find it difficult to purchase non-essential goods. Consequently, this could trigger layoffs and a reduction in overall economic activity. The Federal Reserve has already raised interest rates three times this year in an attempt to head off inflation, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful. If inflation does reach the point where it starts to hurt the economy, it could trigger a recession that would be difficult to recover from. Has Inflation Peaked? At this point, there is no significant evidence that inflation has peaked. We received a false glimmer of hope in April when the CPI dropped 0.2% lower than in March. This was the first time the CPI moderated in eight months. However, it jumped 0.3% in May up to a 40-year high of 8.6%. James Knightley, chief economist at ING, feels that two consecutive moderations in the annual rate may be needed before we’ve actually passed the inflation peak. READ MORE: How to Protect Against Inflation in 2022 How Long Will Elevated Consumer Price Inflation Last? It appears that the price of nearly everything is rising these days, impacting consumers significantly. From groceries to gas, the cost of living is climbing at a pace that outstrips wage growth. This elevated inflation is affecting consumers in a variety of ways. Many are cutting back on their spending in order to make ends meet. Others are using credit cards more often, which can lead to debt problems down the road. So the question is, how long will this higher inflation last? Some economists believe that it is only temporary and that prices will eventually stabilize. However, others believe that we are in for a period of sustained higher inflation. Only time will tell which is correct. In the meantime, consumers will need to be careful with their spending in order to avoid financial difficulties. READ MORE: Inflation is a Top Concern for Small Business Owners as Prices Soar Inflation Concerns Highest Since 1981 for Small Businesses What is Inflation How Inflation Impacts Businesses Image: Depositphotos This article, "Why is Inflation So High Right Now?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Inflation is a significant concern for both economists and policymakers. It has been increasing globally, with no country appearing to be exempt from its impact. So what’s behind this troubling trend, and why does it seem to be getting worse? This article will explore some potential causes of inflation. Let’s get started! What is Causing Inflation? As small business owners, it’s important to stay informed about inflation. After all, higher costs brought on by inflation can have a big impact on your bottom line. As prices for goods and services rise, your costs go up as well. READ MORE: Inflation is a Top Concern for Small Business Owners as Prices Soar So what’s causing it? Here are the eight main factors contributing to high inflation: The Ukraine War The consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war are immense and range from soaring food prices to social unrest. Russia is a huge supplier of oil, gas, and metals. Ukraine on the other hand is a big supplier of corn and wheat. The law of supply and demand tells us that when there’s a conflict in a major producing region, prices go up. As such, the prices of these five commodities, among others, have gone up sharply all over the world due to reduced supplies. Soaring Energy Prices Energy prices overall are up a staggering 34% in the past year with gas prices alone jumping almost 49%. This is mainly due to the sanctions put on Russia since the start of the war by the US, EU, and other major economies. When sanctions are imposed on a country, the prices of their exports increase. And since Russia is a major oil exporter, the prices of energy commodities have skyrocketed. The price for a barrel of crude oil has reached as high as $123.70, while oil prices were only $76.08 at the beginning of that period. READ MORE: What is Inflation Demand Outstripping Supplies Consumer demand has been growing faster than the rate of production, leading to shortages and consumer inflation. Global supply chains continue having issues that are a contributing factor to the sky-high prices we’re continuing to see everywhere. Consumer Prices Higher consumer prices on items like food are being caused by many different things such as the high cost of transportation, and food processing plants paying all-time high wages since there are more jobs open than they can fill. Jammed-up supply chains aren’t helping either. Federal Reserve In recent times, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others didn’t seem to think the inflation threat was something to be overly concerned about. They characterized higher consumer prices as a “transitory” problem. Current data say otherwise. Why is inflation so high? The Federal Reserve has a target inflation rate of 2%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current rate is about 8.6% meaning they’ll likely raise interest rates in an effort to slow the economy and bring inflation down. However, many experts, including former US Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, say the Fed has moved too slowly. Especially at a time when inflation is so high. READ MORE: How Inflation Impacts Businesses Jobs Market The recovering job market in the U.S. added about 390,000 jobs recently, which is better than many economists expected. However, even with a strong job market, the U.S. is seeing historic levels of both job openings and people quitting. This is forcing companies to pay higher hourly earnings to keep workers, causing employers to pass the extra costs onto consumers. If you are wondering why inflation is so high, these factors contribute significantly to the rising costs. Higher Prices The increasing cost of living is a concern for many people right now. Over the past year, prices for vehicles, food, and fuel have all risen significantly. This is because labor shortages combined with booming demand have made it difficult for businesses to keep up production at existing levels or find new suppliers who can meet their needs profitably without cutting back on quality whatsoever. Trillions in Stimulus Money During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments from all over the world flooded trillions of dollars into the system to keep the global economy moving. The United States has provided approximately $5 trillion in government aid to its citizens. When the government prints additional money, it results in currency devaluation, reduces consumer purchasing power, and contributes to our current financial predicament. Could Inflation Lead to a Recession? Over a decade has passed since the last recession, and many experts are now warning that another one could be on the horizon. One of the biggest concerns is inflation, which has been rising steadily over the last year. READ MORE: Inflation Concerns Highest Since 1981 for Small Businesses Higher prices impacting consumers may result in a significant decline in consumer spending, as individuals may find it difficult to purchase non-essential goods. Consequently, this could trigger layoffs and a reduction in overall economic activity. The Federal Reserve has already raised interest rates three times this year in an attempt to head off inflation, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful. If inflation does reach the point where it starts to hurt the economy, it could trigger a recession that would be difficult to recover from. Has Inflation Peaked? At this point, there is no significant evidence that inflation has peaked. We received a false glimmer of hope in April when the CPI dropped 0.2% lower than in March. This was the first time the CPI moderated in eight months. However, it jumped 0.3% in May up to a 40-year high of 8.6%. James Knightley, chief economist at ING, feels that two consecutive moderations in the annual rate may be needed before we’ve actually passed the inflation peak. READ MORE: How to Protect Against Inflation in 2022 How Long Will Elevated Consumer Price Inflation Last? It appears that the price of nearly everything is rising these days, impacting consumers significantly. From groceries to gas, the cost of living is climbing at a pace that outstrips wage growth. This elevated inflation is affecting consumers in a variety of ways. Many are cutting back on their spending in order to make ends meet. Others are using credit cards more often, which can lead to debt problems down the road. So the question is, how long will this higher inflation last? Some economists believe that it is only temporary and that prices will eventually stabilize. However, others believe that we are in for a period of sustained higher inflation. Only time will tell which is correct. In the meantime, consumers will need to be careful with their spending in order to avoid financial difficulties. READ MORE: Inflation is a Top Concern for Small Business Owners as Prices Soar Inflation Concerns Highest Since 1981 for Small Businesses What is Inflation How Inflation Impacts Businesses Image: Depositphotos This article, "Why is Inflation So High Right Now?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google AI Overview rankings – the webpages cited in the AI-generated answers – are more volatile than Google’s “classic” organic search rankings. Also, within two to three months, 70% of AI Overview rankings changed, according to a new analysis by Authoritas, an ecommerce SEO platform. Ranking volatility. Google’s organic search is volatile and has been for a while. However, AI Overviews appear to be even more volatile, based on this research. AI Overview ranking volatility score: 0.68 (8 weeks), 0.73 (13 weeks) Google Search organic ranking volatility score: 0.49 (8 weeks), 0.55 (13 weeks) Dig deeper. How volatile have Google rankings really been? AI Overviews vs. organic ranking. Ranking in the top 10 is not a guarantee your content will rank in AI Overviews. AI Overview and organic ranking systems are different and work independently of each other most of the time, the analysis found: 60% of the time, pages ranking in the top 10 appear in AI Overviews. 40% of the time, AI Overviews rank a webpage that doesn’t appear in the top 10 of Google organic search. Text snippet volatility. Google’s AI Overviews text snippets changed over time, even if some cited sources remain unchanged. Tracking what changes might give you some insights about whether there has been a shift in user intent, for example. Why we care. Google AI Overviews aren’t going away. Volatility is high and the way content is ranked is different than doing traditional SEO. So it’s important to continually monitor AI Overviews for keywords you care about – those you’ve won and/or lost – and figure out what changed and why. About the report. It looked at the Google search results of 11,203 keywords based on three different dates (August and October 2024, January). The report. SERP Organic and AI Overview Volatility Research View the full article

Cash App is a decent way to receive instant payments. It’s fast and convenient, and there’s an option to open a legitimate business account and report taxes. But like any payment platform, it attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick you into sending them money or handing over your Cash App account details. Once they get access, they can drain your linked credit card or bank account before you realize what’s happening. Moonlock, the cybersecurity division of MacPaw, is here to help. We’ll break down the most common Cash App scams, how to recognize them, and how to protect your money. Why use Cash App for freelancing?Cash App has business accounts, meaning you can use it to receive instant payments in exchange for goods and services. It could be anyone, even people you don’t know, like first-time clients. When you sign up, you get a unique $Cashtag, such as $yourbusinessname, which you can share with clients for easy payments. In return, CashApp will take a 2.75% fee for every payment you receive. By default, you can send up to $250 per week and receive up to $1,000 per month. To increase these limits, Cash App requires identity verification, including your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). In some cases, Cash App may also request your full SSN, residential address, government-issued ID, and proof of income. Now, imagine if a scammer posed as Cash App and tricked you into providing that sensitive information. Not great, right? That’s why Moonlock is here to help you spot these scams before they happen. How Cash App scams workScammers typically use one of two tactics: they either trick you into sharing personal information to take over your account, or they convince you to send them money under false pretenses. Cash App glitch scamScammers send messages claiming a “glitch” in Cash App requires users to download an updated version. Instead of linking to the App Store or Google Play, they direct users to a fraudulent website where login credentials are stolen. The safest way to download Cash App is to download it from official sources like the App Store or Google Play. Money flipping scamA scammer promises to triple your money if you send them some cash upfront. They might claim they’ve helped others make thousands and show you fake testimonials. Crypto variations of this scam exist, too. Scammers claim they can help you invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Once you send money, it’s gone. And Cash App can’t reverse the transaction. Accidental transactionsSomeone messages you, claiming they sent you money by mistake, and asks for a refund. What’s really happening? The money likely came from a stolen credit card. Once the bank detects fraud, the transaction is reversed. If you already refunded the scammer, you’re the one who loses money. Fake screenshotsScammers might send you a screenshot, proof they sent money to your Cash App account by mistake. Then, they’ll ask you to send their money back. Don’t let them fool you! Screenshots are fake, and that money never came to your account. Refund scamsAfter you’ve made an online purchase, scammers offer your money back. They ask you for a small fee in advance, and you don’t even have to return the item! Sounds like a deal, right? But if you pay, you’ll lose the fee and never see a refund. Fake customer supportThis one’s a classic. Scammers pose as Cash App support and contact you via email, text, or phone. They claim there’s an issue with your account and ask for your $Cashtag, password, or other personal details. If you experience one of these scams, report it to Cash App immediately. The best way to do this is directly through your app or at the phone number 1 (800) 969-1940. How to contact Cash Support through the app: Tap the profile icon on your Cash App home screenSelect SupportSelect Start a Chat and send a messageHow to protect yourself from scams on Cash AppReading about scams can be stressful, but the good news? It’s easier than you think to stay safe. A few simple steps can protect your money. Start by enabling Security Lock on your Cash App account. Even if scammers trick you into giving away your credentials, it would be harder for them to enter the app and make payments. Here’s how to enable Security Lock via the app: Go to your profile icon on your Cash App home screenSelect Privacy & SecurityTurn on Security LockConfirm your choice with PIN, Touch ID, or Face IDAnd don’t touch unexpected money! If a stranger ever sends you the money you never asked for, don’t ever spend it or cash it out. We know that it might be tempting. Everybody could use a spare buck. But your own money will be more secure if you report the sudden transaction to Cash Support instead.** View the full article

Cash App is a decent way to receive instant payments. It’s fast and convenient, and there’s an option to open a legitimate business account and report taxes. But like any payment platform, it attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick you into sending them money or handing over your Cash App account details. Once they get access, they can drain your linked credit card or bank account before you realize what’s happening. Moonlock, the cybersecurity division of MacPaw, is here to help. We’ll break down the most common Cash App scams, how to recognize them, and how to protect your money. Why use Cash App for freelancing?Cash App has business accounts, meaning you can use it to receive instant payments in exchange for goods and services. It could be anyone, even people you don’t know, like first-time clients. When you sign up, you get a unique $Cashtag, such as $yourbusinessname, which you can share with clients for easy payments. In return, CashApp will take a 2.75% fee for every payment you receive. By default, you can send up to $250 per week and receive up to $1,000 per month. To increase these limits, Cash App requires identity verification, including your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). In some cases, Cash App may also request your full SSN, residential address, government-issued ID, and proof of income. Now, imagine if a scammer posed as Cash App and tricked you into providing that sensitive information. Not great, right? That’s why Moonlock is here to help you spot these scams before they happen. How Cash App scams workScammers typically use one of two tactics: they either trick you into sharing personal information to take over your account, or they convince you to send them money under false pretenses. Cash App glitch scamScammers send messages claiming a “glitch” in Cash App requires users to download an updated version. Instead of linking to the App Store or Google Play, they direct users to a fraudulent website where login credentials are stolen. The safest way to download Cash App is to download it from official sources like the App Store or Google Play. Money flipping scamA scammer promises to triple your money if you send them some cash upfront. They might claim they’ve helped others make thousands and show you fake testimonials. Crypto variations of this scam exist, too. Scammers claim they can help you invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Once you send money, it’s gone. And Cash App can’t reverse the transaction. Accidental transactionsSomeone messages you, claiming they sent you money by mistake, and asks for a refund. What’s really happening? The money likely came from a stolen credit card. Once the bank detects fraud, the transaction is reversed. If you already refunded the scammer, you’re the one who loses money. Fake screenshotsScammers might send you a screenshot, proof they sent money to your Cash App account by mistake. Then, they’ll ask you to send their money back. Don’t let them fool you! Screenshots are fake, and that money never came to your account. Refund scamsAfter you’ve made an online purchase, scammers offer your money back. They ask you for a small fee in advance, and you don’t even have to return the item! Sounds like a deal, right? But if you pay, you’ll lose the fee and never see a refund. Fake customer supportThis one’s a classic. Scammers pose as Cash App support and contact you via email, text, or phone. They claim there’s an issue with your account and ask for your $Cashtag, password, or other personal details. If you experience one of these scams, report it to Cash App immediately. The best way to do this is directly through your app or at the phone number 1 (800) 969-1940. How to contact Cash Support through the app: Tap the profile icon on your Cash App home screenSelect SupportSelect Start a Chat and send a messageHow to protect yourself from scams on Cash AppReading about scams can be stressful, but the good news? It’s easier than you think to stay safe. A few simple steps can protect your money. Start by enabling Security Lock on your Cash App account. Even if scammers trick you into giving away your credentials, it would be harder for them to enter the app and make payments. Here’s how to enable Security Lock via the app: Go to your profile icon on your Cash App home screenSelect Privacy & SecurityTurn on Security LockConfirm your choice with PIN, Touch ID, or Face IDAnd don’t touch unexpected money! If a stranger ever sends you the money you never asked for, don’t ever spend it or cash it out. We know that it might be tempting. Everybody could use a spare buck. But your own money will be more secure if you report the sudden transaction to Cash Support instead.** View the full article

“It’s not about what’s happening today, but about staying ahead of what’s coming next.” Accounting ARC With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

“It’s not about what’s happening today, but about staying ahead of what’s coming next.” Accounting ARC With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

David Beckham is entering the $152 billion supplement industry with IM8, a health and wellness brand launched in partnership with Prenetics. 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 looking for premium noise-canceling earbuds at a more affordable price, a Grade A refurbished pair of Sony WF-1000XM5 is going for $164.99 on Woot—a big drop from the usual $299.99 for a new pair on Amazon, but only for the next nine days or until stock runs out. Sony WF-1000XM5 (Refurbished) $164.99 at Woot $299.99 Save $135.00 Get Deal Get Deal $164.99 at Woot $299.99 Save $135.00 That’s a solid price for earbuds that have won an Editor’s Choice award and were named the Best Earphones of 2023 by PCMag. Now, if you're wondering what “Grade A Refurbished” means, it’s essentially a like-new device that’s been fully tested, guaranteed to work perfectly, and has only minimal cosmetic blemishes—nothing noticeable unless you’re really looking for it. Plus, you get a one-year eReplacements warranty, so there’s some added security. If you’re a Prime member, you also get free standard shipping, but if you’re not, it’s an extra $6. Also, shipping is unavailable to Alaska, Hawaii, or PO box addresses. There’s a reason these earbuds have made it onto multiple "Best of" lists, including Lifehacker's "Best Wireless Earbuds to Buy in 2025" roundup—the active noise cancellation is top-tier, and unlike some competitors, it doesn’t kill the sound quality when turned on. Sony’s high-quality drivers deliver clear, detailed audio with deep bass, and if you’re picky about sound, the companion app gives you full EQ customization. The app itself has a lot going on, but it packs in everything you’d need to tweak these earbuds to your liking. Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant are built-in, and you also get support for AAC, LC3, and LDAC codecs, meaning you can stream higher-quality audio if your device supports it. Battery life is eight hours with ANC on (16 hours if you turn it off), and the case extends that to 24 hours total. These also have an IPX4 rating, which means they’re sweat-resistant but not waterproof—fine for workouts, but maybe don’t take them into the shower. Sony also included some smart software features, like Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically switches between ANC and Ambient Mode depending on where you are, and Speak-to-Chat, which pauses your media when you start talking. For an in-depth analysis of the WF-1000XM5, check out this comprehensive review from CNET. View the full article

Lithium and other elements that the U.S. needs for vital defense, energy, and other applications could become harder to obtain if the Trump administration goes ahead with tariffs and other protectionist policies aimed at China. China refines more than 90% of the global supply of so-called “rare earth elements,” which include neodymium and dysprosium. Not actually rare, these 17 elements are difficult to mine and refine because they’re not often found in concentrated deposits. Some elements, like lithium, are usually mentioned along with rare earth elements, because they are also critical for the tech sector. Without them, cellphones wouldn’t vibrate and computer hard drives wouldn’t operate. They’re used in wind turbines, electric cars, and other industries the U.S. has sought to develop. The U.S. imports more than 80% of its rare earth elements, with most of those imports coming from China. A trade war impacts cellphone and other tech companies making their products in China when they have to ship those products to the U.S. and pay an import tariff. President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports to the U.S. earlier in February. That was on top of existing tariffs on specific Chinese goods dating back to Trump’s first term. China has since retaliated with up to 15% tariffs on a range of U.S. goods and more export controls on elements critical to the production of modern high-tech products. Development and growth plans for smartphone makers, renewable energy companies, and the broader technology sector all depend in part on access to rare earth elements. Apple has been increasing its use of recycled materials for its batteries and devices to help lower its need for newly mined and refined materials. Demand is only expected to grow over the next few decades, especially with advances in computing power and artificial intelligence technology. The International Energy Agency expects total demand for rare earth elements to surge 72% to 134 kilotons between 2021 and 2030. Supply requirements are expected to rise at roughly the same rate, but the total amount would lag demand at 98 kilotons. Rare earth metals have been behind some recent geopolitical issues as the U.S. and other nations try to access sources outside of China. The U.S. is the world’s second biggest producer of rare earth metals, with about 12% of the global total. President Donald Trump’s pitch to acquire Greenland comes amid climate change that is expected to make more of the Arctic island’s resources available. Melting ice is expected to make rich deposits of rare earth elements, lithium, and other natural resources more accessible. Trump has also mentioned future aid deals with Ukraine, another source of rare earth elements. —Damian J. Troise, AP Business Writer View the full article

You know the story. Eggs are expensive right now, so it's likely you’re not eating as many lately. Eggs are my favorite food and I too have curbed my intake. While this was sad at first, it only took me a few days to completely get over egg breakfasts. Surprisingly, I’m actually feeling grateful for this egg reset. There are many delicious breakfast options that don’t require eggs, and I’ve been neglecting them. Whether you’re reducing your egg dependency like I am, if you’re allergic, or if you never like their texture in the first place, here are some eggless breakfasts you can turn to. When compiling this list, I wanted to home in on the reasons why eggs are so popular for breakfast. I narrowed them down to flavor, speed of cooking, and protein content and brainstormed for options that tick those boxes. A good breakfast is a meal that fits in your schedule, tastes good, and has the right stuff (protein and carbs) to sustain you for a few hours. Many of these recipes are also good with eggs, too—so add an egg if your budget allows. Loaded savory oats Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I made loaded savory oats the day after I decided to give eggs a rest. And then I made it three days in a row because it was so good. Not only are oats versatile, so you can flavor them any which way, but they’re fast to cook and the whole grains take longer to digest, so you feel satisfied for longer. Cook a serving of old-fashioned oats in a pot with water, add a handful of fresh spinach or a cluster of frozen spinach. Once the spinach is wilted and the oats have cooked and absorbed the water, stir in a pinch of salt. Pour the savory oats into a bowl and add a teaspoon of chili crisp and a heaping tablespoon of ricotta. This spicy spinach ricotta recipe is my simplest example but you can go pretty wild with savory oats. Swap out other greens or cheese, add cooked ground beef or turkey, pepperoni, pickles, sliced chili peppers, or a scoop of kimchi. When times are good again, add an egg to this savory concoction. MuesliOn the topic of oats, my household has also been indulging in some chewy muesli lately. Muesli is usually a mixture of rolled oats, dried fruits and nuts, and you can enjoy it a number of ways. Simply pour some into a bowl and add cold milk for a bright and chewy mixture, soak it in water or milk overnight for a cold breakfast that’s a bit softer on the teeth, or pour hot water into it for a soothing hot breakfast. Muesli has all the speed of a box of sweet cereal but it’s more nutritious with its whole grains and fibrous fruits—always helpful for feeling fuller longer. A hummus plateWho said you can’t have beans for breakfast? A half-cup of chickpeas can provide you with a bit more protein than an egg (about seven grams compared to the egg’s six), a dose of dietary fiber, and carbohydrates. I think hummus is a bit easier to work with for an attractive breakfast but don’t let me stop you from poppin’ plain chickpeas. Swirl a serving of plain hummus into a bowl with sweet or savory toppings (hummus can be sweet too, y’all), or go the toast road. Toast a hearty piece of bread and spread a scoop of hummus onto it (or smash some creamy cannellini beans on). Spoon pico de gallo on top, fried garlic, maybe some tuna, and top it all off with a few greens. Feta pancakes Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Cheese might be well-known for its fat content, but there are higher protein cheeses in your supermarket that pair well with both sweet and savory meals. When you have time for pancakes, make these feta honey pancakes. Use a complete pancake boxed mix (the just-add-water type). Pour the batter into the pan, tuck a slice of salty feta cheese on top. When you flip it, you’ll griddle the cheese on the other side. Cool the pancakes cheese-side up and you’ll be rewarded with a soft, golden brown and ever so subtly crisped pocket of cheese. Top these gems with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and set an alarm because you might forget your immediate plans for the day. Dumpling soupDon’t count out soup for breakfast. It’s one of my absolute favorite breakfast foods, and under different circumstances I usually crack an egg into the broth—but let’s not get caught up in these pipe dreams. Packed with pork, chicken, or beef and wrapped in a thin sheet of dough, these protein pockets will give you plenty of energy. Paired with a cup of hot chicken broth and you’ll feel properly full as you leave the house. I usually buy a bag of Trader Joe’s frozen pork gyoza. Then, when it’s breakfast time, pop a small pot of broth onto the hob, add four or five dumplings and any bitter greens you have in the fridge, like collards, mustard greens, spinach, or chard. Bring it to a boil for eight to 10 minutes to cook the dumplings through and serve hot. Frozen pelmeni, meat ravioli, or homemade dumplings are great to keep stashed uncooked in the freezer for this meal. Steam bunsMeat and veggie filled steamed buns have many names, like Sala bao or baozi, and similarly to dumplings, they can be frozen for easy breakfasts. Trader Joe's sells steam buns in their freezer section and they’re already cooked so you just have to microwave them in a damp paper towel for a minute to revive them. You can find them in Asian grocery stores frozen or fresh, and you can store them, well-wrapped, in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. While I don’t see these widely available yet in every big box supermarket, keep an eye out in the freezer section. Jok Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Jok, also called congee, is a rice porridge that you can make easily with leftover rice. It’s one of my favorite breakfast soups to make when I’m feeling under the weather. As you can see in my recipe, I usually drop an egg in it (single tear), but it’s just as satisfying with slices of chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp on top. It’s really the aromatics that make the soup shine anyway, so keep some ginger, fried garlic, cilantro, and scallions handy for this comforting and filling dish. Tofu scrambleIf you haven’t made a tofu scramble yet, it's time. Medium and firm tofu do a great job at mimicking the soft-springy texture of eggs, and plenty of dry spices create a splendid savory dish. Serve it with beans on toast, bacon and pancakes, or wrapped up in a flexible flour tortilla. Read here for details on how to make stellar tofu scramble and try out the recipe. Make-ahead quinoaQuinoa is a wee round grain that has plenty to offer nutritionally. I treat it a bit like oatmeal—as in, I’ll add a bunch of other fun stuff to it. I make a large batch of quinoa early in the week, maybe four servings, and pack it into a container to chill in the fridge. Unlike oatmeal, pasta, or rice, quinoa doesn’t get chalky and hard when it cools down. (Or, at least, the pieces are so small any texture shift is largely undetectable.) I’ll take a serving out of the container when I’m ready to eat it and top it with a little bit of whatever I have available. A scoop of hummus, sliced chicken, fresh greens, or a scoop of cannellini beans, and a drizzle of soy sauce or another condiment. Heat it up in the microwave for 45 seconds or eat it cold. A tasty, fast, and nutritious breakfast semi-prepped for your week. Breakfast sandwich Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Who can deny the speed and simplicity of a sandwich? As long as you keep the supplies handy, you can whip together a hearty breakfast sandwich in minutes. Switching your brain to identify non-egg sandwiches as breakfast-worthy is really the hardest part, but once you make that leap I think you’ll find breakfast freedom waiting on the other side. I keep sliced turkey, pickles, mayo, and broccoli slaw around for these occasions, but a good charcuterie or cheese board sandwich with dried fruits, soft cheeses and nuts would be incredible first thing in the morning. An elevated PB&J A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an infallible choice for young and old. (My 70-year-old step-father is newly obsessed with them.) This classic sandwich is tasty, fast to prepare, and not only does a quarter-inch of peanut butter shut people up for a good five minutes but there’s a decent serving of protein there, too. If white bread and Jif isn’t your vibe, then elevate it. Use alternative butters, like sunflower, almond, or cashew. Switch out the squidgy bread for sourdough, rye, or thick buttered brioche slices. Add some much-needed texture with toasted chopped walnuts sprinkled inside. Instead of jelly, use a mixture of dried fruits, sliced bananas, apples, or honey. View the full article

Excess humidity in work settings can lead to a variety of issues, such as mold growth, musty odors, and damage to equipment and products. To combat these problems, businesses often turn to commercial dehumidifiers, which are designed to remove moisture from the air and maintain optimal humidity levels. With a wide range of options available on the market, selecting the right commercial dehumidifier can be a daunting task. Importance of humidity control in businesses Humidity control is essential in a business environment as it directly affects employee health and safety, as well as the lifespan of equipment and products. High moisture levels in the air can foster the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria, potentially resulting in respiratory issues and other health concerns. Furthermore, excess humidity can damage sensitive equipment and products, resulting in expensive repairs or replacements. Conversely, low humidity levels can cause dry skin, respiratory irritation, and discomfort for employees. Using a commercial dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels helps create a safe and comfortable work environment while also safeguarding valuable assets. Benefits of Investing in a Commercial Dehumidifier Improved air quality Prevention of mold and mildew growth Protection of products and equipment Enhanced employee comfort and productivity Energy savings Types of Commercial Dehumidifiers There are two different commercial dehumidifiers: refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and conditions of your business. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers Refrigerant dehumidifiers are a favored option for commercial settings because of their efficiency and effectiveness. These units operate by drawing in humid air and passing it over cold coils, leading to the condensation of moisture, which then collects in a reservoir tank. One benefit of refrigerant dehumidifiers is their ability to maintain low humidity levels even in warmer, humid environments. They are also typically more affordable and have a longer lifespan than desiccant dehumidifiers. However, they may struggle in colder environments and may require more energy to operate, leading to higher energy costs. Additionally, refrigerant dehumidifiers can be noisy and may require regular maintenance to prevent clogs and other issues. Desiccant Dehumidifiers Desiccant dehumidifiers use a drying agent, such as silica gel, to absorb moisture from the air. They are often used in colder, drier environments and are more effective at removing moisture from the air than refrigerant dehumidifiers. One of the main advantages of desiccant dehumidifiers is their capacity to function effectively at low temperatures, which makes them particularly suitable for cold commercial spaces like food processing plants and pharmaceutical facilities. Additionally, they are generally quieter than refrigerant dehumidifiers and demand less maintenance. However, desiccant dehumidifiers can be more expensive and may have a shorter lifespan than refrigerant dehumidifiers. Additionally, desiccants may require more energy to operate and can produce excess heat, which may be a concern in certain environments. Comparison of Refrigerant and Desiccant Dehumidifiers When comparing refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are generally more effective in warmer, humid environments, while desiccant dehumidifiers are better suited for colder, drier environments. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are often more affordable and have a longer lifespan but may be noisy and require more energy to operate. Desiccant dehumidifiers are typically quieter and require less maintenance but may be more expensive and have a shorter lifespan. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of dehumidifiers depends on the specific needs of your business, such as the desired humidity levels, environmental conditions, and budget. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Commercial Dehumidifier Before investing in a commercial dehumidifier, there is a range of factors to consider to ensure that you get the right model for your business. By taking the time to carefully consider these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an industrial dehumidifier that will effectively control moisture levels while also minimizing costs and reducing environmental impact. Space requirements: Consider the size of the area that needs to be dehumidified to ensure that the device has the appropriate capacity. Humidity levels: Determine the desired humidity level for the space and choose a dehumidifier that can maintain that level. Temperature range: Consider the range of temperatures in the environment where the dehumidifier will be used and choose a model that can operate effectively in those conditions. Energy efficiency: Look for a dehumidifier with an Energy Star certification to ensure that it operates efficiently and minimizes energy costs. Noise levels: If the dehumidifier will be used in a quiet environment, such as an office or hospital, choose a model with a low noise level. Sizing Your Commercial Dehumidifier To determine the appropriate size of dehumidifier for your business, a good starting point is to calculate the square footage of the area to be dehumidified and then choose a dehumidifier with a capacity that matches the square footage and the level of humidity present. You can also factor in other considerations, such as the number of people present, the type of equipment being used, and the overall environment. Selecting the right size of dehumidifier will ensure that your business has optimal moisture control and a safe, comfortable environment for employees and customers. Common Applications of Commercial Dehumidifiers Below are some common businesses where industrial dehumidifiers can be found: Warehouses and storage facilities: Commercial dehumidifiers are utilized in warehouses and storage facilities to prevent moisture damage to stored goods and equipment, as well as to inhibit mold growth, corrosion, and rust. Office spaces: Office buildings may use refrigerant dehumidifiers to control humidity levels and prevent mold growth, which can be a health hazard for employees Restaurants and cafes: Food service locations require low humidity levels to prevent spoilage and ensure product safety. Gyms and fitness centers: An industrial dehumidifier can be used in a gym or fitness center to help reduce moisture levels and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, reduce unpleasant odors, and create a more comfortable workout environment. Hotels and resorts: Hotels or resorts use commercial dehumidifiers to control moisture levels in guest rooms, hallways, and other common areas. This can help prevent mold growth, reduce musty odors, and create a more comfortable and pleasant environment for guests Indoor swimming pools and spas: Commercial dehumidifiers are utilized in indoor swimming facilities and spas to manage the humidity levels that arise from the significant moisture produced by water activities. This helps to reduce the risk of slips and falls, as well as to prevent mold growth. Museums and art galleries: Museums and art galleries must maintain low humidity levels to preserve delicate and valuable artifacts. Our Top Commercial Dehumidifier Picks From Amazon Choosing the right commercial dehumidifier is a crucial decision for businesses, especially those operating in environments where excess humidity can be a problem. A commercial dehumidifier is not just about improving air quality; it plays a significant role in protecting inventory, machinery, and the overall health of the workspace. It’s vital for businesses to select a dehumidifier that is efficient, reliable, and suitable for the size and nature of their operations. Here’s our criteria list for evaluating commercial dehumidifiers: Dehumidification Capacity (Rating: 9/10) Ability to efficiently remove a significant amount of moisture. Suitable for the business’s specific square footage. Energy Efficiency (Rating: 8/10) Low energy consumption for cost-effective operation. Energy Star certification, if applicable. Durability and Build Quality (Rating: 9/10) Robust construction for long-term use in commercial settings. High-quality components are resistant to wear and tear. Ease of Use and Maintenance (Rating: 8/10) User-friendly controls and settings. Easy access for regular cleaning and maintenance. Noise Level (Rating: 7/10) Quiet operation is particularly important in customer-facing or work-intensive areas. Portability and Design (Rating: 6/10) Mobility features like wheels for easy relocation, if necessary. Compact and space-efficient design. Humidity Control Features (Rating: 7/10) Accurate humidity sensors and adjustable hygrostat. Automatic shut-off and restart functions. Drainage Options (Rating: 7/10) Convenient drainage solutions like hose attachments for continuous operation. Brand Reputation and Warranty (Rating: 7/10) Trustworthy brands are known for quality in commercial dehumidifiers. Solid warranty and customer support services. Price and Value for Money (Rating: 6/10) Competitive pricing for the functionality offered. Good investment considering the operational benefits and durability. In curating our recommendations for commercial dehumidifiers, we focus on these key factors to ensure that the products not only address the immediate need for humidity control but also offer reliability, efficiency, and value for small businesses. Lumisys Commercial Grade Dehumidifier This unit by Lumisys covers up to 8500 sq ft and removes up to 125 pints of moisture per day. Its uniquely designed tri-color knob can be rotated to change the desired relative humidity, and the child lock prevents accidental turn on or shut off. This unit also comes with a drain hose, intelligent humidity control, and other features. The impressive features, positive reviews, and specs made this an easy choice for the best commercial dehumidifier on Amazon. Lumisys Commercial Grade Dehumidifier with Drain Hose Buy on Amazon AlorAir Smart Wi-Fi Commercial Dehumidifier AlorAir’s new commercial dehumidifier has an App that allows you to set the ideal moisture setting, and it will smartly sense room humidity and control dehumidification to maintain that level. This industrial dehumidifier offers up to 2300 sq. ft. of coverage, and its 19.6 ft drain hose allows drainage anywhere. This portable dehumidifier is also equipped with an auto restart function and a built-in pump. It’s among some of the best commercial dehumidifiers on the market. AlorAir Smart Wi-Fi Commercial Dehumidifier Buy on Amazon hOmeLabs Commercial Grade Dehumidifier HomeLabs’ commercial dehumidifiers works for up to 24 hours continually. They also include a defrost feature, water pump, and a 16-foot drain hose, as well as a reusable, easy-to-clean mesh filter. HomeLabs maintains that their industrial dehumidifiers are more energy efficient than other commercial dehumidifiers at a competitive price. hOmeLabs Commercial Grade Dehumidifier Buy on Amazon Sleavon 130 Pint Commercial Grade Dehumidifiers The sturdy handle and semi-pneumatic wheels enhance the portability of this commercial dehumidifier option. It features auto ON/OFF functionality, an auto-restart function for power outages, a built-in timer, and an auto defrost mechanism. Additionally, a drain hose is included for continuous drainage if required. Sleavon 130 Pint Commercial Grade Dehumidifiers Buy on Amazon COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifiers This high-efficiency dehumidifier can eliminate moisture in large spaces up to 8,000 sq ft. Its large semi-pneumatic wheels and sturdy bar handle make it easy and safe to transport from job to job, and the metal outer casing promises durability. Other features include an automatic humidistat, automatic restart after power outages, auto defrost, timer, and continuous drainage. COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifiers Buy on Amazon BlueDri Industrial Commercial Dehumidifier This dehumidifier is equipped with an automatic water pump, digital panel, compact electrical control with auto restart, hour counter, drain hose, and RH and temperature sensors. Its rotary compressor provides a maximum moisture extraction of up to 225 pints of moisture per day, which the company claims is up to double the water per day than other commercial-grade dehumidifiers. BlueDri Industrial Commercial Dehumidifier Buy on Amazon BLACK+DECKER Dehumidifier with Drain Pump BLACK+DECKER is a reputable brand that produces a variety of commercial-grade products, including this portable commercial dehumidifier. With the adjustable humidistat, you can choose a relative humidity level between 35% and 80%. Additionally, an indicator light and audible alert system will inform you when it’s time to drain the water tank. This compact unit can effectively cover an area of up to 4500 sq ft. BLACK+DECKER Dehumidifier with Drain Pump Buy on Amazon Kesnos Large Commercial Grade Dehumidifiers This industrial dehumidifier can remove up to 232 pints of moisture per day. It has a 3.3 ft. drain hose and washable filter and features intelligent humidity control, an auto defrost feature, and power outage restart. It is appropriate for spaces up to 8000 sq ft. Kesnos Large Commercial Grade Dehumidifiers Buy on Amazon ALORAIR Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier Aloair makes some of the best commercial dehumidifiers on the market, which is why there are two from them on our list. Their basement/crawl space unit features corrosion-resistant aluminum coils, low-temperature operation, auto defrost, and more. ALORAIR Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier Buy on Amazon BaseAire AirWerx55 Dehumidifier for Basement/Crawl Space The BaseAire AirWerx55 is designed for use in basements and crawl spaces. It can remove up to 55 pints of moisture per day. You can set the target humidity and this smart dehumidifier will auto-shut off when it’s been met, and restart when it needs to. This unit is perfect for crawl spaces, basements, garages, laundry facilities, and many other commercial applications. BaseAire AirWerx55 Dehumidifier for Basement/Crawl Space Buy on Amazon Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if my business needs a commercial dehumidifier? If your business is experiencing issues such as excess moisture, mold growth, musty odors, or damage to equipment or structures due to humidity, it may be time to consider a commercial dehumidifier. Additionally, if your business is located in a humid climate or experiences elevated moisture levels due to its surroundings or activities, a commercial dehumidifier may be essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both employees and customers. What is the average lifespan of a commercial dehumidifier? The average lifespan of a good commercial dehumidifier can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the device, the frequency of use, and the level of maintenance. However, with proper care and maintenance, a commercial dehumidifier can typically last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. Are commercial dehumidifiers energy efficient? Commercial dehumidifiers can vary in terms of their energy efficiency, depending on factors such as the size and features of the device. The best commercial dehumidifiers, however, are designed with energy efficiency in mind and may have features such as automatic shut-off or low-wattage motors to help reduce energy consumption. Choose a dehumidifier with a high Energy Star rating and perform regular maintenance tasks to help ensure optimal energy efficiency. Can I use a residential dehumidifier for my business instead of a commercial one? While it may be tempting to use a residential dehumidifier for a business, it is generally not recommended. Commercial dehumidifiers are specifically designed to handle larger spaces and higher humidity levels and often feature more advanced technologies than residential models. Additionally, commercial dehumidifiers are typically more durable and long-lasting than residential models, making them a better investment for businesses in need of moisture control. What are the potential health risks associated with high humidity levels in a business environment? High humidity levels in a business environment can lead to a variety of potential health risks, including increased risk of mold growth and other allergens, respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis, and general discomfort or fatigue. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: These are the Best Commercial Dehumidifiers for Your Business Best Air Purifier Options for Your Business Best Portable Air Conditioner to Beat the Heat Best Window Air Conditioner to Keep Cool When It’s Hot Stay Cool with a Ductless Air Conditioner Image: Amazon This article, "Commercial Dehumidifier: Choices for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article