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Join experts from OneTrust and Snowflake for an exclusive look into how modern organizations are integrating privacy and consent management into their data ecosystem. In this session, Snowflake and OneTrust will share real-world use cases and insights into how organizations are activating consent for marketing purposes, all while streamlining compliance at scale. Tune in on March 4 to learn about: The intersections between consent, privacy, and data governance How enterprise brands integrate privacy and consent management with Snowflake OneTrust’s new Native App for accelerating compliance workflows within Snowflake This session is perfect for marketers, data governance professionals, and anyone looking to improve their data privacy practices with real-world examples. Here is the link to learn more and register >> The Details Webinar: How Privacy-First Marketers Leverage OneTrust and Snowflake for Consent Management at Scale Date: March 4, 2025 Time: 10 am PT / 1 pm ET Link to register: Here! View the full article

Competition heats up as other fund groups are poised to expand product rangesView the full article

Save us from the ‘performative parenting’ of Musk and VanceView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. View the full article

There's chatter on TikTok right now about going "monk mode," but if you watch enough videos on the subject, you'll realize this means different things to different people. At its core, though, the idea of engaging with your work in a distraction-free environment is timeless. In fact, even "monk mode" has been around as a specific concept since the early 2000s and has experienced periodic surges of popularity on Google over the years. Here's how to make it work for you. Define what your "monk mode" isWhen you're in monk mode, you're approximating what monks do, or at least part of it. Imagine a monk in your mind. What is he doing? Whatever it is, it's probably calm and focused. I imagine a monk in plain clothes, sitting at a desk in an unadorned room, reading a religious text, fully immersed in the task at hand. I had friends in high school who went on to be monks, and I know that's a reductive oversimplification of what they do—but this "mode" relies on the baseline stereotype of a calm, focused person engaging in their activities, so that's what we're working with. At its most basic, entering monk mode means committing to deep work, or work that is solely focused on one task, with no attempt at multitasking and no allowances for distractions like social media. Deep work is a concept I've discussed here before, so how is monk mode different? Well, first of all, it's got a catchier name and is well-suited to the viral TikTok economy, but second of all, it's different if you make it different. Some creators say "monk mode" to just mean deep work, using it to identify moments of the day when they turn off their notifications, buckle down, and focus on one task. Others, though, take it to a different level entirely, committing to weeks or months that can include, among other things, restricting their access to social media all the time, not drinking alcohol or smoking weed, not consuming adult content, meditating or reading a set amount of time each day, or avoiding going out socially. Clearly, there's a significant difference between committing to a blocked period of uninterrupted work on a particular task and taking on a 60- or 90-day quest to rid your entire life of anything that might be a distraction. There's a happy medium in there: You can commit to undertaking the same block of work time every day for a set amount of days. In fact, that's how a lot of people said they did it in the pre-TikTok era. If you want to begin a habit or reach a goal—you want to go to the gym more consistently or start a business—block out a certain amount of time each day, set a goal of working on it with no distractions at that time every day, and do it for 90 days. That's a monk-mode approach that doesn't have to involve giving up half the activities in your life—and it provides a solid entry point to this whole endeavor. What to keep in mind about monk modeThe more you watch these videos, the more they start veering into manosphere territory, with TikToks featuring jacked dudes who claim to be able to tell you how to "escape the matrix." It's grifty business and you shouldn't feel bad if you can't cut out social media, seeing your friends, or drinking your morning coffee just to appease a stranger who would actually lose their livelihood if you did stop going on social media and is probably betting the farm on the assumption that you won't. Resetting your goals and committing to sustained, deep work on them is a good thing, but do it in a way that is sustainable for you and actually makes sense. Going monk mode can really be as simple as committing to waking up an hour earlier every day and using that bonus hour to work, undistracted, on your passion project before emails start coming in during your 9-to-5. If you feel like cutting out weed or clubs or whatever behaviors or habits you think are holding you back, go for it, but take time to consider what your problems or barriers are before eliminating something from your life based on the advice of some guy on TikTok. Personally, when I engage in my own version of what we're now calling monk mode, I don't focus on the "bad" things I can get rid of, but rather, on the "good" things I can add in, then structure my three-month plan around meeting the goal of engaging sincerely and routinely with those good things. As I said, I've known some monks. If there's one thing I know about them, it's that they're not miserable or actively trying to punish themselves. They focus on their responsibilities because it's the right thing to do and it leads to greater fulfillment. Try starting there. Oh, and put your phone on Do Not Disturb. View the full article

Bowling Green, Kentucky, is known for being the city from which Corvettes roll off the production lines, and for Fruit of the Loom underwear, which is headquartered there. But the city of 76,000 could soon be known for something else: its AI-powered mass civic engagement project that is using public surveys to chart the future of the city. In the next 25 years, the county within which Bowling Green sits is set to double in size, thanks largely to the growth of nearby Nashville. Figuring out what to do about that vexes the public officials in Bowling Green and the greater Warren County. The “What Could BG Be?” project is an open consultation open to all residents in the area to share their hopes, dreams, and fears for the future of the area. The tech-driven consultation opens today, and runs through March 17. The insights provided by citizens will be gathered by Google’s Jigsaw team, alongside Polis, a statistical analysis company, and synthesized to try and come up with concrete conclusions the local council can pursue for the future. “Bowling Green is going through this incredible transformation,” Jigsaw CEO Yasmin Green tells Fast Company. “They’re doubling in size over the next 20 years. It sounds fantastic on the surface, but there’s a mixed bag of emotions about whether that’s going to be good or not.” The data will be parsed by Jigsaw’s Sensemaking tools, which utilize large language models to make sense of large-scale online conversations. In an attempt to foster transparency through the whole process, all the comments, and any votes made by the public on potential options that stem from them, will be available on a website devoted to the project. The website also provides a public square for the general populace to chip in with any comments. “The publishing of the comments is very important so that people can check it,” says Green. “A summary by definition is a lossy act.” That transparency is particularly important because of the intricacies of Bowling Green, a purple city with a Republican mayor and a diverse population. City planners and public figures say there are more things that unite city folk than divide them—but it can sometimes be difficult to discern those areas of “uncommon agreement” in this age of partisanship. “Bowling Green is kind of a microcosm of what happens around the world,” says Green. “You feel so much change. There’s technological disruption, immigration, the changing nature of jobs, and the economy. They are going through this change.” The ultimate goal is to try and help encourage participation with civic engagement processes—and to glean any ideas that could help the local community head into the future in a stronger position to address the challenges of rapid population growth and changing economic and social circumstances. “I think if we can get a proof point in Bowling Green, that could be inspiring for a lot of other places to pick up,” says Green. View the full article

If the bill does go through, it is so narrowly drawn that few people will qualifyView the full article

The consortium of businesses intends to work with state regulators to protect consumers as interest from secondary market investors also grows. View the full article

There are many easy ways to launch apps on your Mac. You can click an icon in the Dock, use Spotlight Search (or better alternatives), or visit the Applications folder and fire up your favorite apps. None of these methods are as fast and as fun as launching apps with Pieoneer, a launcher that lets you add your favorite apps to a radial menu. It also has two other useful features—a built-in app switcher and an easy way to surface hidden features of your favorite apps. Using Pieoneer as an app launcher Credit: Pranay Parab This is the simplest part of using Pieoneer. Once you've installed the app, you can click its menu bar icon and go to Settings > Launcher. Here, you can record a keyboard shortcut to activate the Pieoneer, and you can add, reorder, and remove apps from the launcher. Pieoneer doesn't appear to limit how many apps you can add to the radial launcher, but maybe it should. It looks great for up to 10 apps, but starts to look cramped after that. As an experiment, I added every app that I launch regularly. With 21 apps in the launcher, Pieoneer started to look like a pizza with way too many toppings. Thankfully, sanity prevailed, and I removed apps that I don't need to launch all the time. Once setup is complete, Pieoneer will do its job quickly and reliably. Press the keyboard shortcut to see the radial menu and use your mouse cursor to click the app you want to launch. I found myself wishing for a way to use Pieoneer without the mouse, but at the moment that isn't possible. It'd be quite janky to try to use arrow keys to navigate the radial menu anyway, so I agree with the developer's design decision here. Setting up the app switcher Credit: Pranay Parab You can also use Pieoneer as a faster way to switch between running apps. To try it, find the Switcher tab in the settings menu, then set a keyboard shortcut for this action. Once you do that, you can fire it up to see all your open apps in the same radial menu. Use the mouse cursor to quickly select an app and it'll immediately come to the foreground. I find this faster than using Command-Tab to switch between running apps on my MacBook. The hidden gem: ControllerI think the best feature in Pieoneer is Controller, which makes it easier to access features buried under layers of menus in various apps. To use this, you'll have to give this app Accessibility permissions on your Mac. Pieoneer is on the Mac App Store, which means it's under additional scrutiny from Apple, so you shouldn't worry about granting these permissions. Go to the app's settings, select the Controller tab, and click the button to grant Accessibility permissions, which will open System Settings. Once you've approved the app there, restart Pieoneer to use this feature. Credit: Pranay Parab You should set up a keyboard shortcut for the Controller first, then start adding apps that you want to use it with. Once you've added some apps, you need to manually add shortcuts to each app. I used the opportunity to add my favorite shortcuts in Ulysses, my default writing app. From that moment, I've been using the Controller to quickly run these shortcuts to view the word count, export text, check the outline, etc. It's a bit tedious to manually set this up for each app, but it's a one-time hassle, after which Pieoneer makes things a lot easier. A better overall experiencePieoneer has improved my experience of launching and switching between apps, and its Controller feature is the icing on the cake. The best part is the app's UI. I love the attention to detail, too. Each animation looks fluid, the switches in settings can be clicked or dragged, and the app lets you enable sounds too. When you scroll through the radial menu, each item selection plays a nice sound and you can switch it to a more playful variation that sounds like do-re-mi-fa-so. My only complaint with this app is that it sometimes automatically opened the settings window on my Mac. Other than this minor bug, Pieoneer has done everything it promised, and done it quite well. While I was able to buy the app for $5, the price seems to have jumped to $10 since I started using it. However, the app is still a good value if you like the idea of using radial menus for launching or switching between apps. View the full article

Every small business owner and entrepreneur who runs a deli, a salad bar, or a food establishment understands the importance of having the right equipment. Of course, the sandwich prep table is among the must-haves. That’s because it’s an efficient and clean way to prepare sandwiches, salads, and other food products. Many prep tables are refrigerated for storing perishable items, and many have other storage as well. F What is a Sandwich Prep Table? Sandwich or salad prep tables are refrigerated units that combine a worktop for food prep, such as sandwich and salad preparation, with refrigerated storage space beneath. This commercial appliance keeps ingredients fresh while allowing for quick, efficient sandwich and salad assembly. Different Types of Sandwich Prep Tables Sandwich prep tables vary in style and design. They range in size from small units with one door and a few ingredient bins to large units with several doors and numerous ingredient bins. Some sandwich prep tables are top style, with ingredients instantly available at arm’s length. Others come with cutting boards and even overhead shelves for additional storage. Sandwich Prep Table: Our Top Picks There are many great prep tables available on Amazon. We’ve developed a set of criteria to guide you in choosing the perfect sandwich prep table for your business. Our recommendations are based on these carefully considered factors: Size and Capacity (Importance Scale: 9/10) Criteria: Space availability in your kitchen, number of ingredients it can hold. Rationale: Ensures efficient use of kitchen space and meets your daily volume needs. Material and Durability (Importance Scale: 8/10) Criteria: Stainless steel construction, resistance to corrosion and easy to clean. Rationale: Contributes to longevity and maintains a hygienic preparation environment. Temperature Control (Importance Scale: 10/10) Criteria: Consistent cooling ability and compliance with food safety standards. Rationale: Essential for keeping ingredients fresh and preventing foodborne illnesses. Ease of Cleaning (Importance Scale: 7/10) Criteria: Removable parts, smooth surfaces. Rationale: Promotes food safety and saves time in kitchen cleanup. Layout and Accessibility (Importance Scale: 8/10) Criteria: Convenient arrangement of storage and prep areas. Rationale: Enhances workflow efficiency and reduces preparation time. Additional Features (Importance Scale: 6/10) Criteria: Cutting boards, adjustable shelves, and food pans included. Rationale: Adds value and versatility to the prep table. Price and Warranty (Importance Scale: 7/10) Criteria: Cost-effectiveness, warranty period, and coverage. Rationale: Ensures good return on investment and protection against defects. Energy Efficiency (Importance Scale: 5/10) Criteria: Energy Star rated, low power consumption. Rationale: Reduces operating costs and is better for the environment. By adhering to these criteria, we’ve curated our list of sandwich prep tables that we believe best suit the needs of small business owners. Check out our favorites below: Arctic Air 40″ Countertop Sandwich Prep Table Station Features: Dimension: 39.5″W x 15.5″D x 11″H. 5 Star Energy rating, promoting energy efficiency. Integrated internal thermostat One door with a manual defrost system for easy maintenance. Compact design, making it suitable for small spaces. Stainless steel finish, ensuring long-lasting durability Self-contained refrigeration system with R290 refrigerant for reliable and even cooling. Arctic Air 40″ Countertop Sandwich/Salad Refrigerated Prep Table Station Buy on Amazon Aceland 3-Door Mega Top Sandwich Prep Table Key Features: Equipped with an Embraco compressor and Carel controller Fan cooling system ensures consistent temperature maintenance from 33°F to 41°F. Robust shelves with a loading capacity of 90 lbs each, coated for corrosion resistance. Features an automatic defrost system for low-maintenance operation. Eco-friendly, utilizing R290 refrigerant The durable, anti-fingerprint stainless steel exterior and interior make cleaning easier and contribute to the product’s longevity. Pre-installed with four wheels (2 with brakes) for easy maneuverability Features a digital temperature display that allows for easy adjustments to temperature and defrost frequency, complemented by a clear LCD readout. Aceland 3-Door Mega Top Sandwich Prep Table Refrigerator Buy on Amazon VEVOR Refrigerated Prep Station Key Features: Powered by a 146W compressor, ensuring ingredients remain at the proper temperature. Uses energy-saving R290 refrigerant in its self-contained refrigeration system. Accommodates 8 food pans in a 40-quart tank Electronic thermostat with digital LED panel, allowing temperature control between 35.6°F and 46.4°F. One-click auto-defrost function for smooth air circulation and consistent cooling. Features a detachable tempered glass shield for clear visibility and ingredient protection. Includes four 1/3 pans and four 1/6 pans with removable dividers, offering flexibility to customize the station to your specific needs. VEVOR Refrigerated Prep Station Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-Door Key Features: Efficient Storage: Two-door refrigerated storage beneath the workspace offers an additional 8.6 ft. space, perfect for keeping deli meats, cheese, or toppings fresh at 33°F to 41 °F. Durable Shelves: Epoxy-coated shelves, each capable of handling up to 90 lbs, allowing the effective organization of your supplies. Insulated Lid: The stainless steel lid, designed to lift up, helps to keep food at safe temperatures. Mobility: Includes four heavy-duty 4″ casters (2 lockable), simplifying cleaning and servicing by providing mobility. Cutting Board: A 3/4″ thick removable cutting board is affixed to the surface for slicing ingredients and prepping orders. Warranty: 3-year All-Parts warranty, a 6-year Compressor warranty, and a 1-month Labor warranty. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-Door Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door Features: Spacious: 16.4 cubic feet of two-door storage space below the workspace, refrigerated at 33°F to 41 °F Durable Shelves: Epoxy-coated shelves, each holding up to 90 lbs. Insulated Lid: A stainless steel lid with a convenient lift-up design aids in maintaining food-safe temperatures. Mobility Assured: Includes four 4″ casters (2 lockable) for easy movement Cutting Board: 3/4″ thick removable cutting board affixed to the surface, ideal for slicing ingredients and assembling orders. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door Buy on Amazon KITMA Salad Sandwich Prep Table Features: Pan Capacity: 18 pans (6.8″L x 6.25″ W x 4″D) for ingredient organization and food-safe temperatures. Cutting Board: Includes a fixed cutting board for efficient preparation. Refrigerated Storage: 1/5 hp compressor, Dixell digital temperature control system, and R290 refrigerant ensure a temperature range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Durable Construction: Made from 430 and 304 stainless steel for both interior and exterior Adjustable Shelves and Mobility: 3 reinforced adjustable shelves for custom storage; sits on casters for easy mobility. Warranty: A 5-year warranty covers the compressor, while additional parts come with a 2-year warranty, including on-site service within 48 hours. KITMA Salad Sandwich Prep Table Buy on Amazon Kratos Refrigeration 48″W Commercial, Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Features: Cutting Board: Reversible, removable cutting board for easy cleaning. Storage: Two hinged doors and two adjustable epoxy-coated shelves facilitate easy access and efficient airflow. Material: Durable stainless steel exterior and a painted aluminum interior Condensate Evaporator Pan: Eliminates the need for floor drain and provides immediate plug-and-play compatibility. Temperature Control: Comes with adjustable solid-state temperature control with a digital display. Pan Capacity: It includes slots for industry-standard adapter bars for sixth-size pans and can hold third, half-, or full-size pans up to 4″H without requiring adapters. Insulation: CFC-free urethane foam insulated walls and doors to retain coolness. Extras: Includes two adjustable epoxy-coated steel shelves, casters, cord, and plug for convenience. Dimensions: Measures 48-7/16″ W x 30-15/16″D x 45-7/16″H. Kratos Refrigeration 48″W Commercial, Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Arctic Air 48.25-Inch 2-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Pan Capacity: The cold topping area holds twelve 1/6-size pans provided with the unit. The hinged insulated lid cover maintains the freshness of the food items when not in use. Cutting Board: Comes with a full-length, heavy-duty cutting board Magnetic Door Gaskets: The self-closing doors remain open at 90 degrees, and the magnetic door gaskets are removable and replaceable without tools. The doors have solid construction with foamed-in-place recessed handles. Refrigerated Storage: The unit provides 12 cubic feet of refrigerated storage capacity, an adjustable coated wire shelf per door for added storage, and an interior made of bright white ABS liner with a full stainless steel floor for easy cleaning. Durable Construction: Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction, comprising a stainless steel lid on top, guarantees longevity and freshness of the toppings. Arctic Air 48.25-Inch 2-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Atosa USA 3-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Cutting Board: 10” poly cutting board provides a dedicated area for precise and hygienic food preparation. Pre-installed Casters: Pre-installed casters, facilitating effective space management and cleaning. Digital Controller: The Dixell digital controller ensures precise and easy temperature control. Storage: 18 stainless steel pans and three adjustable shelves, giving ample room for various ingredients. Door Design: 3 solid-hinged self-closing doors with recessed handles for easy access without compromising temperature control. Construction: Stainless steel interior & exterior and galvanized steel back Refrigeration: This unit features rear-mounted, self-contained refrigeration that utilizes R290 Hydrocarbon refrigerant, ensuring a consistent temperature range of 33° to 40°F. Additionally, it offers ventilated refrigeration, automatic evaporation, and air defrost capabilities. Atosa USA 72.70” 3 Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon SEAGATE Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Quality Construction: 430 stainless steel exterior, 304 stainless steel interior Convenient Features: Electronic thermostat and digital LED temperature display for accurate control and easy temperature readings. Mobility: Easy-to-mount 2.5″ casters for mobility Doors: Doors are self-closing but can be locked in an open position when set to a 90° angle Advanced Technology: Forced-air cooling for rapid temperature recovery after opening/loading, and it cools food down faster than normal refrigerators Storage: Includes one adjustable, heavy-duty epoxy-coated wire shelf per door, providing plenty of storage space. Certification: The SSP61 has received NSF and cETLus certification, which guarantees that it complies with the highest safety and quality standards. SEAGATE Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Prep Table 2-door 36″ Mega Top Model Engineered with a robust stainless steel body, this freestanding refrigerated prep table offers sturdy construction and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty commercial use. Key Features: Dimensions: 36″W x 34″D x 46″H 8.6 cubic feet of two-door storage space, refrigerated from 33°F to 41°F. Insulated with foamed-in-place polyurethane Comprises of epoxy-coated shelves, each capable of carrying up to 90 lbs. Compressor cooling method for superior temperature control. Stainless steel insulated lid for maintaining food-safe temperatures and a lift-up design for swift usage 3/4″ thick mounted cutting board can be removed for easy cleaning Includes four heavy-duty 4″ casters (2 locking) for easy mobility for cleaning or maintenance. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door 36″ Mega Top Model Buy on Amazon Leveraging the Efficiency of Sandwich Prep Tables for Your Business Success Enhancing Workflow A well-placed sandwich prep table can significantly improve your kitchen workflow. By keeping ingredients organized and at the correct temperature, your team can assemble sandwiches and salads more quickly, improving customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Ensuring Food Safety Sandwich prep tables are essential for food safety as they help maintain the correct temperature. This regulation prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby ensuring that your sandwiches and salads remain fresh and safe to eat. Boosting Productivity Incorporating a sandwich prep table into your workspace enhances productivity. With its in-built storage sections for an array of ingredients, it allows staff to assemble meals with speed and precision. This increased efficiency can lead to a higher turnover, positively impacting your profit margins. Optimizing Your Sandwich Prep Table Strategic use of your sandwich prep table can be a real boon to your business. Firstly, train your team on optimal usage to ensure consistent, high-quality outputs. Secondly, use the table to experiment with new recipes during off-peak hours, enhancing your menu and attracting a wider clientele. Finally, use the table to reduce food waste by promoting dishes made from ingredients nearing their use-by dates. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Breakroom Furniture for Your Small Business Commercial Refrigerators: Top Picks to Keep Your Stock Fresh and Profitable Discover the Best Bar Stools for Your Small Business Shampoo Bowl and Chair Choices for Your Business Image: Amazon This article, "Sandwich Prep Table: Great Picks for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Every small business owner and entrepreneur who runs a deli, a salad bar, or a food establishment understands the importance of having the right equipment. Of course, the sandwich prep table is among the must-haves. That’s because it’s an efficient and clean way to prepare sandwiches, salads, and other food products. Many prep tables are refrigerated for storing perishable items, and many have other storage as well. F What is a Sandwich Prep Table? Sandwich or salad prep tables are refrigerated units that combine a worktop for food prep, such as sandwich and salad preparation, with refrigerated storage space beneath. This commercial appliance keeps ingredients fresh while allowing for quick, efficient sandwich and salad assembly. Different Types of Sandwich Prep Tables Sandwich prep tables vary in style and design. They range in size from small units with one door and a few ingredient bins to large units with several doors and numerous ingredient bins. Some sandwich prep tables are top style, with ingredients instantly available at arm’s length. Others come with cutting boards and even overhead shelves for additional storage. Sandwich Prep Table: Our Top Picks There are many great prep tables available on Amazon. We’ve developed a set of criteria to guide you in choosing the perfect sandwich prep table for your business. Our recommendations are based on these carefully considered factors: Size and Capacity (Importance Scale: 9/10) Criteria: Space availability in your kitchen, number of ingredients it can hold. Rationale: Ensures efficient use of kitchen space and meets your daily volume needs. Material and Durability (Importance Scale: 8/10) Criteria: Stainless steel construction, resistance to corrosion and easy to clean. Rationale: Contributes to longevity and maintains a hygienic preparation environment. Temperature Control (Importance Scale: 10/10) Criteria: Consistent cooling ability and compliance with food safety standards. Rationale: Essential for keeping ingredients fresh and preventing foodborne illnesses. Ease of Cleaning (Importance Scale: 7/10) Criteria: Removable parts, smooth surfaces. Rationale: Promotes food safety and saves time in kitchen cleanup. Layout and Accessibility (Importance Scale: 8/10) Criteria: Convenient arrangement of storage and prep areas. Rationale: Enhances workflow efficiency and reduces preparation time. Additional Features (Importance Scale: 6/10) Criteria: Cutting boards, adjustable shelves, and food pans included. Rationale: Adds value and versatility to the prep table. Price and Warranty (Importance Scale: 7/10) Criteria: Cost-effectiveness, warranty period, and coverage. Rationale: Ensures good return on investment and protection against defects. Energy Efficiency (Importance Scale: 5/10) Criteria: Energy Star rated, low power consumption. Rationale: Reduces operating costs and is better for the environment. By adhering to these criteria, we’ve curated our list of sandwich prep tables that we believe best suit the needs of small business owners. Check out our favorites below: Arctic Air 40″ Countertop Sandwich Prep Table Station Features: Dimension: 39.5″W x 15.5″D x 11″H. 5 Star Energy rating, promoting energy efficiency. Integrated internal thermostat One door with a manual defrost system for easy maintenance. Compact design, making it suitable for small spaces. Stainless steel finish, ensuring long-lasting durability Self-contained refrigeration system with R290 refrigerant for reliable and even cooling. Arctic Air 40″ Countertop Sandwich/Salad Refrigerated Prep Table Station Buy on Amazon Aceland 3-Door Mega Top Sandwich Prep Table Key Features: Equipped with an Embraco compressor and Carel controller Fan cooling system ensures consistent temperature maintenance from 33°F to 41°F. Robust shelves with a loading capacity of 90 lbs each, coated for corrosion resistance. Features an automatic defrost system for low-maintenance operation. Eco-friendly, utilizing R290 refrigerant The durable, anti-fingerprint stainless steel exterior and interior make cleaning easier and contribute to the product’s longevity. Pre-installed with four wheels (2 with brakes) for easy maneuverability Features a digital temperature display that allows for easy adjustments to temperature and defrost frequency, complemented by a clear LCD readout. Aceland 3-Door Mega Top Sandwich Prep Table Refrigerator Buy on Amazon VEVOR Refrigerated Prep Station Key Features: Powered by a 146W compressor, ensuring ingredients remain at the proper temperature. Uses energy-saving R290 refrigerant in its self-contained refrigeration system. Accommodates 8 food pans in a 40-quart tank Electronic thermostat with digital LED panel, allowing temperature control between 35.6°F and 46.4°F. One-click auto-defrost function for smooth air circulation and consistent cooling. Features a detachable tempered glass shield for clear visibility and ingredient protection. Includes four 1/3 pans and four 1/6 pans with removable dividers, offering flexibility to customize the station to your specific needs. VEVOR Refrigerated Prep Station Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-Door Key Features: Efficient Storage: Two-door refrigerated storage beneath the workspace offers an additional 8.6 ft. space, perfect for keeping deli meats, cheese, or toppings fresh at 33°F to 41 °F. Durable Shelves: Epoxy-coated shelves, each capable of handling up to 90 lbs, allowing the effective organization of your supplies. Insulated Lid: The stainless steel lid, designed to lift up, helps to keep food at safe temperatures. Mobility: Includes four heavy-duty 4″ casters (2 lockable), simplifying cleaning and servicing by providing mobility. Cutting Board: A 3/4″ thick removable cutting board is affixed to the surface for slicing ingredients and prepping orders. Warranty: 3-year All-Parts warranty, a 6-year Compressor warranty, and a 1-month Labor warranty. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-Door Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door Features: Spacious: 16.4 cubic feet of two-door storage space below the workspace, refrigerated at 33°F to 41 °F Durable Shelves: Epoxy-coated shelves, each holding up to 90 lbs. Insulated Lid: A stainless steel lid with a convenient lift-up design aids in maintaining food-safe temperatures. Mobility Assured: Includes four 4″ casters (2 lockable) for easy movement Cutting Board: 3/4″ thick removable cutting board affixed to the surface, ideal for slicing ingredients and assembling orders. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door Buy on Amazon KITMA Salad Sandwich Prep Table Features: Pan Capacity: 18 pans (6.8″L x 6.25″ W x 4″D) for ingredient organization and food-safe temperatures. Cutting Board: Includes a fixed cutting board for efficient preparation. Refrigerated Storage: 1/5 hp compressor, Dixell digital temperature control system, and R290 refrigerant ensure a temperature range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Durable Construction: Made from 430 and 304 stainless steel for both interior and exterior Adjustable Shelves and Mobility: 3 reinforced adjustable shelves for custom storage; sits on casters for easy mobility. Warranty: A 5-year warranty covers the compressor, while additional parts come with a 2-year warranty, including on-site service within 48 hours. KITMA Salad Sandwich Prep Table Buy on Amazon Kratos Refrigeration 48″W Commercial, Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Features: Cutting Board: Reversible, removable cutting board for easy cleaning. Storage: Two hinged doors and two adjustable epoxy-coated shelves facilitate easy access and efficient airflow. Material: Durable stainless steel exterior and a painted aluminum interior Condensate Evaporator Pan: Eliminates the need for floor drain and provides immediate plug-and-play compatibility. Temperature Control: Comes with adjustable solid-state temperature control with a digital display. Pan Capacity: It includes slots for industry-standard adapter bars for sixth-size pans and can hold third, half-, or full-size pans up to 4″H without requiring adapters. Insulation: CFC-free urethane foam insulated walls and doors to retain coolness. Extras: Includes two adjustable epoxy-coated steel shelves, casters, cord, and plug for convenience. Dimensions: Measures 48-7/16″ W x 30-15/16″D x 45-7/16″H. Kratos Refrigeration 48″W Commercial, Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Arctic Air 48.25-Inch 2-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Pan Capacity: The cold topping area holds twelve 1/6-size pans provided with the unit. The hinged insulated lid cover maintains the freshness of the food items when not in use. Cutting Board: Comes with a full-length, heavy-duty cutting board Magnetic Door Gaskets: The self-closing doors remain open at 90 degrees, and the magnetic door gaskets are removable and replaceable without tools. The doors have solid construction with foamed-in-place recessed handles. Refrigerated Storage: The unit provides 12 cubic feet of refrigerated storage capacity, an adjustable coated wire shelf per door for added storage, and an interior made of bright white ABS liner with a full stainless steel floor for easy cleaning. Durable Construction: Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction, comprising a stainless steel lid on top, guarantees longevity and freshness of the toppings. Arctic Air 48.25-Inch 2-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Atosa USA 3-Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Cutting Board: 10” poly cutting board provides a dedicated area for precise and hygienic food preparation. Pre-installed Casters: Pre-installed casters, facilitating effective space management and cleaning. Digital Controller: The Dixell digital controller ensures precise and easy temperature control. Storage: 18 stainless steel pans and three adjustable shelves, giving ample room for various ingredients. Door Design: 3 solid-hinged self-closing doors with recessed handles for easy access without compromising temperature control. Construction: Stainless steel interior & exterior and galvanized steel back Refrigeration: This unit features rear-mounted, self-contained refrigeration that utilizes R290 Hydrocarbon refrigerant, ensuring a consistent temperature range of 33° to 40°F. Additionally, it offers ventilated refrigeration, automatic evaporation, and air defrost capabilities. Atosa USA 72.70” 3 Door Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon SEAGATE Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Key Features: Quality Construction: 430 stainless steel exterior, 304 stainless steel interior Convenient Features: Electronic thermostat and digital LED temperature display for accurate control and easy temperature readings. Mobility: Easy-to-mount 2.5″ casters for mobility Doors: Doors are self-closing but can be locked in an open position when set to a 90° angle Advanced Technology: Forced-air cooling for rapid temperature recovery after opening/loading, and it cools food down faster than normal refrigerators Storage: Includes one adjustable, heavy-duty epoxy-coated wire shelf per door, providing plenty of storage space. Certification: The SSP61 has received NSF and cETLus certification, which guarantees that it complies with the highest safety and quality standards. SEAGATE Refrigerated Sandwich/Salad Prep Table Buy on Amazon Commercial Refrigerated Prep Table 2-door 36″ Mega Top Model Engineered with a robust stainless steel body, this freestanding refrigerated prep table offers sturdy construction and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty commercial use. Key Features: Dimensions: 36″W x 34″D x 46″H 8.6 cubic feet of two-door storage space, refrigerated from 33°F to 41°F. Insulated with foamed-in-place polyurethane Comprises of epoxy-coated shelves, each capable of carrying up to 90 lbs. Compressor cooling method for superior temperature control. Stainless steel insulated lid for maintaining food-safe temperatures and a lift-up design for swift usage 3/4″ thick mounted cutting board can be removed for easy cleaning Includes four heavy-duty 4″ casters (2 locking) for easy mobility for cleaning or maintenance. Commercial Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table 2-door 36″ Mega Top Model Buy on Amazon Leveraging the Efficiency of Sandwich Prep Tables for Your Business Success Enhancing Workflow A well-placed sandwich prep table can significantly improve your kitchen workflow. By keeping ingredients organized and at the correct temperature, your team can assemble sandwiches and salads more quickly, improving customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Ensuring Food Safety Sandwich prep tables are essential for food safety as they help maintain the correct temperature. This regulation prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby ensuring that your sandwiches and salads remain fresh and safe to eat. Boosting Productivity Incorporating a sandwich prep table into your workspace enhances productivity. With its in-built storage sections for an array of ingredients, it allows staff to assemble meals with speed and precision. This increased efficiency can lead to a higher turnover, positively impacting your profit margins. Optimizing Your Sandwich Prep Table Strategic use of your sandwich prep table can be a real boon to your business. Firstly, train your team on optimal usage to ensure consistent, high-quality outputs. Secondly, use the table to experiment with new recipes during off-peak hours, enhancing your menu and attracting a wider clientele. Finally, use the table to reduce food waste by promoting dishes made from ingredients nearing their use-by dates. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Breakroom Furniture for Your Small Business Commercial Refrigerators: Top Picks to Keep Your Stock Fresh and Profitable Discover the Best Bar Stools for Your Small Business Shampoo Bowl and Chair Choices for Your Business Image: Amazon This article, "Sandwich Prep Table: Great Picks for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Full commitment is critical in niche accounting. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

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What is Rumble? Simply put, Rumble is a place for uploading videos and sharing them. In that way, it’s like YouTube, another site where you can upload and share videos on YouTube. If you’re really good at that, you can become one of the top YouTube influencers (check out Top YouTube Influencers and make money (How Much Money Do YouTubers Make?). You can make money on Rumble, too. Is it an easier platform for earning money? Can you make more money? Let’s explore. The Rumble Video Hosting Website Since its establishment by technology enthusiast and entrepreneur Chris Pavlovski, Rumble has aimed to provide an alternative platform for video content creators. Over the years, Rumble has undergone several transformations, reflective of the evolving digital landscape and its challenges. One of the pivotal moments in Rumble’s history was in August 2020. Pavlovski, the diligent CEO and founder expressed concerns about YouTube’s practices, particularly in what he saw as unwarranted censorship of videos that diverged from YouTube’s prevailing ideologies. Pavlovski’s perception of an encroaching bias on content spurred a strategic shift for Rumble. He envisioned Rumble as a haven for video creators—a space that championed the ethos of free expression without the looming shadow of undue censorship. But this commitment to freedom doesn’t imply an absence of moderation. Videos promoting illicit activities, explicit content like pornography, or those endorsing bullying would still face rigorous scrutiny, failing to make it past Rumble’s editorial review. Chris Pavlovski’s aspiration was clear: Rumble would be a bastion against “cancel culture”, upholding the ideals of a “free and open internet”. Here, creators wouldn’t just find a platform for their voice but also an opportunity for monetization. Unlike many platforms where revenue generation is often skewed, Rumble introduced the concept of profit-sharing, allowing its users to earn from their content. Rumble’s journey hasn’t been without its legal battles. A significant turn occurred when the company took on tech behemoth Google with an antitrust lawsuit. The contention was Google’s alleged monopolization of search results, limiting users from discovering a diverse range of content. As this lawsuit unfolds, Rumble’s user base experiences impressive growth. In stark contrast to its 1.6 million average monthly users previously, the number soared to 36 million in the following period. And the upward trajectory continued, with January boasting 39 million users. The increasing numbers and ongoing legal battles highlight Rumble’s journey from a relatively lesser-known platform to a notable contender in the video hosting realm. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of free expression in the digital age. How to Use the Rumble Video Platform How to use Rumble video hosting is simple. It’s easy to join Rumble. Set up a Rumble account. Create a profile with your name, user name, password, address, birth date, and other information. Select the type of Rumble account that suits you best. You have three options to choose from: Free, Publisher, or Business/Personal. With each type of account, you can upload your own videos. These videos will be shared through live streaming over the internet. What are the differences between the types of accounts? Keep reading. How to Make Money on Rumble by Uploading Videos One basic difference between the types of accounts is how your videos will be used and how you will be paid. Free account – Your videos will be shared only on Rumble. If your video is approved, you’ll make $50, and if your video makes the “front page” of Rumble, you’ll make $100. If Rumble advertisers are connected to your video, you’ll earn 60% of the ad revenue. Publisher account – Rumble manages your videos. Your videos will appear on Rumble, and Rumble may also share the content with YouTube and other social media platforms. You’ll be paid 90% of what the video earns on YouTube and 60% of what it makes on other sites. Rumble’s other partners include MTV, XBox, Yahoo, MSN, and others. Business account – You’ll pay $25 a month for a Rumble Business account and enjoy ad-free viewing. Most business account users are uploading, sharing and selling stock footage. Personal – Your Rumble videos will only be shared with the family and friends you choose. Pros of Using Rumble Good platform monetizing users’ videos with good titles and original content. Many users appreciate that on the Rumble platform, you can begin earning money with your first video without having to build a subscriber base first. Rumble editors help with your video platform titles and good descriptions. Rumble editors assist in positioning content across selected social media platforms for those with a Publisher account. Emphasis on free speech ahead of censorship. Cons of Using Rumble To date, YouTube has a stronger broad audience of users. To date, users report that Rumble can’t match YouTube’s upload speeds. Licensing Options – In order to use the Publisher Rumble platform, you give Rumble exclusive rights to manage and share your video. With non-exclusive users the video only appears on Rumble. Non-exclusive users of Rumble – those who retain rights to their videos – can only use the Rumble free account. You can earn money based on viewings on Rumble, but your video won’t be shared on other platforms. To date, Rumble doesn’t have enough subscribers to compete with YouTube. But stay tuned as the Rumble platform grows. Rumble Vs. YouTube Both Rumble and YouTube offer open platforms for creators worldwide. Anyone with a penchant for video creation can join and share their content. The true distinction arises when one delves into their monetization policies. Monetization Policies Rumble: Rumble’s monetization system stands out due to its immediacy. The moment you upload content on Rumble, you can start earning. Unlike YouTube, Rumble doesn’t mandate a minimum threshold of subscribers. If you choose a non-exclusive license, however, your video’s visibility is restricted solely to Rumble. But the real charm lies in its publisher account. With this, not only can you monetize on Rumble, but the platform also pushes your content to other platforms like YouTube, broadening your audience reach. YouTube: YouTube, being one of the earliest and most popular video-sharing platforms, has a more structured monetization procedure. Creators need to first join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). But the entrance to YPP isn’t straightforward. One must amass 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within a year. Monetization begins once these criteria are met. Earnings can range from $3 to $20 per 1,000 views, though these figures can vary based on multiple factors, including video content, demographics, and advertisement type. Considerations for Creators For someone initiating their journey in the digital content realm, especially if they’re tied to a blog or website, Rumble appears more welcoming. The absence of any subscriber prerequisites can be a boon, allowing monetization from day one. This can be particularly enticing for creators with content that may not have widespread appeal but caters to a niche audience. On the other hand, YouTube, with its vast user base, offers the potential for massive viewership, but the initial road to monetization can be challenging for some. Dual-Platform Approach One pivotal point to remember is that choosing Rumble doesn’t necessarily mean sidelining YouTube. If you navigate Rumble’s options correctly, it can serve as a bridge, helping your content find a home on both platforms, thus maximizing potential views and revenue. So whilst Rumble and YouTube serve the same fundamental purpose, their monetization mechanics differ. The choice between them—or even the decision to leverage both—depends on a creator’s goals, patience, and content strategy. For creators and users looking to share and monetize their content, understanding the distinct features of each platform can be vital. The table below provides a concise comparison between Rumble and YouTube based on essential attributes and offerings: Features/AttributesRumbleYouTube Launch Year20132005 Monetization MethodInstant (no subscriber requirement for basic monetization)Requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time Revenue Share60%-90% depending on account typeVaries (e.g., average $3 to $20 per 1,000 views) Upload SpeedSlower (as reported by some users)Faster Subscriber BaseGrowing (39 million users as of Jan 2022)Significantly larger Licensing OptionsExclusive and non-exclusivePrimarily non-exclusive Censorship PolicyEmphasizes free speech and fights "cancel culture"Has its own set of values and beliefs for content Affiliate PartnersMTV, XBox, Yahoo, MSN, etc.Numerous partners across various industries Subscription FeesOptions include Free, Publisher, and Business (with varying fees)Primarily free, with options for premium services Main Selling PointEmphasis on free speech and instant monetizationBroad audience and established platform Tips to Maximize Your Rumble Revenue Here are a few more things you need to know that will help you earn the most money you can on Rumble: Don’t overlook specific videos you’ve previously posted on other sites. Rumble may use your old YouTube videos if you have a publisher account. You can make a little money by tagging videos on Rumble. You’ll earn .05 for each video you tag. Explore Rumble with a free account. Get started and see how you like the site. Do the math. If you don’t feel you’re making enough, as your video is only viewed on Rumble, you can change your account to Publisher. Building a Strong Community on Rumble Rumble isn’t just a platform for video sharing and monetization; it fosters a vibrant community where creators and viewers engage in meaningful ways. This community-focused strategy promotes active engagement via comments, likes, and shares, thereby improving the overall user experience. Here’s how the community features of Rumble are distinctive: Interactive Engagement: Rumble encourages its users to interact with content through comments and reactions, fostering a sense of community among creators and viewers. This interactive engagement helps creators receive direct feedback and build a loyal follower base. Diverse Content Curation: Rumble prioritizes freedom of expression and features a wide range of content across numerous genres. This variety appeals to a diverse audience, including tech enthusiasts and artists, guaranteeing that there’s something for everyone. Creator Support: Rumble offers creators various tools and features designed to enhance audience engagement. Live streaming, Q&A sessions, and community polls are just a few methods that enable creators to connect more deeply with their viewers. Recognition and Rewards: Beyond monetization, Rumble recognizes and rewards creators for their contributions to the community. This can come in the form of featured placements, community awards, and visibility boosts, motivating creators to produce quality content consistently. Maximizing Visibility and Revenue on Rumble To achieve success on Rumble, it’s essential to optimize your content for improved visibility and revenue opportunities. By applying the following strategies, you can greatly enhance your performance on the platform: Optimize Video Titles and Descriptions: Use clear, concise titles that include relevant keywords. A well-crafted description can also improve your video’s searchability. Including a call-to-action can encourage viewers to engage with your content further. Leverage Thumbnails Effectively: Eye-catching thumbnails can greatly increase your click-through rate. Design thumbnails that accurately represent your video content while also enticing viewers to click. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments on your videos and engage with your viewers. Building a rapport with your audience can lead to higher retention rates and foster a loyal community around your channel. Cross-Promote Your Rumble Channel: Utilize your social media platforms to promote your Rumble videos. Cross-promotion can drive your existing followers from other platforms to Rumble, increasing your video views and subscriber count. Consistent Content Uploads: Maintaining a regular upload schedule keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. Consistency also signals to Rumble’s algorithm that you’re an active creator, potentially boosting your visibility on the platform. Analyze Performance Metrics: Rumble provides analytics tools to track your video performance. Analyzing these metrics can offer insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your content strategy accordingly. Rumble: A Great Alternative to Traditional Video-sharing Platforms Rumble presents an appealing alternative to traditional video-sharing platforms, offering unique opportunities for monetization and community engagement. By understanding the intricacies of Rumble’s community dynamics and implementing strategic content optimization practices, creators can maximize their visibility and revenue potential on the platform. As Rumble continues to grow, staying informed and adaptable will be key to thriving in this evolving digital landscape. Image: rumble This article, "What Is Rumble?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is Rumble? Simply put, Rumble is a place for uploading videos and sharing them. In that way, it’s like YouTube, another site where you can upload and share videos on YouTube. If you’re really good at that, you can become one of the top YouTube influencers (check out Top YouTube Influencers and make money (How Much Money Do YouTubers Make?). You can make money on Rumble, too. Is it an easier platform for earning money? Can you make more money? Let’s explore. The Rumble Video Hosting Website Since its establishment by technology enthusiast and entrepreneur Chris Pavlovski, Rumble has aimed to provide an alternative platform for video content creators. Over the years, Rumble has undergone several transformations, reflective of the evolving digital landscape and its challenges. One of the pivotal moments in Rumble’s history was in August 2020. Pavlovski, the diligent CEO and founder expressed concerns about YouTube’s practices, particularly in what he saw as unwarranted censorship of videos that diverged from YouTube’s prevailing ideologies. Pavlovski’s perception of an encroaching bias on content spurred a strategic shift for Rumble. He envisioned Rumble as a haven for video creators—a space that championed the ethos of free expression without the looming shadow of undue censorship. But this commitment to freedom doesn’t imply an absence of moderation. Videos promoting illicit activities, explicit content like pornography, or those endorsing bullying would still face rigorous scrutiny, failing to make it past Rumble’s editorial review. Chris Pavlovski’s aspiration was clear: Rumble would be a bastion against “cancel culture”, upholding the ideals of a “free and open internet”. Here, creators wouldn’t just find a platform for their voice but also an opportunity for monetization. Unlike many platforms where revenue generation is often skewed, Rumble introduced the concept of profit-sharing, allowing its users to earn from their content. Rumble’s journey hasn’t been without its legal battles. A significant turn occurred when the company took on tech behemoth Google with an antitrust lawsuit. The contention was Google’s alleged monopolization of search results, limiting users from discovering a diverse range of content. As this lawsuit unfolds, Rumble’s user base experiences impressive growth. In stark contrast to its 1.6 million average monthly users previously, the number soared to 36 million in the following period. And the upward trajectory continued, with January boasting 39 million users. The increasing numbers and ongoing legal battles highlight Rumble’s journey from a relatively lesser-known platform to a notable contender in the video hosting realm. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of free expression in the digital age. How to Use the Rumble Video Platform How to use Rumble video hosting is simple. It’s easy to join Rumble. Set up a Rumble account. Create a profile with your name, user name, password, address, birth date, and other information. Select the type of Rumble account that suits you best. You have three options to choose from: Free, Publisher, or Business/Personal. With each type of account, you can upload your own videos. These videos will be shared through live streaming over the internet. What are the differences between the types of accounts? Keep reading. How to Make Money on Rumble by Uploading Videos One basic difference between the types of accounts is how your videos will be used and how you will be paid. Free account – Your videos will be shared only on Rumble. If your video is approved, you’ll make $50, and if your video makes the “front page” of Rumble, you’ll make $100. If Rumble advertisers are connected to your video, you’ll earn 60% of the ad revenue. Publisher account – Rumble manages your videos. Your videos will appear on Rumble, and Rumble may also share the content with YouTube and other social media platforms. You’ll be paid 90% of what the video earns on YouTube and 60% of what it makes on other sites. Rumble’s other partners include MTV, XBox, Yahoo, MSN, and others. Business account – You’ll pay $25 a month for a Rumble Business account and enjoy ad-free viewing. Most business account users are uploading, sharing and selling stock footage. Personal – Your Rumble videos will only be shared with the family and friends you choose. Pros of Using Rumble Good platform monetizing users’ videos with good titles and original content. Many users appreciate that on the Rumble platform, you can begin earning money with your first video without having to build a subscriber base first. Rumble editors help with your video platform titles and good descriptions. Rumble editors assist in positioning content across selected social media platforms for those with a Publisher account. Emphasis on free speech ahead of censorship. Cons of Using Rumble To date, YouTube has a stronger broad audience of users. To date, users report that Rumble can’t match YouTube’s upload speeds. Licensing Options – In order to use the Publisher Rumble platform, you give Rumble exclusive rights to manage and share your video. With non-exclusive users the video only appears on Rumble. Non-exclusive users of Rumble – those who retain rights to their videos – can only use the Rumble free account. You can earn money based on viewings on Rumble, but your video won’t be shared on other platforms. To date, Rumble doesn’t have enough subscribers to compete with YouTube. But stay tuned as the Rumble platform grows. Rumble Vs. YouTube Both Rumble and YouTube offer open platforms for creators worldwide. Anyone with a penchant for video creation can join and share their content. The true distinction arises when one delves into their monetization policies. Monetization Policies Rumble: Rumble’s monetization system stands out due to its immediacy. The moment you upload content on Rumble, you can start earning. Unlike YouTube, Rumble doesn’t mandate a minimum threshold of subscribers. If you choose a non-exclusive license, however, your video’s visibility is restricted solely to Rumble. But the real charm lies in its publisher account. With this, not only can you monetize on Rumble, but the platform also pushes your content to other platforms like YouTube, broadening your audience reach. YouTube: YouTube, being one of the earliest and most popular video-sharing platforms, has a more structured monetization procedure. Creators need to first join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). But the entrance to YPP isn’t straightforward. One must amass 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within a year. Monetization begins once these criteria are met. Earnings can range from $3 to $20 per 1,000 views, though these figures can vary based on multiple factors, including video content, demographics, and advertisement type. Considerations for Creators For someone initiating their journey in the digital content realm, especially if they’re tied to a blog or website, Rumble appears more welcoming. The absence of any subscriber prerequisites can be a boon, allowing monetization from day one. This can be particularly enticing for creators with content that may not have widespread appeal but caters to a niche audience. On the other hand, YouTube, with its vast user base, offers the potential for massive viewership, but the initial road to monetization can be challenging for some. Dual-Platform Approach One pivotal point to remember is that choosing Rumble doesn’t necessarily mean sidelining YouTube. If you navigate Rumble’s options correctly, it can serve as a bridge, helping your content find a home on both platforms, thus maximizing potential views and revenue. So whilst Rumble and YouTube serve the same fundamental purpose, their monetization mechanics differ. The choice between them—or even the decision to leverage both—depends on a creator’s goals, patience, and content strategy. For creators and users looking to share and monetize their content, understanding the distinct features of each platform can be vital. The table below provides a concise comparison between Rumble and YouTube based on essential attributes and offerings: Features/AttributesRumbleYouTube Launch Year20132005 Monetization MethodInstant (no subscriber requirement for basic monetization)Requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time Revenue Share60%-90% depending on account typeVaries (e.g., average $3 to $20 per 1,000 views) Upload SpeedSlower (as reported by some users)Faster Subscriber BaseGrowing (39 million users as of Jan 2022)Significantly larger Licensing OptionsExclusive and non-exclusivePrimarily non-exclusive Censorship PolicyEmphasizes free speech and fights "cancel culture"Has its own set of values and beliefs for content Affiliate PartnersMTV, XBox, Yahoo, MSN, etc.Numerous partners across various industries Subscription FeesOptions include Free, Publisher, and Business (with varying fees)Primarily free, with options for premium services Main Selling PointEmphasis on free speech and instant monetizationBroad audience and established platform Tips to Maximize Your Rumble Revenue Here are a few more things you need to know that will help you earn the most money you can on Rumble: Don’t overlook specific videos you’ve previously posted on other sites. Rumble may use your old YouTube videos if you have a publisher account. You can make a little money by tagging videos on Rumble. You’ll earn .05 for each video you tag. Explore Rumble with a free account. Get started and see how you like the site. Do the math. If you don’t feel you’re making enough, as your video is only viewed on Rumble, you can change your account to Publisher. Building a Strong Community on Rumble Rumble isn’t just a platform for video sharing and monetization; it fosters a vibrant community where creators and viewers engage in meaningful ways. This community-focused strategy promotes active engagement via comments, likes, and shares, thereby improving the overall user experience. Here’s how the community features of Rumble are distinctive: Interactive Engagement: Rumble encourages its users to interact with content through comments and reactions, fostering a sense of community among creators and viewers. This interactive engagement helps creators receive direct feedback and build a loyal follower base. Diverse Content Curation: Rumble prioritizes freedom of expression and features a wide range of content across numerous genres. This variety appeals to a diverse audience, including tech enthusiasts and artists, guaranteeing that there’s something for everyone. Creator Support: Rumble offers creators various tools and features designed to enhance audience engagement. Live streaming, Q&A sessions, and community polls are just a few methods that enable creators to connect more deeply with their viewers. Recognition and Rewards: Beyond monetization, Rumble recognizes and rewards creators for their contributions to the community. This can come in the form of featured placements, community awards, and visibility boosts, motivating creators to produce quality content consistently. Maximizing Visibility and Revenue on Rumble To achieve success on Rumble, it’s essential to optimize your content for improved visibility and revenue opportunities. By applying the following strategies, you can greatly enhance your performance on the platform: Optimize Video Titles and Descriptions: Use clear, concise titles that include relevant keywords. A well-crafted description can also improve your video’s searchability. Including a call-to-action can encourage viewers to engage with your content further. Leverage Thumbnails Effectively: Eye-catching thumbnails can greatly increase your click-through rate. Design thumbnails that accurately represent your video content while also enticing viewers to click. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments on your videos and engage with your viewers. Building a rapport with your audience can lead to higher retention rates and foster a loyal community around your channel. Cross-Promote Your Rumble Channel: Utilize your social media platforms to promote your Rumble videos. Cross-promotion can drive your existing followers from other platforms to Rumble, increasing your video views and subscriber count. Consistent Content Uploads: Maintaining a regular upload schedule keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. Consistency also signals to Rumble’s algorithm that you’re an active creator, potentially boosting your visibility on the platform. Analyze Performance Metrics: Rumble provides analytics tools to track your video performance. Analyzing these metrics can offer insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your content strategy accordingly. Rumble: A Great Alternative to Traditional Video-sharing Platforms Rumble presents an appealing alternative to traditional video-sharing platforms, offering unique opportunities for monetization and community engagement. By understanding the intricacies of Rumble’s community dynamics and implementing strategic content optimization practices, creators can maximize their visibility and revenue potential on the platform. As Rumble continues to grow, staying informed and adaptable will be key to thriving in this evolving digital landscape. Image: rumble This article, "What Is Rumble?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A young DARPA-backed startup with a fresh spin on a low-power computer chip has raised over $100 million in a Series B funding round, a sign of the wild appetite for more energy-efficient ways to build bigger and better AI. The company, EnCharge AI, aims to move AI’s heaviest workloads from big, power-hungry data centers to devices at the edge, including laptops and mobile devices, where energy, size, and cost constraints are tighter. Its approach, known as analog in-memory computing, comes from research that CEO Naveen Verma spun out of his lab at Princeton University, where he’s still a professor of electrical and computer engineering. Verma wouldn’t say who its customers are. But in addition to the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which gave it $18.6 million last year, a who’s who of industrial, electronics, and defense players are interested in EnCharge’s chips. The oversubscribed funding round, led by Tiger Global, includes the intelligence community’s investment unit In-Q-Tel, alongside the venture arms of defense giant RTX, power producer Constellation Energy, South Korea’s Samsung, and Taiwan’s Hon Hai (Foxconn). The Santa Clara, California-based startup is also working with semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) to produce its first-generation chips. The new investment brings EnCharge’s total funding to more than $144 million, and will help the 60-person company commercialize its technology, which isn’t cheap in the world of semiconductors. “Given the capital intensity of the semiconductor industry, the Series B is an important step for advancing commercialization” of its first chips, Verma tells Fast Company. He declined to disclose the company’s new valuation. EnCharge’s push comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry, which is grappling with the fast-growing energy and compute demands driven by a storm of generative AI. The advent of DeepSeek last month has brought new efficiencies and lower costs to AI model training and inference. (It’s unclear if more widespread use of DeepSeek-like models will cancel out those efficiency gains.) But DeepSeek is unlikely to stem the industry’s demand for more compute, more memory, and more energy. EnCharge says that, for a wide range of AI use cases, its specialized chips, or accelerators, require up to 20 times less energy compared to today’s leading AI chips. To make it work, the company relies on a high-wire technique. Rather than using only digital transistors to perform some of the multiplication operations at the heart of AI inference—the continuous computations that produce chatbot outputs—EnCharge’s chips exploit the non-binary wonders of the analog world. “Analog computing isn’t new,” says Verma, “but EnCharge’s specific implementation and system-level approach address many of the fundamental issues that caused previous analog computing approaches to fail.” Finding efficiencies in analog amid the noise Memory access is computing’s biggest energy hog, and in AI, inference, rather than training, makes up the bulk of most models’ computations. Type a prompt and press enter, and the process of inference begins somewhere in the cloud—which is to say in hulking data centers where giant clusters of hot, energy-intensive GPUs and CPUs demand massive amounts of electricity and water. Along with the existing environmental costs, the energy required to train and run generative models on these chips is spiking demand on a stretched-thin energy grid. According to the International Energy Agency, a typical request to ChatGPT consumes 10 kilojoules, roughly ten times more than a typical Google search. Memory’s energy demands also mean limits that could slow machine learning progress. Those include the way that, on a chip, the speed of computation is outpacing the bandwidth of memory and communication. Researchers call this problem the von Neumann bottleneck, or “the memory wall.” EnCharge’s approach to the challenge is part of a decades-long quest to find efficiencies by placing memory circuits not next to, but inside a computing core, a technique called in-memory compute (IMC). Though it can be tricky to pull off, IMC promises speed-ups by bringing memory and logic closer together and making it far less computationally costly to access memory. This is where the analog computing comes in. Whereas digital devices since the mid-twentieth century operate in a world of on or off, discrete 1s and 0s, analog devices exploit the in-between information of physical phenomena—such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities—which allows them to store more data and operate at far lower energy than digital processors. (Quantum computers take the idea to another level, by exploiting the behavior of very, very tiny things.) Because the states in analog devices may be, in the case of EnCharge’s chip, a continuum of charge levels in a tiny resistive wire, the difference between analog states can be smaller than those between 1 and 0. That requires less energy to switch between values. And that reduces the “data movement costs” between a chip’s memory and compute, says Verma. But, like quantum, analog computing is notoriously noisy and difficult to scale. Verma says EnCharge addresses the accuracy and scalability problems using precise “geometry control” of its metal wire capacitors, static random-access memory (SRAM) to store the model weights, and a digital architecture that includes a software stack and a compiler to map applications to the chip. “The result is a full-stack architecture that is orders-of-magnitude more energy efficient than currently available or soon-to-be-available leading digital AI chip solutions,” Verma says. “This includes all the digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion overheads, which need to be designed in specialized and integrated ways with the in-memory-computing architecture.” To reduce the costs involved in converting from digital to analog and back, the chip relies on a technique Verma calls “virtualized” IMC. “This involves performing computations directly within a first level of memory, but also by using a memory-system hierarchy, in an analogous way to virtualized memory systems, to enable the computations to efficiently scale to very large AI workloads and models. While traditional architectures face decreasing bandwidth and increasing latency as data size grows,” he wrote, “EnCharge’s virtualized IMC enhances latency and efficiency when accessing and computing on larger amounts of data,” making it efficient for both small and large language models. Since Verma spun out the research in 2022, the company has been working with customers to refine and derisk its hardware and software designs. The current chips—discrete boards on PCIe cards—can run machine-learning algorithms at over 150 tera operations per second (TOPS) per watt, versus 24 TOPS per watt by an equivalent Nvidia chip performing an equivalent task. A newer process to trace finer chip features has allowed the company to triple its energy efficiency metric, to about 650 TOPS per watt. “The efficiency breakthrough of EnCharge AI’s analog in-memory architecture can be transformative for defense and aerospace use cases where size, weight, and power constraints limit how AI is deployed today,” said Dan Ateya, president and managing director of RTX Ventures. “Continuing our collaboration with EnCharge AI will help enable AI advancements in environments that were previously inaccessible given the limitations of current processor technology.” Dozens of companies are developing new kinds of chips and other architecture to grapple with the energy and computing challenges of AI training and inference. Startups like Cerebras Systems, Samba Nova Systems, and Graphcore, acquired last year by Japan’s SoftBank, have sought to compete with Nvidia in the AI training market. Cerebras, which sells its giant AI chips and offers services to customers through the cloud, filed paperwork in September to list its shares on the Nasdaq in an initial public offering. In its IPO prospectus, the company said it expects the AI computing market to grow from $131 billion in 2024 to $453 billion in 2027. Other companies are also exploring in-memory analog computing, including startups Mythic, Neo Semiconductor, and Sagence. In a set of new papers, IBM Research scientists also demonstrated advances on analog in-memory computing, including research on a brain-inspired chip architecture for large models, as well as phase-change memory for smaller edge-sized models, and algorithm advances. Analog in-memory computing “could substantially improve the energy efficiency of LLMs by leveraging ‘mixture of experts’ (MoEs) models,” according to one of the studies, which is featured on the January cover of the journal Nature Computational Science. The Defense Department also continues to pursue analog computing. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on Monday released a solicitation for a “digital engineering platform” to accelerate the design and validation of analog chips, as well as mixed-signal, photonic, and hybrid varieties. “[T]he design of these chips is often a bottleneck, with prolonged design cycles and high redesign rates,” said the solicitation. “Current manual design processes are time-consuming, iterative, and error-prone. Furthermore, the rising costs of prototyping and the shortage of skilled analog designers have created bottlenecks in the development pipeline. The DoD needs a way to accelerate the design process and reduce errors.” Russ Klein, the program director of Siemens EDA’s high-level synthesis division, told Semiconductor Engineering in December that if an analog IMC system like EnCharge’s can effectively scale, it could establish a new energy standard for inference and other high performance computing. “The energy savings of not having to move all that data and the parallelism that IMC promises will massively impact not just AI, but any computation that takes place on large arrays of data,” he said. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are down to $44.99 from their usual $79.99. That’s nearly half off for a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that PCMag crowned their Editor’s Choice and Best Budget Earphones of 2022. Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $44.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $44.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $79.99 Save $35.00 Available in black, blue, green, purple, and white, these IPX4-rated earbuds have a rounded design that slips into your ears easily without needing earfins. You get five sizes of silicone eartips in the box (XS to XL), so finding the right fit shouldn’t be an issue. You get support for AAC, LDAC, and SBC codecs, which covers most users, though there’s no AptX. If you’re an Android user who swears by AptX, that might be a downside, but most won’t notice the difference. Their 10mm dynamic drivers deliver a frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz. The bass is deep without distorting at high volumes, and the highs stay crisp. If you like tweaking your sound, the Soundcore app lets you customize the EQ. There are built-in presets like Soundcore Signature and Bass Booster, but you can also manually adjust the eight-band EQ to match your preference. The touch controls (built into the outer panels of each earbud) are a mixed bag. They work, but the default layout isn’t too great and there's a slight delay between tap and action, notes this PCMag review. You can double-tap the left earbud to play/pause, the right one to skip forward, and hold either to cycle through ANC modes. If you want volume controls, track navigation, or a voice assistant trigger assigned to different gestures, you’ll have to customize it in the app. As for ANC, it’s impressive for this price, but not flawless. The Space A40 cuts out low-frequency sounds well. Higher frequencies, like clattering dishes or chattering voices, don’t get completely canceled, but the earbuds still dampen them noticeably. On the plus side, you can tweak noise cancellation in the app, choosing between adaptive and manual settings. Also, battery life is pretty solid—you get 10 hours per charge (with ANC off) and up to 50 hours with the case. Even with ANC on, you’re looking at around eight hours—plenty for daily use. If you're considering alternatives with better water resistance, you might want to check out the Jabra Elite 7 Active ($179.99). View the full article

After 25 years of working in SEO, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional keyword research methods fail to keep up with Google’s advancements. In my SMX Next presentation, I challenged SEOs to go beyond outdated keyword methodologies and embrace an intent-driven approach. Here are six key insights from that session. 1. Traditional keyword research is failing us Traditional keyword research is no longer enough. We’ve relied on tools that provide data on competition, search volume, and relevance, but they don’t uncover the hidden context behind searches. For years, SEOs have prioritized high-volume, low-competition keywords, assuming this would drive results. While this may have worked for the simpler, lexical-based Google algorithm of the early 2000s, this approach falls short because it ignores search intent. For example, a keyword like “solar panels” may have high search volume. But without context, it’s impossible to determine whether users are looking for products, financing options, or general information. Without understanding intent, marketers risk attracting traffic that never converts. Today, success depends on moving beyond search volume and focusing on search intent. Dig deeper: How to optimize for search intent: 19 practical tips 2. Google is an AI search engine Google isn’t one monolithic AI algorithm – it’s a collection of AI systems working together to: Understand queries. Classify content. Deliver the best results. Here’s what’s changed: Google has improved its understanding of keywords and content. There is a strong emphasis on user experience, with Google prioritizing content that is easy for users to consume. Google ranks pages based on relevance to intent, even if the exact keywords are missing. For SEOs, this means that content must align with search intent – not just keywords. Well-structured, high-value content that directly addresses users’ questions will outperform pages optimized solely for keyword density. Dig deeper: Content mapping: Who, what, where, when, why and how 3. The best way to uncover intent? Read the SERPs The number one way to understand search intent is to study the search engine results pages (SERPs). Rather than guessing what a keyword means, analyzing what Google is already ranking provides a clear picture of the dominant intent behind a query. For example, I once worked with an ecommerce company selling biscotti cookies. Initially, they targeted high-volume keywords like “chocolate biscotti,” expecting strong results. However, a quick SERP analysis revealed that most top-ranking results were recipes, not product listings. This indicated that searchers weren’t looking to buy biscotti – they wanted to bake it. Instead of chasing high-volume terms with mismatched intent, the company shifted its focus to lower-volume keywords with strong purchase intent, ultimately improving conversions. Blindly following keyword tools without SERP analysis can lead to content that attracts traffic but fails to convert. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. 4. Prioritize search intent over keywords The real question isn’t just what keywords people are searching for – it’s why they’re searching. As Google increasingly prioritizes intent over keywords, SEO strategies must evolve accordingly. A three-step process can help align keyword research with search intent: Identify target intents Before diving into keyword research, define 5-6 core search intents that align with business goals. Examples include: “Compare mortgage rates” (for financial services) “Best protein powders for weight loss” (for fitness brands) Filter keywords by intent Rather than focusing solely on search volume and competition, filter keywords based on clear purchase or action intent. This approach refines traditional keyword research to focus on what actually drives conversions. Choose content formats that match intent Content should match the searcher’s intent, which often requires moving beyond standard blog posts. Some high-performing content formats include: Comparison articles (“Best budget vs. premium running shoes”) Niche buying guides (“How to choose an ergonomic office chair”) Interactive tools (e.g., mortgage calculators, pricing estimators) By aligning keywords with intent and content formats, SEOs can dramatically improve engagement and conversion rates. Dig deeper: Rethinking your keyword strategy: Why optimizing for search intent matters 5. Invest in content formats that convert better Middle-of-the-funnel content – like comparison pages, niche buying guides, and Q&A pages – tends to rank better and convert more effectively than generic blog content. With AI-driven search results delivering direct answers, traditional educational blog posts are losing traction. To stay competitive, marketers must create high-value content that serves the searcher’s next step. Some of the best-performing content types include: Comparison content (“Best DSLR cameras under $1,000”). Niche buying guides (“Ultimate guide to ergonomic keyboards”). Interactive tools (e.g., ROI calculators, pricing estimators). Video-first content, which improves engagement and differentiation. Shifting to intent-driven content formats can significantly boost both rankings and conversions. Dig deeper: Writing people-first content: A process and template 6. Use AI wisely, but prioritize customer insights AI tools are valuable for analyzing SERPs and understanding search intent, but they are not a substitute for real customer insights. The best way to understand what searchers want is to talk to actual customers. Conversations, chat logs, and feedback from sales teams offer deeper intent insights than AI alone. For those who don’t have direct access to customers, speaking with sales representatives can be just as effective. Sales teams repeatedly hear the same customer questions, making them an excellent source of content ideas and keyword strategy insights. Dig deeper: How to optimize your 2025 content strategy for AI-powered SERPs and LLMs [Watch] Next-generation SEO keyword research: Shift from traffic to search intent Want to take your SEO strategy to the next level? Watch my full SMX Next 2024 session here. View the full article

If you’re open to spending a bit more money, there are numerous running apps available that can assist you in achieving your fitness goals while providing additional features. (Many apps on the list also offer a free version if you’d like to test them out before making a purchase.) Criteria for Choosing a Running App: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right running app, it’s crucial to consider various factors that align with their specific needs and goals. Here are the key criteria we take into account, with each rated on a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important): User-Friendly Interface (Importance: 5/5): Intuitive navigation and user-friendly design make it easier to access essential features without a steep learning curve. Compatibility (Importance: 4/5): Ensure the app is compatible with the user’s device, whether it’s iOS, Android, or wearable technology like Apple Watch or Fitbit. Tracking Accuracy (Importance: 5/5): Accurate GPS tracking and real-time data updates are crucial for measuring performance and setting goals. Training Plans (Importance: 4/5): The availability of customizable training plans can help users reach their fitness goals, whether it’s running a 5K or a marathon. Performance Metrics (Importance: 4/5): Comprehensive performance metrics, including pace, distance, heart rate, and elevation gain, offer essential insights for enhancing your performance. Integration with Wearables (Importance: 3/5): Integrating with fitness wearables such as smartwatches can significantly improve the user’s tracking experience. Community and Social Features (Importance: 3/5): Social sharing, challenges, and connecting with a running community can boost motivation and provide a sense of camaraderie. Cost (Importance: 2/5): The app’s pricing structure, including free vs. premium features, should align with the user’s budget. Audio Coaching and Feedback (Importance: 4/5): Real-time audio cues, coaching, and feedback can keep users motivated and informed during their runs. Offline Mode (Importance: 3/5): The ability to use the app in offline mode can be essential for runners who prefer to disconnect from the internet during workouts. Safety Features (Importance: 5/5): Features like live tracking, emergency alerts, and route sharing can enhance user safety during solo runs. Reviews and Ratings (Importance: 4/5): Examining user reviews and ratings can offer valuable insights into the app’s reliability and overall user satisfaction. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (out of 5) User-Friendly InterfaceIntuitive navigation and user-friendly design make it easier to access essential features without a steep learning curve.5 CompatibilityEnsure the app is compatible with the user's device, whether it's iOS, Android, or wearable technology like Apple Watch or Fitbit.4 Tracking AccuracyAccurate GPS tracking and real-time data updates are crucial for measuring performance and setting goals.5 Training PlansThe availability of customizable training plans can help users reach their fitness goals, whether it's running a 5K or a marathon.4 Performance MetricsDetailed performance metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and elevation gain provide valuable insights for improvement.4 Integration with WearablesCompatibility with fitness wearables like smartwatches can enhance the user's tracking experience.3 Community and Social FeaturesSocial sharing, challenges, and connecting with a running community can boost motivation and provide a sense of camaraderie.3 CostThe app's pricing structure, including free vs. premium features, should align with the user's budget.2 Audio Coaching and FeedbackReal-time audio cues, coaching, and feedback can keep users motivated and informed during their runs.4 Offline ModeThe ability to use the app in offline mode can be essential for runners who prefer to disconnect from the internet during workouts.3 Safety FeaturesFeatures like live tracking, emergency alerts, and route sharing can enhance user safety during solo runs.5 Reviews and RatingsChecking user reviews and ratings can provide insights into the app's reliability and user satisfaction.4 Best Apps for Running MapMyRun from Under Armor Although there is a free version of this app, the paid version — MapMyRun MVP — offers a variety of extra features, including unlimited maps, heart rate analysis, and mobile coaching. Its accuracy, user-friendly interface, and advanced functionalities position it among the best-running apps. Available on iOs and Android Runkeeper Again, you can get this app– by Asics — for free, but Runkeeper Go includes live tracking of your progress along running routes, the ability to compare yourself to others, and weekly training plans. It’s customizable and includes tons of advanced features. Available on iOs and Android Apple Fitness Plus Apple Fitness+ is the premium subscription version of the regular Apple health app, featuring 11 workout types, including HIIT and strength, guided meditations, and new workouts each week. Thanks to its compatibility with wearable devices, it offers Apple Watch users recommendations for the Woke and Mindfulness apps. Available on: iOs Running AppDescriptionCompatibilityPricing MapMyRunMapMyRun by Under Armour offers a free version, but the paid MapMyRun MVP includes unlimited maps, heart rate analysis, and mobile coaching. Ideal for both iOS and Android users.iOS and Android$5.99/month or $29.99/year RunkeeperRunkeeper, offered by Asics, provides a free version, while Runkeeper Go includes live tracking, performance comparisons, and weekly training plans. Compatible with iOS and Android.iOS and Android$39.99/year Apple Fitness PlusApple Fitness+ is the premium subscription version of Apple's health app, offering 11 workout types, guided meditations, and weekly updates. Designed exclusively for iOS users.iOS$9.99/month or $79.99/year Unlocking Your Full Potential: Advanced Features in Running Apps In our quest for fitness and improved health, running apps have become our trusted companions, offering a plethora of features to help us achieve our goals. While free versions of these apps provide a solid foundation, there’s a world of advanced features waiting to be unlocked by those willing to invest a little more. In this section, we explore the advanced features that can take your running experience to the next level and help you reach your fitness aspirations. Personalized Training Plans Many premium running apps offer personalized training plans that cater to your specific fitness objectives. Whether you’re aiming to run your first 5K or preparing for a marathon, these plans can be tailored to suit your needs. These plans often consider factors like your current fitness level, goals, and the time you have available for training. For instance, if your goal is to improve your endurance, the app might create a training plan that gradually increases the duration and intensity of your runs over several weeks. On the other hand, if you’re looking to boost your speed, the plan might incorporate interval training sessions. These personalized plans provide structure and direction to your training, ensuring that you progress steadily while minimizing the risk of overtraining or injury. By following a plan that’s designed specifically for you, you can maximize your potential and see better results in your running journey. Performance Metrics and Analysis Advanced running apps provide a variety of performance metrics and detailed analysis tools that help you better understand your running performance. While basic apps typically track distance, pace, and time, premium versions often offer more detailed data. Some of the advanced metrics you might encounter include: Cadence: This refers to the number of steps you take per minute. Maintaining an optimal cadence can help improve running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. Ground Contact Time: This measures the time your foot spends on the ground with each step. Shorter ground contact times are generally associated with more efficient running form. Vertical Oscillation: It indicates how much you bounce while running. Reducing vertical oscillation can enhance the running economy. Stride Length: This metric evaluates the length of your steps. Finding the right stride length can influence your running speed and efficiency. With access to these metrics, you can identify areas where you can make improvements in your running form and technique. Some apps even provide real-time feedback on these metrics during your runs, helping you make on-the-fly adjustments for better performance. Heart Rate Monitoring Monitoring your heart rate during your runs can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular fitness and training intensity. Many advanced running apps integrate with heart rate monitors, including chest straps and wrist-based sensors, to give you a more accurate picture of your effort level. By tracking your heart rate, you can: Determine the appropriate intensity for different types of runs, such as easy, moderate, or high-intensity sessions. Track your fitness progress over time. A better heart rate profile may indicate enhanced cardiovascular fitness. Prevent overtraining by ensuring that you stay within your target heart rate zones for specific workouts. Analyze how external factors, such as weather and terrain, affect your heart rate response during runs. Some premium apps even offer heart rate analysis features that provide detailed graphs and summaries of your heart rate data, helping you make informed decisions about your training. Audio Coaching and Feedback Motivation and guidance are crucial elements of a successful running journey. Premium running apps often include audio coaching features that offer real-time feedback and encouragement during your runs. Audio cues can include: Mileage updates: Hearing your progress can be motivating and help you pace yourself. Pace alerts: The app can notify you if you’re running too fast or too slow to reach your target pace. Form and technique tips: Some apps provide guidance on maintaining proper running form to prevent injury. These audio cues can assist in keeping you focused, motivated, and aligned with your training plan. They can transform solo runs into an experience where it feels like you have a virtual coach accompanying you, providing guidance with each step. Social and Community Integration Running apps are not just about tracking your individual progress; they can also connect you with a global community of runners who share your passion. Many premium running apps offer social features that allow you to connect with friends, join challenges, and share your achievements. Community integration can: Provide a support network: Running with others, even virtually, can boost motivation and accountability. Offer friendly competition: Participating in challenges and leaderboards can encourage you to push your limits. Facilitate knowledge sharing: You can learn from experienced runners and exchange tips and advice. Whether you seek camaraderie, competition, or inspiration, the social features of the best running apps can enhance your running experience significantly. Tips for Choosing the Best Running Apps Determine Your Goals: Before selecting a running app, clarify your fitness goals. Are you training for a marathon, trying to lose weight, or simply looking to stay active? Different apps cater to different needs. Check Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your smartphone and any wearable devices you use, like a Fitbit or Apple Watch. Evaluate Tracking Features: Look for apps that offer accurate GPS tracking, distance, pace, and calorie counting. If you’re training for a race, find an app that tracks elevation gain and split times. Consider Training Plans: If you need structured training, opt for apps that offer personalized training plans, interval training, or tailored workouts. Review Social Features: If community support motivates you, choose an app with strong social features like sharing runs, joining challenges, or competing with friends. Assess the Subscription Model: Many apps offer free basic versions with premium features available at a cost. Decide if the additional features are worth the subscription fee for your needs. Prioritize Safety: For those who often run alone, consider apps with safety features like live tracking or emergency contacts. Look for Additional Tools: Some apps offer extra tools like audio coaching, music integration, or virtual races, which can enhance your running experience. Read User Reviews: Check the app store reviews to understand the user experience and any potential issues with the app. Test Multiple Apps: Don’t hesitate to try out a few apps before settling on one. Many offer free trials, which can be a great way to determine if an app suits your needs. What is the best running app overall? Much of the online consensus points to one of the most popular running apps, Runkeeper, for its real-time audio-guided workouts, regular supply of routes, and features like Gear Tracker, which notifies you when you need new running shoes. What is the best running app with a free version? Again, Runkeeper — which has free and paid versions — seems to (pardon the pun) run away with this category. What is the best running app for beginners? Definitely, C25K, which is designed with beginners in mind. What is the safest running app? There are a number of apps designed with runner safety in mind, among them ROAD iD, whose safety feature lets five of your chosen friends or relatives track your route via text or email. Image: Depositphotos This article, "The Best Apps for Running" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re open to spending a bit more money, there are numerous running apps available that can assist you in achieving your fitness goals while providing additional features. (Many apps on the list also offer a free version if you’d like to test them out before making a purchase.) Criteria for Choosing a Running App: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right running app, it’s crucial to consider various factors that align with their specific needs and goals. Here are the key criteria we take into account, with each rated on a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important): User-Friendly Interface (Importance: 5/5): Intuitive navigation and user-friendly design make it easier to access essential features without a steep learning curve. Compatibility (Importance: 4/5): Ensure the app is compatible with the user’s device, whether it’s iOS, Android, or wearable technology like Apple Watch or Fitbit. Tracking Accuracy (Importance: 5/5): Accurate GPS tracking and real-time data updates are crucial for measuring performance and setting goals. Training Plans (Importance: 4/5): The availability of customizable training plans can help users reach their fitness goals, whether it’s running a 5K or a marathon. Performance Metrics (Importance: 4/5): Comprehensive performance metrics, including pace, distance, heart rate, and elevation gain, offer essential insights for enhancing your performance. Integration with Wearables (Importance: 3/5): Integrating with fitness wearables such as smartwatches can significantly improve the user’s tracking experience. Community and Social Features (Importance: 3/5): Social sharing, challenges, and connecting with a running community can boost motivation and provide a sense of camaraderie. Cost (Importance: 2/5): The app’s pricing structure, including free vs. premium features, should align with the user’s budget. Audio Coaching and Feedback (Importance: 4/5): Real-time audio cues, coaching, and feedback can keep users motivated and informed during their runs. Offline Mode (Importance: 3/5): The ability to use the app in offline mode can be essential for runners who prefer to disconnect from the internet during workouts. Safety Features (Importance: 5/5): Features like live tracking, emergency alerts, and route sharing can enhance user safety during solo runs. Reviews and Ratings (Importance: 4/5): Examining user reviews and ratings can offer valuable insights into the app’s reliability and overall user satisfaction. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (out of 5) User-Friendly InterfaceIntuitive navigation and user-friendly design make it easier to access essential features without a steep learning curve.5 CompatibilityEnsure the app is compatible with the user's device, whether it's iOS, Android, or wearable technology like Apple Watch or Fitbit.4 Tracking AccuracyAccurate GPS tracking and real-time data updates are crucial for measuring performance and setting goals.5 Training PlansThe availability of customizable training plans can help users reach their fitness goals, whether it's running a 5K or a marathon.4 Performance MetricsDetailed performance metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and elevation gain provide valuable insights for improvement.4 Integration with WearablesCompatibility with fitness wearables like smartwatches can enhance the user's tracking experience.3 Community and Social FeaturesSocial sharing, challenges, and connecting with a running community can boost motivation and provide a sense of camaraderie.3 CostThe app's pricing structure, including free vs. premium features, should align with the user's budget.2 Audio Coaching and FeedbackReal-time audio cues, coaching, and feedback can keep users motivated and informed during their runs.4 Offline ModeThe ability to use the app in offline mode can be essential for runners who prefer to disconnect from the internet during workouts.3 Safety FeaturesFeatures like live tracking, emergency alerts, and route sharing can enhance user safety during solo runs.5 Reviews and RatingsChecking user reviews and ratings can provide insights into the app's reliability and user satisfaction.4 Best Apps for Running MapMyRun from Under Armor Although there is a free version of this app, the paid version — MapMyRun MVP — offers a variety of extra features, including unlimited maps, heart rate analysis, and mobile coaching. Its accuracy, user-friendly interface, and advanced functionalities position it among the best-running apps. Available on iOs and Android Runkeeper Again, you can get this app– by Asics — for free, but Runkeeper Go includes live tracking of your progress along running routes, the ability to compare yourself to others, and weekly training plans. It’s customizable and includes tons of advanced features. Available on iOs and Android Apple Fitness Plus Apple Fitness+ is the premium subscription version of the regular Apple health app, featuring 11 workout types, including HIIT and strength, guided meditations, and new workouts each week. Thanks to its compatibility with wearable devices, it offers Apple Watch users recommendations for the Woke and Mindfulness apps. Available on: iOs Running AppDescriptionCompatibilityPricing MapMyRunMapMyRun by Under Armour offers a free version, but the paid MapMyRun MVP includes unlimited maps, heart rate analysis, and mobile coaching. Ideal for both iOS and Android users.iOS and Android$5.99/month or $29.99/year RunkeeperRunkeeper, offered by Asics, provides a free version, while Runkeeper Go includes live tracking, performance comparisons, and weekly training plans. Compatible with iOS and Android.iOS and Android$39.99/year Apple Fitness PlusApple Fitness+ is the premium subscription version of Apple's health app, offering 11 workout types, guided meditations, and weekly updates. Designed exclusively for iOS users.iOS$9.99/month or $79.99/year Unlocking Your Full Potential: Advanced Features in Running Apps In our quest for fitness and improved health, running apps have become our trusted companions, offering a plethora of features to help us achieve our goals. While free versions of these apps provide a solid foundation, there’s a world of advanced features waiting to be unlocked by those willing to invest a little more. In this section, we explore the advanced features that can take your running experience to the next level and help you reach your fitness aspirations. Personalized Training Plans Many premium running apps offer personalized training plans that cater to your specific fitness objectives. Whether you’re aiming to run your first 5K or preparing for a marathon, these plans can be tailored to suit your needs. These plans often consider factors like your current fitness level, goals, and the time you have available for training. For instance, if your goal is to improve your endurance, the app might create a training plan that gradually increases the duration and intensity of your runs over several weeks. On the other hand, if you’re looking to boost your speed, the plan might incorporate interval training sessions. These personalized plans provide structure and direction to your training, ensuring that you progress steadily while minimizing the risk of overtraining or injury. By following a plan that’s designed specifically for you, you can maximize your potential and see better results in your running journey. Performance Metrics and Analysis Advanced running apps provide a variety of performance metrics and detailed analysis tools that help you better understand your running performance. While basic apps typically track distance, pace, and time, premium versions often offer more detailed data. Some of the advanced metrics you might encounter include: Cadence: This refers to the number of steps you take per minute. Maintaining an optimal cadence can help improve running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. Ground Contact Time: This measures the time your foot spends on the ground with each step. Shorter ground contact times are generally associated with more efficient running form. Vertical Oscillation: It indicates how much you bounce while running. Reducing vertical oscillation can enhance the running economy. Stride Length: This metric evaluates the length of your steps. Finding the right stride length can influence your running speed and efficiency. With access to these metrics, you can identify areas where you can make improvements in your running form and technique. Some apps even provide real-time feedback on these metrics during your runs, helping you make on-the-fly adjustments for better performance. Heart Rate Monitoring Monitoring your heart rate during your runs can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular fitness and training intensity. Many advanced running apps integrate with heart rate monitors, including chest straps and wrist-based sensors, to give you a more accurate picture of your effort level. By tracking your heart rate, you can: Determine the appropriate intensity for different types of runs, such as easy, moderate, or high-intensity sessions. Track your fitness progress over time. A better heart rate profile may indicate enhanced cardiovascular fitness. Prevent overtraining by ensuring that you stay within your target heart rate zones for specific workouts. Analyze how external factors, such as weather and terrain, affect your heart rate response during runs. Some premium apps even offer heart rate analysis features that provide detailed graphs and summaries of your heart rate data, helping you make informed decisions about your training. Audio Coaching and Feedback Motivation and guidance are crucial elements of a successful running journey. Premium running apps often include audio coaching features that offer real-time feedback and encouragement during your runs. Audio cues can include: Mileage updates: Hearing your progress can be motivating and help you pace yourself. Pace alerts: The app can notify you if you’re running too fast or too slow to reach your target pace. Form and technique tips: Some apps provide guidance on maintaining proper running form to prevent injury. These audio cues can assist in keeping you focused, motivated, and aligned with your training plan. They can transform solo runs into an experience where it feels like you have a virtual coach accompanying you, providing guidance with each step. Social and Community Integration Running apps are not just about tracking your individual progress; they can also connect you with a global community of runners who share your passion. Many premium running apps offer social features that allow you to connect with friends, join challenges, and share your achievements. Community integration can: Provide a support network: Running with others, even virtually, can boost motivation and accountability. Offer friendly competition: Participating in challenges and leaderboards can encourage you to push your limits. Facilitate knowledge sharing: You can learn from experienced runners and exchange tips and advice. Whether you seek camaraderie, competition, or inspiration, the social features of the best running apps can enhance your running experience significantly. Tips for Choosing the Best Running Apps Determine Your Goals: Before selecting a running app, clarify your fitness goals. Are you training for a marathon, trying to lose weight, or simply looking to stay active? Different apps cater to different needs. Check Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your smartphone and any wearable devices you use, like a Fitbit or Apple Watch. Evaluate Tracking Features: Look for apps that offer accurate GPS tracking, distance, pace, and calorie counting. If you’re training for a race, find an app that tracks elevation gain and split times. Consider Training Plans: If you need structured training, opt for apps that offer personalized training plans, interval training, or tailored workouts. Review Social Features: If community support motivates you, choose an app with strong social features like sharing runs, joining challenges, or competing with friends. Assess the Subscription Model: Many apps offer free basic versions with premium features available at a cost. Decide if the additional features are worth the subscription fee for your needs. Prioritize Safety: For those who often run alone, consider apps with safety features like live tracking or emergency contacts. Look for Additional Tools: Some apps offer extra tools like audio coaching, music integration, or virtual races, which can enhance your running experience. Read User Reviews: Check the app store reviews to understand the user experience and any potential issues with the app. Test Multiple Apps: Don’t hesitate to try out a few apps before settling on one. Many offer free trials, which can be a great way to determine if an app suits your needs. What is the best running app overall? Much of the online consensus points to one of the most popular running apps, Runkeeper, for its real-time audio-guided workouts, regular supply of routes, and features like Gear Tracker, which notifies you when you need new running shoes. What is the best running app with a free version? Again, Runkeeper — which has free and paid versions — seems to (pardon the pun) run away with this category. What is the best running app for beginners? Definitely, C25K, which is designed with beginners in mind. What is the safest running app? There are a number of apps designed with runner safety in mind, among them ROAD iD, whose safety feature lets five of your chosen friends or relatives track your route via text or email. Image: Depositphotos This article, "The Best Apps for Running" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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