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YouTube's going through a lot of changes right now, and according to the company, that's to help it better stand out on TVs. Today, YouTube announced that it's going to allow creators to upload bigger thumbnails, plus make browsing and shopping while watching on a TV a bit more convenient. But there's also a big change coming to content itself, and it's not just limited to TVs. Soon, YouTube is going to start using AI to automatically upscale any videos with resolutions lower than 1080p. While you can technically still upload videos that are 720p nowadays, with smartphone cameras getting better and better, that essentially reads to me as "old videos." It's a bit concerning to me, as someone who's been watching a lot of TV shows from the '90s and early 2000s on YouTube as of late. Credit: YouTube Done right, AI upscaling is a simple way to de-noise a video, and is more resistant to hallucination than generations made from whole cloth. But it's not without its own hiccups, and some creators have actually accused YouTube of using AI upscaling already, without telling them, and with some undesirable results. The accusations have been limited to YouTube Shorts for now, but notably, even Will Smith seems to have possibly run afoul of the system's hidden AI, as the celebrity was himself accused of generating a crowd with AI in a YouTube Short of a recent concert. However, internet sleuths have determined the footage is likely legit, but was automatically made to look like "AI slop" by YouTube. Note, for instance, how different the footage looks on Instagram. Luckily, YouTube says that this version of AI upscaling will be fully in the hands of creators and users. According to the feature's announcement "Creators will retain complete control over their library, as both original files and original video resolution will be kept intact, with a clear option to opt-out of these enhancements." Viewers, meanwhile, will be able to see when AI upscaling has been used thanks to a "super resolution" label in the resolution selection settings, and opt for the original resolution instead. Additionally, YouTube told The Verge that videos that were shot below 1080p, but manually remastered and uploaded in 1080p or above, won't be affected by the upscaling tech. What matters is the resolution the video was uploaded in. All of that's a relief for folks like me, who don't want bizarre seven-fingered extras in our sitcoms, although it's unclear whether this control will also extend to YouTube Shorts, or if YouTube might continue experimenting with mandatory AI upscaling there behind-the-scenes (which, to be fair, has not yet been confirmed). Regardless, it makes sense why YouTube is making this change, as it tries to capture more eyes across more devices. Low resolution videos might look fine on a six-inch smartphone display, but blown up to 50+ inches on a TV, not so much. YouTube hasn't said exactly when the feature will go live, but if you notice what looks like weird AI artifacting the next time you're watching a YouTube video, try checking the resolution settings by mousing over the video and tapping or clicking the cog icon. View the full article

And the layoffs keep coming. General Motors joins Amazon and Paramount this week, announcing on Wednesday it will be laying off 1,750 workers in Michigan and Ohio, in response to the downturn in U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market. The Detroit News first reported the news. Shares in the automotive maker (NYSE: GM) were down less than 1% in midday trading on Wednesday. The company said those cuts include 1,200 workers in Detroit at the company’s electric vehicle plant and another 550 employees at Ohio’s Ultium Cells battery cell plant. The company is also instituting temporary layoffs for some 850 workers at the Ohio plant and another 700 workers in Tennessee, General Motors confirmed to Fast Company. Federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credits of up to $7,500 expired at the beginning of this month following the signing of the President Donald The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Now automakers are bracing for a decline in EV sales in the U.S. “In response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment, General Motors is realigning EV capacity,” the company said in an emailed statement to Fast Company. “Despite these changes, GM remains committed to our U.S. manufacturing footprint, and we believe our investments and dedication to flexible operations will make GM more resilient and capable of leading through change.” Impacted employees may be eligible for SUBpay and benefits in accordance with the National GM-UAW Agreement, GM said. General Motors will adjust production at its Ohio Ultium Cells plant and will temporarily pause battery cell production at the Spring Hill, Tennessee and Warren, Ohio facilities in January 2026, but anticipate resuming operations by mid-2026. (Impacted employees may be eligible to continue receiving a significant portion of their regular wages or salary, plus benefits.) General Motors financials Last week, General Motors’ third-quarter earnings results beat expectations, with revenue coming in at $48.59 billion versus an expected $45.27 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.80 adjusted, beating expectations of $2.31. The company also raised its financial guidance for the year. View the full article

Paramount is the latest company to join the bloodbath of layoffs this week. The entertainment giant began cutting around 1,000 workers on Wednesday, with twice that many pink slips expected in the days to come. In a memo to staff, new Paramount CEO David Ellison characterized the reductions, which will ultimately shrink the company by 10%, as a necessary step for the company’s long-term growth. “In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization,” Ellison wrote in a memo obtained by The Guardian and other outlets. “In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth.” Paramount-owned CBS News will reportedly see around 100 employees cut. Those layoffs were reportedly planned prior to the network’s decision to name Bari Weiss as its editor-in-chief, inviting the controversial media figure and anti-”woke” provocateur to reshape the network in her image. The layoffs, while significant, weren’t totally unexpected. After Skydance’s $8.4 billion merger with Paramount was finalized over the summer, the company’s new leadership signaled it planned to cut around $2 billion in costs by trimming its workforce. Last year, Paramount cut 15% of its U.S. workforce in the lead-up to the Skydance deal. Paramount joins Amazon, UPS, Target and General Motors, which have all announced major layoffs this week. On Tuesday, Amazon said that it would cut around 14,000 corporate jobs, citing investments in AI and quickly fulfilling CEO Andy Jassy’s own prophecy that the technology would reduce its need for human workers in the future. Skydance’s empire grows Layoffs aren’t the only big move Paramount is making under Skydance’s banner. The company is already working on an offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., which owns CNN, DC Studios, and HBO, among other major media properties. Skydance, which merged with Paramount in August, is led by David Ellison, the son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison. By closing the Paramount deal, Skydance brought Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, CBS, CBS News, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and Showtime and other entertainment brands under its wing. If the company succeeds in a bid to buy Warner Bros., it would also pick up Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Comics, Turner Classic Movies, New Line Cinema, the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel, TBS, TNT, and a handful of theme parks. Paramount is doing some belt tightening around its workforce, but the company’s new leadership is splashing out big in other areas. Under Ellison, Paramount swiftly announced a $7.7 billion deal to become the UFC’s streaming partner. The arrangement reportedly doubles what ESPN was paying for rights to air UFC matches. Skydance is building its new media empire at breakneck speed, but its next deal might not come as quickly. Last week, Warner Bros. Discovery turned up its nose at a $60 billion offer from Paramount Skydance, opting to play the field instead. Any merger would interrupt the entertainment giant’s plans to split itself into two public companies, one for streaming and one for traditional TV, by next year. Skydance Paramount may have been rebuffed once, but the Ellison family’s closeness with The President gives the company a strong angle on a deal. While regulatory hurdles often derail major mergers or cause them to stall out, a green light for a Warner Bros. deal would be almost assured under the The President administration, which has been eager to reward loyalists and punish perceived enemies in the private sector. View the full article

The deal will help drive development at Mortgage Cadence, which had been a unit of Accenture, and enable new integrations and automation, according to leaders. View the full article

Chancellor seeks assurances from industry that the move would boost investment in the North SeaView the full article

Investors watch for signs huge capital investments in AI are generating revenue amid concerns of sector bubbleView the full article

Construction projects are complex, involving numerous risks that can impact budgets, timelines and overall success. Construction risk management software helps teams identify, evaluate and mitigate these risks proactively. From small contractors to large firms, having the right tools ensures projects run smoothly and safely. These software solutions centralize risk data, track potential issues and integrate with other project management tools. They allow managers to make informed decisions quickly, improving efficiency, accountability and overall project outcomes. Choosing the right construction risk management software can prevent costly delays and keep stakeholders aligned throughout the project lifecycle. What Is Construction Risk Management Software? Construction risk management software is designed to help construction teams identify, assess and mitigate risks in real time. It centralizes risk data, tracks incidents and supports planning to prevent budget overruns, safety incidents and schedule delays. These tools are often integrated with project management features such as task tracking, resource allocation and reporting to give a complete view of project health. By using this software, construction teams can improve decision-making, reduce exposure to unforeseen issues and maintain better communication across stakeholders and subcontractors. What Features Make the Best Construction Risk Management Software? RAID Log: Tracks Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies in a single place. It helps teams document challenges, clarify assumptions and monitor task dependencies. Real-time updates in construction risk management software ensure teams can respond quickly to problems and adjust project plans effectively. Risk Analysis Tools: Evaluate the probability and impact of potential risks. Advanced software includes quantitative assessment, scenario simulations and visual dashboards to support proactive mitigation. Teams can prioritize high-risk areas and allocate resources efficiently before issues affect project delivery. Cost Management Tools: Track budgets, forecast expenses and identify potential overruns. Integration with risk modules shows the financial implications of identified risks. Managers can plan contingencies, allocate reserves and maintain accurate financial records to keep projects profitable. Project Scheduling Tools: Plan timelines, allocate resources and identify task dependencies. Integrated risk data allows proactive schedule adjustments, preventing cascading delays and ensuring high-priority tasks are completed on time. Visual timelines and Gantt charts improve communication with stakeholders and subcontractors. Project Tracking Tools: Monitor task completion, milestones and mitigation efforts. Real-time updates enable managers to spot delays or emerging risks and reassign resources or adjust priorities, maintaining alignment across teams and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Project Reporting Tools: Generate risk assessments, progress summaries and compliance documentation. Customizable dashboards and automated reports keep stakeholders informed, identify trends and improve processes, ensuring all team members understand project status and potential challenges. Resource Planning Tools: Manage labor, equipment and material allocation in line with risks. Software helps ensure resources are available where needed, prevents delays and cost overruns and analyzes utilization and bottlenecks to optimize deployment dynamically. 2025 Best Construction Risk Management Software Rankings The top construction risk management software for 2025 combines robust risk analysis, project tracking, cost management and scheduling capabilities. Leading solutions provide RAID logs, dashboards, automated reports and resource planning features. Free and paid options cater to firms of all sizes, helping teams proactively manage risks, maintain project efficiency and improve overall project outcomes. 1. ProjectManager /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/auth0-pm-logo-dark.png ProjectManager tops the list for construction risk management software in 2025. It combines a robust RAID log with comprehensive project planning, scheduling and execution tools, so teams can track risks while managing projects in one platform. This eliminates the need for multiple apps, reduces errors and saves significant time and money. With ProjectManager, teams can document risks, plan mitigations and monitor progress alongside schedules, budgets and resources. Integrated dashboards, reports and payroll features allow managers to maintain visibility across the entire project lifecycle, making risk management seamless and actionable for contractors of all sizes. Manage Risk With RAID Log ProjectManager’s RAID log tracks Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies in one place. Teams can log potential problems, assess impacts and assign owners. By updating the log in real time, managers can quickly implement mitigation strategies and keep the project on schedule, reducing delays and avoiding cost overruns. Schedule With Gantt Charts Gantt charts let teams plan timelines, link task dependencies and set baselines. ProjectManager integrates scheduling with risk data, so if a high-risk task is delayed, teams can adjust resources or timelines immediately. This visual planning reduces miscommunication and ensures the project stays aligned with deadlines. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150.jpg Track Your Resources ProjectManager allows managers to allocate labor, equipment and materials efficiently. Workload charts and team pages highlight overallocated or idle resources, helping teams adjust quickly. By linking resources to tasks and risks, managers maintain productivity while minimizing overspending and bottlenecks. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Streamline Payroll Payroll and timesheets are integrated with project and resource tracking. Labor costs are automatically calculated, including overtime and allocations to specific tasks. Managers can monitor financial impacts of risks in real time, ensuring budgets are maintained and reducing the administrative burden of manual calculations. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks.png ProjectManager leads 2025 rankings due to its all-in-one risk, schedule and resource management capabilities. Other top tools include software with strong RAID logs, risk dashboards and reporting, but ProjectManager stands out for combining planning, execution and tracking in one platform, saving time, money and headaches for construction teams of all sizes. Given all these amazing features at a low price point, it’s clear that ProjectManager is the heavyweight champ of construction risk management software. Click here to start a 30-day free trial! Verdict: Best Online Construction Risk Management Software for Construction Project Management ProjectManager Pros & Key Features Integrated RAID log to track risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies Gantt charts for project scheduling and task dependencies Real-time dashboards for monitoring project progress and risk exposure Resource management tools, including team pages and workload charts Timesheets and payroll integration for accurate labor cost tracking Centralized platform for planning, executing and tracking projects Automated reports to keep stakeholders informed Cloud-based access for team collaboration anywhere ProjectManager Cons & Limitations Some advanced features may require training to use effectively Pricing may be higher than simpler, single-purpose risk tools Occasional complexity for very small teams managing a single project Limited offline functionality compared to desktop-only software Template customization may require an initial setup time ProjectManager Pricing Team: $14.00/user/month Business: $26.00/user/month Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote ProjectManager Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.1/5 Highlighted User Reviews “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2 “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2 “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2 2. Procore /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/procore-circle.png Procore is a widely used construction risk management software that provides tools to track risks, manage budgets, and schedule projects. Its platform centralizes project data, allowing teams to collaborate and monitor risk exposure in real time. Users can leverage dashboards, reporting features, and resource tracking to help identify and mitigate potential issues before they escalate, making it a solid choice for larger construction projects with multiple stakeholders. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Procore-construction-schedule.png However, Procore can be overly complex for smaller teams and projects, and its pricing structure is higher than many competitors. Some users report a steep learning curve, requiring extensive training to navigate the platform effectively. Additionally, its interface can feel cluttered, and integrating with other software can sometimes be challenging, which may hinder productivity for organizations seeking a more straightforward risk management solution. Verdict: Best Construction Scheduling Tools for Large Projects Procore Pros & Key Features Centralized project data for collaboration and transparency Real-time dashboards and reporting to monitor risks Resource tracking and budget management tools Document control and compliance features Integration with other construction management tools Procore Cons & Limitations High pricing compared to similar software Steep learning curve for new users Complex interface can slow workflow Integration with other platforms can be challenging May be overkill for smaller projects or teams Procore Pricing Contact sales for a custom quote Procore Reviews G2 review: 4.6 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “Procore is the king of remote working especially for administrative tasks.” Andy G – from Capterra “User friendly and easy to navigate with little to no training.” Sienna W – from Capterra “I enjoy the Procore Learning Center, which helps me when I am unsure of how to start or edit a task in Procore.” Olivia E – from G2 We use Procore daily and it makes management of a project so much easier.” Lise B – from G2 Related: 10 Best Construction Project Management Software 3. BuilderTrend /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/buildertrend-logo.svg Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction risk management software designed for home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage projects, finances, sales, and client communications within a single platform. Buildertrend’s features include scheduling, budgeting, document management, and client portals, aiming to streamline operations and improve project efficiency. Its user-friendly interface and mobile app facilitate real-time collaboration and updates, making it a popular choice among mid-sized construction firms seeking an all-in-one solution. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buildertrend-construction-scheduling-software.webp However, Buildertrend may not be suitable for all construction businesses. Some users report a steep learning curve, especially for those new to digital project management tools. Additionally, while the software offers a wide range of features, some users feel it lacks depth in certain areas, such as advanced reporting and customization options. The pricing structure can also be a concern for smaller companies, as the cost may be prohibitive without a clear return on investment. Furthermore, integration with other software systems can sometimes be challenging, leading to potential inefficiencies. Verdict: Best Residential Construction Risk Management Software for Independent Home Builders Buildertrend Pros & Key Features Comprehensive suite of tools for project management, budgeting and client communication User-friendly interface with mobile app support for real-time updates Centralized platform for managing all aspects of construction projects Built-in client portal to enhance transparency and collaboration Customizable templates for estimates, proposals and change orders Buildertrend Cons & Limitations Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with digital project management tools Some features may lack depth or advanced customization options Pricing structure may be prohibitive for smaller companies Integration with other software systems can be challenging Reports and analytics may not meet the needs of all users BuilderTrend Pricing Contact sales for a custom quote BuilderTrend Reviews G2 review: 4.2/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Buildertrend has been a very helpful solution for our construction business.” Janelle B – from Capterra “Very easy to keep track of various different elements throughout construction.” Brandi G – from Capterra “I love that Buildertrend is a one stop shop for everything building related.” Paige M – from G2 “What I love most about Buildertrend is how user-friendly it is.” Antonio C – from G2 4. CoConstruct/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coconstruct-logo-600x53.png CoConstruct is a construction risk management software tailored for custom home builders and remodelers. It offers a suite of tools designed to streamline project planning, estimating, scheduling, and client communication. The platform provides features such as customizable estimating templates, integrated specifications, and a mobile app for field teams, aiming to enhance efficiency and collaboration across all stages of a project. Additionally, CoConstruct’s real-time financial updates and client portal facilitate transparent communication and financial tracking, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned throughout the project’s life cycle. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Coconstruct-screenshot.png Despite its strengths, CoConstruct has limitations that may impact its suitability for all users. Some builders have reported challenges with the software’s interface, describing it as “clunky” and not always intuitive. Additionally, the platform’s complexity can lead to a steep learning curve, particularly for teams not accustomed to digital construction management tools. Issues such as circular dependencies in scheduling and a lack of visual organization in specifications have also been noted, which can hinder workflow efficiency. Furthermore, while CoConstruct offers robust features, its pricing may be considered high for smaller companies, and the absence of a free trial makes it difficult for potential users to assess its fit for their needs before committing. Verdict: Best Construction Risk Management Software for Residential Building CoConstruct Pros & Key Features Customizable estimating templates for accurate and efficient bidding Integrated specifications and selections system for streamlined project planning Mobile app support for real-time updates and communication in the field Client portal to enhance transparency and client engagement Real-time financial updates for effective budget management Integration with QuickBooks for seamless accounting processes Centralized platform for managing all project aspects in one place CoConstruct Cons & Limitations Interface can be perceived as “clunky” and not always user-friendly Steep learning curve, especially for teams new to digital tools Challenges with circular dependencies in scheduling Lack of visual organization in specifications and selections Pricing may be high for smaller companies without a clear return on investment Absence of a free trial to assess the software’s fit before commitment CoConstruct Pricing Contact sales for a custom quote CoConstruct Reviews G2 review: 4 / 5 Capterra review: 4.7 / 5 Highlighted User Reviews “I’ve truly been impressed with CoConstruct’s customer service, webinar, and coaching availability.” Sam G – from Capterra “I like that, once all of your templates, specs, and trade partners are populated, it is very easy to build professional looking proposals.” Becky S – from Capterra “Estimating and job tracking features all in one place.” Brandee V – from G2 “The clients can see precisely what we intend to build and the materials we will utilize.” Jorge P – from G2 Related: 20 Free Excel Construction Templates 5. Smartsheet /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/smartsheet-circle.png Smartsheet is a versatile cloud-based construction risk management software that offers construction teams a spreadsheet-like interface combined with powerful project management tools. It provides features such as Gantt charts, automated workflows and real-time dashboards, enabling teams to plan, track and manage projects efficiently. The platform’s flexibility allows for customization to fit various project needs, making it suitable for organizations seeking a scalable solution for construction project management. /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Smartsheet-Dashboard-Project-Management.png However, Smartsheet’s reliance on a spreadsheet interface may not be intuitive for all users, especially those accustomed to more specialized construction management software. The learning curve can be steep for teams unfamiliar with its functionalities, and while it offers a range of features, some users report that the platform can become cumbersome when managing complex projects with numerous dependencies. Additionally, integration with other software systems may require additional setup and customization, potentially leading to increased implementation time and costs. Verdict: Best Construction Risk Management Software for Workforce Management Features Smartsheet Pros & Key Features Spreadsheet-like interface familiar to many users Customizable Gantt charts for project scheduling Automated workflows to streamline processes Real-time dashboards for project tracking Resource management tools, including workload tracking Integration capabilities with various software systems Cloud-based platform accessible from anywhere Collaboration features for team communication Smartsheet Cons & Limitations Steep learning curve for new users Spreadsheet interface may not be intuitive for all Can become cumbersome for complex projects Integration with other systems may require additional setup Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors Limited native integrations compared to other platforms Performance issues reported by some users Smartsheet Pricing Pro: $9.00/user/month, billed annually Business: $19.00/user/month, billed annually Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote Advanced Work Management: contact sales for a custom quote Smartsheet Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Smartsheet is a great platform for data visualization and project management.” Pathan I – from Capterra “Good for tracking projects but takes some time to learn all of the features.” Marissa P – from Capterra “Automation can save hours of time by automatically sending emails and reminders to ensure we meet our deadlines.” Amy S – from G2 “Easily allows a shareable document that concurrent users can view and make live changes to.” Steven K – from G2 Related Risk Management Content If you’re looking for construction risk management software, it’s best to understand risk management. Below are links to some articles we’ve published on project risk, contractor risk and much more. The Risk Management Process in Project Management Project Risk Analysis: Quantitative & Qualitative Techniques How to Make a Risk Management Plan (Template Included) A Quick Guide to Contractor Risk & Contractor Risk Management The Best Risk Management Tools & Techniques for PM Pros What Is Project Risk? 7 Project Risks to Track Construction Risk Assessment Template for Excel (Free Download) ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 5 Best Construction Risk Management Software of 2025 (Free & Paid) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

At last, the X-59 is airborne. NASA’s quiet supersonic airplane took to the skies in Palmdale, California, successfully landing back a few minutes later. While this initial sortie on October 28 was a subsonic check of basic systems and airworthiness, the flight represents the penultimate step toward reviving supersonic passenger travel over land. It also marks the beginning of a race to see which of three supersonic airplane ideas wins to become the dominant design of the 21st century. There’s Lockheed Martin’s X-59 dart-like shape developed to avoid the sonic boom. Then we have Boom Supersonic’s XB-1, which doesn’t look to avoid the sonic boom but to stop it from reaching the ground thanks to computer calculations and clever use of atmospherics physics altogether. And finally, let’s not forget that China is also in this race with a design that seems to mix ideas from the X-59 and the XB-1. The importance of the X-59 is rooted in the spectacular failure of the Concorde. While a technological marvel, its eardrum-shattering sonic booms led to a public outcry that resulted in a 1971 ban on supersonic flight over populated areas, a move that crippled its commercial case and was followed by regulators worldwide. Now, although the The President administration has lifted that ban over the United States, the rest of the world still doesn’t allow these flights. The X-59’s design The X-59 was conceived to make all the bans obsolete, worldwide. It aims to prove that a supersonic jet can fly without causing a disruptive boom, generating instead a quiet “thump” no louder than a car door slamming. “The real breakthrough for supersonic flight would be to be able to fly over land again so that you have those long routes where that supersonic flight is more advantageous,” Dave Richardson, the X-59 program director at Lockheed Martin, told me last year, when the physical prototype was unveiled. Made with recycled parts fitted in a radical arrow-tip-shaped fuselage, the X-59 looks more like a weapon than a research vehicle, an impossibly long and sharp needle of a plane. Its design is the magic trick. According to Richardson, the secret to its quiet flight isn’t some exotic new material or engine. “There is no radical technology in the airplane itself,” he explains. “It really is just the shape of the aircraft.” That shape—with a nose that makes up a third of its length, a cockpit with no forward-facing window, and an engine perched on its back—was born from immense computing power. Advanced modeling allowed engineers to simulate how shockwaves would behave, a process that would have previously required “hundreds or thousands of times at a huge expense” in a wind tunnel.​ Lockheed Martin’s design works by fundamentally reshaping the physics of a sonic boom. Instead of allowing the shockwaves generated by the plane’s movement through the air to coalesce into one massive, explosive boom, the X-59’s slender form is engineered to keep them separate. “You want to be able to stretch out and manage the different shocks across the length of the airplane,” Richardson said. Every element is meticulously placed to support this goal. The engine’s air intake is on top of the fuselage so its shockwave travels up, away from the ground. The pilot navigates using a high-definition “external vision system” instead of a window, eliminating the canopy bulge that would otherwise create a powerful shockwave.​ The ultimate goal is not to build a new airliner, but to collect data. The target for NASA’s Quesst mission is to turn the Concorde’s 105-decibel boom—as loud as a chainsaw—into a 75-decibel thump. This is the critical data point. The X-59 is an experimental tool designed to fly over communities and ask a simple question: is this quiet thump acceptable? The subjective feedback from people on the ground will be compiled into a database for U.S. and international regulators, providing the evidence they need to rewrite the rules on supersonic flight.​ Test piloting a new kind of airplane This inaugural flight, piloted by Nils Larson, was just the beginning of a rigorous testing process. Over the coming months, the X-59 will fly progressively faster and higher, eventually pushing past Mach 1.4 at an altitude of 55,000 feet. Once its performance is validated, the plane will begin its community overflights across several U.S. cities. If the public response is positive and the data supports a rule change, the path would be cleared. For commercial manufacturers, Richardson says they could “start right away” on a new generation of quiet supersonic jets as soon as the laws are repealed. That future of dramatically shorter travel times now rests on the performance of this one magnificently weird airplane.​ Meanwhile, after successfully testing the XB-1, Boom Supersonic is charging ahead with Overture, its first commercial airplane. If they continue developing it at the current pace, they might actually become the winners of this silent supersonic race. Brian Scholl—the company’s CEO—told me a few months ago that Overture is designed to fit within existing airport infrastructure. The airplane will be able to operate from existing gates and runways, making it practical for commercial use. He claims that it will be impossible for something like the X-59 to scale to airliner size because it will be absurdly long and impossible to fit in current airports without redesigning or building new gates. Still, it is too soon to tell what’s going to happen, since X-59 still needs to start and successfully complete its testing campaign—and Overture needs to actually materialize. Same with the Chinese design. For now, it’s just fun to see all these cool machines taking off and making history, wherever we are going next. View the full article

If you’re looking to streamline your social media strategy, utilizing sample social media calendar templates can be a transformative element. These templates, such as HootSuite’s customizable calendar and HubSpot’s organized solution, provide crucial features that improve your content planning. With options like Content Cal and Smartsheet offering automation and detailed breakdowns, you can enhance your workflow considerably. Explore these tools to find the best fit for your needs and boost your marketing efforts effectively. Key Takeaways HootSuite’s customizable calendar template facilitates planning across multiple platforms, enhancing workflow efficiency for social media strategies. HubSpot’s structured content calendar simplifies scheduling and allows customization for specific marketing goals, ideal for immediate use. Content Cal automates calendar creation, aligning social media strategies with broader marketing objectives for improved cohesion and accountability. Smartsheet’s detailed template provides a daily breakdown of posts, supporting collaboration and organized management across teams. Social Media Examiner’s Google Sheets template offers a practical solution for tracking posting schedules and ensuring timely content delivery. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar is a valuable tool for anyone looking to streamline their social media strategy. This customizable Google Sheet supports planning across five major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. With an evergreen content library tab, you can maintain a steady flow of content, avoiding those last-minute scrambles. The calendar is organized with tabs for each month and space for weekly post scheduling, making it easy to track your content creation and publication. You can download the sample social media calendar template for immediate use, ensuring quick implementation into your social media strategy. It improves workflow efficiency, allowing you to generate a social media analytics report template effortlessly, optimizing your content performance. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar For those looking to improve their social media strategy, HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar offers a structured solution that simplifies the planning process. This all-encompassing spreadsheet supports organized scheduling across various platforms, guaranteeing you can manage your posts effectively. With dedicated sections for daily posting and monthly campaigns, it allows you to strategize your content efficiently. The calendar is designed for easy access and collaboration, making it ideal for teams handling multiple accounts. Furthermore, HubSpot’s template is customizable, so you can tailor it to fit your specific content needs and marketing goals. The downloadable format guarantees you can start using it right away, providing a practical tool for streamlining your social media management efforts. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar stands out as a strong tool for anyone looking to improve their social media planning. This platform automates calendar creation based on your input, helping you organize content over a 12-month period. It aligns your social media strategies with broader marketing goals, ensuring cohesive messaging. You can define content types and streamline your posting process, enhancing overall efficiency. The calendar requires you to draft and post actual content, promoting accountability. Furthermore, Content Cal provides insights into content performance, allowing you to refine strategies based on audience engagement. Feature Benefit Purpose Automation Saves time Simplifies calendar creation Strategy Alignment Cohesive messaging Supports marketing goals Performance Insights Refines content strategy Boosts audience engagement Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template offers a detailed daily content breakdown, making it easier for you to manage posts across multiple platforms. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can guarantee consistent content delivery while tracking engagement data effectively. This template is designed for immediate use, allowing your team to streamline social media strategies and improve collaboration with ease. Daily Content Breakdown When you’re looking to streamline your social media strategy, the Daily Content Breakdown in the Social Media Content Calendar Template can be invaluable. This template allows you to effectively plan content across five major social platforms, ensuring that your messaging remains consistent. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can establish a reliable posting schedule. Furthermore, the template includes fields for social copy, images, links, and engagement data, which facilitates organized content management and performance tracking. You can easily download the template for immediate use, making setup quick and straightforward. This thorough layout helps visualize daily content plans, reducing last-minute content creation stress and enhancing overall workflow efficiency. Multi-Platform Support Having a structured approach to social media planning can greatly improve your strategy, especially with Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template. This template supports planning across five major social platforms, with an “Other” section for additional channels. You can schedule up to six posts per platform each day, ensuring you maintain an active presence. The detailed daily breakdown includes fields for social copy, images, and links, allowing for thorough content management. By easily downloading the template, you streamline your content planning process and avoid last-minute scrambles. This organized format not only helps you stay on track but likewise enables your team to collaborate effectively, ensuring everyone is aware of upcoming posts and responsibilities. Engagement Data Tracking Effective engagement data tracking is a vital component of any successful social media strategy. With Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template, you can easily monitor performance across five major platforms. This template allows you to capture critical engagement metrics, ensuring a detailed review of your content’s effectiveness. Here are some key features: Predefined slots for tracking likes, shares, comments, and link clicks Space to input social copy, images, and links for a thorough view Daily breakdowns to identify engagement trends over time Ability to spot high-performing content types Streamlined content planning that supports data-driven adjustments Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Examiner Calendar Template offers a practical solution for teams looking to streamline their content management across multiple platforms. Designed in Google Sheets, this template provides a detailed day-by-day view, making it especially useful for those posting high volumes of content. You can quickly implement the calendar since it’s downloadable for immediate use, which simplifies the content planning process. By organizing scheduling across various social media platforms, it guarantees your content remains timely and relevant. The template includes fields for crucial information, allowing teams to track their posting schedules and content strategies efficiently. Field Description Date When the content will be posted Platform Social media channel used Content Description Brief overview of the post Status Current state of the content Engagement Metrics Track likes, shares, and comments CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a centralized layout that streamlines your content management across various platforms. With visual planning features like customizable scheduling options and color-coding, you can improve the organization and visibility of your posts. This template not only helps you identify posting gaps with a monthly overview, but it additionally integrates seamlessly with other marketing tools to optimize your workflow. Centralized Content Management When managing a diverse array of marketing activities, having a centralized platform can greatly improve your content strategy. CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides an extensive overview of your content plans across multiple channels. This template features a visual layout, enabling you to easily schedule, filter, and color-code posts. Here are some key benefits: Organizes your content planning and tracking seamlessly. Integrates with various tools, enhancing team collaboration. Identifies posting gaps, helping maintain a consistent schedule. Promotes effective social media strategy execution. Is downloadable for immediate implementation in your practices. Utilizing this template not just streamlines your workflows but also guarantees your marketing efforts remain focused and effective. Visual Planning Features One of the standout features of CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template is its visual layout, which allows you to view your entire content strategy at a glance. This feature helps you easily identify posting gaps and overlaps in your schedule. The template also includes scheduling, filtering, and color-coding options, enabling you to organize content effectively by type, platform, or campaign. You can add monthly notes to track your progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring alignment with your marketing goals. In addition, CoSchedule integrates with various tools, streamlining your workflows and allowing you to manage all marketing activities in one centralized location. The downloadable template offers a user-friendly interface, making collaboration with your team seamless and efficient. ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar provides an efficient way to plan and organize your content across various platforms during keeping track of its status. This tool improves collaboration within teams and allows you to leverage a library of templates, streamlining your social media management. You’ll find it easier to store ideas for future posts and prioritize them based on your marketing goals. Key features include: Tracking content progress across platforms Integrating seamlessly with other tools Ensuring a focused content strategy Improving team collaboration Accessing a variety of templates With these capabilities, you can effectively oversee your social media campaigns, ensuring that your content aligns with your overall marketing objectives. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Choose the Right Template for My Needs? To choose the right template for your needs, start by evaluating your objectives. Identify the platforms you’ll use and the type of content you want to share, like promotions or engagement posts. Consider how frequently you plan to post, as some templates accommodate daily, weekly, or monthly schedules. Evaluate the layout and design; it should be user-friendly and visually appealing. Finally, make sure it aligns with your brand’s identity and goals for consistency. Can I Integrate These Templates With Other Tools? Yes, you can integrate these templates with other tools. Most social media calendar templates are designed to work with various applications like Google Sheets, Trello, or Asana. You can easily import or export data between these platforms, enhancing your workflow. Furthermore, some templates offer features that allow direct linking to scheduling tools or analytics software, making it easier to manage your social media strategy efficiently during keeping everything organized in one place. Are These Templates Suitable for All Social Media Platforms? These templates can be adapted for various social media platforms, but their suitability depends on your specific needs. Each platform has unique characteristics, such as post length and image requirements. You should consider the audience and the type of content you plan to share. Although templates provide a structure, customizing them to fit each platform’s guidelines will improve your effectiveness in reaching your goals and engaging your audience. How Often Should I Update My Social Media Calendar? You should update your social media calendar regularly to stay relevant and effective. Aim for a review at least once a month, adjusting based on analytics and audience engagement. If you’re launching a campaign or responding to trending topics, update it more frequently. Consistent updates guarantee you’re aligned with your goals and audience needs, allowing for timely content that resonates. Staying flexible will help you adapt to changes in the social media environment. Is There a Cost Associated With Using These Templates? Using social media calendar templates can vary in cost depending on the source. Some templates are free, available through blogs or resource websites, whereas others might charge a fee, especially if they offer advanced features or customizations. It’s important to research different options, as paid templates often provide additional support or unique designs. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget, so weigh the benefits against the costs involved. Conclusion https://elements.envato.com/photos/social+media+calendar+template In summary, utilizing these seven crucial social media calendar templates can greatly improve your content planning and execution. Each tool offers unique features customized to streamline your scheduling process, enhance organization, and encourage collaboration. By selecting the right template for your needs, you can effectively manage your social media strategy, ensuring consistency and maximizing your marketing efforts. Take advantage of these resources today to boost your social media presence and achieve your business goals more efficiently. Image via Envanto This article, "Essential Sample Social Media Calendar Templates You Can Use Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to streamline your social media strategy, utilizing sample social media calendar templates can be a transformative element. These templates, such as HootSuite’s customizable calendar and HubSpot’s organized solution, provide crucial features that improve your content planning. With options like Content Cal and Smartsheet offering automation and detailed breakdowns, you can enhance your workflow considerably. Explore these tools to find the best fit for your needs and boost your marketing efforts effectively. Key Takeaways HootSuite’s customizable calendar template facilitates planning across multiple platforms, enhancing workflow efficiency for social media strategies. HubSpot’s structured content calendar simplifies scheduling and allows customization for specific marketing goals, ideal for immediate use. Content Cal automates calendar creation, aligning social media strategies with broader marketing objectives for improved cohesion and accountability. Smartsheet’s detailed template provides a daily breakdown of posts, supporting collaboration and organized management across teams. Social Media Examiner’s Google Sheets template offers a practical solution for tracking posting schedules and ensuring timely content delivery. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar is a valuable tool for anyone looking to streamline their social media strategy. This customizable Google Sheet supports planning across five major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. With an evergreen content library tab, you can maintain a steady flow of content, avoiding those last-minute scrambles. The calendar is organized with tabs for each month and space for weekly post scheduling, making it easy to track your content creation and publication. You can download the sample social media calendar template for immediate use, ensuring quick implementation into your social media strategy. It improves workflow efficiency, allowing you to generate a social media analytics report template effortlessly, optimizing your content performance. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar For those looking to improve their social media strategy, HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar offers a structured solution that simplifies the planning process. This all-encompassing spreadsheet supports organized scheduling across various platforms, guaranteeing you can manage your posts effectively. With dedicated sections for daily posting and monthly campaigns, it allows you to strategize your content efficiently. The calendar is designed for easy access and collaboration, making it ideal for teams handling multiple accounts. Furthermore, HubSpot’s template is customizable, so you can tailor it to fit your specific content needs and marketing goals. The downloadable format guarantees you can start using it right away, providing a practical tool for streamlining your social media management efforts. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar stands out as a strong tool for anyone looking to improve their social media planning. This platform automates calendar creation based on your input, helping you organize content over a 12-month period. It aligns your social media strategies with broader marketing goals, ensuring cohesive messaging. You can define content types and streamline your posting process, enhancing overall efficiency. The calendar requires you to draft and post actual content, promoting accountability. Furthermore, Content Cal provides insights into content performance, allowing you to refine strategies based on audience engagement. Feature Benefit Purpose Automation Saves time Simplifies calendar creation Strategy Alignment Cohesive messaging Supports marketing goals Performance Insights Refines content strategy Boosts audience engagement Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template offers a detailed daily content breakdown, making it easier for you to manage posts across multiple platforms. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can guarantee consistent content delivery while tracking engagement data effectively. This template is designed for immediate use, allowing your team to streamline social media strategies and improve collaboration with ease. Daily Content Breakdown When you’re looking to streamline your social media strategy, the Daily Content Breakdown in the Social Media Content Calendar Template can be invaluable. This template allows you to effectively plan content across five major social platforms, ensuring that your messaging remains consistent. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can establish a reliable posting schedule. Furthermore, the template includes fields for social copy, images, links, and engagement data, which facilitates organized content management and performance tracking. You can easily download the template for immediate use, making setup quick and straightforward. This thorough layout helps visualize daily content plans, reducing last-minute content creation stress and enhancing overall workflow efficiency. Multi-Platform Support Having a structured approach to social media planning can greatly improve your strategy, especially with Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template. This template supports planning across five major social platforms, with an “Other” section for additional channels. You can schedule up to six posts per platform each day, ensuring you maintain an active presence. The detailed daily breakdown includes fields for social copy, images, and links, allowing for thorough content management. By easily downloading the template, you streamline your content planning process and avoid last-minute scrambles. This organized format not only helps you stay on track but likewise enables your team to collaborate effectively, ensuring everyone is aware of upcoming posts and responsibilities. Engagement Data Tracking Effective engagement data tracking is a vital component of any successful social media strategy. With Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template, you can easily monitor performance across five major platforms. This template allows you to capture critical engagement metrics, ensuring a detailed review of your content’s effectiveness. Here are some key features: Predefined slots for tracking likes, shares, comments, and link clicks Space to input social copy, images, and links for a thorough view Daily breakdowns to identify engagement trends over time Ability to spot high-performing content types Streamlined content planning that supports data-driven adjustments Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Examiner Calendar Template offers a practical solution for teams looking to streamline their content management across multiple platforms. Designed in Google Sheets, this template provides a detailed day-by-day view, making it especially useful for those posting high volumes of content. You can quickly implement the calendar since it’s downloadable for immediate use, which simplifies the content planning process. By organizing scheduling across various social media platforms, it guarantees your content remains timely and relevant. The template includes fields for crucial information, allowing teams to track their posting schedules and content strategies efficiently. Field Description Date When the content will be posted Platform Social media channel used Content Description Brief overview of the post Status Current state of the content Engagement Metrics Track likes, shares, and comments CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a centralized layout that streamlines your content management across various platforms. With visual planning features like customizable scheduling options and color-coding, you can improve the organization and visibility of your posts. This template not only helps you identify posting gaps with a monthly overview, but it additionally integrates seamlessly with other marketing tools to optimize your workflow. Centralized Content Management When managing a diverse array of marketing activities, having a centralized platform can greatly improve your content strategy. CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides an extensive overview of your content plans across multiple channels. This template features a visual layout, enabling you to easily schedule, filter, and color-code posts. Here are some key benefits: Organizes your content planning and tracking seamlessly. Integrates with various tools, enhancing team collaboration. Identifies posting gaps, helping maintain a consistent schedule. Promotes effective social media strategy execution. Is downloadable for immediate implementation in your practices. Utilizing this template not just streamlines your workflows but also guarantees your marketing efforts remain focused and effective. Visual Planning Features One of the standout features of CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template is its visual layout, which allows you to view your entire content strategy at a glance. This feature helps you easily identify posting gaps and overlaps in your schedule. The template also includes scheduling, filtering, and color-coding options, enabling you to organize content effectively by type, platform, or campaign. You can add monthly notes to track your progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring alignment with your marketing goals. In addition, CoSchedule integrates with various tools, streamlining your workflows and allowing you to manage all marketing activities in one centralized location. The downloadable template offers a user-friendly interface, making collaboration with your team seamless and efficient. ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar provides an efficient way to plan and organize your content across various platforms during keeping track of its status. This tool improves collaboration within teams and allows you to leverage a library of templates, streamlining your social media management. You’ll find it easier to store ideas for future posts and prioritize them based on your marketing goals. Key features include: Tracking content progress across platforms Integrating seamlessly with other tools Ensuring a focused content strategy Improving team collaboration Accessing a variety of templates With these capabilities, you can effectively oversee your social media campaigns, ensuring that your content aligns with your overall marketing objectives. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Choose the Right Template for My Needs? To choose the right template for your needs, start by evaluating your objectives. Identify the platforms you’ll use and the type of content you want to share, like promotions or engagement posts. Consider how frequently you plan to post, as some templates accommodate daily, weekly, or monthly schedules. Evaluate the layout and design; it should be user-friendly and visually appealing. Finally, make sure it aligns with your brand’s identity and goals for consistency. Can I Integrate These Templates With Other Tools? Yes, you can integrate these templates with other tools. Most social media calendar templates are designed to work with various applications like Google Sheets, Trello, or Asana. You can easily import or export data between these platforms, enhancing your workflow. Furthermore, some templates offer features that allow direct linking to scheduling tools or analytics software, making it easier to manage your social media strategy efficiently during keeping everything organized in one place. Are These Templates Suitable for All Social Media Platforms? These templates can be adapted for various social media platforms, but their suitability depends on your specific needs. Each platform has unique characteristics, such as post length and image requirements. You should consider the audience and the type of content you plan to share. Although templates provide a structure, customizing them to fit each platform’s guidelines will improve your effectiveness in reaching your goals and engaging your audience. How Often Should I Update My Social Media Calendar? You should update your social media calendar regularly to stay relevant and effective. Aim for a review at least once a month, adjusting based on analytics and audience engagement. If you’re launching a campaign or responding to trending topics, update it more frequently. Consistent updates guarantee you’re aligned with your goals and audience needs, allowing for timely content that resonates. Staying flexible will help you adapt to changes in the social media environment. Is There a Cost Associated With Using These Templates? Using social media calendar templates can vary in cost depending on the source. Some templates are free, available through blogs or resource websites, whereas others might charge a fee, especially if they offer advanced features or customizations. It’s important to research different options, as paid templates often provide additional support or unique designs. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget, so weigh the benefits against the costs involved. Conclusion https://elements.envato.com/photos/social+media+calendar+template In summary, utilizing these seven crucial social media calendar templates can greatly improve your content planning and execution. Each tool offers unique features customized to streamline your scheduling process, enhance organization, and encourage collaboration. By selecting the right template for your needs, you can effectively manage your social media strategy, ensuring consistency and maximizing your marketing efforts. Take advantage of these resources today to boost your social media presence and achieve your business goals more efficiently. Image via Envanto This article, "Essential Sample Social Media Calendar Templates You Can Use Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OLED is a fantastic display technology. Unlike an LCD, which uses a single backlight for all the pixels of the display, all of the pixels on an OLED display can be individually lit up or turned off entirely. That means dark areas of the screen are inky black, while brighter areas can be selectively illuminated. It just looks fantastic, and if I have the option, I always try to choose it. OLED isn't new tech at this point, and yet, Apple has been slow to adopt it into its products, especially when compared to some of its competitors. The company's first device to feature OLED was the Apple Watch in 2015, then the iPhone X in 2017, whereas every Samsung Galaxy has featured an AMOLED display since the company introduced the line in 2010. The iPhone remained the only product line with OLED for quite some time, until it included them with the M4 iPad Pros. Aside from these products, Apple tends to choose alternative display types for its devices. For certain products, like the iMac, MacBook Air, and most iPads, it still uses LCD. For more "premium" devices, like the MacBook Pro, it uses mini-LED, which offers a large number of backlight "zones." This gives these products more contrast than the single backlight of LCD, but not quite as much as OLED. I prefer watching shows and movies on my iPad with mini-LED than my LCD iMac, for example, but I'd always prefer my OLED TV. Apple's OLED roadmapAs it turns out, Apple might give me some new OLED options in the future. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on bringing OLED to more of its devices. Gurman says that the company is currently testing the tech for the MacBook Air, iPad mini, and iPad Air, all of which now ship with LCD. In addition, the company is reportedly working on an OLED MacBook Pro, which might also ship with a touchscreen. Before you get too excited for an OLED MacBook, Apple is likely starting the OLED rollout with the iPad—specifically, the iPad mini. Gurman's sources say the OLED mini will drop sometime next year, which would mark the first refresh for the device since 2024. While I'd love an OLED Mac, this might be the perfect excuse for me to pick up an iPad mini, which I've long thought of as the most fun of Apple's devices. Gurman isn't sure when Apple will add OLED to the iPad Air, but it won't be with the next refresh. The next-gen iPad Air will likely launch this spring, and will ship with LCD. That's true for the M5 MacBook Air, as well. While Apple is testing OLED for the Air, the next model will be out this spring sporting the same display tech as the M4. An OLED MacBook Air might not hit stores until 2028. If you'll buy any Mac that Apple sells with OLED, you're going to be buying a Pro. That OLED MacBook Pro might even come with a touchscreen, which would be a first for Apple's Mac line. That machine could be out as early as 2026, but Apple could also push them to 2027. Adding OLED to products won't come cheap, though. Gurman suggests that Apple could raise the price of the iPad mini $100, which would drive the starting cost from $499 to $599. When those OLED MacBook Pros come out, they'll also likely be even more expensive than the current Pros, by at least a few hundred dollars. These machines start at $1,999 (14-inch) and $2,499 (16-inch) today, so their OLED, touchscreen counterparts could fetch a high price tag. You probably shouldn't wait for these devices if you need to upgradeIf you're holding out on buying any new Apple tech until the company refreshes those devices with OLED, you're going to be waiting a while—at least, for anything other than the iPad mini. I'd recommend waiting for that particular device, but for the others, it might be a while indeed. If you really need an upgrade, Apple's current iPad Pros ship with OLED, and the mini-LED tech in its MacBook Pros is also excellent. But even the LCDs on its devices look quite good. If you can stomach seeing the backlight when dark elements are on-screen, an iPad Air or MacBook Air will suit you well. View the full article

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When managing projects, users often face the decision of choosing the right Microsoft Project version. The debate of MS Project Standard vs. Professional comes up frequently because each offers different tools for project planning, scheduling and resource management. Understanding the differences between Project Standard vs. Professional is essential for selecting the right software for your team and business needs. In this comparison of Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional, we’ll examine core features, usability, pricing and collaboration options. We’ll highlight distinctions between MS Project Professional vs. Standard, helping managers see why one may suit certain projects better than the other. By exploring Project Professional vs. Standard capabilities, you’ll have the clarity to make an informed decision and optimize project delivery. While both Microsoft Project Standard and Professional provide solid project management tools, ProjectManager offers a more modern, flexible solution. Its cloud-based platform allows multiple project views, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, lists and calendars. Teams can track resources with workload charts, assign tasks in real time and monitor progress with interactive dashboards. Timesheets, cost tracking and AI-powered reporting make managing complex projects easier. Unlike Microsoft Project files that require separate tools to share and edit, our software seamlessly imports and exports them, keeping teams aligned and providing a full-featured alternative to traditional desktop software. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more Microsoft Project Standard vs. Project Professional: Why Should You Choose Project Standard? When comparing Microsoft Project Standard vs. Project Professional, it’s important to understand the differences in features, usability and pricing. Microsoft Project Standard is designed for smaller teams or simpler projects that don’t require advanced collaboration tools. Project Professional offers more robust capabilities, such as integration with Project Online, resource management across multiple projects and advanced reporting. Choosing Project Standard can be the best option for organizations that need reliable project scheduling, Gantt charts and task management without the complexity or cost of the Professional version. What Is Microsoft Project Standard? /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Project-Standard-logo-600x600.webp Microsoft Project Standard is a desktop-based project management tool that allows users to plan, track and manage projects efficiently. It includes Gantt charts, task lists, calendars and basic resource allocation views, making it suitable for single projects or smaller teams. While it does not offer the advanced collaboration and portfolio management features found in Microsoft Project Professional, it provides a solid foundation for project scheduling, progress tracking and reporting. For teams that require simplicity and reliability, Microsoft Project Standard is a practical and cost-effective solution. Microsoft Project Standard Pricing Microsoft Project Standard 2024: $679.99, one-time purchase for a single PC What Is Microsoft Project Standard Used For? Microsoft Project Standard is designed for planning, scheduling and managing projects on a single PC. It is ideal for creating detailed project timelines, defining task dependencies, setting milestones and tracking progress using Gantt charts. The software includes pre-built templates, automated scheduling and basic resource management tools to help project managers organize tasks and monitor deadlines. While it lacks advanced collaboration features, it is useful for individuals or teams who primarily work offline and need a reliable tool to structure projects and report on progress without relying on cloud-based platforms. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/microsoft_project_standard-600x342.jpg Who Uses Microsoft Project Standard? Microsoft Project Standard is typically used by project managers, team leads and business professionals who oversee small to medium-sized projects. It’s suitable for users who need robust scheduling and task management but do not require real-time collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Industries such as construction, IT, marketing and consulting often leverage Microsoft Project Standard to plan projects, assign tasks and monitor timelines. Its desktop-focused nature makes it ideal for professionals who work independently or in environments where cloud-based collaboration is not essential. Related: What Is Microsoft Project Standard? Uses, Features and Pricing Microsoft Project Standard Key Features Microsoft Project Standard offers a range of tools that help users plan, organize and track projects efficiently. Its features focus on task management, scheduling and basic resource allocation, making it suitable for individuals and teams who need structured project oversight without extensive collaboration requirements. Key features include: Gantt charts for visual project timelines Pre-built templates to quickly start projects Task dependencies to manage project flow Milestones and deadlines for tracking progress Basic resource management and allocation tools Customizable calendars for scheduling tasks Built-in reporting to summarize project status Integration with Microsoft Office applications Automated scheduling to adjust timelines as tasks change Desktop-based interface for offline project management Project Standard vs. Professional: How Is Project Standard Better Than Project Professional? Microsoft Project Standard is often better suited for smaller projects or individual project managers who don’t need the full range of enterprise-level features found in Project Professional. Its streamlined interface and focused set of tools allow users to quickly set up projects, create Gantt charts, assign tasks and track progress without navigating the more complex capabilities of Project Professional. For teams that primarily need task scheduling, basic reporting and simple resource management, Project Standard provides a lighter, more accessible option that reduces the learning curve. Project Standard also has a lower cost compared to Project Professional, making it a more budget-friendly choice for small businesses or individual users. Since it’s desktop-based, users can manage projects without relying on online collaboration tools, which can be advantageous in environments with limited internet access. Additionally, Project Standard is compatible with Microsoft Office applications, so users can integrate project data with Excel or Outlook without needing additional training or licenses, providing essential functionality in a simplified package. Project Standard vs. Professional: How Is Project Standard Worse Than Project Professional? While Microsoft Project Standard is suitable for smaller projects, it lacks many advanced features available in Project Professional. It does not support team collaboration tools like Project Server or Project Online integration, making it difficult for multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Resource management is limited and advanced scheduling options, such as task dependencies across multiple projects, are not available. For project managers who need detailed reporting, portfolio management or enterprise-level planning, Project Standard falls short. Project Standard also does not include the ability to track timesheets or manage workloads across teams, which are core features of Project Professional. Critical path analysis is more limited and integration with other Microsoft 365 collaboration tools is minimal. Users requiring robust project visibility, real-time dashboards or advanced risk management must rely on Project Professional or third-party software to achieve these functions, making Project Standard less suitable for complex or large-scale projects. Microsoft Project Professional vs. Project Standard: Why Should You Choose Project Professional? For teams managing complex projects, Microsoft Project Professional offers advanced features that make planning, scheduling and collaboration more efficient than Project Standard. Its integration with Microsoft 365 apps, Project Online and Project Server allows for real-time updates across multiple users, while built-in reporting and resource management tools provide deeper insights into project progress and costs. Choosing Project Professional ensures your team can handle larger projects with interdependent tasks, track workloads and maintain alignment across departments, making it ideal for enterprise-level project management. Related: What Is Microsoft Project Professional? Uses, Features and Pricing What Is Microsoft Project Professional? /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Project-Professional-logo-600x600.webp Microsoft Project Professional is advanced project management software designed for detailed planning, scheduling and resource allocation. It is part of the Microsoft Project suite and provides robust desktop tools that integrate with Microsoft 365, Project Online and Project Server for collaboration across teams. Features include Gantt charts, task lists, calendars, critical path analysis, timesheets and automated reporting. Project Professional supports complex projects with multiple interdependent tasks, making it suitable for larger organizations that need enterprise-level project planning and real-time visibility into project performance. Microsoft Project Professional Pricing Microsoft Project Professional 2024: $1,129.99, one-time purchase for a single PC What Is Microsoft Project Professional Used For? Microsoft Project Professional is used for detailed project planning, scheduling and resource management. It allows project managers to create Gantt charts, define task dependencies, allocate resources and track project progress. The software is also used for generating built-in reports, monitoring critical paths and managing multiple projects simultaneously. It supports integration with Microsoft 365 apps, making collaboration across teams easier while maintaining structured project workflows. Project Professional is ideal for complex projects where teams need to coordinate tasks, manage timelines and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule. Its desktop interface offers robust tools that go beyond simple task management applications. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft-Project-Professional-600x325.jpg Who Uses Microsoft Project Professional? Microsoft Project Professional is typically used by project managers, program managers, portfolio managers and team leads in medium to large organizations. Industries such as construction, IT, engineering, healthcare and manufacturing frequently rely on it for structured project oversight. Additionally, consultants and project management offices (PMOs) use it to standardize project planning and reporting. Its advanced features make it suitable for professionals managing multiple projects, complex timelines and resource-heavy initiatives. While individual contributors may use it occasionally, its primary users are those responsible for coordinating teams and ensuring projects meet objectives within budget and schedule. Microsoft Project Professional Key Features Microsoft Project Professional offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to manage complex projects efficiently. Its features support detailed planning, resource management and reporting, making it a robust solution for project teams and managers. Below are some of the key features that distinguish it from simpler project management apps: Gantt charts for visualizing project timelines and task dependencies Critical path analysis to identify tasks that directly impact project completion Resource allocation and workload tracking for teams and equipment Timesheets to monitor labor hours and project costs Built-in reporting for progress, variance and performance tracking Integration with Microsoft 365 apps for collaboration and file sharing Synchronization with Project Online and Project Server for enterprise collaboration Pre-built templates to accelerate project setup and planning Project Professional vs. Standard: How Is Project Professional Better Than Project Standard? Microsoft Project Professional provides advanced project management tools that go beyond what Project Standard offers. It allows users to manage complex projects with multiple resources, track task dependencies and utilize critical path analysis. Teams can create detailed schedules, allocate resources efficiently and monitor project progress in real time. Its integration with Project Online and Project Server enables collaboration across multiple teams and locations, making it ideal for large enterprises and multi-department projects. Project Professional also includes features like timesheets, automated reporting and pre-built templates that streamline project setup and execution. Managers can generate detailed reports for stakeholders, track labor costs and identify risks before they impact deadlines. Its ability to synchronize with Microsoft 365 applications further enhances collaboration and document sharing, giving teams a comprehensive toolset for managing complex initiatives effectively and professionally. Related: 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Project Professional vs. Standard: How Is Project Professional Worse Than Project Standard? While Project Professional offers more advanced features, it can be overwhelming for teams that only need basic project management capabilities. Its interface is more complex than Project Standard, requiring additional training to use effectively. Smaller projects or teams may find its extensive options unnecessary and the additional features can slow down setup and task management for simple projects. Project Professional also comes at a higher cost, which may not be justified for teams that don’t need enterprise-level collaboration or resource tracking. Because it relies heavily on desktop-based applications and integration with Project Online for full functionality, users may face additional setup challenges compared to Project Standard, which provides a more straightforward, lighter solution for day-to-day project planning and management. Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional: Pricing Comparison When evaluating Microsoft Project Standard and Project Professional, understanding the pricing structure is crucial to determining which version aligns with your project management needs and budget. Both versions offer a range of features tailored to different user requirements and their pricing reflects these differences. Microsoft Project Standard 2024 is available for a one-time purchase of $679.99. This version is licensed for installation on a single PC and includes features such as pre-built templates, automated scheduling and multiple timelines. It’s designed for individual users or small teams who require robust project management tools without the need for online collaboration or advanced resource management capabilities. On the other hand, Microsoft Project Professional 2024 is also a one-time purchase, priced at $1,129.99. Like Project Standard, it is licensed for a single PC installation. However, Project Professional offers additional features, including integration with Project Online and Project Server, timesheet submission and advanced resource management tools. These enhancements make it suitable for larger teams or organizations that require more comprehensive project management solutions. In summary, the choice between Microsoft Project Standard and Project Professional should be based on your specific project management needs and budget considerations. If your projects are relatively straightforward and do not require extensive collaboration or resource management, Project Standard may be the more cost-effective option. However, for more complex projects that necessitate advanced features and team collaboration, Project Professional offers the necessary tools to manage such initiatives effectively. ProjectManager Is Better Than Project Standard and Project Professional While Microsoft Project Standard and Project Professional offer solid project management features, ProjectManager provides a more flexible and comprehensive solution. Its online platform allows teams to collaborate in real time, manage resources across multiple projects and track progress with interactive dashboards. Unlike the desktop-bound Microsoft tools, our software eliminates version control issues and enables seamless updates from anywhere, making it ideal for modern teams that need visibility and agility in their project management processes. Work With Better Resource Management Features ProjectManager offers advanced resource management tools that go beyond what Project Standard and Project Professional provide. Users can assign tasks across teams, balance workloads with visual charts and track availability in real time. The team page centralizes resource information, making it easy to identify over-allocated team members or bottlenecks. Managers can adjust allocations instantly, ensuring projects remain on schedule and resources are used efficiently without requiring complex manual calculations or separate software integrations. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Progress With Real-Time Project Tracking and Reporting With ProjectManager, tracking project progress is intuitive and immediate. Live dashboards provide a visual overview of project status, task completion and budget consumption. Secure timesheets capture labor hours accurately, while AI-powered reports highlight risks and variances. Teams can drill down into individual tasks or view the broader portfolio to make informed decisions quickly. Unlike Project Standard and Professional, our software combines reporting, dashboards and alerts in a single platform, giving managers actionable insights without needing multiple tools. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AI-Insights-Light-Mode-Dashboard-GPT5.png Related Microsoft Project Content Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional highlights only two versions of Microsoft Project, which is getting retired. For readers who want to know about Microsoft Project alternatives, Planner and other options, check out the links below. Microsoft Project: Plans, Training and How to Download 10 Top Microsoft Project Management Software, Apps & Tools 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives: Free & Paid Options How to Use Microsoft Project – A Quick Guide Microsoft Planner vs. Project: In-Depth Software Comparison 6 Free & Open-Source Microsoft Project Alternatives: Ranked Microsoft Lists vs. Planner: In-Depth Software Comparison ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional: In-Depth Software Comparison appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Toyota was quick to pump the brakes on a claim President Donald The President made this week regarding an alleged promise by the Japanese automaker to invest $10 billion in the U.S. “We didn’t specifically say that we’ll invest $10 billion over the next few years,” Hiroyuki Ueda, president director, told reporters on Wednesday during the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, as first reported by Reuters. While Ueda stressed that the automaker will continue to invest and create jobs in the U.S. over the next few years, it hasn’t made any explicit promise of an investment of the magnitude The President referenced—nor, in fact, of any particular amount. The confusion, it seems, may stem from investments the world’s largest automaker made in U.S. auto plants during The President’s first administration, which ended in early 2021, and totaled roughly $10 billion, according to Ueda. The topic of investing in the U.S. also didn’t come up when Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda spoke briefly with The President at a U.S. Embassy event on Tuesday, Ueda said, according to Reuters. GAME OF TELEPHONE Where this supposed promise of an investment came from is a game of telephone of sorts. On Tuesday, The President referenced that $10 billion figure during a speech aboard the aircraft carrier, USS George Washington during his visit to Japan—and said he’d just heard about it from Japan’s newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. “I was just told by the prime minister that Toyota is going to be putting auto plants all over the United States to the tune of over $10 billion,” The President said, before urging U.S. military members: “Go out and buy a Toyota.” A spokesperson for Toyota USA didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Fast Company. However, in a statement to The Hill, Toyota reiterated its commitment to investing in its U.S operations without specifying an amount. “With nearly $50 billion already invested and 49,000 direct employees across the United States, this ongoing commitment strengthens our support for American manufacturing, supply chains, jobs, and customers,” the statement to The Hill read. “More details will follow soon.” Shares of Toyota fell nearly 0.8% on Wednesday. View the full article

You may remember this, if you are old enough: in 2002, search engine optimization (SEO) transformed from a technical curiosity into a full-blown industry. All of a sudden, agencies, consultants, and “black-hat sorcerers” emerged overnight, offering tricks and hacks to get brands onto the first page. Today, we stand at the dawn of the next wave: what some call Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) or simply AI Engine Optimisation (AIO). The logic is similar: get your brand seen, but the stakes are higher, the rules blurrier, and the risks far more structural. Imagine a world where users no longer click search results but instead ask an AI assistant, in natural language, “What’s the best CRM for a small-business startup?” The answer appears instantly. No links, no pages, just a response. Brands that hope to matter must not only rank, but be mentioned, cited, trusted, and recommended before that user ever visits their site. This shift is real. Some articles call GEO “about getting your brand noticed and accurately represented in AI-generated answers”, talk about how it is “rewriting the rules of online shopping”, or advise brands that “AEO is the future of SEO”. But herein lies the danger. If SEO’s past is any teacher, we’re headed toward a new playground of snake-oil and shortcuts. Soon you’ll see “GEO specialists,” “AI optimization gurus,” and “zero-click quantum marketing” workshops popping up. Brands will chase algorithms that nobody fully understands, pay for tools that promise to “place you inside the answer box,” and invest in techniques whose mechanics are opaque even to those selling them. I should know. I’ve published daily for decades and licensed not under copyright, but copyleft (Creative Commons BY), open for anyone, including AI companies, to use, repurpose, or analyze. My reward? I’m widely well-positioned in the AI assistant era because I kept my content open, clear, structured, and undisguised. I don’t rely on tricks. My brand (in this case, my name) is simply known, cited, and relied upon. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other chatbots knew me very well the first time I asked them who I was or what my ideas were, back in 2022. That is the real lesson. The perfect storm approaching Here are the forces aligning: AI assistants and answer engines now mediate discovery: traditional search traffic is already falling. Brands recognize that ranking #1 isn’t enough: they need to be the answer. AEO guides emphasize “being the response.” Agencies and vendors sense new revenue streams: tools measuring “AI brand visibility,” dashboards tracking “mentions in ChatGPT,” promise access to this new ecosystem. Algorithmic opacity means how you’re mentioned matters. Is your brand cited because you’re best, or because you paid? The mechanics are hidden. The consequences of getting it wrong are real: you could invest heavily, only to find your brand absent in AI answers while competitors dominate mention space. If history repeats, this could be the SEO disaster 2.0: an industry of quick fixes, questionable tactics, and brands locked into dependency on channels they don’t control. What brands should do instead Here’s the counter-advice: simple, logical, future-proof. Create open, structured, authoritative content Don’t lock your content behind barriers. Make sure it’s accessible, clearly written, and structured for machine readability (headings, bullet lists, schema where appropriate). Brands optimized for AI answers aren’t hiding or obfuscating; they’re enabling. Ensure your brand is citable, not just linkable SEO taught us backlinks. GEO/AEO teaches us mentions: in articles, industry lists, data sets, authoritative partners, in places as open and accessible as possible. AI engines favor earned media over pure brand-owned content. Avoid “trick” agencies chasing black-box signals If someone offers a “GEO shortcut” or “AI answer box hack,” ask: what is the mechanism, what transparency do you offer? The models are evolving. You’re betting on infrastructure you don’t own if you rely on opaque tactics. Combine SEO foundation with GEO awareness These are not separate marketing silos. Solid SEO still matters: fast site, good authority, clear content. But now you need to overlay a GEO mindset: how AI will interpret, summarize and cite your content before the user ever visits. Think of it as guaranteeing your brand enters the conversation. Monitor and adapt, don’t optimize once and forget Unlike traditional search results, AI answers evolve. Models update, data sources shift, assistants adopt RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation). Brands must treat visibility as a continuous feedback loop, not a one-time project. A cautionary tale Remember when brands bought bulk link-packages in 2010 thinking that would guarantee #1 Google ranking? Many saw a bump, then a crash when the algorithm changed. GEO could replicate that cycle: brand invests in “AI visibility tools,” sees short-lived gain, then is penalized or overshadowed as models adjust. But the bigger risk is dependence. If your brand presence becomes entirely mediated by an ecosystem you don’t control, say, a chatbot that places you in the answer box, you lose agency over your narrative. You become a commodity subject to the platform’s rules. The human-scale advantage Here’s the good news: you don’t need a “magic GEO hack.” You just need authenticity, clarity, and openness. My own case (and many similar ones) prove it. I published each day, I licensed openly, I structured clearly: not for the algorithm, but for readers and machines alike. Brands that follow the same logic will create meaningful content, make it accessible, make it citable, and will not only avoid the GEO trap: they’ll thrive in the AI era. Because when models evolve, and when assistants interface with your content, the brands they cite first will be the ones built for trust, not tricks. GEO, AEO, and AIO are the next frontier, but they don’t require shortcuts. They require doing the fundamentals better. Avoid the hype, the sorcerers, the quick-fix vendors. Do what’s been proven: publish well, open your content, let the engines (and your audience) do the rest. Because the worst thing you can optimize for is the algorithm. The best thing you can optimize for is being known. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m going on extended leave in six weeks and there is zero — I mean zero 00 — coverage lined up. I lead a team responsible for delivering a major client contract. Management has been aware of my plans for months but interviews start this week so it’s really unlikely the new person will start before my leave. There is nobody internally I can transition my tasks to in the interim — I’ve asked and made a few suggestions, but nothing. Leadership fired the project manager and haven’t renewed the contract for my only peer, so it’s also likely there will be no client-facing leadership or anyone to manage the team once I go on leave. When I first started following up about transition plans a few months ago, both my C-suite boss and the CEO said they planned to hire an external replacement rather than move someone internally. After a few weeks of no progress, I offered to work on a job description and reached out to HR directly. They responded promptly and noted this was a priority, but then made no tangible progress for two months. I asked every week or so for updates, and they would deflect or send generic “sorry for the delay, it’s in progress” kind of responses. Last week, after the project manager got fired as aftermath of a completely separate project, I met with the CEO and asked how we would manage the risk, given it was so close to my own departure. The CEO brushed off the impact of losing the project manager, saying that role would be easy to replace (despite no planning for this before the firing) and then called it a management failure (i.e., blaming my boss) that there was no replacement for me in place yet. I also asked if the CEO could help accelerate renewal of my co-lead’s contract, which has been languishing for months. He was surprised and unaware that had not been finalized yet, as it is being managed by a different C-suite person. As context, there is a lot of organizational turnover (including in the HR team) and my C-suite is infamously bad at decision-making. My view is that they intend to keep the project going, but the execution got embroiled in internal politics and bad timing. I’m trying to document and empower my team as much as possible, but do I just let this entire project and client relationship fall apart? Is there a middle option that doesn’t involve me working during my leave? I know this sounds flip but: it’s not your problem. You will be on extended leave. You will not be available. You gave them months of notice, you followed up and reminded and pushed, and you nudged multiple people. This is not on you. They will have to figure it out. And frankly, they will figure it out. It might be messy and chaotic and there will almost certainly be lost opportunities and more stress for your team than there should have been, but they will eventually figure something out, because that’s what happens in situations like these. Do not make it your problem to manage how that happens. You’re right to document as much as you can and to empower your team as much as you can, and it’s worth one final, very clear statement to both your boss and the CEO that you will be fully unavailable during your leave so if they need any information from you, now is the time to get it … but then you should go on leave and not think about this. And no, a solution should not be you working during your leave! You didn’t create this situation, you’re not responsible for it, and they will need to figure it out without you. Which, again, they will. I know it’s rough to watch this kind of chaos when you’re invested in the work and the client relationship and you care about your team, and you’re presumably going to be coming back to all of those things at some point, and you’re a conscientious person. But this job is not your child; it is a business relationship where they pay you for your labor. Stay clear on the boundaries of that relationship! You get to take your long-planned leave and not think about this, and that’s what you should do. The post I’m taking extended leave and management has zero coverage plans appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Investment is a long game that does not transform the immediate growth outlook, and cuts are difficultView the full article

An index of contract signings held at 74.8 after climbing a revised 4.2% a month earlier to the highest level since March, according to National Association of Realtors data released Wednesday. 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 10th-generation iPad may have been replaced by a newer model in 2025, but it remains an excellent entry-level Apple tablet, and among the best options in its price range. And right now, you can pick one up for a record-low price at Walmart. It's currently $242, marked down more than $100 from its $349.99 list price, and $68 cheaper than Amazon. According to price comparison tools, this is the cheapest price this iPad has reached since its release in 2022. (iPads hold their value really well even after newer models are released, which explains the seemingly high price for three-year-old tech.) Apple iPad (10th Generation) A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera... $242.00 at Walmart $349.00 Save $107.00 Get Deal Get Deal $242.00 at Walmart $349.00 Save $107.00 Back in the winter of 2022, the 10th-gen iPad was named “the best tablet for most people,” in PCMag’s “excellent” review. At that point, however, it was also considered expensive, edged out of the “affordable” category due to its higher base price when compared to previous models. The current $100 discount makes it a more attractive option. One of the best upgrades this iPad offers is its buttonless design, which brings it in line with its higher-end Apple tablet siblings. It measures 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches; and includes the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch liquid retina display, 64GB of storage, a 12MP front and back camera, Touch ID, and a battery that Apple promises will last all day. Recommended iPad accessories:Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10th Gen (Open Box) $99.99 (originally $249) Apple Pencil (USB-C) $69.99 (originally $79) MoKo Case for iPad 10th Generation $9.95 Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $209 (originally $249) Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) $115 (originally $169) If you are considering this iPad, useful accessories include the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, which will make your iPad work like a laptop, and the Apple Pencil USB-C, which will allow you to make the most of your iPad's touchscreen abilities. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $459.95 (List Price $649.99) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, White with Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White — $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $29.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $27.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime Pro — $149.99 (List Price $259.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 2-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $51.99 (List Price $129.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Pomelli, a Google Labs & DeepMind AI experiment, builds a "Business DNA" from your site and generates editable branded campaign assets for small businesses. The post Google Labs & DeepMind Launch Pomelli AI Marketing Tool appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Statement follows FT reporting on crude purchases that had been transported on sanctioned vesselsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. A dependable external drive is one of those things you don’t realize you need until your laptop storage is nearly full or your photos are scattered across cloud accounts. Western Digital’s Elements Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive is built for exactly that situation, and it’s currently on sale for $64.99 on StackSocial for 2TB of storage. That’s enough space to offload years of pictures and videos or stash work files without juggling thumb drives. At just under half a pound, it’s light enough to carry around in a bag, and since it uses USB 3.0, transferring large batches of files feels quick and painless compared to older drives. It’s plug-and-play for Windows 10 and newer, so you don’t need extra software to get going. You can literally connect it and start dragging files over in seconds. The design is also more thoughtful than you might expect for a budget drive: the casing is made from over 50% recycled plastic, and the packaging is recyclable as well—a small but welcome improvement. It also has fast file transfers, straightforward backup, and a three-year limited warranty in case anything goes wrong. That said, there are limitations worth noting. This particular model is formatted for Windows out of the box, so if you plan to use it with a Mac or Linux system, you’ll need to reformat it first. Like all portable hard drives, it also isn’t built to survive drops or rough handling—WD even cautions that a small fall can cause data loss. And unlike pricier SSDs, this is still a spinning-disk drive, so while it’s reliable for everyday backups, it won’t be as fast or durable as solid-state options. Still, if your main goal is affordable, dependable storage that you can toss in a backpack and trust with years’ worth of files, this 2TB WD Elements drive is hard to argue with at this price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $459.95 (List Price $649.99) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, White with Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White — $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $29.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $27.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime Pro — $149.99 (List Price $259.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 2-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $51.99 (List Price $129.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Earlier today, you might have seen reports that Grammarly is changing its name to Superhuman. That's not really the whole story. While the company did announce a broader rebrand coinciding with the release of a new AI assistant (more on that later), it also assured users that "the Grammarly brand isn't going anywhere." Essentially, what that means is that while Grammarly the company has a new name, Grammarly the product is still going by the same tried-and-true moniker as ever. The confusion follows Grammarly's acquisition of AI-powered email app Superhuman in June, which the company said "accelerates Grammarly's evolution into an AI productivity platform for apps and agents." Usually, acquired companies take the name of the companies that bought them, but that's not a hard-and-fast rule. "Superhuman" certainly implies a broader scope than a name that's all about grammar, so it makes sense that Grammarly might want to yoink its name if it plans to expand into other markets. To that end, the company also today announced Superhuman Go, a more general AI addition to the Grammarly extension that works like Grammarly does now, but with more capability. The free version will still let you do everything Grammarly does, but it also ropes in access to tools like Coda, a collaborative workspace, and a chatbot that supposedly integrates with and can help take action for you across 100 apps. Or, you could pay up to also get the Superhuman AI inbox and the features you would previously expect from Grammarly Pro and Enterprise. But while Grammarly is available within Go, if you're skeptical, you don't need to change your workflow yet. Pricing for the base paid Superhuman Suite subscription matches the previous Grammarly Pro subscription pricing, so you won't be paying more even with access to new tools (although you'll need to hop up to a higher tier to get that AI inbox). And as for using Go itself, it's entirely optional. Credit: Superhuman To try Superhuman Go out, open the Grammarly extension, go to Settings and toggle on the switch next to Go. Otherwise, you can leave it off to continue using Grammarly as you always have, name and all. View the full article