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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. After years of debating whether I need an ebook device, I finally bought a Kindle Paperwhite during Amazon's (other) Prime Day sale a few months ago. I'm pretty happy with my purchase, and with my decision to de-Amazon my Kindle. If you're looking to buy a Kindle during Amazon's ongoing October Prime Day sale, you have many models to choose from, and I'll walk you through all of them. Kindle Amazon Kindle (ad-supported) $84.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $84.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $25.00 Amazon Kindle (without ads) $104.99 at Amazon $129.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $104.99 at Amazon $129.99 Save $25.00 The most affordable Amazon Kindle (with lockscreen ads) is currently going for $85 (list price $110), which matches its lowest-ever price, according to price-checking tools. If ads are a no-go, you can buy the Kindle (without ads) at $105 (list price $130), which is also the lowest ever price seen since its launch. I seriously considered getting this version of the Kindle over the Paperwhite because it has a similar 300ppi display and it's a lot cheaper. Ultimately, I went with the Paperwhite because I like having the screen flush with the rest of the device, and I also value the slightly larger screen, waterproofing, and extra battery life. If you don't care for these features, the base Kindle is an excellent pick, particularly at these October Prime Day prices. It has a six-inch display and offers up to six weeks of battery life on a single charge. Kindle Paperwhite Kindle Paperwhite (ad-supported) $124.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $124.99 at Amazon $159.99 Save $35.00 Kindle Paperwhite (without ads) $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 I think the Kindle Paperwhite is the best ebook reader for most people. It hits the sweet spot between price and performance, thanks to the seven-inch display, IPX8 waterproofing, and up to 12 weeks of battery life. During October Prime Day, the Kindle Paperwhite's price has hit a new low, starting at $125 for the ad-supported version (list price $160). If you want the Kindle Paperwhite without ads, you can get it for $145 (list price $180). This is the first time it's gone below $150, which makes this an excellent deal too. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $149.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $149.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $50.00 The Kindle Paperwhite has an upgraded Signature Edition, which adds interesting features such as wireless charging, an auto-adjusting front light, and 32GB of storage, which is double the amount you get on the non-Signature model. None of these features are important to me, but they might catch your eye. The extra storage is handy if you use your Kindle to listen to Audible audiobooks (you'll need to connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones for this). You'll be happy to know that even the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has hit a record low price during October Prime Day. You can get it for $150, which is a 25% discount from the $200 list price. Kindle Colorsoft Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $50.00 For those who want a Kindle with a color display, the Colorsoft is the one to get. During Amazon's October Prime Day sale, the Kindle Colorsoft is going for under $200 (list price $250), which is the lowest price I've seen so far. Don't get too excited just by looking at the price though, because the Colorsoft is a polarizing device. My colleague Michelle Ehrhardt gave the Colorsoft a 3.5/5 in her review, and called it out for making black-and-white content look worse. She also doesn't recommend it for reading comics, which makes it a tough sell overall. Its battery life is rated at eight weeks, which is lower than that of the Paperwhite. Kindle Scribe Kindle Scribe $299.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.00 The Kindle Scribe is for those who want to be able to take notes, too. Lifehacker's Deputy Editor Joel Cunningham gave the Scribe a 3.5/5 in his review, saying that it's a great ebook reader but a disappointing digital notebook. It does not have waterproofing, which is a disappointing omission considering this product's price. During October Prime Day 2025, the Kindle Scribe is down to $300 (list price $400), which matches its lowest ever price. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In today’s competitive environment, automating business processes is crucial for maximizing efficiency. By incorporating tools like CRM software, project management platforms, and AI-driven chatbots, you can streamline operations and improve productivity. These solutions not merely reduce repetitive tasks but likewise improve accuracy in areas like invoicing and customer service. As you explore these automation options, consider how each tool can particularly benefit your organization. The right choice could transform your workflow considerably. Key Takeaways Automation tools enhance productivity by streamlining repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Integrated financial automation reduces manual workloads, improves accuracy, and strengthens vendor relationships. Customer service automation, like AI chatbots, handles routine inquiries, improving response times and customer satisfaction. Sales and marketing automation tools deliver personalized campaigns, significantly boosting engagement and conversion rates. Project management automation enhances collaboration, accelerates project completion, and improves overall team accountability. Importance of Automating Business Processes When you consider the demands of modern business, automating processes becomes increasingly important. Automating business processes can considerably improve productivity by cutting down the time spent on repetitive tasks. By 2030, it’s projected that automation could potentially save 30% of hours worked in the US. Business automation not merely reduces human error but additionally improves accuracy and compliance, ensuring you meet industry standards. In addition, automation boosts customer experience by enabling faster service delivery, which leads to higher satisfaction levels. The global market for Business Process Automation tools illustrates this trend, growing from $12.7 billion in 2021 to an expected $41.8 billion by 2033. Comprehending the process flow definition helps in identifying areas ripe for automation, driving continuous improvement. Key Features of Automation Tools To effectively streamline operations and improve productivity, automation tools must possess several key features. These features guarantee you can define process flow easily and effectively automate small business tasks. Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Seamless integration: Capability to work with existing software systems for smooth data transfer. Scalability: Adapt to business growth and increasing automated processes without losing performance. Strong security: Data encryption and compliance with industry regulations to protect sensitive information. Comprehensive reporting and analytics: Monitor process performance and support data-driven decisions. Benefits of Process Automation Business Process Automation (BPA) offers numerous advantages that can greatly transform how organizations operate. By streamlining business flow, you can boost productivity by up to 30%, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive tasks. Automation improves accuracy and compliance, reducing human error and ensuring that your process flows adhere to industry standards. It can likewise lead to significant cost savings, as routine task automation improves resource allocation. Furthermore, BPA improves customer experience by enabling faster service delivery and efficient management of high volumes of requests, consequently increasing customer satisfaction. With robust performance reporting, you gain immediate feedback, allowing for quick intervention and ongoing improvements in your company process flow through data-driven insights. Top Tools for Invoice Processing Automation In terms of automating invoice processing, streamlined data extraction and improved approval workflows are key features to evaluate. These tools not merely reduce the time it takes to handle invoices but likewise minimize errors that can disrupt your financial operations. Streamlined Data Extraction Automated invoice processing tools play a vital role in streamlining data extraction, making it easier for companies to manage financial transactions efficiently. By incorporating technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR), these tools improve accuracy and reduce manual workloads. You’ll benefit from: Fewer data entry errors Quicker processing times Improved vendor relationships Faster payment cycles Better compliance with flagged anomalies Understanding what’re process flows in invoice processing becomes significant, as automated workflows can decrease processing times by up to 70%. This means more resources can be allocated to strategic tasks. With AI-driven tools, your company not only streamlines data extraction but also guarantees adherence to policies, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency in handling invoices. Enhanced Approval Workflows Streamlining approval workflows is essential for efficient invoice processing, as it directly impacts your organization’s ability to handle high volumes of transactions. Automated invoice processing tools simplify data extraction and accounting entry as well as enhancing approval workflows. By integrating AI-driven automation, you can flag invoices that don’t meet pre-set criteria, ensuring compliance and reducing late payment risks. Real-time tracking of invoices allows your team to manage transactions smoothly, even during peak periods, preventing bottlenecks. Additionally, implementing invoice automation can cut labor costs by up to 80% and improve processing efficiency, leading to faster payment cycles and stronger vendor relationships. These systems easily integrate with your existing financial software, creating a seamless experience and providing a single source of truth for your financial data. Customer Service Automation Solutions Customer service automation solutions, like ticketing systems integration and AI chatbots deployment, can transform how you handle customer inquiries. These tools streamline interactions by managing routine queries efficiently, freeing your team to focus on more complex issues. Furthermore, automated notifications keep customers informed, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction. Ticketing Systems Integration Integrating ticketing systems into your business operations can greatly improve your customer service capabilities. Automated ticketing systems efficiently manage inquiries, cutting average response times from hours to mere minutes. They handle high volumes of requests, allowing your service teams to concentrate on complex issues, improving overall service quality. With 24/7 support through integration with AI chatbots, you can provide instant responses to common questions, boosting customer satisfaction. Automated notifications keep customers informed about ticket status, promoting transparency and trust. Utilizing a ticketing system can improve operational efficiency, with companies reporting up to a 40% reduction in handling time for customer requests. Streamlined communication Quicker resolutions Increased customer trust Better resource allocation Improved service quality AI Chatbots Deployment AI chatbots have become a vital addition to customer service automation solutions, transforming how businesses interact with their clientele. These intelligent systems can handle up to 80% of routine inquiries, greatly easing the workload on your human agents, who can then address more complex issues. By providing instant responses 24/7, chatbots can increase customer satisfaction by 30%, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, deploying AI chatbots can lead to a 50% reduction in operational costs, minimizing staffing needs. They likewise analyze interactions to deliver personalized responses, boosting engagement and potentially increasing repeat business by 25%. With the global chatbot market projected to hit $1.34 billion by 2024, embracing this technology is essential for modern businesses. Automated Notifications Management Automated notifications management plays a crucial role in improving communication within customer service systems, as it guarantees timely alerts and updates reach both customers and service agents. By streamlining this process, you can greatly reduce response times and handle high volumes of inquiries efficiently. Customers appreciate instant acknowledgments and relevant updates, which boost overall satisfaction and loyalty. With automation, your team can focus on complex inquiries, improving service quality. Integration with existing CRM systems guarantees that notifications are personalized and relevant. Research shows these systems can lower operational costs by up to 30%, as well as improving request handling efficiency. Customers feel valued with timely updates Service agents save time and resources Personalized alerts cultivate stronger relationships Improved efficiency leads to happier teams Cost savings enable further investments Sales and Marketing Automation Platforms As businesses endeavor to improve efficiency and effectiveness, sales and marketing automation platforms have emerged as essential tools for streamlining operations. These platforms simplify lead management, allowing you to focus on building relationships instead of manual data entry, which can boost productivity by up to 30%. They improve campaign management with integrated tools for multi-channel marketing, achieving a 200% enhancement in customer engagement rates. Automation enables personalized marketing at scale, utilizing data analytics for targeted segmentation, leading to an average 50% increase in conversion rates. By automating repetitive tasks like email marketing and social media posting, you can cut operational costs by approximately 25%. Furthermore, AI-equipped sales automation solutions improve forecast accuracy by 15%, optimizing your sales strategies. Inventory Management Automation Tools In terms of managing your inventory effectively, automation tools can be a transformative factor. With real-time stock monitoring, you can access essential data that helps you maintain ideal stock levels and make informed decisions about replenishment. Plus, automated reordering alerts guarantee you never miss a low stock situation, keeping your operations running smoothly and efficiently. Real-Time Stock Monitoring Real-time stock monitoring is crucial for effective inventory management, as it streamlines the process by providing instant updates on stock levels. This automation reduces the risk of stockouts and overstock situations, allowing you to maintain ideal inventory levels. By integrating with sales and purchasing systems, these tools guarantee accurate data transfer, improving your decision-making regarding stock replenishment. Automated alerts notify your team of low stock levels or discrepancies, enhancing responsiveness and operational efficiency. Decrease manual errors Improve inventory accuracy Boost customer satisfaction Reduce carrying costs Maximize resource allocation Automated Reordering Alerts Effective inventory management not just relies on real-time stock monitoring but furthermore benefits greatly from automated reordering alerts. These alerts notify your team when stock levels dip below a predefined threshold, helping prevent stockouts and ensuring product availability. You can configure them based on real-time sales data and historical inventory trends for accurate forecasting. Integrating these alerts with sales and purchasing systems streamlines the ordering process, allowing for prompt supplier interactions without manual input. Implementing automated reordering helps maintain ideal stock levels, reducing excess inventory and leading to cost savings. Research shows businesses utilizing these solutions can achieve a 30% reduction in stock discrepancies and considerably boost operational efficiency. Alert Type Notification Method Trigger Point Low Stock Alert Email/SMS Below threshold level Restock Reminder Dashboard Notification Based on sales trends Supplier Order Alert Automated Email When order is due Inventory Review Alert Weekly Summary Scheduled frequency Project Management Automation Software Project management automation software plays an important role in improving the efficiency of teams by streamlining essential processes such as task assignments, deadlines, and progress tracking. These tools boost collaboration and accountability, making project management more effective. With features like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and automated notifications, team members stay informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. Integration capabilities with other business systems reduce manual entry and improve project visibility. Organizations using such software often report a 25% increase in productivity and faster project completion times. Improved reporting functionalities provide real-time insights, enabling informed decision-making and necessary adjustments. Simplifies task management Improves team collaboration Increases productivity Reduces project delays Offers valuable insights Human Resource Automation Solutions As organizations increasingly recognize the significance of automating various business processes, human resource departments are similarly embracing technology to improve their operations. Human Resource Automation Solutions streamline repetitive tasks like onboarding, payroll processing, and timekeeping, reducing administrative overhead. These tools can cut the time-to-hire by up to 40%, boosting recruitment efficiency. They also guarantee accurate payroll processing, complying with labor laws and minimizing costly errors. Furthermore, self-service portals improve employee satisfaction by simplifying leave requests and benefits enrollment. Implementing HR automation can yield an impressive ROI of around 300% in the first year. Feature Benefit Streamlined Onboarding Reduced administrative overhead Automated Recruitment Faster hiring processes Accurate Payroll Compliance and error reduction Self-Service Portals Improved employee engagement ROI in First Year Approximately 300% Choosing the Right Automation Tool for Your Organization Choosing the right automation tool for your organization can greatly impact efficiency and productivity, especially as businesses increasingly rely on technology to streamline operations. Begin by considering factors like ease of use, integration capabilities, and scalability to guarantee the tool grows with your business. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including implementation and maintenance, to align with your budget. Prioritize security features to protect sensitive data and guarantee compliance with industry standards. Look for tools that offer reporting and analytics for informed decision-making. Additionally, gather user reviews to assess reliability and support. Seamless adoption is vital for success Scalability supports future growth Robust security protects your data Real-time insights improve decision-making Reliable support is fundamental for implementation Frequently Asked Questions Which Technology Is Used to Automate Business Processes? To automate business processes, you can use several technologies. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) employs software bots to handle repetitive tasks efficiently. Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) combines RPA with AI and machine learning, enhancing decision-making. No-code and low-code platforms allow users to create automation solutions without deep programming knowledge, making it more accessible. Furthermore, cloud-based tools enable seamless integration, whereas workflow automation tools streamline task management and improve collaboration among teams, boosting overall efficiency. What Are Process Automation Tools? Process automation tools are software solutions designed to streamline repetitive tasks within business operations. They improve efficiency by automating workflows, managing tasks, and integrating with existing software systems. Key features often include real-time data access, detailed reporting, and support for robotic process automation (RPA). These tools allow you to focus on strategic activities rather than manual work, ultimately boosting productivity and decision-making across your organization. Which AI Tool Is Used for Process Automation in Business? For process automation in business, popular AI tools include UiPath and Automation Anywhere, both of which utilize Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) tools improve these capabilities by integrating AI technologies like machine learning. Moreover, platforms like FlowForma allow you to automate workflows without coding, as AI-driven analytics provide real-time insights, helping you optimize operations and increase efficiency in your business processes. How Automation Improves Process Efficiency? Automation improves process efficiency by reducing manual tasks, allowing you to focus on more strategic activities. It minimizes human error, enhancing accuracy and compliance in workflows. By enabling real-time data access, you can make quicker decisions and respond to operational needs effectively. Furthermore, automation greatly cuts processing times, especially for repetitive tasks like invoicing or customer inquiries. Conclusion In conclusion, automating business processes is essential for enhancing efficiency and productivity. By leveraging the right tools, you can streamline various operations, from customer management to invoicing and project coordination. These automation solutions not just save time but likewise reduce errors and operational costs. As you consider implementing these tools, assess your organization’s specific needs to choose the most suitable options, ensuring a smoother workflow and in the end, better business outcomes. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Tools to Automate Business Processes for Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive environment, automating business processes is crucial for maximizing efficiency. By incorporating tools like CRM software, project management platforms, and AI-driven chatbots, you can streamline operations and improve productivity. These solutions not merely reduce repetitive tasks but likewise improve accuracy in areas like invoicing and customer service. As you explore these automation options, consider how each tool can particularly benefit your organization. The right choice could transform your workflow considerably. Key Takeaways Automation tools enhance productivity by streamlining repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Integrated financial automation reduces manual workloads, improves accuracy, and strengthens vendor relationships. Customer service automation, like AI chatbots, handles routine inquiries, improving response times and customer satisfaction. Sales and marketing automation tools deliver personalized campaigns, significantly boosting engagement and conversion rates. Project management automation enhances collaboration, accelerates project completion, and improves overall team accountability. Importance of Automating Business Processes When you consider the demands of modern business, automating processes becomes increasingly important. Automating business processes can considerably improve productivity by cutting down the time spent on repetitive tasks. By 2030, it’s projected that automation could potentially save 30% of hours worked in the US. Business automation not merely reduces human error but additionally improves accuracy and compliance, ensuring you meet industry standards. In addition, automation boosts customer experience by enabling faster service delivery, which leads to higher satisfaction levels. The global market for Business Process Automation tools illustrates this trend, growing from $12.7 billion in 2021 to an expected $41.8 billion by 2033. Comprehending the process flow definition helps in identifying areas ripe for automation, driving continuous improvement. Key Features of Automation Tools To effectively streamline operations and improve productivity, automation tools must possess several key features. These features guarantee you can define process flow easily and effectively automate small business tasks. Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Seamless integration: Capability to work with existing software systems for smooth data transfer. Scalability: Adapt to business growth and increasing automated processes without losing performance. Strong security: Data encryption and compliance with industry regulations to protect sensitive information. Comprehensive reporting and analytics: Monitor process performance and support data-driven decisions. Benefits of Process Automation Business Process Automation (BPA) offers numerous advantages that can greatly transform how organizations operate. By streamlining business flow, you can boost productivity by up to 30%, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive tasks. Automation improves accuracy and compliance, reducing human error and ensuring that your process flows adhere to industry standards. It can likewise lead to significant cost savings, as routine task automation improves resource allocation. Furthermore, BPA improves customer experience by enabling faster service delivery and efficient management of high volumes of requests, consequently increasing customer satisfaction. With robust performance reporting, you gain immediate feedback, allowing for quick intervention and ongoing improvements in your company process flow through data-driven insights. Top Tools for Invoice Processing Automation In terms of automating invoice processing, streamlined data extraction and improved approval workflows are key features to evaluate. These tools not merely reduce the time it takes to handle invoices but likewise minimize errors that can disrupt your financial operations. Streamlined Data Extraction Automated invoice processing tools play a vital role in streamlining data extraction, making it easier for companies to manage financial transactions efficiently. By incorporating technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR), these tools improve accuracy and reduce manual workloads. You’ll benefit from: Fewer data entry errors Quicker processing times Improved vendor relationships Faster payment cycles Better compliance with flagged anomalies Understanding what’re process flows in invoice processing becomes significant, as automated workflows can decrease processing times by up to 70%. This means more resources can be allocated to strategic tasks. With AI-driven tools, your company not only streamlines data extraction but also guarantees adherence to policies, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency in handling invoices. Enhanced Approval Workflows Streamlining approval workflows is essential for efficient invoice processing, as it directly impacts your organization’s ability to handle high volumes of transactions. Automated invoice processing tools simplify data extraction and accounting entry as well as enhancing approval workflows. By integrating AI-driven automation, you can flag invoices that don’t meet pre-set criteria, ensuring compliance and reducing late payment risks. Real-time tracking of invoices allows your team to manage transactions smoothly, even during peak periods, preventing bottlenecks. Additionally, implementing invoice automation can cut labor costs by up to 80% and improve processing efficiency, leading to faster payment cycles and stronger vendor relationships. These systems easily integrate with your existing financial software, creating a seamless experience and providing a single source of truth for your financial data. Customer Service Automation Solutions Customer service automation solutions, like ticketing systems integration and AI chatbots deployment, can transform how you handle customer inquiries. These tools streamline interactions by managing routine queries efficiently, freeing your team to focus on more complex issues. Furthermore, automated notifications keep customers informed, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction. Ticketing Systems Integration Integrating ticketing systems into your business operations can greatly improve your customer service capabilities. Automated ticketing systems efficiently manage inquiries, cutting average response times from hours to mere minutes. They handle high volumes of requests, allowing your service teams to concentrate on complex issues, improving overall service quality. With 24/7 support through integration with AI chatbots, you can provide instant responses to common questions, boosting customer satisfaction. Automated notifications keep customers informed about ticket status, promoting transparency and trust. Utilizing a ticketing system can improve operational efficiency, with companies reporting up to a 40% reduction in handling time for customer requests. Streamlined communication Quicker resolutions Increased customer trust Better resource allocation Improved service quality AI Chatbots Deployment AI chatbots have become a vital addition to customer service automation solutions, transforming how businesses interact with their clientele. These intelligent systems can handle up to 80% of routine inquiries, greatly easing the workload on your human agents, who can then address more complex issues. By providing instant responses 24/7, chatbots can increase customer satisfaction by 30%, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, deploying AI chatbots can lead to a 50% reduction in operational costs, minimizing staffing needs. They likewise analyze interactions to deliver personalized responses, boosting engagement and potentially increasing repeat business by 25%. With the global chatbot market projected to hit $1.34 billion by 2024, embracing this technology is essential for modern businesses. Automated Notifications Management Automated notifications management plays a crucial role in improving communication within customer service systems, as it guarantees timely alerts and updates reach both customers and service agents. By streamlining this process, you can greatly reduce response times and handle high volumes of inquiries efficiently. Customers appreciate instant acknowledgments and relevant updates, which boost overall satisfaction and loyalty. With automation, your team can focus on complex inquiries, improving service quality. Integration with existing CRM systems guarantees that notifications are personalized and relevant. Research shows these systems can lower operational costs by up to 30%, as well as improving request handling efficiency. Customers feel valued with timely updates Service agents save time and resources Personalized alerts cultivate stronger relationships Improved efficiency leads to happier teams Cost savings enable further investments Sales and Marketing Automation Platforms As businesses endeavor to improve efficiency and effectiveness, sales and marketing automation platforms have emerged as essential tools for streamlining operations. These platforms simplify lead management, allowing you to focus on building relationships instead of manual data entry, which can boost productivity by up to 30%. They improve campaign management with integrated tools for multi-channel marketing, achieving a 200% enhancement in customer engagement rates. Automation enables personalized marketing at scale, utilizing data analytics for targeted segmentation, leading to an average 50% increase in conversion rates. By automating repetitive tasks like email marketing and social media posting, you can cut operational costs by approximately 25%. Furthermore, AI-equipped sales automation solutions improve forecast accuracy by 15%, optimizing your sales strategies. Inventory Management Automation Tools In terms of managing your inventory effectively, automation tools can be a transformative factor. With real-time stock monitoring, you can access essential data that helps you maintain ideal stock levels and make informed decisions about replenishment. Plus, automated reordering alerts guarantee you never miss a low stock situation, keeping your operations running smoothly and efficiently. Real-Time Stock Monitoring Real-time stock monitoring is crucial for effective inventory management, as it streamlines the process by providing instant updates on stock levels. This automation reduces the risk of stockouts and overstock situations, allowing you to maintain ideal inventory levels. By integrating with sales and purchasing systems, these tools guarantee accurate data transfer, improving your decision-making regarding stock replenishment. Automated alerts notify your team of low stock levels or discrepancies, enhancing responsiveness and operational efficiency. Decrease manual errors Improve inventory accuracy Boost customer satisfaction Reduce carrying costs Maximize resource allocation Automated Reordering Alerts Effective inventory management not just relies on real-time stock monitoring but furthermore benefits greatly from automated reordering alerts. These alerts notify your team when stock levels dip below a predefined threshold, helping prevent stockouts and ensuring product availability. You can configure them based on real-time sales data and historical inventory trends for accurate forecasting. Integrating these alerts with sales and purchasing systems streamlines the ordering process, allowing for prompt supplier interactions without manual input. Implementing automated reordering helps maintain ideal stock levels, reducing excess inventory and leading to cost savings. Research shows businesses utilizing these solutions can achieve a 30% reduction in stock discrepancies and considerably boost operational efficiency. Alert Type Notification Method Trigger Point Low Stock Alert Email/SMS Below threshold level Restock Reminder Dashboard Notification Based on sales trends Supplier Order Alert Automated Email When order is due Inventory Review Alert Weekly Summary Scheduled frequency Project Management Automation Software Project management automation software plays an important role in improving the efficiency of teams by streamlining essential processes such as task assignments, deadlines, and progress tracking. These tools boost collaboration and accountability, making project management more effective. With features like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and automated notifications, team members stay informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. Integration capabilities with other business systems reduce manual entry and improve project visibility. Organizations using such software often report a 25% increase in productivity and faster project completion times. Improved reporting functionalities provide real-time insights, enabling informed decision-making and necessary adjustments. Simplifies task management Improves team collaboration Increases productivity Reduces project delays Offers valuable insights Human Resource Automation Solutions As organizations increasingly recognize the significance of automating various business processes, human resource departments are similarly embracing technology to improve their operations. Human Resource Automation Solutions streamline repetitive tasks like onboarding, payroll processing, and timekeeping, reducing administrative overhead. These tools can cut the time-to-hire by up to 40%, boosting recruitment efficiency. They also guarantee accurate payroll processing, complying with labor laws and minimizing costly errors. Furthermore, self-service portals improve employee satisfaction by simplifying leave requests and benefits enrollment. Implementing HR automation can yield an impressive ROI of around 300% in the first year. Feature Benefit Streamlined Onboarding Reduced administrative overhead Automated Recruitment Faster hiring processes Accurate Payroll Compliance and error reduction Self-Service Portals Improved employee engagement ROI in First Year Approximately 300% Choosing the Right Automation Tool for Your Organization Choosing the right automation tool for your organization can greatly impact efficiency and productivity, especially as businesses increasingly rely on technology to streamline operations. Begin by considering factors like ease of use, integration capabilities, and scalability to guarantee the tool grows with your business. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including implementation and maintenance, to align with your budget. Prioritize security features to protect sensitive data and guarantee compliance with industry standards. Look for tools that offer reporting and analytics for informed decision-making. Additionally, gather user reviews to assess reliability and support. Seamless adoption is vital for success Scalability supports future growth Robust security protects your data Real-time insights improve decision-making Reliable support is fundamental for implementation Frequently Asked Questions Which Technology Is Used to Automate Business Processes? To automate business processes, you can use several technologies. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) employs software bots to handle repetitive tasks efficiently. Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) combines RPA with AI and machine learning, enhancing decision-making. No-code and low-code platforms allow users to create automation solutions without deep programming knowledge, making it more accessible. Furthermore, cloud-based tools enable seamless integration, whereas workflow automation tools streamline task management and improve collaboration among teams, boosting overall efficiency. What Are Process Automation Tools? Process automation tools are software solutions designed to streamline repetitive tasks within business operations. They improve efficiency by automating workflows, managing tasks, and integrating with existing software systems. Key features often include real-time data access, detailed reporting, and support for robotic process automation (RPA). These tools allow you to focus on strategic activities rather than manual work, ultimately boosting productivity and decision-making across your organization. Which AI Tool Is Used for Process Automation in Business? For process automation in business, popular AI tools include UiPath and Automation Anywhere, both of which utilize Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) tools improve these capabilities by integrating AI technologies like machine learning. Moreover, platforms like FlowForma allow you to automate workflows without coding, as AI-driven analytics provide real-time insights, helping you optimize operations and increase efficiency in your business processes. How Automation Improves Process Efficiency? Automation improves process efficiency by reducing manual tasks, allowing you to focus on more strategic activities. It minimizes human error, enhancing accuracy and compliance in workflows. By enabling real-time data access, you can make quicker decisions and respond to operational needs effectively. Furthermore, automation greatly cuts processing times, especially for repetitive tasks like invoicing or customer inquiries. Conclusion In conclusion, automating business processes is essential for enhancing efficiency and productivity. By leveraging the right tools, you can streamline various operations, from customer management to invoicing and project coordination. These automation solutions not just save time but likewise reduce errors and operational costs. As you consider implementing these tools, assess your organization’s specific needs to choose the most suitable options, ensuring a smoother workflow and in the end, better business outcomes. Image Via Envato This article, "10 Essential Tools to Automate Business Processes for Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Like most couples, my wife and I split up the household chores, more or less along the lines of our particular skills and obsessions. As a result, most of the cleaning chores have become my responsibility, mainly because my wife does it all wrong. I’m not sure where she learned how to clean a house, but long ago it was silently agreed that I’d do all the cleaning. Puftem Electric Spin Scrubber $18.99 at Amazon $25.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal Get Deal $18.99 at Amazon $25.99 Save $7.00 I don’t mind; I weirdly enjoy cleaning the house. Except the scrubbing. Bending over a tub and scrubbing away is not my idea of a good time. Then one day, I realized that I am living in the 21st century, so I went looking for a power scrubber that would make it a lot easier, and I found this little gem from Puftem—the cordless electric spin scrubber. It’s great—powerful enough to get through just about any stain, small and lightweight enough to use one-handed and in tight spaces, and with solid battery life (and simple, USB-C charging). It comes with six attachments—a flat brush, a sponge brush, a scouring brush, a corner brush (thank the lord), and a cloth brush. That makes it versatile enough to use in just about every room. It has excelled in scrubbing down my glass shower doors, for example—in the past, getting those hard water stains off seemed impossible, but now it’s a relative breeze. You can use this on sinks, floors, toilets, showers and baths, counter tops, oven doors—just about anywhere. It’s also waterproof, which is pretty important if you’re going to be cleaning in wet areas. If that all sounds great, it’s 27% off for October Prime Day, which means you can pick one up for less than $20. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

First came the burning of the Library of Alexandria. Then came the news Snapchat is constructing a paywall around Memories. The company announced last week that it’s capping users free Memories storage at 5GB. Those who have spent the better part of a decade cultivating massive personal archives on the app will now be forced to either export those Memories or sign up for one of Snapchat’s new Memories Storage plans in order to preserve them. The promise of free unlimited storage has been a big part of Snapchat’s identity. For many, it has long served as something of a time capsule, where users could store and revisit old Snaps long after they expired from the app’s ephemeral main feed. In the US, storage plan costs will be $1.99 a month for 100GB of storage, 250GB with a Snapchat+ subscription, or 5TB with Snapchat Platinum. If users exceed the limit but choose not to sign up for a plan, their oldest Snaps will be saved. The most recent ones, however, will be deleted to stay within the storage limit. The news that users will soon have to pay for what they had long enjoyed for free was met with backlash online. “The only reason I have snapchat in my phone is bcs it stores all the memories, i had no idea snapchat would betray us like that,” one X user wrote. “Just ordered a usb stick so i can transfer 10 years worth of snapchat memories onto it,” another added. An online petition with almost 9,000 signatures at the time of writing dubbed the charge a “memory tax”, pointing to the declining availability and affordability of physical media in an increasingly digitized world. For the “buy everything, own nothing” generation, an ever-mounting number of subscription fees are increasingly required to access everything from their own data and memories, to music and movies. “Funny how i had to explain to my mom, 2 days ago, that you can’t buy music anymore because they’ve [put] subscriptions in place for us to pay for the rest of our life, until we die,” one TikTok user wrote. “And now I hve to transfer all my Snapchat memories from my teenage years on a hard drive.” While most social media platforms don’t charge for data storage (yet), Snapchat Memories can be positioned more like a personal photo album than a public profile. Companies like Apple and Google, which are also commonly used for photo storage, all currently charge for cloud storage once a user reaches a limit. High stakes for Snapchat For many loyal Snapchat users, the stakes are high. Users have saved more than 1 trillion “Memories” since the feature was launched in 2016, according to Team Snapchat. “It’s never easy to transition from receiving a service for free to paying for it, but we hope the value we provide with Memories is worth the cost,” the company said in a news release last week. “Thank you for trusting us with some of your most precious moments. These changes will allow us to continue to invest in making Memories better for our entire community.” For those unwilling to pay, they are left with two options to rescue their Memories from deletion. First is to manually download Snapchat Memories to the camera roll. This is limited to batches of 100 at a time, which can be a gargantuan taks if users have years worth of saved Snaps. Another option is to use Snapchat’s “Download My Data” tool to save the Memories archive and have it emailed over in a .zip file. Either way, the company has given users with more than 5 GB of Memories one year to upgrade before the storage limits come into effect. View the full article

Ear-splitting ads on Netflix and Hulu are no more—at least if you live in California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Monday that requires streaming services to prevent commercials from cranking the volume when they think the viewer might have popped into the next room for a snack. Unlike many pieces of legislation, California SB 576 is short and sweet. Starting next July, any streamer that serves video to California residents “shall not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the advertisements accompany.” The bill cites a federal version of the law designed for traditional broadcast TV, extending the rules to the newer medium. “We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program,” Newsom said in a press release. “By signing SB 576, California is dialing down this inconvenience across streaming platforms, which had previously not been subject to commercial volume regulations passed by Congress in 2010.” Bringing old rules into the streaming era The federal version of California’s legislation, the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, became law in 2010 under former President Barack Obama. That law was designed to solve a complaint almost as old as TV commercials themselves, namely that commercials are often many times louder than the content that they’re sandwiched between. “Since the 1960s, consumers have complained about the jarring effect of television commercials that jump considerably in volume—a trick used by the ad industry to grab viewers’ attention,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a cosponsor of the CALM Act, said when the bill passed. That bill mandated that broadcast stations ensure that volume remains consistent with the level set by the viewer across ads and normal programming. The CALM Act has been settled law for more than a decade, but enforcement is a different story. In spite of the prohibition on unreasonably loud commercials, complaints to the Federal Communications Commission—the only way the regulatory agency learns of violations—are rising dramatically. The FCC received around 750 complaints in 2022, but by 2024, that number had more than doubled to 1,700. Ultimately, complaints are subjective, but advertisers and broadcasters might be ignoring the law due to the FCC’s scant enforcement efforts. Because the CALM Act’s requirements pertain to the average volume of an ad, the FCC notes that advertisers may amp up the volume during some parts of a commercial while keeping other parts quieter in order to get around the law. To take volume irregularities into their own hands, the FCC points consumers to in-TV settings for “gain control” and “audio limiters” that internally smooth out volume across different kinds of content. The rules are evolving . . . slowly California’s new law adapts the federal CALM Act to the streaming era, but actually investigating violations and pursuing enforcement is far from figured out. In 2023, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and then-Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) introduced an update to the CALM Act that would bring the law into the streaming age. Known as the CALM Modernization Act, the bill set out to accomplish what California just achieved on a state level, regulating the volume of ads on streaming services. Notably, the new version of the act also sought to strengthen the FCC’s investigation and enforcement abilities, but both the House and Senate versions of the bill ultimately languished after being referred to committees. Enforcement is still an issue, but state laws can have an outsize nationwide impact depending on how they’re written. California’s government oversees the fourth-largest economy in the world, and the entertainment and streaming companies regulated by the new law are largely headquartered in the state—two factors that give the bill’s passage extra oomph. While an update to the federal legislation seems to have stalled out for now, the FCC could make some changes of its own. Early this year, the FCC signaled its interest in fixing the system when it opened a public comment phase in which the agency would consider other actions it could take “to make sure TV viewers aren’t inundated by exceedingly loud commercials in the future.” The FCC said that initially, it saw viewer complaints drop in the early years after the CALM Act’s passage, but that trend has not continued. “Over the past several years, the Commission received thousands of complaints about loud commercials on broadcast, cable, and satellite television,” the agency wrote in a press release. “The high number of complaints took a troubling jump last year, which warrants a second look.” View the full article

Dell on Tuesday nearly doubled its annual profit growth target for the next four years, betting on robust demand for its servers that power artificial intelligence workloads. The company, whose customers include Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI and CoreWeave, lifted its expectations for annual growth in adjusted earnings per share to at least 15% from around 8%. Dell also said it expects compounded annual revenue growth between 7% and 9% for the next four years, up from its prior view of 3% to 4%. Insatiable demand for servers that provide the computing power needed to run services such as ChatGPT has turned Dell into one of the biggest winners of the generative AI boom. Its strong profit growth expectation may also ease investor concerns about the margin hit from competition in AI servers and the high costs of building the products. “Dell has a volume advantage due to its scale, established supply chain, and relationships with major buyers, compared to rivals like Super Micro,” Emarketer analyst Jacob Bourne said. Dell also reiterated its third-quarter and annual forecasts. It had raised its expectation for AI server shipments in August to $20 billion for fiscal 2026. “Customers are hungry for AI and the compute, storage and networking we provide to deploy intelligence at scale,” CEO Michael Dell said, adding that the company was in the early stages of AI adoption despite two years of progress. Dell expects long-term compounded annual revenue growth of 11% to 14% for the infrastructure solutions group – home to its storage, software and server offerings. That compares with its earlier expectations of 6% to 8%. The company continues to expect revenue growth of 2% to 3% for its client solutions group, which includes personal computers. Strong competition in the consumer market has hit the business in recent years, even as Dell keeps a strong position among enterprise clients. —Jaspreet Singh, Reuters View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. I used to spend way too much time sawing everything by hand. Wood, PVC, copper pipe—I can’t explain it, I had some weird purist obsession with breaking out the hand tools and sweating my butt off. When I finally broke down and bought a reciprocating saw, my life changed: It cut everything, quickly, and I was able to get so much more done. But a full-size, two-handed power hacksaw can be too bulky for some jobs—jobs when you have to hold something with one hand while you cut, or jobs when you’re squished into a tight spot and don’t have a lot of room to position a larger tool. So I went looking for something lighter and smaller, and I found this gem: a one-handed reciprocating hacksaw from Milwaukee that cuts everything like butter, weighs only four pounds, and is easy to use even in spots you can barely squeeze yourself into. If that sounds like something you could use, know that it's 36% off for Prime Day (you’ll also need a Milwaukee-compatible battery and charger). Milwaukee 2719-20 Hacksaw $117.90 at Amazon $184.80 Save $66.90 Get Deal Get Deal $117.90 at Amazon $184.80 Save $66.90 This thing is so light it’s easy to work with (even one-handed) for a long time without getting tired. The brushless motor provides plenty of power, and I haven’t found anything it can’t cut. It’s pretty smooth—other reciprocating saws can buck when they hit a snag, but this hasn’t, so far—and the battery provides solid running time. I’ve had to work in some pretty cramped spaces in my small house, and having this as an option when the bigger tools are awkward has made a lot of projects not just easier, but possible in the first place. It’s a good value at its normal price; at $118 for Prime Day, it’s even better, especially if you frequently find standard hacksaws difficult to maneuver during your projects. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Instacart today became the first retail media network to integrate directly with TikTok Ads Manager. This will allow CPG advertisers to use Instacart’s first-party retail data to target audiences, measure conversions, and drive shoppable experiences – all without leaving TikTok’s platform. The integration marks a major step in the convergence of retail media and social commerce. By embedding Instacart’s targeting and closed-loop measurement capabilities into TikTok, brands can connect with high-intent consumers at the exact moment of inspiration and track their impact through purchase. Why we care. For CPG advertisers, this partnership removes a friction point – tying social engagement directly to grocery purchases. It enables smarter audience targeting, more personalized creative, and real-time performance insights within TikTok’s ecosystem, where over 180 million monthly U.S. users can discover products. The details. Advertisers can now: Target high-intent shoppers using Instacart audience segments. Power shoppable TikTok ads with grocery selection data from Instacart. Measure campaign performance daily through Instacart’s closed-loop conversion data. The bottom line. By fusing TikTok’s discovery engine with Instacart’s retail data, advertisers can now bridge the gap between inspiration and purchase – turning TikTok engagement into measurable sales with unprecedented precision. View the full article

Brussels also plans to cut amount that can be imported tax free which would be ‘terminal’ for British companiesView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Apple's Mac Mini lineup, a desktop computer that fits in the palm of your hand, has offered excellent value for the money ever since the company introduced its own M-series chipsets. The latest M4 Mac mini is quite powerful, takes up very little space on your desk, and it has (probably) enough ports for you to get work done: a headphone jack, two USB-C ports, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI, and an Ethernet port. During October Prime Day, you can get the M4 Mac mini for as low as $499, which is $100 off its list price. While you do have to purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately, it's still a good deal overall. Apple 2024 Mac Mini $902.22 at Amazon $999.00 Save $96.78 Get Deal Get Deal $902.22 at Amazon $999.00 Save $96.78 I think the Mac Mini at $499 is a sweet deal, even if it's not the lowest ever price. It went down to $470 a few months ago, but the current offer is the second lowest price I've seen since the M4 Mac Mini launched a year ago. The base model has 16GB RAM, but its 256GB storage is measly. If you store lots of photos, videos, and want to install large apps on the Mac, you're going to run out of 256GB pretty soon. The good news is that you can easily connect external storage to expand the Mac mini's capacity, but it does come with a caveat. It's just not as convenient as having more internal storage. Apple's upgrade pricing for RAM and storage on Macs is a complete rip-off, so going for higher variants of the Mac Mini will lead to a significantly higher cost. Even during October Prime Day, the Mac mini models with more RAM and storage don't really have good discounts. At the time of writing, the same computer with 512GB storage costs $760, which is really hard to justify. Another annoyance with the Mac Mini is the awkwardly placed power button, which is at the base of the device for some unknown reason. If you're the kind of person who wants a fuss-free desktop to do basic tasks and you're sure you can live with the relatively low internal storage, $499 is a great price for the M4 Mac mini's base model. Having said that, be aware that new Macs are just around the corner and if the Mac Mini gets refreshed this month, you may be able to score an even bigger discount on the outgoing model. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

With the new option, unveiled Monday during OpenAI's annual developers event, a user can look up a three-bedroom home in a specific neighborhood on Zillow, without leaving the ChatGPT app. View the full article

Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. It's October Prime Day again, and the deals are flowing—so the Lifehacker team is scouting for the best discounts on Amazon. I've come across a substantial discount on a gadget that I actually own myself, and that I'm actually very happy with: The GoPro Hero 13 Black, the flagship action camera that launched last year. This deal is actually for the Ultra Wide Lens Edition, which is reduced to its lowest ever price. It's now $329.99 rather than $479.99, which is a drop of almost a third. This camera is now actually cheaper than the regular GoPro Hero 13 Black, but you get the Ultra Wide lens mod included, so act fast before Amazon notices. GoPro Hero 13 Black Ultra Wide Edition $329.99 $479.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $329.99 $479.99 Save $150.00 I don't use the camera as much as I should, but when I finally get myself sorted enough to undertake some fun film projects, I'm always hugely impressed by the 5.3K resolution video (up to 30 frames per second) or 4K resolution (up to 60 frames per second), plus of course the excellent video stabilization that GoPro is known for. The Ultra Wide lens attachment gives you even more versatility and flexibility when it comes to capturing the perfect video clips and still images, and something else I love about this GoPro camera is that you can mount it just about anywhere on just about anything—for truly impressive results. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Crown Prosecution Service had charged two Britons with espionage offencesView the full article

Toyota is recalling nearly 400,000 vehicles because the rearview camera may not display when backing up, increasing the risk of a crash, federal traffic safety regulators said. Included in the recall are 2022-2025 Toyota Tundras and Tundra hybrids and 2023-2025 Sequoia hybrids. The number of automobiles in the recall total 393,838, with the non-hybrid Tundra making up more than half of them. The camera display malfunction is caused by a software problem, which will be fixed with an update by dealerships free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 16. Owners can contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. The numbers for the recall are 25TB10 and 25TA10. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration vehicle safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. View the full article

A reader writes: I have worked in the evolving field of IT all of my four-decade career. Most of my jobs have been exempt from overtime, while my last few tech support / help desk positions have been non-exempt. I’ve always been a slower (and I think, more thorough) worker who needs more time to get my work done and who has no problem working late, even most evenings, to get the job done. This has been fine in my exempt positions, as I’ve had freedom to work as many hours as I want / need, and supervisors have mostly been quite pleased with my work. In my first couple of non-exempt roles, I would still work longer hours but leave the hours beyond 40 off of my time sheets, unless management had requested something special — and this worked out well, too. However, in my last non-exempt role, it came to my supervisor’s attention that I was working more than 40 hours a week, and he told me that this must stop. I countered that I don’t mind doing it, and since I leave the extra hours off my time sheet, it doesn’t cost the company anything. But he said I could not do that any longer, as it was a misrepresentation, and that overtime pay would not be approved. Consequently, I started completing fewer tasks each day and was placed on a performance improvement plan where the main focus was to improve my time management and multi-tasking ability. I was able to make some improvement, but it was deemed insufficient and I was terminated for not meeting the job requirements. I understand that the letter of the law means that all hours over 40 in one week must be paid at time and a half for non-exempt positions, but many employers will not approve it or might approve for a couple of extra hours but not more, and then look the other way for employees who need more time to complete their work and so leave the rest off their time sheets. Honestly, I’d rather work the extra hours without additional pay, which I did all the time when I was in exempt positions, than be terminated for not meeting job requirements. So in some cases such as this, I believe the overtime labor laws can be unfair, and that workers should have the right to opt out. What do you think of this? The problem is that if you give workers the right to opt out from overtime pay requirements, you’ll immediately have situations where they’re pressured to do that by their employers. In your case, it sounds as if you’d genuinely choose to opt out via your own free will, but many, many people would not and would still end up pressured by their employers to do it anyway. And the more in need of paying work someone is, the more vulnerable they’re likely to be to that pressure. That’s why the law doesn’t make it optional. And that’s why any responsible employer needs to do what your last one did and tell you that you can’t work unauthorized overtime even if you don’t mind it. They’re still liable for paying you for those hours, even if you try to explicitly excuse them from it. Legally, they’re required to pay you the overtime whether you want it or not … and they could end up paying fines and penalties down the road if they don’t. In your situation, it sounds like you are really well-suited for exempt positions where you can work additional hours without it triggering mandatory overtime pay, and those are the positions you should look for. The post it takes me longer to do my work — why can’t I opt out of overtime pay? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is on October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Unless you plan on opening your own professional gym, there's no reason you need to spend thousands of dollars on a treadmill. And you're in luck: Right now, the NordicTrack T Series 10 is 27% off, down to $949.04, on Amazon for Prime Day. NordicTrack T10 Treadmill $949.04 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $349.96 Get Deal Get Deal $949.04 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $349.96 My colleague Beth Skwarecki also recommends the 6.5S as a top option, and points out how other models in the T series line have great deals right now. If you're looking for a smaller or more affordable option, the Series 5 is 25% off—down to just $449. All of the NordicTrack T Series are marked down for Prime Day, but with its 10” Tilting HD Touchscreen, the T10 is the best value to take advantage of during today's sale. Plus, the coolest part of joining the NordicTrack ecosystem is the access to over 10,000 workouts through iFIT. For $39/month (or $396/year), you can follow expert trainers through runs, hikes, strength training, yoga sessions, and more. I love how the system automatically adjusts your treadmill's speed and incline to match the workout, so you can totally focus on the workout at hand. And for those of us who like to track their progress across multiple platforms, iFIT syncs with your Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you’re looking for total coverage of your property, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus 4-Pack bundle is currently 35% off—its lowest price ever. This battery-powered model might’ve come before the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro, but it’s still a solid surveillance pick to keep your property visible and secure. Ring Spotlight Cam Plus 4-Pack $359.96 at Amazon $549.99 Save $190.03 Get Deal Get Deal $359.96 at Amazon $549.99 Save $190.03 With four cameras and motion-activated LED spotlights, this rechargeable version (Powered by a Quick Release Battery Pack) offers more flexibility and convenience than wired outdoor cameras. However, compared to the wired version, the battery-powered version isn’t as tamper-proof, as it keeps functioning even when unplugged. According to PCMag, it lacks HDR video, dual-band wifi, and the aerial view of the more advanced Spotlight Cam Pro, but the 1080p HD video footage is crisp, and the built-in spotlights further improve the color night vision. A 110 dB siren also deters intruders. The Ring app allows you to speak to visitors through two-way audio and access alerts and live view; however, you’ll need a Ring subscription to unlock all the features. While there are customizable motion zones, there’s no AI human motion detection, so you’ll have to manage alerts for the potential of false notifications. Ultimately, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus 4-Pack bundle is a reliable, wireless outdoor security camera that’s ideal for those in the Ring/Alexa ecosystem and packed with smart features. If you’re okay with monitoring battery life and alerts, it can’t replace a more high-end wired camera with advanced AI and local recording. If you want more bells and whistles, you may prefer the Spotlight Cam Pro, but at just $90 per camera, it’s still a well-rounded option that offers strong value. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Over the years, I've subjected my ears to more headphones and earbuds than I care to admit, and they're not all winners. But these are. In my opinion, here are the best deals on headphones right now. The best Prime Day deals on headphones Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones (Blue) $188.00 at Amazon $349.99 Save $161.99 Get Deal Get Deal $188.00 at Amazon $349.99 Save $161.99 The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a pretty old headset at this point, but it's no less capable. It has some of the best noise canceling around, in a slick, minimalist design. Right now it's down to $188, which is a downright steal compared to the newer XM6, which—even at $20 off—is still north of $400. Over in the Apple ecosystem, the Beats Studio Pro are down to $170 from their normal $350. These also have excellent noise cancellation, and include a built-in digital-to-analog converter (or DAC) over USB-C for when you want better audio quality than Bluetooth can provide. There are also solid deals on the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 for $35, the Beats Solo 4 headphones for $130, and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 noise-cancelling headphones for $230. The best Prime Day deals on gaming headsetsIf you're looking for something a bit more gaming-focused, the HyperX Cloud Mix 2 ($140) is one of my favorites. It can get a whopping 110 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode, has solid ANC in 2.4GHz mode, and comes with a handy slot inside the left ear cup to hold the low-profile USB-C adapter. I still can't get over how the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless—now down to $143—get well over 300 hours of battery life on a single charge. I thought this claim was absurd until I tested it and it actually beat the estimate by multiple days. After a few years of using these, I can say the faux leather on the headband is coming apart a bit, but for battery life this headset just can't be beat. There are also some great deals on SteelSeries' excellent DAC-powered Arctis Nova Pro for $264, the more budget-friendly Nova 7P for $120, and the stylish Razer Blackshark V2 Pro headphones for $130. The best Prime Day earbud deals Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Almost every day, I use the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, but don't let the name fool you. They're not just for gaming. In fact, I can't recall the last time I used them for gaming, but if you want to, you can use them with any console. The Xbox version is $128, but even that's a misnomer. The Xbox version's USB-C dongle has a switch to enable Xbox compatibility, but in PC mode, it works with the PlayStation just fine. So save yourself some cash and get support for every platform. For Apple users, both the AirPods Pro 2 ($170), and the AirPods 4 ($119) are on sale right now. The former has somewhat better active noise cancellation and longer battery life, but the latter is no slouch in either department. Both get up to 30 hours with the use of the charging case, though the Pro 2 can do that with ANC on, while you might need to keep a close eye on ANC usage with the Airpods 4 to get comparable battery life. For the more budget-inclined, the Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds are down to$18, and on the other end of the spectrum, the Beats Studio Buds+ are down to $150. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Every night some 74,000 gallons (280,000 liters) of water are frozen at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. The hospital used to get all of its air conditioning from a conventional system found in most U.S. buildings, but now 27 tanks of ice sustain a network of cold-water pipes keeping operating rooms at safe temperatures and patients comfortable. This type of thermal energy storage, also known as ice batteries, is being added to buildings in the U.S. for its ability to provide cool air without releasing planet-warming emissions. These systems cut electricity usage and lower the strain on the grid. With rising temperatures and the growing demand for electricity in the U.S., ice thermal energy storage offers a sustainable option for cooling buildings. Trane Technologies, a company that makes heating and cooling equipment, says it has seen a growing demand for this technology over the past few years. Its ice batteries are mostly used in schools as well as commercial and government buildings. Nostromo Energy, another company that makes ice batteries, is pursuing customers among energy-intensive data centers that have high cooling demands. Smaller systems are also made for homes by companies such as Ice Energy. Tanks of ice thaw to create air conditioning Ice thermal energy storage technology varies between manufacturers, but each follows a similar concept: At night, when electricity from the grid is at its cheapest, water is frozen into ice that thaws the next day to cool the building. The ice chills water that is circulating through pipes in the building, absorbing heat from the rooms and creating a cooling effect. Air cooled by the system is then pushed through vents. Norton Audubon Hospital uses a Trane ice battery system. Trane said its ice batteries are often used alongside traditional air conditioning, and the ice-based cooling is used to lower energy costs during peak demand times. The traditional AC components are typically left in place or downsized when ice batteries are added. The stored ice doesn’t require energy to thaw, which reduces the strain on the grid and minimizes the building’s electricity usage, ultimately lowering monthly bills. “Storing energy for further uses is where we’re going with the future of the grid,” said Ted Tiffany, senior technical lead at the Building Decarbonization Coalition. He said access to air conditioning is a major public health need that is being exacerbated by a warming planet, and ice batteries are a sustainable way to address health risks associated with extreme heat. Energy costs at Norton Audubon were $278,000 lower for the first year the ice battery system was in operation after it was installed 2018. The hospital estimates that the system and other energy-saving measures have saved it nearly $4 million since 2016. “The technology has been awesome for us,” said Anthony Mathis, a Norton Healthcare executive who oversees sustainability. He said he receives inquiries from other building operators about the technology and thinks more facilities will adopt it as awareness grows. Using ice to meet growing energy demands Experts on sustainable energy say ice thermal energy storage is among the options commercial buildings can use to reduce electricity demand or store excess energy. Some commercial buildings use lithium batteries, which can store excess solar or wind energy that are available intermittently. Dustin Mulvaney, environmental studies professor at San Jose State University, said ice batteries are a sensible option for health care settings and senior homes because lithium batteries can pose a fire risk. Manufacturers also see opportunities in data centers, which are increasing in number to support artificial intelligence and have high energy and cooling needs. A December report from the Department of Energy found that data centers consumed more than 4% of the electricity in the country in 2023 and that number could grow up to 12% by 2028. “Data centers are very energy-hungry and about 30% to 40% of their energy use is for cooling … that’s where a solution like ours could really help,” said Yoram Ashery, CEO of Nostromo Energy. Nostromo Energy said it is discussing deals to install its systems with several large data center operators, but declined to provide further details. Its ice battery technology is also used at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California. California is currently the biggest market for this technology because the grid there uses a lot of solar power during the day but switches to polluting energy sources such as natural gas after the sun sets. Ice batteries can be used for air conditioning in the late afternoon and evening instead of drawing from the grid. “A lot of utilities are really interested in this type of load-shifting technology,” said Joe Raasch, chief operating officer at Ice Energy, another ice thermal energy storage company. He said summer is typically the most expensive time for utilities to operate because of the air conditioning demand. “It’s really great technology that the grid really needs because so much of the future electric load is driven by cooling,” said Raasch. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Isabella O’Malley, Associated Press View the full article

Amazon Big Deal Days is October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. The October Amazon Prime Day is a great time to consider swapping your current phone for a shiny new model. I'm seeing discounts across a lot of the big names in smartphones—and having spent over a decade reviewing handsets, these are my current picks. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Samsung's latest and greatest flip foldable only came out in July, but that hasn't stopped Amazon from discounting the 256GB model by 23%—it's now $849.99 rather than $1,099.99, in a choice of three colors. Go up to 512GB and you'll pay more ($919.99) but the discount is greater (25%). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 $849.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $849.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $250.00 As per price trackers, it's the lowest this phone has ever been, and you can't get a flip foldable from the likes of Google or Apple. The handset boasts a 6.9-inch main display and a 4.1-inch cover screen and a dual-lens rear camera, and is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2500 processor. Google Pixel 10Speaking of recently launched Android handsets now being sold for their lowest price yet, here's the Google Pixel 10. The 128GB version is down to $649 from $799. The 256GB model is now $749 rather than $899, a drop of 17%, so make your choice based on your budget and storage needs. Google has brought a lot to the table with the new Pixel 10. There's an upgraded triple-lens rear camera system which includes 5x telephoto capabilities, a brighter screen (though the 6.3-inch size stays the same from the Pixel 9), and a larger capacity battery. There's also a stack of Gemini AI on board as well. Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraIf you prefer the Samsung flavor of Android, then the 512GB version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is down a substantial 27% from its original price. This flagship will now cost you $1,029.98 rather than $1,419.99, as long as you pick the Whitesilver or Silverblue colors, and it's the lowest price we've seen to date. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,029.98 at Amazon $1,419.99 Save $390.01 Get Deal Get Deal $1,029.98 at Amazon $1,419.99 Save $390.01 As our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review will tell you, this is a seriously powerful smartphone, leading the way for Samsung's flagships this year. You get a quad-lens rear camera, a super-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset from Qualcomm, and of course the integrated S Pen stylus for even more functionality. Google Pixel 9aMaybe you don't need the power bump of the Pixel 10, or don't have a budget big enough for it—in which case the Google Pixel 9a might fit you perfectly instead. This perfectly capable mid-ranger is now down to $349 from $499 for the 128GB version. Google Pixel 9a $349.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $349.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $150.00 The Pixel 9a is powered by the same Google Tensor G4 as the flagship Pixel 9 is, so it's no slouch, and you also get 8GB of RAM, a dual-lens rear camera, and all the latest Gemini AI bells and whistles. If you prefer the 256GB model of the Pixel 9a, it's now $449 instead of $599, which is a drop of 25%. OnePlus 13We're expecting the OnePlus 15 in the not-too-distant future, but that doesn't mean you should discount this hefty discount on the OnePlus 13. Despite the numbering, it only launched last year, and remains one of the most polished and powerful Android handsets around, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite on the inside. OnePlus 13 $849.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $849.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $150.00 You can currently get the 512GB OnePlus 13 for $150 less than normal, which is a significant savings: It's $849.99 as part of the Prime Day sale, rather than $999.99. If you don't need as much storage, the 256GB version is down to $749.99 from $899.99, a reduction of 17%. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Amazon Big Deal Days is coming October 7-8, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over. Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. One of my minor superpowers is noticing when things are just a little ... off. Loose screws, crooked pictures, missing bolts—they jump out at me, and once I notice them, I can’t walk away. I have to fix them immediately, if not sooner. My wife used to think it was weird, but since buying a house she’s come around, and now regards it as a blessing. She doesn’t have to worry about stuff breaking around here, because she knows it’ll get fixed before she can even mention it. You probably know someone like that, too (or you’re one yourself). And buying gifts for folks like us can be a challenge, because we already have all the tools. It’s a compulsion, really: Every DIY repair is an opportunity to research and acquire new toys. But if you need a quick gift for a DIYer like that, don’t worry—Prime Day has a deal for you. This multitool pen from RAK is perfect for the handy people, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts in your life, and it’s 31% off for Prime Day. Aside from being a pen, this tool is also: A flashlight A screwdriver A level A ruler A bottle opener (you’d be surprised how often this comes in handy) RAK Multitool Pen 2-Pack - Fathers Day Gift, Multi-Tool Pens with LED Light, Flathead & Phillips Screwdrivers, Level, Ruler, Bottle Opener, and Stylus. Cool Gadgets Gifts for Men, Dad, EDC Pen Tool $17.98 at Amazon $25.99 Save $8.01 Get Deal Get Deal $17.98 at Amazon $25.99 Save $8.01 What I like about it is that I can throw it in my bag and it works just as a pen, so I use it every day regardless—but when something needs a quick adjustment, or if I’ve forgotten to bring a specific tool with me when I’m doing a project, I can use this instead of trekking back to retrieve what I forgot. It’s a perfect gift for anyone who likes to tinker or do work around the house—and at 31% off for Prime Day, you can get one for yourself, too. Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime. Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET through Oct. 12 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 12, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member. Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and it has deals going up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB All-In-One VR Headset — $249.00 (List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Camera Drone (Under 249 Grams) — $239.00 (List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $148.94 (List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum with HEPA Self-Empty Base — $229.99 (List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera (White) — $25.95 (List Price $35.98) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Microsoft is officially winding down its DSP, Microsoft Invest, and naming Amazon DSP as its preferred transition partner – a move that deepens ties between the two tech giants and reshapes Microsoft’s advertising strategy. Starting Feb. 28, 2026, Microsoft will sunset Microsoft Invest as it shifts focus to its core advertising products: Microsoft Advertising Platform, Monetize, and Curate. The company says the partnership with Amazon DSP will ensure advertisers experience a smooth transition and continue achieving performance goals. Why we care. Microsoft’s move to sunset its DSP and align with Amazon DSP means advertisers who use Microsoft Invest, will need to migrate campaigns, data, and workflows – but in return, they’ll gain access to Amazon’s powerful audience insights, premium inventory, and stronger performance capabilities across both Amazon and Microsoft ecosystems. The details. Microsoft Monetize will also join Amazon Ads’ Certified Supply Exchange program, enabling Amazon DSP advertisers to access premium Microsoft inventory and curated deals that combine Amazon shopping insights with Monetize’s supply. Publishers using Microsoft Monetize gain expanded access to high-quality demand and improved monetization efficiency. What they’re saying. Microsoft emphasized its commitment to supporting customers through the transition, calling Amazon DSP a “natural fit” for advertisers seeking scale, performance, and transparency. Bottom line. As Microsoft pivots toward conversational and AI-driven advertising, this collaboration offers advertisers a seamless bridge between the two platforms. View the full article

OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into more than a chatbot. The company’s latest update lets users access third-party apps (e.g., Spotify, Canva, Zillow, Expedia) directly inside conversations. Why we care. This shift could make ChatGPT a high-intent marketing channel, reaching 800 million users where they’re already engaging – in chat. How it works. Users can call apps by name (“Figma, turn this sketch into a diagram”) or ChatGPT can suggest them automatically based on context – like surfacing Booking.com when discussing travel. Apps act like actions, not separate tools, within ChatGPT’s conversational flow. OpenAI calls this a step toward a “conversational operating system” – one interface where users access software and services. What they’re saying. Nick Turley, ChatGPT’s product lead, described the goal: “If we can evolve ChatGPT the right way… maybe you’ll be spending a lot of time in ChatGPT. But it won’t feel like you’re in a chatbot.” The marketing angle. This platform play could turn ChatGPT into a valuable discovery and conversion engine for brands. Some potential upsides for marketers: Massive reach: 800 million users. Apps appear at the moment of intent. Contextual discovery: Brands show up naturally as users describe needs — not through search. Interactive experiences: The Apps SDK supports visuals and dynamic UIs. Zillow can show listings with maps; Canva can design in chat. What’s next. More brand integrations are coming – including Target, Uber, Peloton, and Instacart. Developers can start building now; OpenAI plans an app store and publishing reviews later this year. Apps meeting high design and functionality standards will get higher visibility. OpenAI also hinted at “agentic commerce” – one-click transactions powered by AI. It already tested in-chat Etsy shopping for U.S. users and is hiring for ad tech and attribution tools. The big picture. This evolution opens new paths to brand interaction, contextual engagement and possibly commerce – all within a single, AI-mediated interface. This gives marketers a chance to meet consumers where they act, not just where they search. OpenAI’s announcement. Introducing apps in ChatGPT and the new Apps SDK View the full article

Federal Reserve Gov. Stephen Miran sidestepped whether policy setting pressure from the administration is a welcomed development, but reiterated that he wants to avoid succumbing to "groupthink." View the full article