Author Archives: Carol Edwards

Blow up the number balloons and frost a cake with “100M,” because MrBeast just broke 100 million subscribers on YouTube.

The creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has only the fifth channel on the platform to hit the massive following benchmark, coming in after T-Series, Cocomelon, SET India, and the only other individual account on this list: PewDiePie. “100 million means so much. I’ve been making videos since I was 11 years old,” said Donaldson in a press release. “This number in a way represents everything I’ve ever done in my life and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s ever watched a video. I hope to do YouTube until the day I die.”

Donaldson has been posting YouTube videos since 2012, with his first ever video to his main channel featuring him playing Minecraft. His videos began taking off in 2018 as he started making content that showed him giving large amounts of money to strangers. Since then, his videos have evolved to take on shock-inducing challenges, like not eating for 30 days or creating a real life Squid Game.

To celebrate this career-defining feat, MrBeast will — of course — be releasing new merch, made exclusively shoppable by YouTube’s Live Shopping feature. He’s also planning on releasing one of his most expensive videos to date on August 4 — because when you’re a top-subscribed YouTube creator, you probably have the funds to support some pretty pricey content.

In a series of microbattles with big tech companies consistently lost by users, it appears we’ve finally won one. After an avalanche of criticism, Instagram is walking back a few of their more recent changes.

Recently, Instagram started testing out a version of the app with a full-screen feed, a pivot to video, or an increase of recommended posts. It looked a lot like TikTok, and everyone hated it.

“I’m glad we took a risk — if we’re not failing every once in a while, we’re not thinking big enough or bold enough,” Instagram chief Adam Mosseri told Platformer’s Casey Newton in an interview. “But we definitely need to take a big step back and regroup. [When] we’ve learned a lot, then we come back with some sort of new idea or iteration. So we’re going to work through that.”

This comes just three days after Mosseri released a video addressing the app’s updates that have caused users — including Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian — to demand he “MAKE INSTAGRAM INSTAGRAM AGAIN.” Users don’t want another TikTok or Pinterest. They just want to see pictures of their friends. 

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Mosseri said on July 26 that “more and more” of the photo-sharing app is “is going to become video.” But he knows the full-screen feed is “not yet good.” 

“We’re going to have to get it to a good place if we’re going to ship it to the rest of Instagram,” he said. And he’s echoing that statement today, telling Newton: “For the new feed designs, people are frustrated and the usage data isn’t great. So there I think that we need to take a big step back, regroup, and figure out how we want to move forward.”

Mosseri told Newton that Instagram will temporarily reduce the number of recommendations users will see on the app. But on Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that recommended posts and accounts make up about 15 percent of what you see on Facebook — by the end of 2023, Zuckerberg plans on doubling that number.

No matter how long Instagram exists and how many millions of users flock to it, it perpetually seems inchoate and unsure of which way to step next. Each following move displeases users. There will no doubt be moves in the future that Instagram will release and infuriate its user base once again: like borrowing from its competitors TikTok and BeReal.

Starting a business isn’t easy, which is why it’s important to educate yourself before diving into the world of entrepreneurship. And it appears that more and more of us are making the plunge from the 9-5 to going into business for ourselves. 

According to Google’s Year in Search 2021, last year, more people searched for “how to start a business” than “how to find a job.” During the Covid-19 pandemic, business applications in the U.S. surged. While new business formation numbers appear to be leveling off recently, numbers overall remain consistently higher than in the years before, according to Census Bureau data. 

Small business owners need to execute a variety of tasks, from project management to accounting. Whether you’re unsure of where to begin, are looking for information to help you scale and grow, or want access to online tools to help you more efficiently manage your business, there are plenty of resources out there for businesses of all kinds. But not all of them are created equal. We’ve broken them down by category, so you can get right to what you need.

Online tools will be your new best friend

One of the most popular types of websites for small business owners are for tools. These are things such as accounting software, website building, etc. These websites are useful at filling the practical aspects of starting and running a business. While many require a paid subscription in order to access full features, there are often free options that let you try the product before you buy, or offer basic functionality. Many of these tools have information centers that describe not only how to use the product, but also how to tackle certain areas of business ownership. 

The internet can be your biggest teacher

Another common type of website for small business owners is the informational website, usually best thought of as an educational resource. These websites are vast repositories of information about nearly any aspect of starting and running a small business. That said, they frequently center around one particular topic, although generalist websites are also common. A lot of these websites are 100% free, making them appealing to those working with a limited budget. Because of this, however, they can sometimes be difficult to navigate. The same goes for websites with a deep well of content – it can be easy to get distracted or become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Take things one step at a time, and stay focused on whatever it is you’re working on in order to be successful. 

Invest in building your community

Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely road, especially if you’re going down the solopreneur path. Having access to a community of other small business owners can provide you with the opportunity to discuss challenges and successes with those who get it. It also provides business connections that you might not otherwise have. This type of community can be a source of support, inspiration, and practical business connections that is invaluable for small business owners. 

With the above information in mind, if you’re one of those people who has a business idea they want to run with, and are looking for the best websites to glean insights from to start your business, check out our list below. 

When it comes to starting your own business, having the right tools can make the difference between success or failure. From drafting professional contracts and taking meetings with clients, to staying on top of your inbox and all the day-to-day administrative tasks involved with running your own business, ensuring you have the right tools in place will not only help you manage your workflow, it can also help you maximize profits. 

But, not all tools out there are created equal. Some are better than others for a particular type of task, while others are better for solopreneurs as opposed to teams. And, not every business will need every particular type of tool. When it comes to choosing the best tools for starting your business, here are some things to keep in mind. 

Type of business

As mentioned above, not every business will have a practical need for every type of tool. Before investing in a particular tool, consider carefully if what you do is a fit for the function of the tool. For example, a small brick-and-mortar shop is less likely to need for an email marketing tool than an ecommerce website. A service provider may not need an expensive camera to take product shots. And a one-person-shop may find a complex project management system to be overcomplicated and overwhelming for their needs. Keep in mind the type of business you’re starting when looking around at tools. 

Size of business

The size of your operation will also impact the types of tools you may use. If it’s just you, you might find you can skip many of the tools that are best for collaboration. And maybe you don’t need a payroll tool with all the bells and whistles. On the other hand, it might also be worth checking out their features and functionality just in case you have plans to scale your business. 

Budget

One final, yet very important, consideration when shopping around for the best tools to start a business is the cost. After all, you don’t want to be shelling out too much money on all these various tools before you’re bringing some in. Many of the tools on our list have free versions or free trials, to let you get a sense of the tool before investing in a paid or premium version. Oftentimes, the free version of these tools is more than sufficient for most people just starting out in business. Sure, some features may be limited, but it’s often worth the trade-off for an affordable option.

From creating your business plan and building your brand, to engaging with your clients and keeping track of sales and inventory, having the right tools can help entrepreneurs increase their productivity, free up time, and even offer a better experience for their customers. Using the right tools for your small business to the fullest can sometimes be the difference between success and failure.

With all of that in mind, here are 20 of the best tools for starting your own business. 

UPDATE: Jul. 27, 2022, 5:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest 4K and 8K TV deals.

• The Samsung 85-inch Q900A QLED TV is a huge Neo QLED masterpiece that’s super affordable compared to its competition — $2,599.99 $4,999.99 (save $2,400)

• The LG 65-inch NanoCell 90 4K TV has double the pixels of a 4K TV and utilizes smaller-than-usual LEDs for more precise contrast — $896.99 $1,399.99 (save $503)

• This Insignia 75-inch F30 Series 4K TV is one of the most affordable, reliable TVs of its size — $599.99 $849.99 (save $250)

Large 4K TVs no longer have to cost an exorbitant amount of money. These high-quality TVs featuring punchy colors, decipherable shadows, and smooth transitions are actually affordable for regular consumers. And to make them even more budget-friendly, we’ve gathered up the best deals on 4K and QLED TVs from top brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and more.

Samsung TV deals

Why we love it

A massive TV that was once $5,000 is barely over $2,500 for a limited time. The “Neo” part of its name represents an upgrade to Samsung’s QLED technology, which is made up of thousands of sand-sized LED particles that light themselves. Now, the bright and colorful quantum dot display is even more vivid with even more precise brightness.

More Samsung TVs on sale

• Samsung 32-inch The Frame QLED TV — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)

• Samsung 43-inch The Sero Rotating QLED TV — $1,099.99 $1,999.99 (save $900)

• Samsung 55-inch Q60A Series QLED TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)

• Samsung 55-inch Q80A Series QLED TV — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch TU8300 Curved 4K TV — $647.99 $799.99 (save $152)

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV — $1,599.99 $1,999.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 65-inch QN900A 8K TV — $2,999.99 $4,999.99 (save $2,000)

• Samsung 75-inch Q70A Series QLED TV — $1,699.99 $2,299.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 85-inch Q60B Series QLED TV — $1,897.99 $2,297.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 85-inch Q70A Series QLED TV — $2,499.99 $3,299.99 (save $800)

• Samsung 85-inch Q900A Neo QLED TV — $4,999.99 $8,999.99 (save $4,000)

LG TV deals

Why we love it

In 2021, LG dropped a mid-range line of 4K TVs featuring its NanoCell technology, which amps up color depth and contrast using an extra light filter of nanoparticles. In 2022, that line is becoming more affordable. The 90 Series features full-array local dimming.

More LG TVs on sale

• LG 55-inch B1 Series QLED TV — $996.99 $1,699.99 (save $703)

• LG 65-inch 80 Series QNED TV — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• LG 65-inch C1 Series OLED TV — $1,596.99 $2,499.99 (save $903)

• LG 65-inch A2 Series OLED TV — $1,699.99 $1,999.99 (save $300)

• LG 65-inch B2 Series OLED TV — $1,799.99 $2,299.99 (save $500)

• LG 65-inch G1 Series OLED evo TV — $1,799.99 $2,299.99 (save $500)

• LG 70-inch NanoCell 75 Series 4K TV — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

• LG 77-inch G1 Gallery Series QLED TV — $2,999.99 $3,799.99 (save $700)

• LG 83-inch C1 Series OLED TV — $3,999.99 $4,999.99 (save $1,000)

Sony TV deals

Why we love it

One of Sony’s high-end OLED TVs from 2021 seems to see a bigger price drop as the weeks go on — probably because the 2022 lineup entered the chat. This isn’t your average OLED, either: Instead of relying on AI to optimize brightness, the Cognitive Processor XR chip customizes adjustments to things like skin tone or background light, depending on the angle from which a scene is filmed.

More Sony TVs on sale

• Sony 50-inch X80K 4K TV — $599.99 $749.99 (save $150)

• Sony 55-inch X80K 4K TV — $649.99 $799.99 (save $150)

• Sony 55-inch X90K 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,399.99 (save $300)

• Sony 65-inch X80K 4K TV — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Sony 65-inch X95J 4K TV — $1,299.99 $1,799.99 (save $500)

• Sony 65-inch A90J OLED TV — $2,799.99 $3,299.99 (save $500)

• Sony 75-inch X85K 4K TV — $1,499.99 $1,899.99 (save $400)

• Sony 75-inch XR Z9J 8K TV — $3,999.99 $5,499.99 (save $1,500)

• Sony 77-inch XR A80K OLED TV — $3,299.99 $3,799.99 (save $500)

• Sony 85-inch X80K 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,299.99 (save $500)

Other TV deals from TCL, Vizio, and more

Why we love it

Out of all the budget Fire TVs out there, Insignias are typically priced the lowest. They’re a great chance to upgrade to an XL mounted screen on a budget, and given the countless five-star reviews, the quality’s there, too.

More TVs from TCL, Vizio, and more on sale

• Toshiba 43-inch V35 Series 4K Fire TV — $189.99 $289.99 (save $100)

• Amazon 43-inch Omni Series 4K Fire TV — $279.99 $369.99 (save $90)

• Hisense 50-inch A6 Series 4K TV — $289.99 $499.99 (save $210)

• Insignia 50-inch F50 Series QLED TV — $299.99 $429.99 (save $130)

• TCL 55-inch 4-Series 4K TV — $339.99 $599.99 (save $260)

• Hisense 55-inch U6GR ULED TV — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

• Toshiba 65-inch C350 Series 4K TV — $429.99 $569.99 (save $170)

• Hisense 65-inch U6GR ULED TV — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)

• TCL 65-inch 5 Series QLED TV — $599.99 $699.99 (save $100)

• Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)

• Toshiba 75-inch MM50 4K TV — $729.99 $1,399.99 (save $670)

In an era full of giant tech companies devouring smaller tech companies, the Federal Trade Commission is actually trying to stop one such acquisition.

The FTC filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block Meta from acquiring the VR developer Within, per The Verge. Within is perhaps best known for developing Supernatural VR, a popular VR fitness app. The federal agency’s primary charge is that, in purchasing Within, Meta would be monopolizing VR fitness, given that it already owns another one of the most popular VR workout games in Beat Saber.

“Letting Meta acquire Supernatural would combine the makers of two of the most significant VR fitness apps, thereby eliminating beneficial rivalry between Meta’s Beat Saber app and Within’s Supernatural app,” the FTC’s complaint said.

It’s no secret that Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have a vested interest in dominating the VR space. The Quest 2 is inarguably the most accessible and prominent consumer headset out there, and the idea of the “metaverse” itself has been closely associated with all things Meta and Facebook over the past year. 

However, of course, Meta doesn’t see its tactics as that of a monopoly. In a lengthy statement posted to its website, the company defended itself against what it called a lawsuit based on “ideology and speculation.”

“The idea that this acquisition would lead to anticompetitive outcomes in a dynamic space with as much entry and growth as online and connected fitness is simply not credible. By attacking this deal in a 3-2 vote, the FTC is sending a chilling message to anyone who wishes to innovate in VR. We are confident that our acquisition of Within will be good for people, developers, and the VR space.”

Seeing the FTC go against a tech acquisition like this has been fairly rare in recent years. Just in the past 12 months, other deals like Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard and Sony’s absorption of Destiny developer Bungie have gone by with less overt scrutiny from the FTC. Perhaps one video game company buying another doesn’t cross as many lines as the company behind the main VR access point buying up multiple VR fitness properties, though.

Regardless of how this turns out, it is likely not how Meta wanted this week to go, with the lawsuit arriving just 24 hours after an inexplicable Quest 2 price hike.

Created by industrial designer Nicole Hone in collaboration with Ross Stevens, the ‘Polyphytes’ project consists of experimental plant-shaped 3D objects that can respond to natural elements.

This high-tech motorcycle helmet includes two-way communication, customizable LED lights, and a host of other features that keep you safe.

While laptops and tablets are great on their own, sometimes you just need both — at once — without the hassle of having to carry around two devices all day.

Enter the hybrid laptop (or just “2-in-1 laptop”). It’s a device that you can convert from tablet to laptop and back again with ease. They can flip and bend into alternate states, like portrait mode for drawing. Many also have touchscreen capabilities like tablets. You don’t have to sacrifice quality with these laptops.

Why would I want a 2-in-1 laptop?

Simply put, a 2-in-1 laptop allows you to have the best of both devices at your fingertips. You can use the tablet to draw and take hand-written notes with a stylus, or you can use its touch-screen and gesture features for your day-to-day activities. But when you need more control or need to type something up, you can switch into laptop and keyboard mode. Best of all, these machines feature the computing power to run full-sized applications like Adobe Photoshop and more.

What size laptop should you get?

This really comes down to two things: Personal preference and lifestyle. If you’re traveling often and usually have your computer on your back, you’re going to want to go with something more light and compact (thin, 11-inch models will most likely be the best). But, if you’re a huge movie buff who doesn’t normally take their tech on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch screen with a bulky construction so you can have better Netflix and chill sessions.

Are cheap laptops worth it?

You know the old saying: You get what you pay for. But thanks to the technology boom of the last few decades, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far and won’t break down immediately. It’s all about knowing which one to select. Depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. (You can also check out our roundups for the cheap laptops that we think are actually worth it — here are our favorite laptops under $500, and the best laptops under $300.)

What should you look for in a 2-in-1 laptop?

Regardless of what you intend to use your hybrid machine for, a good one should strike a great balance between portability and usability. In other words, you’ll want something that can do what you need it to without being too bulky, difficult to convert, or heavy.

There are a lot of really good 2-in-1 laptops out there, but some of them have vastly different capabilities for different kinds of people. If you’re an artist or a designer, you’ll likely want a 2-in-1 laptop with a large screen for drawing or media viewing. If you’re on the go a lot, or if you’re a student, you might want something a little smaller that can easily fit in your backpack. If you’re a big writer or use your device for work, you’ll likely want something that feels more like a laptop. But if you’re going to use the tablet more than a keyboard, maybe a tablet with a detachable keyboard is a better option for you.

To help narrow down your search, we gathered up the very best 2-in-1 devices that can suit a variety of needs. Read on to check out our top picks, from budget models to high-powered machines.

What brand is best for 2-in-1 laptops?

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a 2-in-1 laptop, you can start narrowing down your potential options. We’ve made the process even easier by putting together this definitive guide to the best on the market.

We’ve compared all the top brands that you probably already have in mind like Microsoft, Dell, and Samsung, as well as other players you may not have thought of, like ASUS, Lenovo, and HP. 

We recommend carefully considering all these 2-in-1 laptops, and weighing each option up against your priorities and lifestyle.

Well, friends, They’ve done it. Devi and Paxton have made their school entrance as an official couple. DAXTON IS HERE.

In Netflix’s trailer for Mindy Kaling’s Never Have I Ever Season 3, Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet) make their first appearance together following that huge Season 2 finale. But this season, Devi’s gonna have to accept that relationships don’t solve your own problems — including a new one who just walked through the door.

Never Have I Ever Season 3 is streaming on Netflix from Aug. 12.