Google Ads is no longer maintaining individual and ad group keyword forecasting in Keyword Planner.
Few advertisers were using these features so the platform decided to retire them, according to Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ad Liaison, on X (formerly known as Twitter).
However, campaign-level forecasts and historical keyword-level data are still available.
Why we care. By discontinuing the maintenance of individual and ad group keyword forecasting, advertisers lose access to related insights, including metrics like spend, which could affect how they make informed decisions and optimize advertising strategies effectively.
How Keyword Planner works. Keyword Planner is a tool that can indicate a keyword’s performance potential. Google uses past search data to predict possible future outcomes for a set of keywords based on your budget. These estimates can then be used to help you decide how to group your keywords and set bids.
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What Google said. Ginny Marvin said on X (formerly known as Twitter):
“Few advertisers were using individual & ad group keyword forecasting in Keyword Planner so as of this summer we’re no longer maintaining these forecasts in our system.”
“Campaign-level forecasts & historical keyword-level data are still available.”
Deep dive. Read Google’s Keyword Planner guide for more information.
Maintaining a pristine bathroom doesn’t need to involve complex concoctions or unconventional methods. Sometimes, simple and straightforward approaches yield the best results. According to Cobalt Clean, there’s a way to make your bathroom shine using conventional cleaning methods.
How do I keep my bathroom sparkling clean?
Let’s go over the most important considerations:
1. Daily wipe down
Consistency is the cornerstone of cleanliness. After each use, give surfaces a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth to prevent a build-up of soap scum and toothpaste splatters. It takes just a minute and will make your weekly cleaning much more manageable.
2. Stock up on basics
Ensure you have the necessary cleaning supplies on hand:
All-purpose bathroom cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaner
Glass cleaner for mirrors
Disinfectant wipes or sprays
A scrub brush, sponges, and microfiber cloths
3. Start with the toilet
For the toilet, apply the toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl, focusing on any rings or stains. While it sits and does its work, wipe down the exterior with disinfectant wipes or a cloth sprayed with bathroom cleaner. Then, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.
4. Tackle the shower and bathtub
Spray the all-purpose bathroom cleaner on the tiles, bathtub, and shower doors. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits. Using a scrub brush or sponge, work in sections to scrub the surfaces. Rinse with water.
5. Clean the sink and countertop
Sinks can quickly accumulate residue from soap and toothpaste. You can simply apply the bathroom cleaner to the sink, faucet, and countertop. Use a sponge to scrub away any grime. Pay special attention to the faucet and handles, which can often be overlooked.
6. Mirrors matter
Spritz your usual glass cleaner on mirrors. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe in a circular motion and then in a downward motion for a streak-free shine. Repeat the process if necessary.
7. Sweep and mop the floor
Sweep the bathroom floor to collect hair and dust. Once that’s done, use a mop dampened with a floor cleaner suitable for your bathroom flooring. Ensure the mop isn’t too wet to prevent water damage or slips.
8. Replace and refresh
Empty the bathroom trash and replace it with a fresh liner. Check the supplies — restock tissues, toilet paper, and towels. A quick tip for a fresh-smelling bathroom is to add a few drops of essential oil on the inside of your toilet paper roll. Every time it spins, a pleasant aroma is released.
9. Regularly wash linens
Bathroom mats, shower curtains, and towels should be washed regularly. They not only collect dirt but also can harbor harmful bacteria and in worst cases, even mold. Ensure you replace and wash them as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Maintain good habits
Make sure to pay attention to keeping up good habits and encourage your family members or roommates to do so as well:
Rinse the sink after use.
Squeegee the shower walls after each use to reduce water spots and soap scum build-up.
Replace towels on their hooks or rods.
Keep lids on toiletries and cosmetics, reducing clutter.
Final note
A clean bathroom elevates the entire feel of your home. It’s not just a space for daily rituals; it’s where you prepare for the day ahead and wind down in the evening. With the straightforward cleaning tips outlined above and a touch of regular maintenance, you can easily keep your bathroom in tip-top condition, whether you choose more eco-friendly products or conventional ones. Here’s to a cleaner, more radiant bathroom space!
Let’s face it: life gets busy. Amidst the hustle and bustle of work, family, and personal commitments, keeping a tidy home can often slide down the priority list. But what if maintaining a clean living space didn’t require hours of dedicated effort?
What if a few minutes each day could make all the difference? For those eager to elevate their living spaces without investing significant time, The Maid Crew of Richmond provides quick tips can turn the dream of a tidy home into an everyday reality.
How do I clean my home quickly?
Let’s go over the most important tips:
1. Set a timer
This age-old trick is simple but effective. Decide on a fixed amount of time—say, 10 minutes. Set a timer and focus solely on tidying up until it goes off. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in a short, focused burst.
2. Declutter daily
Start by removing items that don’t belong in a room. Whether it’s a misplaced toy in the living room or dishes in the bedroom, spend a few minutes each day putting things back where they belong. This daily decluttering prevents the accumulation of random items, making spaces appear instantly neater.
3. Wipe surfaces regularly
A clean surface often gives the illusion of a clean room. Keep a microfiber cloth handy to quickly wipe down countertops, tables, and appliances. Doing this routinely takes mere seconds and imparts a fresh look to your spaces.
4. Make your bed
It might sound trivial, but making your bed sets the tone for the entire room. It takes under two minutes, and instantly, the bedroom looks orderly and put together. Plus, coming home to a made bed always feels welcoming.
5. Invest in storage solutions
Using decorative baskets, bins, or trays can be a game-changer. When items have a designated spot, cleaning becomes a matter of placing things into their respective containers. This is especially useful for toys, magazines, or daily essentials like remotes.
6. Follow the “one in, one out” rule
To prevent clutter from accumulating, adopt this simple rule: for every new item you bring into your home, let another item go. This ensures you regularly evaluate what’s necessary and prevents the piling up of unused or outdated items.
7. Utilize commercial breaks
Watching TV? Use the commercial breaks as mini-cleaning sessions. Stand up, stretch, and pick up a few items or do a quick dusting. By the end of an episode, you’ll have made notable progress without really interrupting your relaxation time.
8. Embrace multitasking
While you’re waiting for your morning coffee to brew or your dinner to cook, use those precious minutes to tidy up. Maybe it’s wiping down the kitchen counters, unloading the dishwasher, or sorting the mail. These quick tasks add up and can make a significant difference over time.
9. Create a nightly routine
Before retiring for the night, take 5 minutes to walk through your home. Straighten cushions, put away dishes, or clear any clutter from main areas. Waking up to a tidy space can provide a more positive start to your day.
10. Enlist help
If you live with family or roommates, make tidying a group activity. Delegate small tasks. When everyone spends just a few minutes maintaining shared spaces, the cumulative effort can keep your home looking its best.
Final note
A tidy home isn’t exclusively the domain of those with abundant time or a penchant for cleaning. With strategic habits and a proactive mindset, even the busiest individuals can enjoy an organized and welcoming space. Remember, it’s not about large, time-consuming cleaning sessions but consistent, small actions that yield results. By integrating these short, effective habits into your routine, tidy home in minutes is not just achievable but sustainable. Happy tidying!
Successful marketing agencies know that the key to building trust with clients is to own what customers say about a business online.
Whether your clients are struggling with negative or non-existent reviews, or already have a solid online reputation, this guide from GatherUp will help you approach, generate, manage, and make the most of your clients’ online customer reviews over the long term.
Download it and learn how to:
Implement an effective review management strategy
Track and analyze customer feedback
Use reviews to improve SEO and boost client credibility
Google bosses from its Ads, Chrome and Search departments conspired together to boost ad revenue, according to emails shared at the federal antitrust trial by the US Department of Justice.
The internal emails reveal private exchanges between Jerry Dischler, the Vice President of Google Ads, Prabhakar Raghavan, who heads up Google Search and Chrome, and Anil Sabharwal, Product VP and GM at Google, as well as other senior leaders
Within those conversations, the Google bosses discussed increasing search queries on Chrome to improve ad revenue – which accounts for more than 80% of Alphabet’s revenue.
Why we care. Search marketers have long speculated that Google intentionally complicates SEO to boost ad sales revenue. Despite denials from Google search leaders like John Mueller, this email exchange seems to indicate otherwise, indicating potential unfair impacts on SEO campaign performance.
What do the published emails say? In the email exchange, Google Ads VP Dischler says:
“The Search team is working together with us to accelerate a launch of a new mobile layout by the end of May that will be very revenue positive (exact numbers still moving), but that still won’t be enough.”
“Our best shot at making the quarter is if we get an injection of at least [redacted]% , queries ASAP from Chrome.”
“The question we are all faced with is how badly do we want to hit our number this quarter? We need to make this choice ASAP. I care more about revenue than the average person but think we can all agree that for all of our teams trying to live in high cost areas another [redacted] in stock price loss will not be great for morale, not to mention the huge impact on our sales team.”
The request for more searches via Chrome to boost ad revenue came after the Google Ads team were already quietly manipulating ad prices to hit revenue targets.
More tweaks. Dischler goes on to propose making more tweaks to push ad revenue even further. He wrote in the email:
“Do we think it’s worth reconsidering a rollback? Or are there very scrappy tactical tweaks we can launch with holdback that we know will increase search queries?”
“For example, we can we increase vertical space between the search bar/icons/feed onnew tab to make search more prominent? Are there other ranking tweaks we can push out very quickly? Are there other entry points we haven’t focused on that we could push on soon?”
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What did John Mueller say? On 8 May 2015, Mueller was asked by a marketer if Google makes SEO harder to boost ad revenue. Responding in a Google Hangout, he said:
“This is definitely not true. This is something where we have a very, very strong firewall essentially between the paid side of Google and the organic search side.”
“And that’s not something that we would kind of connect, where we would say we would make algorithms that make the search results worse so that people go and click on ads more.”
“It’s something where we’re not artificially trying to make it more complicated or harder or the search results worse so that people click on ads. So, that’s something where on the one hand, we really have the strong separation between the two sides.
On the other hand, we really need to keep that upright, so that we can make sure our search results are really as neutral as possible, as high quality as possible and really provide what users want.”
Deep dive. Read the email exchange in full for more information and check out our Google antitrust trial updates for all the latest developments from the courtroom.
Reddit has updated its on-demand learning hub with new features, courses and certifications.
The platform has rolled out a new “Boost 2.0 Certification Program” as a second module in its Fundamentals training course to teach advertisers how to drive maximum campaign success.
Reddit designed the new courses to help advertises level up their knowledge of its ad offering and develop a deeper understanding of its:
Audiences
Unique targeting capabilities
Ad formats
Why we care. These free training sessions offer advertisers insider knowledge directly from Reddit’s team on best practices on the platform, revealing how to fully leverage Reddit Ads for maxmum campaign performance.
What’s new? The Boost Certification Program injects up to three hours of additional educational content to the Reddit Fundamental training course. The new modules include:
Measurement on Reddit: This module will focus on Reddit’s first and third-party measurement tools, as well as how to measure the overall performance of campaigns.
Auction Fundamentals: This chapter teaches how to choose a winning bid, strategies for budget allocation, and aims to provide a deeper understanding of the factors influencing campaign performance.
Optimize Performance: Reddit uses this module to provide guidance on how to leverage data to improve campaign results, make ad group-level adjustments to drive results, and implement best practices to optimize ads.
Hack Your Creative: This module highlights unique creative techniques you can use to engage with Reddit’s 100,000+ communities.
Find Your People: Navigating Reddit Communities: Features strategies for advertisers to actively engage with Reddit communities and customize their ads to provide added value.
Launch Mode: Testing Formulas: Analyze winning strategies to help your brand identify creatives and messaging that will drive campaign results on Reddit.
Upon completion. Participants who complete the course will be awarded an official Reddit Ads Formula certification, as well as the option to make a Reddit-funded donation to a charity, via the platform’s Karma Kash initiative.
Why now? Reddit has expanded its training course in response to increased demand from clients who want to take their Reddit education further. The platform’s previous courses had an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, with 87% of participants reporting having a better understanding of Reddit’s ad offerings as a result of their participation.
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What has Reddit said? Reddit’s Chief Revenue Officer, Harold Klaje, said:
“Reddit Ads Formula has been key to educating the market on Reddit’s unique value proposition and these new certifications are in direct response to our partners wanting to deepen their expertise and understanding of Reddit.”
“We know how beneficial this program can be for advertisers as they elevate their campaigns to be more strategic and impactful, so it’s exciting to evolve the program and bring more partners along on our journey.”
Google may be having some issues indexing and/or serving new content in Google Search. There have been reports from various news publishers about these issues starting at about 2pm ET today.
Google statement. Google’s Search Liaison Danny Sullivan said, “I’ve heard some sporadic reports, and we’re checking on these.”
40 minutes after publishing this article, Google confirmed the issue as an indexing issue with new content. Google wrote, “There’s an ongoing issue that’s delaying the indexing of newly published content. We’re working on identifying the root cause. You can monitor progress here on the Google Search Status Dashboard.”
Reports. Edward Hyatt, the Director of Newsroom SEO at the Wall Street Journal, wrote, “Indexing of new content in Search looks like it dropped around 2-3pm.”
We will continue to monitor the potential issues and keep you posted in this story if there are any confirmed issues with Google Search index and serving.
I am seeing content being indexed and served by Google Search in the past hour or so, but Edward Hyatt added, “t’s still crawling existing content but not new URLS unfortunately..”
A site command for content within the past hour does show this:
However, as I continue to monitor this query, it does seem like newer content is coming in and out of these search results. I am also monitoring other news sites that continuously publish content and I am seeing similar issues. So it does appear that there are some issues with Google serving new content.
Why we care. If you are publishing new content since 2pm ET you may be seeing less traffic from Google Search. It is unclear how widespread the issues are and how much this is impacting publishers.
Postscript. There does seem to be issues with Google Search surfacing new content but it does not seem to be indexing-related but rather serving-related. Here is a new piece of content that shows as being indexed by Google Search Console:
But it is not currently being served by Google Search:
But Google has said this is a confirmed indexing issue with new content.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. You get to have your loved ones in the same place and around the same table, enjoying a beautiful spread of the favorites. If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, you probably have a running list of all the essentials you need for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving. Hosting Thanksgiving is a big task! So, to make sure you have all of your bases covered, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic products that make hosting Thanksgiving a breeze. From kitchen essentials and home decor to bonding activities, below is a list of products you will appreciate.
Hestan Provisions Classic Clad Roaster with Rack
Hestan Culinary Provisions Classic Clad Roaster is essential for preparing and hosting Thanksgiving Dinner. Combining exceptional craftsmanship and long-lasting performance, the 14.5″ Classic Roaster and 16.5” Classic Roaster are designed for optimal roasting performance for that Thanksgiving turkey. Its product features include:
• Stylish brushed stainless steel exterior and interior.
• Bonded stainless steel 3-ply clad construction.
• Even heating eliminates hot spots.
• Flush rivets for easy cleanability.
• Flared, polished rims and ergonomic handles.
• Induction compatible.
• Stainless steel rack included, fitted to the roaster for easy insert.
Hesten Culinary Provisions Classic Clad Roaster in 14.5 inches holds up to a 15-pound turkey or 6.5 quarts and their large 16.5 roaster holds up to a 20-pound turkey or roast. Retails for $159.99 for a 14.5-inch and $199.99 for a 16.5-inch at hestanculinary.com.
BOSKA Fondue Set Pro L – 60.9 fl
BOSKA makes Food Tools for Life and believes that quality goes hand in hand with sustainability. BOSKA has been around since 1896 and since then has been a company run by the Bos family for four generations. Their goal is to design products that last a lifetime. Their family tradition has been to create clever and quality tools that let you enjoy cheese, chocolate, pizza, meat and veggies to the fullest. This Thanksgiving, add fondu to your spread – your guests of all ages will love it!
Their best-selling BOSKA Fondue Set Pro L (60.9 fl) offers a robust, cast-iron fondue pot that can be used on any type of stove. With a capacity of 60.9 fl oz, the pot has plenty of room to hold no less than 2.8 pounds of melted cheese. The complete set comes with six fondue forks, a burner and a stylish base. The burner will keep your fondue warm for hours. The wood featured throughout this set is oak and the set comes with a 10-year warranty. Your guests will love this memorable hands-on appetizer or main dish at your Thanksgiving table. This set also makes a fantastic gift for any occasion. Retails for $129.99 at usa.boska.com.
Ordinary Habit Winter Puzzle Bundle
Offering a screen-free social activity to do on Thanksgiving is a fantastic way to keep your guests engaged. Ordinary Habit is a luxury puzzle and home goods company created to inspire moments of calm and togetherness. The Ordinary Habit Winter Puzzle Bundle is a set of wintery-themed puzzles offering coziness for everyone at your Thanksgiving. The set includes their Christmas Pink House 100-piece puzzle, The Wolf and I 500-piece puzzle, and Ice Skating on the Canal 1000-piece puzzle.
Each Ordinary Habit puzzle features artwork depicting cozy scenes that will transport you and your guests – sure to delight one and all. Each puzzle in the Ordinary Habit Winter Puzzle Bundle features a keepsake-quality outer box, pieces finished with a soft-touch, glare-free coating, and drawstring cloth bags and artwork postcards included (with 500 & 1000-piece puzzles). They’re made with recycled materials. At your Thanksgiving this year, set up a couple of card tables and chairs with these beautiful puzzles and your guests can experience the calmness and togetherness that Ordinary Habit creates in the atmosphere. Retails for $100 at ordinaryhabit.com.
For the hostess looking for hassle-free solutions to Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres, the Gather & Graze Holiday Bundle by True Story Foods will hit the spot. Featuring a selection of the company’s premium hors d’oeuvre-ready meats, the bundle comes with seven items total, starting with two packages of their artisan prosciutto, dry-cured in the Pocono Mountains; two packages of their uncured Genoa Salame, blended with spices and air dried the old-fashioned way; and two packages of their heirloom Kurobuta bacon (the Wagyu of pork), all made with heritage breed pork raised on American family farms. It also comes with a bonus gift for the Hostess: a handy Holiday Appetizer Guide offering tips and recipes such as Prosciutto Apple Stacks and Candied Bacon for Old-Fashioned cocktails. Retails for $49.99 at shop.truestoryfoods.com.
PILLOWPIA Criss Cross Apron Classic Fit
A quality, attractive apron is essential for hosting Thanksgiving and PILLOWPIA has just that apron you’re looking for. PILLOWPIA is a home accessories shop for those who crave a relaxed familiar style. Their products are designed in-house, made with kindness and care, and consist of natural materials like cotton, linen, and grasses. Modeled after Japanese pullover aprons, PILLOWPIA’s Criss Cross Apron Classic Fit is a super soft criss-cross apron featuring wide straps and two large patch pockets for all your tools. It’s easy to get on and off, which is important as you’re navigating the kitchen and greeting guests. It’s one size fits most and is made of 100% stonewashed linen. You can choose between the colors Cornflower or Camel. So – get cooking good-looking! Retails for $88 at pillowpia.com.
Sur La Table Turkey 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
This Thanksgiving, treat yourself and your guests to an elevated table experience with Sur La Table’s Turkey Collection. Sur La Table is a company that started 50 years ago and since has grown into a full-service cooking label with its own private collections to dazzle your kitchen. The Sur La Table Turkey 12-Piece Dinnerware set is inspired by the warm colors of fall and is perfect for both casual and elevated meals. Made from durable earthenware, these pieces are safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave, making clean-up easy! Earthenware is ceramicware made of somewhat porous opaque clay fired at a lower heat temperature. You can pair the set with other pieces from their Turkey Collection to complete the look. This set comes with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls. Retails for $134.99 at surlatable.com.
Viking Culinary 10-piece True Forged Cutlery Set with Block
A knife set you can rely on is absolutely essential for hosting a fantastic Thanksgiving. A good knife set will help you chop your ingredients swiftly and with ease, making prepping all your delicious Thanksgiving dishes with ease. The Viking Culinary 10-piece True Forged Cutlery Set with Block features a wide variety of knives that include the everyday workhorses in any kitchen as well as an expanded selection of blades that can be used for more specific needs. This set features the following knives all in a walnut-finished wood block:
8” Chef Knife
7” Santoku Knife
8” Carving Knife
8” Bread Knife
5” Tomato Knife
5” Serrated Utility Knife
3.5” Paring Knife
10” Sharpening Steel
Kitchen Shears
This set was constructed with premium fully forged German steel blades, that set the standard for quality in the kitchen while providing the perfect balance between edge retention and ability to sharpen. They’re dishwasher safe but handwashing is recommended. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty. Retails for $399.99 at vikingculinaryproducts.com.
Whether you are home alone or hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving, the Young Living Thieves® Household Cleaner is here to help you deep-clean any mess! This cleaner provides peace of mind by using only plant-based and naturally derived ingredients to effectively clean your home without taking synthetic shortcuts or using potentially harsh ingredients. Ultra-concentrated and non-abrasive, Thieves Household Cleaner is perfect for just about any surface and is infused with Young Living’s signature Thieves premium essential oil blend that will fill your home with a rich, spicy aroma that all of your Thanksgiving guests will enjoy. Retails for $33.55 at youngliving.com.
Young Living Hope Essential Oil Blend is a blend of Melissa, Juniper, Myrrh, and Black Spruce that helps create a welcoming atmosphere in your home, just in time for the holidays. Its aromatic influence offers feelings of peace and security your guests will enjoy. Make your Thanksgiving feast a memorable one by placing name cards and a drop of Hope Essential Oil Blend on pinecones for the perfect table setting! Retails for $86.84 at youngliving.com.
Hast Edition 8-inch Design Chef Knife
Hast creates high-quality kitchen tools without the seriousness often associated with pro-level knives. They’ve stripped away any unnecessary elements for an elevated form that’s simple and intuitive. Light, agile, and dextrous, each knife is perfectly balanced in your hand. The Hast Edition 8-inch Design Chef Knife is the perfect everyday knife—ideal for dicing fruits and vegetables, cutting through thick cuts of meat, or even chopping herbs. The Chef’s Knife is an all-purpose must-have that will take your Thanksgiving cooking to new heights. This knife features a one-piece, minimalist design, matrix powder steel, and a Japanese style blade. It is wildly sharp & durable, lightweight & has great balance, and has a comfortable handle. It’s available in Matte Black, Matte Stainless, Glossy Stainless, and Gold. Retail starts at $99 (stainless steel) at hast.co.
Cozy Earth recognizes the significance of products that genuinely enhance life, knowing that those within one’s home are the most frequently used yet often overlooked. They understand the importance of exceptional products specifically crafted for unwinding and relaxation and how they transform our daily experiences.
Cozy Earth’s goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home. If you have guests staying with you for Thanksgiving, offer them just that sanctuary with Cozy Earth’s best-selling Bamboo Sheet Set. These incredibly soft sheets are made from 100% premium viscose from bamboo. Featuring an oversized fit and gentle drape, these temperature-regulating sheets are uniquely soft and only get softer with every wash. Each set includes 1 flat (top) sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases. The sheets will fit well on both regular and deep pocket mattresses up to 20”. Your guests will love that they’re temperature-regulating and have moisture-wicking fabric to keep them comfy while they sleep. And when the holiday visit is over, you’ll love that these sheets are machine washable and dryer compatible. The enhanced weave guarantees they will not pill even after washing and drying! They come in a variety of beautiful soft shades and their recently released shares are beautiful for fall coziness – Walnut and Clay. Retails for $399 at cozyearth.com.
Vinci RDT Spinning Sprayhead Coffee Maker
A good coffee maker is a must-have essential for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving. Be sure your guests have hot, delicious coffee at your Thanksgiving with the ultimate coffee maker from Vinci. The Vinci RDT Coffee Maker features their patented Rotary Dispersion Technology and is the next generation of coffee brewers.
The secret to delicious coffee is even water distribution and consistently high brewing temperatures. The Vinci RDT Coffee Maker brews at a perfect 185° – 195° F (85° – 90° C) and features the only real solution to even water distribution- their Patented Spinning Water Dispersion Sprayhead that evenly distributes hot water over the coffee grounds for superior tasting coffee. This coffee maker features Wake-to-Brew, a coffee pre-soak bloom feature, auto-off, a programmable ‘keep warm timer’ and the Rotary Dispersion Sprayhead for evenly extracted coffee. You and your guests will love that it simulates the water distribution and flavor of the pour-over coffee method. Your guests will have plenty of coffee with their desserts, as it brews a full 12-cup carafe of deliciously balanced coffee. On sale for $99.99 at vincihousewares.com.
Smithey Ironware 5.5 QT Dutch Oven
Smithey Ironware’s founder, Isaac Morton, hatched the idea for Smithey while tinkering around his woodshed admiring the smooth surfaces and timeless logos design of vintage ironware. After years of studying collector’s books and bird-dogging rusty old pieces to restore them to their 1890’s 19th-century glory, the prospect of creating something new piqued his curiosity. Soon Smithey Ironware was born. Smithey takes pride in what they make and all of their products are designed and produced in the USA. They guarantee the quality of every Smithey for life. This means your piece is meant to be cherished and can be passed down for generations to come.
Smithey Ironware’s 5.5 QT Dutch Oven is a fantastic piece of cookware to have centerstage at your Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. Honoring the best of vintage American Dutch oven design, the 5.5 QT Dutch Oven is a beautiful and functional kitchen workhorse that is the perfect Dutch oven for families of four or for those who love to slow cook and stew. Featuring Smithey’s signature polished interior surface that is naturally non-stick and easy to clean, this Dutch oven combines the best of enameled cast iron heat performance with a surface finish that will never crack or chip. Also, the interior surface will only get better with use and time. Crafted for versatility, we designed the lid of this Dutch oven to work as a custom-fit lid for the Smithey No. 10 Traditional Cast Iron Skillet for extra convenience. Retails for $300 at smithey.com.
Keep It Savory Salt Company Holiday Turkey Brine Kit
Simplify your Thanksgiving preparations this year with Keep It Savory Salt Company’s Holiday Turkey Brine Kit. Filled with savory goodness like rosemary, sage, thyme, and citrus, this is THE Turkey Dry Brine to take one task off your holiday to-do list! It makes your bird so juicy and flavorful, and it’s also amazing on pork, lamb, and other poultry. And if you have any left over, use it as seasoning for your potatoes, roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts, or even mortar and pestle it into a fine grain for the rim of a cranberry cocktail! Helpful instructions are included. This dry brine only requires the space you are already using in the fridge to thaw your turkey in the few days leading up to your gathering. So, no messy tubs of salty water to manage. As a limited Holiday release, get yours while you can! Retails for $13.50 at keepitsavory.com.
Dorai Dish Pad + Rack Bundle
Hosting Thanksgiving requires a lot of cleaning dishes. You’ll be handwashing delicate plates and coffee mugs, pots & pans, extra dishes that won’t fit in your dishwasher load, and more. In countless households, the kitchen remains a hub of activity throughout Thanksgiving day. This is where Dorai Home comes to your aid, enabling you to seamlessly manage the culinary chaos. Their products stand out for their practicality, contemporary design, collapsible nature, and remarkable instant-drying features.
Dorai Home’s Dish Pad + Rack Bundle is a functional, modern duo for your kitchen and an essential for hosting Thanksgiving. Collapsible, minimal, and instant-drying, the Dish Pad helps prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria. You can rest the Dish Pad Rack on the different sections of your Dish Pad and arrange it to fit your needs. The dish pad is encased in woven mesh silicone to protect your dishes, folds down for easy storage, and is FDA-tested and food-safe. Dorai Home’s Dish Pad Rack has 6 slots for drying plates and lids upright, 2 knife slots, and a utensil holder, is dishwasher safe and is also BPA free and FDA food safe tested. Dorai Home’s Dish Pad + Rack Bundle is designed to keep your counters organized and dry. Retails for $120 at doraihome.com.
Saffron Marigold Duvet Covers and Pillow Shams
Thanksgiving is a time when holiday cheer begins to decorate your home. There’s no better time to jazz up your bedding in your own bedroom or your guest suite (should you be hosting visiting family or friends). Saffron Marigold is where fair trade, handcrafted block print linens bring the world to your home. Their block print linens carry within their folds wondrous tales inspired by faraway places and natural beauty. From lotuses floating in temple ponds to the splendor of palace gardens, you can experience the world right from your own home. Their breathtaking designs are sure to dazzle your guests and the holiday cheer in your home. Saffron Marigold is passionate about meeting the highest standards and is committed to thoroughness and care.
Saffron Marigold’s Mosaique Bleue – Earth Duvet Cover is an intricate Moroccan tile print, consisting of cyan blue star burst motifs, set in pieces of chocolate tile, with accents of French blue, peacock green and apricot. This color combination warms up the autumn season in your home. This stunning duvet reverses to a beautiful complementary print, so you get two duvet styles for the price of one! It’s exquisitely finished with neatly interlocked seams and fastened with hidden 8 coconut shell buttons. You’ll love it is easy to change and adjust with two hidden openings opposite the button closure. This intricate pattern is printed on soft, breathable, and preshrunk cotton using intricately carved wooden blocks. As with all of Saffron Marigold’s textiles, their duvet covers are crafted with exceptional quality that will last for many seasons. Retails for $250 (twin size) at saffronmarigold.com.
Complete your duvet bedding set with Saffron Marigold’s Mosaique Bleue – Earth Pillow Shams. These are the perfect match for your duvet in the same soft pre-shrunk superior-grade cotton. They’re also hand-printed using intricately carved wooden blocks. They come in sizes suited for standard-size and king-size inserts. Retails for $40 (standard size, sold individually) at saffronmarigold.com.
OLIVO AMIGO Joy Celebration Gift Set
The magic of the Mediterranean centers around 2 things: experience and food. This magic is important for a memorable Thanksgiving, so whether you’re enjoying small bites and a beer with your family and friends, or indulging in all your Thanksgiving main dishes ’round the table with your loved ones, infuse emotion into your food with OlIVO AMIGO’s Mediterranean Gift Set!
The OLIVO AMIGO Mediterranean Gift Set includes full sizes of the Spark Vinegar (200ml), Joy EVOO (375ml) and Elevate Spice Blend. OLIVO AMIGO’s tongue-tingling Spark Balsamic Vinegar is made with balsamic vinegar, organic cane sugar, plums and basil, and then slow fermented for a rich, deep finish. It’s crafted in small batches on a family farm in California with time, patience and love. OLIVO AMIGO’s Joy is an Extra Virgin Olive Oil with an intense fruity green. Made with Picual olives, it has aromas of tomato and olive leaves, with delicate touches of almond and artichoke. It is well-balanced, with a medium-low bitterness and a touch of spice. Lastly included in this set is OLIVO AMIGO’s ELEVATE which is their custom spice blend crafted with spices that are skillfully combined by their master blender for the perfect complement to any dish. These bright and well-balanced flavors add a touch of complexity and depth with just a pinch! The beautiful OLIVO AMIGO Mediterranean Gift Set will compliment salads, dressings, cheese, tomatoes, soups or veggie creams, bread, figs, cocktails, fruit, and so much more. Retails for $70 at olivoamigo.com.
My Magic Carpet Washable Rugs
This Thanksgiving, give your kitchen and dining spaces an upgrade with My Magic Carpet Washable Rugs. With the kitchen being the center of the celebration, make sure your space feels warm and inviting while protecting your floors! My Magic Carpet just released its latest collection with beloved interior designer Genevieve Gorder. Her designs are the perfect fusion of premium aesthetics and practicality.
Pictured above is My Magic Carpet’s Genevieve Gorder’s Nordic Weave Mushroom Washable Rug which features a subtle pattern complementing both contemporary and traditional decor styles seamlessly. This ultra-stylish and easy-to-care-for rug creates a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen, in your entryway, mudroom, or hallway. The warm tones of this beautiful rug will mesh well with Thanksgiving decor. My Magic Carpet washable rugs are non-slip, machine washable, and lightweight. They’re also stain-resistant, which is so important when residing in your kitchen. After your cooking festivities and entertaining are through, all you need to do is pop the rug into your washing machine with detergent – it will fit perfectly!. Retails for $74.99 (2.5’x7′) at buymymagiccarpet.com.
Cliff Family Wines Gift Sets – Napa Valley Duo and Red Wine Happy Hour
Clif Family Wines has a unique story, making their wines a much-appreciated gift for any wine enthusiast business client. In 1992, their story began with Clif Bar & Company, where their passion for food and adventure led them to create convenient, portable and above all delicious food for busy lifestyles – you might already be familiar with their delicious bars. Several years later, in 1997, the Clif Family moved to Napa Valley. What started as a home in the country soon developed into a wonderful adventure in winemaking and a deeper commitment to sustainability and farming. Their goal is to craft unique, regional wine and foods using practices that care for the earth and to support growers who use sustainable and organic farming methods. Clif Family Wines offers fantastic gift sets suitable for any business client.
First, The Clif Family Napa Valley Duo is a perfect gift to get to know their classics. The set includes two of their most beloved Napa Valley wines – a crisp and refreshing 2021 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and a rich and full-bodied 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, each expertly crafted to showcase the unique terroir of the region. Their Sauvignon Blanc comes from their new, CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Their exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the prestigious Red Hen Vineyard, nestled on the picturesque west side of Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. The Oak Knoll District is located at the southern end of the Valley where cooling marine influences create a unique micro-climate that helps the grapes maintain bright fruit flavors and retain acidity. Retails for $160 at cliffamily.com.
Second, Clif Family Red Wine Happy Hour Gift Set is fantastic for your business clients. In this curated box they’ll receive everything necessary to kick off a happy hour celebration wherever they choose. Included is a bottle of 2021 Gary’s Improv Zinfandel, Organic Smoked Spanish Pimenton Almonds, and Organic Dark Chocolate Toffee Crunch creating a quick and tasty celebration. Your clients will be dazzled by 2021 Gary’s Improv Zinfandel’s stunning ruby hue, bursting with flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, succulent blackberry pie, and a subtle hint of black pepper and sage. The bright and zesty palate is balanced with a lively acidity that carries the wine into a long, satisfying finish. Not to mention, this wine boasts a score of 93 pts by Wine Enthusiast! The grapes for this wine were grown on Clif Family’s organically farmed Valle di Sotto Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. Retails for $75 at cliffamily.com.
REAL Holiday Dip & Sprinkle Cookie Decorating Kit
REAL Cookies offer cookies everyone in your family and your friend’s circle can eat despite dietary restrictions or allergies. This means you’ll find no artificial ingredients you can’t pronounce, NO gluten, grains, dairy, eggs, corn or soy. They just include pure, simple ingredients made with love by REAL friends, so everyone at your celebration can enjoy them together! REAL Cookies Holiday Dip & Sprinkle Cookie Decorating Kit includes everything you need to make chocolate-dipped and sprinkled holiday cookies, including 6 packs of pre-baked REAL Chocolate Chip Cookies (12 cookies total), Pascha Organic Semi-Sweet Baking Chips, and holiday sprinkles by Supernatural! The cookies are made with almond and coconut flours for a decadent and delicious snack with the perfect texture. Retails for $34 at the REAL Amazon Store.
Since 2008, Darrellene Designs has specialized in beautiful art that encourages customers and makes them smile. All of the original designs are hand-painted by founders Tommy, Darrellene and Delaney and then printed as a giclee directly to wood. Their heart-warming pieces feature touches of French art and culture making subtle, yet grand statements in your home.
A Darrellene Designs Lazy Susan will make a fantastic addition to your table, making it a must-have essential for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving. Your guests will love the convenience and community it brings to the table and will adore the design. Darrellene Designs Lazy Susans are inspired by French vintage cheese labels and come in all different themes, designs, and color combinations. Whether you are looking for a Lazy Susan with more of an Autumn theme or one that is neutral for all year round, they have you covered. Their Pink Poppy Stem on Cream Wood Lazy Susan comes in 15″ and 23″ and features a beautiful giclée of their hand-painted Pink Poppy Stem on Cream 1/2″ domestic wood. The color scheme of pink brightens any room and is great to put on the kitchen or dining room table and even the bedroom or bathroom to display your special treasures. This Lazy Susan swivels ever so smoothly and is well-made and sturdy. Darrellene Design Lazy Susans are proudly made in the USA. Retails for $87 (15″) and $175 (23″) at darrellenedesigns.com.
Kuhn Rikon USA Kinderkitchen® Set 3 Pieces
This Thanksgiving, create memories for the whole family and include your little ones in the cooking process. Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen® tools are kid-tested and help children learn the importance of eating well and stimulate their enjoyment of cooking. As a Swiss brand, you can rest assured each Kinderkitchen tool by Kuhn Rikon holds quality in the utmost regard.
The Kinderkitchen® Set 3 Pieces includes The Duck Snippers and Dog Knives which are sharp enough to cut food but not small fingers. The rounded tips and guards keep children safe while helping in the kitchen. The Duck Snippers cut herbs and vegetables, the non-serrated Dog Knife cuts fruit and spreads peanut butter, and the serrated Dog Knife cuts soft-skinned fruits and vegetables. Each piece features Japanese stainless steel. Even though adult supervision is required when using, each piece has safety features incorporated to keep their little hands safe. Don’t pass up on this fantastic essential for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving for the little ones. Retails for $30 at kuhnrikon.com.
Ancient Olive Trees Perfect Pair
Ancient Olive Trees is known for its exceptional quality produce. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the Ancient Olive Trees Perfect Pair pack are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. The result is a harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and add a sophisticated touch to your Thanksgiving dishes. What sets the Perfect Pair Set apart is not just its taste but its design. The Ancient Olive Trees Perfect Pair comes in an elegantly crafted bottle set that is not only functional but also adds a touch of luxury to your table. Their olive oil is pressed from premium olives grown around the world and use modern farming techniques allowing them to produce only the finest oil. The olives are cold-pressed within hours of harvest to guarantee unparalleled freshness and rich antioxidant and polyphenol content. Ancient Olive Trees’ imported and barrel-aged balsamic vinegar from the ancient town of Modena displays rich flavors of oak and fresh fruit. Sweet and savory on the palate, it is a great addition to any salad, fruit or vegetable dish on your Thanksgiving table. The Perfect Pair retails for $69 at ancientolivetrees.com.
Nanoleaf Elements
Nanoleaf is a global company that is ushering in a new era of the smart home that centers around complete personalization. Their products inspire you to redefine your space. This Thanksgiving, elevate your dining space for the enjoyment of your guests (and yourself!) with the Nanoleaf Elements Hexagons Smarter Kit. The perfect harmony of art and technology, Nanoleaf Elements are both beautiful wall art and customizable ambient lighting made to look beautiful on or off.
Nanoleaf Elements Hexagons Smarter Kit comes with everything you need to create your own unique lighting designs in your Thanksgiving dining space, living room, or anywhere you wish to add an elegant and organic feel. Enjoy the sophisticated wood grain veneer while off, or turn them on to illuminate your space with a dynamic glow. Nanoleaf Elements come with 11 curated glowing effects to recreate the cozy feeling of a glowing Ember to the sense of escape and relaxation of a Calming Waterfall. Nanoleaf Elements is easily installed on any flat surface with the included adhesive Mounting Tape. This means, no additional tools are required. They are compatible with all Connect+ products like Shapes Triangles, Hexagons, and Mini Triangles. Retails for $199.99 at nanoleaf.me.
Modern Prairie Sky Butter Crock and Spoon Rest
Modern Prairie is a brand centered around modern, mature women and their needs, focusing on empowering them to regain their confidence through aging. Modern Prairie is proud of their partnership with Rowe Pottery, which has been designing, creating, and selling handcrafted pottery of timeless design and uncompromising quality in Cambridge, Wisconsin since 1975.
Modern Prairie’s Sky Butter Crock is handmade from ceramic pottery in their cobalt blue glaze. This stylish butter crock is the French-country way to keep that favorite golden goodness soft and spreadable at your Thanksgiving table. Originating in the late 1800s, this method of storing butter involves adding water to the base of the keeper so that, coupled with 1/2 a stick to a full stick of butter, it creates an airtight seal. This wheel-thrown stoneware beauty will be front and center at your Thanksgiving this year and your guests will enjoy its functionality. It is dishwasher, microwave and oven-safe, features a non-stick surface, and is made in the USA. Retails for $49.50 at modernprairie.com.
Modern Prairie also offers a helpful hand as you’re cooking your beautiful Thanksgiving feast with their Prairie Sky Spoon Rest. The cobalt blue glaze of this ceramic spoon rest effortlessly enhances any country kitchen and keeps your kitchen counter clean as you navigate your dishes. The ridged impressions of the Prairie Sky Spook Rest are made by the potter’s hands, and were inspired by the glacial landscape ridges of Wisconsin. Retails for $24.50 at modernprairie.com.
Fortessa Tableware Solutions Svelte Deep 16pc Place Setting
Fortessa Tableware Solutions founders Scott and Eric Hamberger know some of the best memories happen around the table, especially at Thanksgiving. The Hamberger brothers started their business in 1993 after finding inspiration in the quality and craftsmanship of fine German porcelain. They began importing and selling high-quality dinnerware directly out of their parents’ garage. What is known today as Fortessa Tableware Solutions is now in 160 countries worldwide, 6600+ retail stores, 80+ online sites, and 1350+ hotel locations all over the US and Canada. Needless to say, their tableware is impressive.
Fortessa Tableware Solutions’ Svelte Deep Blue 16pc Place Setting is a conscientiously designed dinnerware set created by a unique glaze application. It features a deep blue color that creates visual interest and richness across the center of each dish. Made in Portugal, this set is crafted from a composite of locally sourced raw materials and recycled clay, with 100% of clay shavings and biscuits reincorporated back into production. The eco-glaze, Stone, is made from 100% recycled materials. The brand, Nosse with Fortessa, is motivated by conscientious production and is committed to becoming zero-waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling as much as possible. The set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls, and 4 coffee mugs. It is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe. It will blend beautifully at your Thanksgiving table. Retails for $250 at fortessa.com.
Runamok Honey Gift Box
Runamok is a family-owned, Vermont-based company that started with a foundation of premium, organic maple syrup and has expanded to an array of maple and honey-based products. Runamok’s array of honey products makes hosting Thanksgiving easier by providing a quick and delicious addition to charcuterie boards and other dishes that guests will love. Runamok’s Best Seller’s Honey Gift Box includes three of Runamok’s top-selling honey flavors, including Beekeeper’s Cut Raw Honey, Lemon Verbena Honey, and Chipotle Morita Hot Honey, letting hosts offer their guests an array of different flavors to accompany cheese, crackers, meats, and more. Retails for $44.95 at runamokmaple.com.
Add sprouts to your Thanksgiving spread this year! They’ll also go great with turkey and cranberry sandwiches you can make from all those delicious leftovers. Tribest’s GEO Terradisiena is a beautiful yet very functional sprouter made from food-safe, clean terracotta. An innovative stacking system allows you to either space the trays individually to create a dark and damp environment or allow air and light into the trays. These “night” and “day” sprouting options allow for optimal control during the different growing phases from seed to sprout.
Tribest’s GEO Terradisiena measures approximately 7 inches wide and 11 inches at full height and can be used one tray at a time as needed. The natural terracotta enhances the maintenance of a moist environment for the seed, therefore requiring less water and producing superior sprouts. You’ll love how easy it is to begin and maintain the sprouts in your kitchen. Retails for $59.95 at tribest.com.
Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines
Delicious sparkling wines are essential for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving. As the Italian sparkling wine par excellence, Ferrari Trento has long been known as the official toast of global special occasions and events (Formula 1 and the Emmys!) for years. Make this year’s occasion extra special with the Ferrari Trento Rosé or Brut. Produced in the Trentodoc region of Italy, Ferrari wines are lovely simply as a Holiday aperitif or paired with your favorite Thankgiving dishes.
The Ferrari Rosé NV, Trentodoc is made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This sparkling rosé is dry, clean and elegant, but with the freshness of wild strawberries and the sweetness of almonds. Retails for $36 on VinPorter.
The NV Ferrari Brut, Trentodoc was the original sparkling wine made from the first Chardonnay grapes planted in the Trentino mountains by Giulio Ferrari in 1902. The warm days, cool nights and extreme altitude of the region give this wine a character different from its French counterpart, with notes of golden apple and luscious yeasty tones. Retails for $28 on VinPorter.
Fritaire The Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer
The quality Fritaire Air Fryer is a Thanksgiving essential for cooking healthier for you and your guests. You can fry butternut squash, roasted potatoes, green beans, and carrots to name a few. This air fryer is the ultimate solution for smart, chic, healthy and more convenient cooking! Beyond its beautiful design, its 1500W – 400F Degrees Halogen Heater and engineered vortex convection achieve crispy and even results every time. Additionally, the unique self-cleaning glass bowl makes for effortless post-cooking cleanup.
The Fritaire Air Fryer comes with three cooking accessories – the rotisserie, the French tumbler, and the air, and offers 6 one-touch cooking functions for ultimate versatility and convenience. You’ll love that it is also Teflon-free, plastic-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free. Retails for $199.99 at fritaire.com.
Martha Stewart Patterson 10″ x 5.1″ White Round Stoneware Cake Stand
Everyone looks forward to the delicious desserts at Thanksgiving and you want to have a fantastic way to display them. A splendid fine ceramic cake stand that puts your Thanksgiving baked and tasty works of art on a pedestal is essential for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving. The Martha Stewart Patterson 10″ x 5.1″ White Round Stoneware Cake Stand is perfect for displaying and serving pies, cakes, stacks of cookies, brownies, and more. Ruffled designs skirt around the edge of the center platter making this a timeless centerpiece, elegantly coated with a pristine white color and a high-gloss finish for a classic appeal. The beautiful footed design offers a sturdy base for stability and impressive presentations. Retails for $37.99 at The MARTHA STEWART Amazon Store.
In an age when remote work is a key element of many people’s professional lives, fast and reliable internet service is more important than ever. Even those who work a hybrid schedule need a high-performance connection for days they work from home.
That’s where fiber internet comes in. This powerful technology is the emerging gold standard for internet service today, and it offers big advantages for anyone who works from home. Ahead, we’ll talk about the benefits of fiber internet for remote workers and why it might be time to switch.
1. Fiber’s average speeds are substantially faster than cable or DSL.
Fiber’s most commonly cited benefit is its speed advantage over cable and DSL. Gigabit fiber packages, which offer close to 1,000 Mbps data speeds on both download and upload, are a popular offering from fiber providers. These speed upgrades make it possible to download bulky files in seconds, making fiber an excellent choice for remote workers.
Not all fiber is gigabit, and available fiber speeds will depend on the level of fiber infrastructure in your area. (You’ll also need the right hardware, like a fiber-ready router, to take full advantage of fiber’s higher speeds.) Fiber isn’t automatically faster, so it’s always worth comparing your local ISP’s fiber speeds against their traditional cable offerings. However, the most critical value of fiber for remote workers is often in aspects like reliability, symmetrical speeds, and low latency — all of which we’ll discuss further.
2. Fiber connections are more reliable than traditional broadband.
Glass fiber-optic cables deliver a big upgrade in reliability from the copper wires that power traditional broadband. Fiber cables have a long lifespan and are invulnerable to the electrical interference that can affect copper cables. Factors such as weather events that can disrupt copper-based connections are rarely a problem for fiber.
The reliability of fiber helps reduce downtime for your home internet connection. That means less apologizing for disconnected Zoom calls and less need to run to a coffee shop when your meeting is in 20 minutes and your internet has cut out. Fiber can still experience downtime issues if (for example) a cable is damaged, but overall, it’s a major step up in resilience from cable or DSL.
3. Symmetrical up and down speeds are ideal for video calls and uploading files.
Many traditional broadband connections provide upload speeds much slower than their download speeds. That’s not a problem if you mostly use your internet connection for basic web browsing and media streaming, but it can be a significant issue for anyone who works from home. Joining video calls and uploading big files are fundamental parts of the job for most remote workers, and sluggish upload speeds can wreak havoc on these functions.
Fiber, by contrast, provides upload and download speeds that are close to symmetrical. That makes it ideal for remote workers, who will appreciate fiber’s robust upload performance for teleconferencing, collaboration apps, and other 21st-century business tools.
4. Fiber offers lower-latency connections than other types of broadband.
A related benefit of fiber service is that its connections tend to have extremely low latency. Latency, sometimes known as lag, is the time that it takes data packets to travel to their destination via an internet connection. Jittery video, web applications that load slowly or not at all, and frequent buffering in media streams are all classic symptoms of a high-latency connection.
Because fiber connections transmit information through ultra-fast light pulses, data packets can travel farther faster, creating a low-latency connection over extreme distances. It’s the perfect technology for the age of remote collaboration, enabling you to give your best effort even when you’re hundreds of miles from your coworkers.
5. Fiber cables are inherently more secure than copper coaxials.
Working remotely often involves sending sensitive data back and forth over the internet, so a secure connection is critical. Here, again, fiber offers a built-in advantage: Fiber optic cables are much more difficult to physically alter than coaxial cables. Techniques such as cable tapping and jamming are basically impossible with fiber optics, adding another layer of protection against cybercrime.
Of course, many of the biggest cybersecurity threats, such as phishing and malicious downloads, target vectors other than your internet connection itself. That means you’ll still need to follow the usual data security best practices even when using a fiber connection. All in all, however, fiber gives you one less factor to worry about when it comes to data security.
6. In many areas, the price of fiber is comparable to traditional broadband.
A fiber connection was once a luxury, but that’s changing rapidly. Many of today’s fiber-enabled ISPs offer fiber service packages at or near the price point for standard cable broadband. While you’ll want to evaluate each package on its own merits, it’s worth looking into the deals available now, especially if the price of fiber has previously been an issue for you.
Your current ISP is a fine place to start. Check their website to see if they offer fiber service in your area, making sure to look up your specific address. In addition, a number of independent ISPs are competing with industry giants to offer fiber service, so it’s definitely a good idea to expand your search beyond the largest providers.
7. Your employer may subsidize some or all of the cost of a fiber connection — or you may be able to write it off on your taxes.
Many employers provide an internet stipend for their remote or hybrid workers, since broadband internet is essential for remote work. A stipend can make fiber substantially more affordable, so if your employer offers one, it’s a great reason to get the ball rolling on upgrading to fiber.
For the self-employed, you might be able to deduct the cost of fiber internet service on your income taxes. (W-2 employees unfortunately can’t.) The process can be a little complex, since it requires documenting how often you use your internet for business versus personal purposes. However, if you don’t mind the extra paperwork, it can offer another tool for getting affordable fiber for your home office.
As companies worldwide continue to expand remote or hybrid positions, fiber will play a key role in ensuring all employees have high-performance broadband connections. If fiber is available in your area, now is a great time to get on board. Once you’ve experienced remote work on a fast fiber connection, you’ll never look back.
Amazon is gearing up for a significant overhaul that will transform the search experience across both its website and app.
The retail giant is set to roll out upgraded generative AI capabilities that offer a more conversational, detailed, and personalized user experience in the US from January.
Shoppers will be able to use this new technology for real-time product comparisons and to seek additional details, reviews, and recommendations tailored to their search context, reports Business Insider.
Why we care. Advertisers should closely monitor these developments to gauge their impact on ad visibility. Should the changes prove to be as substantial as claimed, digital marketers may need to reassess their campaign strategies accordingly.
A new world. The decision to revamp Amazon, which has been codenamed Project Nile, reportedly comes from new VP Joseph Sirosh, a former Microsoft AI executive. During a company-wide presentation, he told his team:
“We have a big task ahead of us. We need to orient everyone towards this new world.”
The new Amazon is allegedly already being tested internally with plans for a US roll out in the New Year, however, an insider confirmed these plans could change. The project is a top priority for the company and is being supported by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
Why now? Amazon bosses are hoping that building an AI-powered conversational shopping agent will help improve the user experience, helping shoppers to find the products they’re looking for more easily by providing search results, expert answers and product suggestions. The company is hoping this will lead to more sales and a higher ROI – particularly on mobile.
How it works. Amazon’s new generative AI tool will be developed using human AI trainers, who will continuously review the quality of answers the bot provides. Additionally, the tool will have access to proprietary shopping data sourced from Amazon’s extensive product catalog, complemented by user behavior data, and purchase and review information.
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What has Amazon said? During a company-wide town hall meeting, Sirosh told Amazon staff that the website’s new AI feature should be seen as a deeply knowledgable in-store salesperson. He said:
“Before e-commerce, the salesperson in the store was your search engine. And that individual knew everything about the products…they would look at you and know what you might want because customers like you have been to that store before.”
“They may have known you in person, so may know your preferences, and then they can synthesize all of that information together in natural language conversation with you and help you in your shopping mission. And if you can scale that up to everything in Amazon, that would be the future mission we want to aspire to.”
“If we can increase the conversion on mobile, because we provide great experiences, great expert answers, then that could be a potentially significant lift to Amazon.”
Deep dive. Read the Amazon Ads blog to catch up on the company’s latest news.
