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  Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: This grade-A refurbished MacBook Pro (2020) with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 is just $449.99 (reg. $1,799). For professionals who demand reliability, speed, and sleek performance from their daily devices — but would rather not shell out nearly two grand — a refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro at $449.99 is a smart deal. It can also turn out to be a digital life upgrade on a budget. This model isn’t lightweight when it comes to capability. With a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it’s built to handle demanding workflows like 4K video editing, software development, design, and audio production. Whether you’re running more resource-intensive software or juggling spreadsheets, code, and Zoom calls simultaneously, this MacBook Pro can deliver. The 13.3-inch Retina display brings sharp detail and accurate colors. This is ideal for photo and video work. Plus, True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match ambient lighting, reducing eye strain. The Magic Keyboard, a favorite among longtime Mac users, features the upgraded scissor mechanism, while the Touch Bar and Touch ID add convenience and efficiency to your workflow. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports make it simple to connect external displays, docked devices, or fast storage. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s an excellent choice for hybrid professionals who split time between the office, coffee shops, or even airplanes. Refurbished to grade A condition, this MacBook Pro looks and performs like new, making it a solid pick for business pros, consultants, freelancers, and creatives who want Apple quality without the price tag that comes with a new machine. Don’t miss grabbing this grade-A refurbished MacBook Pro while it’s on sale for just $449.99 (reg. $1,799). StackSocial prices subject to change.   source

TL;DR: Take an extra $20 off this Mobile Pixels portable laptop monitor with code DISPLAY20 at checkout. Work can feel like a nightmare when your only tool is a laptop. Switching between tabs, watching meetings, or trying to multitask on a tiny screen gets old fast — and that’s probably why so many people are grabbing this second screen for laptops. Some get a second monitor for the office, but why not get one for hybrid or remote work? The Duex Plus adds 13.3 inches of screen space to your laptop with magnetic attachment, plug-and-play setup, and a lightweight design — adding no burden to your workdays. Order one for $179.99 with code DISPLAY20 at checkout (reg. $199.99). Once you try this, you’ll never go back to a single screen Setting up your mobile workstation is simple, whether you’re at your desk, on the couch, or at the coffee shop. Use USB-C or HDMI (cables and adapters are included) ports to connect your PC or Mac and get to work. You can also adjust the screen to a comfortable working angle by bending the hinge to your liking. If you get a kickstand, you can even use the portable monitor vertically for web development, editing, or writing. Create a dual-screen laptop setup with the Mobile Pixels Duex Plus, now $179.99 with code DISPLAY20 at checkout (reg. $199.99) until March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Duex Plus DS 13.3″ Portable Second Monitor for Laptops Prices and availability subject to change. source

Image: Pressmaster/Envato Elements By 2030, 70% of the skills professionals use in most jobs will change, thanks in large part to AI, according to a new study by LinkedIn. AI literacy tops LinkedIn’s list of 15 Skills on the Rise in the U.S.; number 10 is Large Language Model (LLM) Development & Application. The study also revealed that professionals entering the workforce are on track to hold twice as many jobs over their careers compared to 15 years ago. More than 10% of professionals hired today have job titles that did not even exist in 2000 — and in the U.S., that figure jumps to 20%. One of the hottest emerging roles in 15 countries is Artificial Intelligence Engineer, LinkedIn’s study about skills on the rise found. More must-read AI coverage Top 15 skills on the rise From LinkedIn’s new report, here are the top 15 skills that are on the rise. AI literacy Conflict mitigation Adaptability Process optimization Innovative thinking Public speaking Solution-based selling Customer engagement & support Stakeholder management Large language model (LLM) development & application Budget & resource management Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy Regulatory compliance Growth strategy Risk assessment For each skill, Linkedin details why it’s on the rise, the most common related job titles, and the most common relevant industries. SEE: The Ultimate Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning E-Degree Bundle from TechRepublic Academy Professionals are heeding the call to learn more skills The study noted some positive news: Professionals are working to keep pace. There has been a 140% increase in the pace at which LinkedIn members add new skills to their profile since 2022, according to the report. This includes a rise in technical skills and soft skills such as communication and leadership. Organizations are investing in upskilling The LinkedIn Work Change report from January 2025 found that over the past two years, 51% of businesses that adopted generative AI reported a revenue increase of 10% or more. It comes as no surprise that 88% of C-suite leaders said helping their workers develop AI skills is important over the next year. Another priority for 38% of global C-suite executives when considering entry-level candidates for their organizations is agility and the ability to move through different roles while upskilling, the report noted. However, the highly sought-after combination of AI and soft skills “remains elusive for many companies,” the report found. Communication has consistently been one of the most sought-after skills by employers and was the No. 1 most in-demand skill in 2024, according to the report. source

Image: Google Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a, which it claims boasts the best camera among all smartphones under $500. The Pixel 9a is the most durable in Google’s lineup and offers the longest battery life of any Pixel phone to date. The Pixel 9a is set to launch in April. As expected, Google has packed the device with advanced artificial intelligence features, and the Pixel 9a is no exception. It introduces AI-powered photography capabilities, which may stir controversy, especially following Samsung’s infamous “fake moon” debacle. Still, Google spotlights several compelling features for group photography, including the ability to merge multiple shots from different cameras, ensuring every subject is included while allowing users to select the best facial expressions from a series of images. The phone introduces a suite of AI-powered editing tools that enable users to tweak image elements — such as altering colors or removing objects altogether. More Google news & tips AI-powered features and Gemini integration Gemini, Google’s proprietary AI chatbot, is built into the Pixel 9a, so it works with pre-installed apps like Maps and YouTube to provide directions, recommendations, summaries, natural language searches, and more. The Pixel 9a comes with Gemini Nano, Google’s most lightweight AI model, and Gemini Live, which allows you to speak to the AI assistant à la Siri. Later this month, Gemini Advanced subscribers will be able to share their screen or camera feed with Gemini Live so they can discuss what they are seeing. Camera and hardware upgrades The rear camera has two lenses: a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide version. For comparison, Apple’s iPhone 16e features a 48MP camera but no wide-angle lens and is priced higher at $599. The Pixel 9a will be the first A-series device, Google’s budget-friendly line, to come with Macro Focus for detailed close-ups and, unlike the Pixel 9, doesn’t have a camera bump so will rest flatly on a table. The Pixel 9a is powered by Google Tensor G4, the company’s fastest and most efficient chip, and the base model will have 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It has a 6.3-inch scratch-resistant Actua display and 2,700 nits of brightness, outdoing the Pixel 8a’s measly 6.1-inches and 2,000 nits. SEE: How to Break a Phone: Common Causes of Phone Damage Battery, durability, and pricing Google boasts that the Pixel 9a has a battery life of 30 hours on normal mode and over 100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver. It has seven years of operating system, security, and other software updates guaranteed, rubbing in the face of iPhone users who only get five. The durability rating has been upgraded from IP67 to IP68, meaning it can now withstand immersion in water of depths up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, rather than one metre. Google has introduced a brand new colourway for this device called Iris, a blueish-purple, but it will also come in Peony (pink), Porcelain (white), and Obsidian (black). The base version comes in at $499, and a 256GB version will be available for $599. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Air, Apple’s upcoming affordable option, is rumoured to be priced at about $900. source

A new survey found that more than half (56%) of respondents say it is very or critically important to share the rewards that AI creates with workers, yet most organizations (77%) aren’t doing anything meaningful about it. Leaders are still figuring out what “fair” looks like in an AI-enabled workplace, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report. Compensate workers or AI? Only 23% of organizations are doing something meaningful to share the rewards AI creates with workers, the Deloitte report said. The dilemma leaders are grappling with includes questions such as: “Should an employee continue receiving rewards after their expertise is embedded into a digital agent? Should productivity gains go toward higher wages, shorter workweeks, or something else?” Kyle Forrest, future of HR leader at Deloitte Consulting, told TechRepublic. Some organizations are sharing productivity gains with frontline workers through financial incentives, he said. “Some use AI efficiencies to support four-day workweeks, while others invest in personalized coaching, talent marketplaces, and stretch assignments that treat every worker as ‘high potential,’ not just a select few.” Do employees think of AI as a coworker? Deloitte’s research found a “possible era of convergence” between humans and machines. For example, six in 10 workers already think of AI as a coworker. The report pointed to signs of this, including: Technology is becoming more human with more human-like interfaces. Robots increasingly resemble and mimic humans. Digital agents are acting on people’s behalf. Humans are teaching AI, and AI is teaching humans. This means organizations will have to rethink how they can help their employees continue to thrive in a world where AI is reshaping work and how it is done. Deloitte recommended that organizations revise the employee value proposition (EVP) to realize both human and business outcomes “as AI becomes increasingly intertwined with workers.” The report, based on input from nearly 10,000 business and human resources leaders in 93 countries, stresses that “Technology’s value does not come from replacing human labor; it’s working more closely than ever with humans, amplifying their ability to discover and capture opportunities for innovation and growth.” Nearly three-quarters of workers and leaders agree it’s critical to prioritize human capabilities, and a similar number believe organizations should do more to connect people with opportunities to build experience, the research found. “That’s a powerful foundation for change,’’ Forrest said. Top concerns about AI’s “silent impacts” While AI often does easy, rote work, it may also reduce one-on-one interactions, contributing to loneliness and isolation, according to the report. It can also contribute to burnout. The Deloitte report recommends that organizations’ EVPs “incorporate a clear understanding of AI’s impact on work, workers, and people’s relationship with employers.” There is a “major opportunity” in how companies can reimagine the employee value proposition in the age of AI, Forrest said. “Over 70% of workers and managers say they’re more likely to stay with an organization that helps them thrive in an AI-powered world,’’ he said. “That’s a clear call to action: When companies use AI to elevate people, not just productivity, they can build loyalty, trust, and long-term value.” source

Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president, Microsoft Security. Image: Microsoft Microsoft is raising the bar in the cybersecurity game with a new wave of AI-driven security agents. The company announced an expansion of its Microsoft Security Copilot, introducing six AI agents designed to tackle cyber threats head-on. These agents, set to launch in April 2025, will assist overwhelmed security teams in handling phishing attacks, data breaches, and identity threats. Cyberattacks have reached unprecedented levels, with Microsoft detecting more than 30 billion phishing emails in 2024 and tracking 7,000 password attacks every second. The new Security Copilot agents aim to ease the burden on cybersecurity teams by automating threat detection and response, enabling faster and more effective protection. SEE: Next-Gen AI: Latest Microsoft and NVIDIA Collaboration is a ‘Significant Leap Forward’ AI agents to the rescue The new Microsoft Security Copilot agents include: Phishing triage agent: Filters phishing alerts, reducing false alarms. Alert triage agents: Prioritizes insider risk alerts for faster response. Conditional access optimization agent: Spots security gaps in identity systems. Vulnerability remediation agent: Fixes vulnerabilities and speeds up system patches. Threat intelligence briefing agent: Provides real-time security insights tailored to an organization’s risks. Alongside Microsoft’s native tools, five partner companies — OneTrust, Aviatrix, BlueVoyant, Tanium, and Fletch — are launching integrated security tools within the Security Copilot framework. These collaborative tools will help businesses analyze data breaches, optimize security operations, and prevent cyber risks more effectively. Microsoft Copilot resources from TechRepublic Strengthening AI security With AI adoption booming, the associated security challenges are, too. A Microsoft report found that 57% of organizations have experienced security incidents due to AI usage, yet 60% still lack a formal AI security strategy. In response, Microsoft is launching new security controls to protect AI models, detect emerging threats, and prevent data leaks. SEE: Is Microsoft in Hot Water With The FTC Over AI Operations Antitrust Issues? For instance, Microsoft Defender will introduce advanced posture management tools to protect AI models across cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. The company is also enhancing Microsoft Teams with robust phishing protection, ensuring that malicious links and attachments are flagged before they pose a risk. AI and cybersecurity go hand-in-hand Microsoft’s latest move reinforces the idea that AI isn’t just something businesses need to protect — it’s a critical line of defense against cyber threats. By offloading routine security tasks to intelligent agents, cybersecurity professionals can focus their efforts on identifying and neutralizing sophisticated, high-impact attacks. source

Analyzing the Results of Jit’s Developer Survey Even in companies with large, dedicated security teams, a successful AppSec program begins and ends with developers. Dev teams face many hurdles in their quest to write secure code and resolve code security issues, including complex app architectures, a lack of time and training, and an organization that prioritizes release speed over security. To uncover these pain points and learn how companies can better support dev teams, Jit conducted a survey of 150 developers across industries and company sizes to ask what developers think about AppSec in 2025. Let’s dive into the results. Overcoming the Biggest AppSec Challenges When asked to rank the biggest code security challenges, developers selected the complexity of modern app architecture as their top choice. They defined complexity in a variety of ways, including understanding the security nuances of many different services and technologies, managing the security of many different integrated services, and mitigating known vulnerabilities within interconnected dependency chains. These complexities are more difficult for developers to overcome due to a lack of knowledge, training, and guidelines, a lack of organizational priority, and a lack of time, the next three top-ranked challenges. One way to help reduce complexity is by utilizing an automated security testing platform that unifies all the different scanners needed for AppSec in one place. For example, Jit combines 10 out-of-the-box scanners along with custom tests in a single platform. It works across all major programming languages and cloud infrastructures to reduce integration headaches. Jit also uses the runtime context of detected security issues to triage and prioritize each risk, providing simplified dashboards where developers can easily view and mitigate vulnerabilities. Jit even provides automated fix suggestions so developers can quickly resolve issues with one click, even without specialized security training. Automated Tools to Help Developers Secure Their Code When asked what they believe are the most impactful strategies to secure their code, developers ranked automated testing (SAST, SCA, Secrets detection) in the CI/CD pipeline or IDE at the top by a clear margin. Developers were also asked how their company supports them in building secure applications, and the top answer was implemented security scanners. These results indicate that most developers already have automated security tooling in place and find these solutions more helpful than manual code reviews, security awareness programs, and other measures that take up precious time. Automated scanners don’t just save time; they also frequently catch issues that human reviewers might miss. However, automated scanners can create additional complexity if not properly integrated into the CI/CD pipeline or development environment. Many solutions are also known for generating a large number of false positives that developers have to sort through to prioritize the real risks. In addition to providing seamless integrations with development and security tools, Jit’s automated testing platform helps reduce complexity with Contextual Prioritization. This feature prioritizes code and cloud security issues based on their runtime and business context, providing automated risk scoring to help developers separate the signal from the noise and reduce false positives. How Dev Teams Overcome Knowledge Gaps Developers usually aren’t security experts, so it’s important to understand where they go to answer code security questions. Interestingly, many developers turn to outside sources, including online documentation from vendors and trade publications as well as forums, blogs, and communities like Stack Overflow and Reddit. These sources don’t appear to be enough to help dev teams overcome code security knowledge gaps based on the answers to the following question: Only 7% of participants strongly agree that they can consistently and independently deliver secure code, indicating a need for better tooling and resources. For example, Jit’s platform provides a simplified developer UX that integrates the entire code security scanning and remediation process into the dev environment. It provides automatic feedback on the security of every code change and offers automatic remediation, making it easy for developers to proactively and independently secure their code. Getting Developers More Involved in Security When asked how frequently they’re involved in application security-related activities during the development lifecycle, such as security reviews, issue resolution, and threat modeling, a whopping 62% of participants responded with a few times a year or never. While initially surprising, this result makes sense when compared to question number one – with a lack of time, training, and organizational prioritization, it’s no wonder that developers aren’t more involved. Participants specifically noted that security is frequently deprioritized in favor of feature delivery. Developers were asked to describe the collaboration between their company’s development and security teams, and most reported moderately positively. Only 8% of participants described their collaboration as excellent and without need for improvement. A lack of involvement and only moderate collaboration become more alarming in relation to the results of the next question. When asked how strongly they agree or disagree with the following statement: “I have full visibility into the security of my services and the most critical security vulnerabilities that need to be resolved,” 47% of developers did not agree to some extent. What’s needed is a platform like Jit that puts AppSec into the hands of developers without adding friction to their workloads. Jit’s dev-native UX, automated remediation, and simplified dashboards give developers full visibility and control over code security while meeting accelerated delivery schedules. Improving the Security Culture Within Dev Teams The results of the previous questions all highlight a lack of security culture within development teams, and when asked directly to describe the security culture, developers agreed. 61% of participants responded that security is only “somewhat important” or not a priority at all in their culture, and AppSec wasn’t integrated into their routines. There was a correlation between a stronger security culture and developer confidence in their ability to deliver secure code, showing how important it is for organizations to balance priorities between security and delivery. Jit’s unified testing platform and dev-friendly UX help organizations implement an automated and practical AppSec program that is simpler for developers to adopt. It’s easy integrations and one-click

Image: sun_mio/Envato Elements AI-powered apps are outperforming several legacy categories and see revenue per install above 63 cents after 30 days, matching health & fitness apps at the same rate, according to RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps 2025 of over 75,000 apps on its platform. “Users are willing to pay more for meaningful AI-driven experiences — but simply adding AI isn’t enough,” said Jacob Eiting, chief executive officer of RevenueCat. Developers must build something that is “unique and sticky,” he said. The report examined data from 2024 and found that “subscriptions alone don’t cut it any longer,” and 35% of apps now mix subscriptions with consumables or lifetime purchases, a trend that is growing, Eiting wrote separately in a blog post. “Hybrid monetization models are a strong way to capture more revenue without losing the benefits of subscriptions,’’ Eiting said, noting that gaming (nearly 62%) and social & lifestyle (39%) are “leading the way.” One of the main findings is that most apps fail to garner $1,000 in monthly revenue within their first two years. The median number of days to reach $1,000 is 60, according to the report. Must-read developer coverage A widening revenue gap between top apps and the rest The top 5% of newly launched apps make $8,880 in earnings – over 400x as much revenue after two years as the bottom 25%, which make no more than $19, according to the report. “This gap has widened dramatically since last year’s 200x difference, proving that the best apps optimize pricing, iterate fast, and retain users better,’’ the report said. Top app categories users download to trial The report shows that health and fitness including medical apps are most often purchased for trial (24%), followed by utilities including weather, reference, and finance at 23%, education (21%) and photo & video (20.5%). Cancellations within one month Nearly 30% of annual subscriptions are canceled in the first month, according to the report. “If you don’t win them back over, at the end of that first year, they’re gone,’’ Eiting said. “The most successful apps engage early and continuously deliver value, giving users reasons to stick around long enough to renew.” Monthly vs. annual plans Monthly subscriptions drive the highest reactivation rates, likely due to lower commitment barriers, the report said, followed by weekly plans at nine percent, while yearly plans “struggle.” In terms of categories, photo & video and productivity lead in monthly reactivations, while gaming underperforms, and the report speculates that this may be due to player fatigue. Shopping also struggles, possibly because of limited recurring engagement, the report said. Media & entertainment and photo & video show the strongest reactivations as both benefit from continuous content refreshes, the report said. source

You can open an account online with many traditional banks; however, online-only banks often have an advantage due to their attractive interest rates and minimal to no banking fees. The best online business bank accounts provide generous yields, low fees, and integrations with popular business tools. They also feature user-friendly platforms, ATM access, and banking products and services that simplify your business operations. Here is a list of our 10 best online business bank accounts. Best online business bank accounts quick comparison The table below reflects the top factors I evaluated for the 10 best online business bank accounts. Our rating (out of 5) Charges monthly fees Offers annual percentage yield (APY) Issues free monthly transactions Allows free cash deposit Mercury Business Checking 4.40 No No Yes, unlimited No Novo Business Checking 4.28 No No Yes, unlimited No Bluevine Standard 4.28 No Yes Yes, unlimited No Relay Business Checking 4.23 No No Yes, unlimited Yes Found Business Checking 4.02 No No Yes No Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking 3.97 No Yes Yes, unlimited No Live Oak Bank Business Savings 3.92 No Yes Yes, unlimited No North One Standard 3.90 No Yes Yes, unlimited Yes North One will reimburse deposit fees charged by Green Dot once per month for Standard customers, and three times per month for Plus customers. First Internet Bank Do More BusinessTM Checking 3.89 No Yes Yes, unlimited No Lili Basic 3.83 No No Yes, unlimited No Mercury Business Checking: Best overall online business bank account Our rating: 4.40 out of 5 Image: Mercury Mercury Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust ®️; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. is a fintech that supports startups, ecommerce, and venture capital firms. It offers a fee-free checking account with solid startup products and services, like venture debt, simple agreements for future equity (SAFEs), and investor community programs. Applying for an online account takes 10 minutes, and approvals are typically done in a day or two. You can also access high FDIC coverage Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Deposits in checking and savings accounts are held by our banking services partners, Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust ®; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through insurance to apply.  of up to $5 million via sweep networks with partner banks. Learn more about its features by reading our Mercury business checking review. Why I chose it Mercury Business Checking is my overall best online business bank account for startup businesses because it offers a largely fee-free account with no initial deposit or monthly fees. I like how it lets you save more with its free domestic and international USD wire transfers. It also provides a wide array of startup solutions, which include an investor database and networking program for company founders to pitch ideas, raise funding, and access mentorship opportunities. Monthly fees Mercury Business Checking: $0. Mercury Plus: $35. Mercury Pro: $350. Special Offer: Earn $200 by depositing $10,000 within your first 90 days. Minimum opening deposit: None. APY: None. ATM fees: None at 55,000 Allpoint ATMs. Features Physical and virtual debit cards. 14 subaccounts. QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero accounting software integrations. Compatible with Shopify, Stripe, Square, Zapier, Amazon, and PayPal. Advanced accounting automation under a subscription plan. Mercury investor database and Mercury Raise program for networking and funding. SAFE is an early financing option for startup companies. No-annual-fee Mercury corporate card with 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Pros and cons Pros Cons Accounts have unlimited transactions and no monthly fees or opening deposits. No wire transfer fees. FDIC insurance coverage of up to $5 million. No cash deposit support. Cannot open sole proprietorship and trust accounts. Checking and savings accounts are non-interest bearing. Novo Business Checking: Best for speedy fund access and express payments Our rating: 4.28 out of 5 Image: Novo Novo Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Middlesex Federal Savings.  offers a well-regarded online business account, Novo Business Checking. This fee-free account saves users from paying monthly fees, standard ACH fees, and incoming domestic wire transfer fees. With Novo Boost, you can receive your Stripe payments faster, and send payments rapidly using Express ACH. Additionally, Novo offers ATM fee refunds of up to $7 monthly and allows for low-cost international payments through its partnership with Wise. Check out our Novo business checking review to learn more about Novo’s features and fee structure. Why I chose it I believe Novo Business Checking is an excellent account for small businesses that rely on fast collection of customer payments to boost their working capital. You won’t need to wait for days for Stripe payouts and can receive them in a matter of hours. It’s also easy to increase your product inventory by paying your suppliers through Express ACH, where payments can be reflected on the same day. Additionally, Novo simplifies expense organization with up to 20 reserve accounts for categorizing income and expenses. Monthly fees Novo Business Checking: $0. Minimum opening deposit: None. APY: None. ATM fees: None; reimbursement of up to $7 monthly. Features Physical and virtual debit cards. ATM fee refunds each month. Free incoming wire transfers and standard ACH fees. Low-fee international payments from Wise partnership. Integrates with QuickBooks, Stripe, Square, and PayPal. Free and unlimited invoicing. Discounts on QuickBooks, Stripe, and Google Cloud through Novo perks. Up to $75,000 merchant cash advance via Novo Funding. Pros and cons Pros Cons Up to $7 monthly ATM fee refunds worldwide. No opening deposit or monthly fee. Can receive payments faster via Novo Boost. No APY. Cash cannot be deposited directly. No savings products. Bluevine Standard: Best for interest-earning checking accounts Our rating: 4.28 out of 5 Image: Bluevine Bluevine Provider is a fintech platform; not a bank. It provides FDIC

Image: James Martin/CNET Cutting‐edge South Korean AI chip startup FuriosaAI has turned down Meta’s $800 million acquisition offer, choosing its own ambitious roadmap over becoming part of the tech giant’s sprawling portfolio. This decision highlights the startup’s confidence in its technology and a broader industry trend of maintaining independence in a rapidly evolving market. Deal talks and breakdown Discussions between Meta and FuriosaAI began early this year, with Meta aiming to bolster its AI chip capabilities amid fierce competition from Nvidia and emerging players worldwide. However, as negotiations progressed, disagreements arose over post-acquisition business strategy and organizational structure rather than price considerations. FuriosaAI’s management believed that integration into Meta’s ecosystem might compromise its long-term vision and operational autonomy. The rejection of the offer reflects a strategic decision to preserve control over its innovative chip development and business model. More must-read AI coverage Strategic rationale behind the rejection FuriosaAI’s decision to remain independent appears driven by a desire to focus on its core expertise — developing AI inference chips that challenge the industry’s status quo. By declining the acquisition bid, the startup aims to continue investing in its proprietary RNGD chip, which is designed to offer superior performance per watt compared to existing solutions. The company is prioritizing its long-term strategy to scale operations and secure additional funding for future growth rather than settling for an attractive exit offer. Meta’s interest in acquiring FuriosaAI fits within a larger plan to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers like Nvidia. The company has been aggressively investing in AI infrastructure, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently outlining plans to allocate up to $65 billion this year toward AI initiatives, including custom chip development. These efforts are part of Meta’s broader strategy to enhance the performance of its platforms, ranging from social media to virtual reality, by integrating advanced, in-house AI processing capabilities. Beyond the bid: What’s next for FuriosaAI? FuriosaAI now turns its focus to ramping up production and expanding its market presence. With its Series C funding round reportedly nearing closure, the startup is well-positioned to invest further in R&D and secure strategic partnerships with major industry players. This independent path is expected to enable FuriosaAI to sharpen its competitive edge in the global AI semiconductor market, where rapid innovation and scalability are key to long-term success. source