Tech Republic

Rumors are swirling about a possible takeover of Intel. Nothing has been inked, but Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) both are in the early stages of proposing potential deals, according to The Wall Street Journal. Broadcom could potentially seek a deal for Intel’s chip design assets, while TSMC eyes its manufacturing capabilities. More about Innovation Intel interim executive chairman allegedly met with buyers, government Broadcom and TSMC are not officially working together, and any plans either company has for deals with Intel are in preliminary stages, The Wall Street Journal said. However, Intel’s Interim Executive Chairman Frank Yeary has allegedly met with potential buyers and Trump administration officials. TSMC’s involvement in particular would need to take into account Intel’s U.S. national security relationships. Intel was the largest recipient of the U.S. Chips Act of 2022, which gave up to $7.9 billion in grants to U.S.-based factory projects. Reception of that money makes Intel subject to regulations that say the company must own a majority share of its factories if they are sold off or spun out. Yeary is allegedly focused on getting the maximum value for shareholders. The two corporations could potentially buy and split Intel; in that case, one division could focus on manufacturing and one on design. Intel’s factories already operate somewhat independently; since 2022, they have taken orders from outside customers and inside the house at equal priority. Intel reports finances from the manufacturing division separately and is prepared to assign a manufacturing subsidiary its own board of directors, The Wall Street Journal said. Intel’s board of directors has been searching for a new CEO since Pete Gelsinger stepped down from that role in December 2024. SEE: Arm may shift from only licensing designs to having brand-name chips manufactured by TSMC. Intel’s financial performance didn’t please the board in the last few years Gelsinger left Intel without completing his turnaround plan, which board directors found was not benefitting the company. Intel used to be a giant in the CPU industry, but the AI boom and a failure to strategize in a way that benefits from current trends have led to it struggling. Intel is unusual among its rivals in that it has not focused solely on either manufacturing or designing chips; as such, it has seen its chip-making endeavors eclipsed by TSMC. Intel also had some struggles with quality in 2024. Three years ago, Intel’s value was twice what it was in September 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported. It dropped from first to second on Gartner’s list of top global semiconductor vendors by revenue growth. As its place in the rankings indicated, Intel is still a major player, however. Microsoft chose Intel chips for its current-gen Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11. source

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei launched its luxury Huawei Mate XT, a three-panel foldable phone, globally on February 18, the Associated Press reported from the launch event in Malaysia. The phone retails for $3,662. It isn’t available directly from U.S. carriers and won’t work with U.S. network bands, due to a U.S. ban on Huawei products due to cybersecurity concerns; however, it is possible to use workarounds to establish a 4G connection in the U.S. Huawei also announced the MatePad Pro tablet and Free Arc earbuds at the event on Tuesday. The three-screen form factor is remarkable The Huawei Mate XT marks a new era of experimentation with phone form factors; many major phone brands offer clamshell options now, with Apple as a notable exception. Huawei’s Mate XT has three foldable panels, a relatively large 10.2-inch screen, and a width of just 0.14 inches. (Compare to the 10.9” screen of an iPad.) The Mate XT can be folded into single, dual, or triple-screen formats. When all three screens are in play, the Huawei Mate XT folds out into a tablet-like format. Image: Huawei Huawei hasn’t detailed the hardware inside, but some sources say the Mate XT uses Huawei’s own Kirin 9010. It runs on the proprietary HarmonyOS 4.2 operating system. The steel hinges feature a sliding track on the inward hinge and what Huawei calls an “intricate structure” on the outer hinge, while 26 cams guide the motion. The phone is so thin in part because the 5,600mAh battery is only about 1.9 mm thick. SEE: Samsung put generative AI in the spotlight to make the Galaxy S25 stand out. Huawei faces international constraints Huawei’s global launch reflects the company’s continued push to expand beyond China despite international restrictions, particularly from the U.S. The company’s access to chips is limited since global vendors can’t use U.S. technology in designs for Huawei. Also, Google apps won’t officially work on Huawei’s phones in the U.S. The Huawei Mate XT came out in China last year. source

Meta is prepared to escalate its concerns over what it sees as unfair European Union regulations directly to U.S. President Donald Trump, according to its global affairs chief. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Joel Kaplan said that the company “won’t hesitate” to seek intervention if it believes E.U. policies discriminate against U.S. tech firms. Meta challenges E.U. oversight “When companies are treated differently and in a way that is discriminatory against them, then that should be highlighted to that company’s home government,” Kaplan said during a panel discussion, as per Bloomberg. “While we want to work within the confines of the laws that Europe has passed — and we always will — we will point out when we think we’ve been treated unfairly.” In recent years, the EU has intensified efforts to rein in big tech, safeguard digital rights, and enforce stricter data privacy laws. Meta, whose business model hinges on data collection for targeted advertising, has repeatedly clashed with these regulations. Meta — which owns Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads — has been slapped with upwards of €2 billion in fines for breaching the region’s antitrust and data protection rules, which include GDPR, the Digital Markets Act, and the Digital Services Act. This total includes a record €1.2 billion penalty in 2023 for mishandling user data transfers between Europe and the United States. SEE: EU Fines Meta Nearly €800 Million for Facebook Marketplace Practices and Advertising Data Violations Tech giants push back Meta is not alone in its concern. In September 2024, representatives from Meta along with Spotify, SAP, Ericsson, Klarna, and more major firms signed an open letter urging Europe regulators to address “inconsistent regulatory decision-making” and unpredictable compliance demands. President Trump has previously criticised the EU for its regulatory stance against Apple, Google, Meta, and other U.S. tech firms. At the World Economic Forum in January, he said “they’re American companies, and they shouldn’t be doing that,” and that “it’s a form of taxation.” Vice President JD Vance took aim at European governance of social media activity during his speech at the Munich conference, referring to it as “dismissing voters’ concerns, shutting down their media” and “the most surefire way to destroy democracy.” He also disparaged Europe’s use of “excessive regulation” at the Paris AI Summit last week. Meta’s changing approach Kaplan, a Republican strategist who replaced Nick Clegg as Meta’s policy lead after Trump assumed office, framed social media regulation as a direct challenge to free speech. “We don’t want misinformation,” Kaplan said, according to Bloomberg. “People have different perspectives of what is misinformation and what is not.” Last month, Meta revealed that it was discontinuing its third-party fact-checking program in place of a “Community Notes” system, allowing users on its platforms to add context to posts they believe are misleading. It said it would relocate its content moderation teams from California to Texas to “help remove the concern that biased employees are overly censoring content.”       Regulatory standoff on AI Beyond social media and data privacy, Meta has also clashed with the E.U. over AI regulations. In June 2024, it delayed the training of its large language models on public content shared on Facebook and Instagram after regulators suggested it might need explicit consent from content owners. As a result, Meta AI, its flagship AI assistant, has still not been released within the bloc due to its “unpredictable” regulations. Kaplan indicated that Meta would not be signing the E.U. ‘s voluntary General-Purpose AI Code of Practice due to be published at the end of April. EU stands firm Despite Meta’s pushback, E.U. officials remain resolute. Teresa Ribera, the E.U. ‘s Commissioner for Competitiveness, told Reuters that decisions on whether Meta has complied with the bloc’s rules will not be delayed from next month as a result of pushback. She also said that U.S. authorities should “enter the negotiating table” and not resort to “bullying.” source

Australia is missing out on billions in economic growth due to underinvestment in research and development, a new report warns. The country’s gross domestic product could be increased by 3% if decision-makers focus on boosting investment in research and development. The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has released its ‘Boosting Australia’s Innovation’ report outlining a series of strategies and recommendations for research and development investment that will turn Australia into “one of the world’s leading technology and innovation economies.” SEE: Australia Unveils National AI Plan to Boost Investment and Capabilities While the report emphasises the broad economic benefits of innovation investment, Australia’s current standing in AI highlights areas needing urgent attention. There is some evidence that Australia is on the back foot globally in this arena, particularly with AI. It ranked 12th in the world for number of AI patents filed between 2018 and 2022, and placed 28th for AI readiness according to Stanford University. More generally, it ranked 24th out of 132 countries on the Global Innovation Index in 2023. By contrast, countries like the United States and China dominate these rankings, demonstrating the scale of competition Australia faces. The advice originated in roundtable discussions with leaders in economic, scientific, engineering, and technological disciplines, and is aimed at governments, large industry players, small and medium businesses, and research institutions. “Australia has all the building blocks for a thriving innovation ecosystem, and so much potential to grow our impact, our wellbeing and our economy,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker in a press release. “Better systems and structure to connect and empower researchers, investors, startups, policymakers and innovators can provide fertile ground for lucrative new national industries to flourish.” The report aligned its recommendations to four outcomes: innovation-ready institutions, improved collaboration, increasing innovation investment, and improved impact measurement. Recommendations for innovation-ready institutions Consider the commercialisation potential of research projects as well as traditional academic metrics like publications and citations in promotion decisions. Implement programmes for IP development to boost researchers’ engagement with industry. Integrate commercialisation awareness and pathways throughout the research process. Establish policies for managing conflicts of interest where researchers have spun out a company. Encourage diversity in innovation activities. Recommendations for improving collaboration Implement programmes and provide infrastructure that facilitate collaboration between small and medium businesses and researchers. Evaluate existing innovation programs and scale the high-performing ones across government departments and jurisdictions. More Australia coverage Recommendations for increasing innovation investment Provide financial support for start-ups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, for example, through tax incentives. Use established procurement funds that support innovative domestic technologies addressing market and societal needs. Recommendations for improved impact measurement Implement an innovation performance measurement framework to track the impact of policy initiatives and compare them with international equivalents. Identify and address global challenges that may be preventing Australia from becoming a competitive player in innovation. Additional strategies to keep in mind when applying the recommendations: Funding decision-makers should also keep the following in mind: The value of knowledge creation extends beyond economic returns, with benefits for the public good. Successful industrial policy implementation requires a long-term perspective beyond current political cycles. A non-linear approach in research, including iterative discovery, development and application cycles, should be embraced. Clear policies can help to overcome collaboration barriers, such as differing incentives and IP ownership concerns. Consolidating overlapping research initiatives, when sensible, can streamline resources. A centralised resource hub offering advice on commercialisation, legal matters, and funding opportunities can allow all stakeholders to navigate the innovation landscape effectively. Aligning research efforts with market needs can enable scaling, drive tangible impact, and maximise returns on innovation investments. “We can and should implement the extraordinary solutions and exciting opportunities our researchers and developers create,” Walker said. “Every step we take to empower Australian knowledge and invention to thrive and build bridges across the economy will be repaid many times over in the new industries, jobs, products and opportunities we create.” With strategic investment and policy changes, Australia can unlock its full innovation potential. The next step lies in how swiftly decision-makers act on these recommendations. source

For instance, you might not realize it can simplify your workflow by summarizing lengthy business reports or drafting professional emails in seconds. With ChatGPT-5 on the horizon, now is an excellent time to work on going from a casual user to a ChatGPT expert. This 2025 ChatGPT Skills and Creativity training bundle won’t just show you ways to save time in your personal life but at work, too. You can get lifetime access for $29.99 (reg. $249.95). These ChatGPT training courses focus on two key ideas: the technical and creative side of ChatGPT. On the technical side, they’ll teach you how to communicate with the AI chatbot — the most vital part of getting good results. Right now, you might just be typing something into the textbox like “Summarize this for me…” and pasting your text, but you may be getting subpar responses. The Creative Writing & Content Creation with ChatGPT course covers prompt engineering and teaches you other keywords and phrases to add to get you a better output. As for the creative side of ChatGPT, you’ll learn how to think outside the box for ways to use it. Sure, you can use ChatGPT to help plan a vacation, but an entire course will teach you how to use AI to draft a business proposal or generate market insights. How? Think researching destinations, planning activities, budgeting your trip, calculating expenses. And for that business proposal, think structuring outlines, and gathering key data. . You can use similar techniques to automate meeting notes or generate quick client follow-ups. Learn how to use AI the right way with the 2025 ChatGPT Skills and Creativity training bundle at $29.99 for lifetime access. Prices and availability are subject to change. source

Semiconductor design firm Arm surprised the hardware industry on Feb. 13 with the announcement that it will make a server CPU as well as license its semiconductor designs to other organizations; Meta locked in as the first partner. The move turns Arm from a resource for companies like Qualcomm and NVIDIA into a potential competitor. According to the Financial Times, Arm Chief Executive Rene Haas could show the new chip by the summer. More about Innovation Arm plans to make a chip for servers in large data centers Specifically, Arm will develop and sell its own CPU intended to reside in servers for large data centers. The processor will have a base architecture customizable to different customers. More details about the chip’s capabilities were not available at the time of writing. Arm won’t do the manufacturing; like many major semiconductor producers, the chip will be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). Also, Arm has recruited personnel from its customers, according to Reuters. SEE: Data centers can reduce energy usage by changing just 30 lines of code in the Linux kernel network stack, a team from the University of Waterloo found. Arm makes most chips in leading smartphones, seeks to expand AI production Arm, which SoftBank owns, holds a critical space in the semiconductor industry as a design company that licenses its blueprints out to the tech giants that handle the implementation and manufacturing. Most of the world’s smartphones include chips designed inside Arm. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 both use AI-capable CPUs based on Arm designs. Apple’s M-series chips found in iPhones are based on Arm designs. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son plans to leverage Arm to build an AI production pipeline, the Financial Times said. SoftBank is also financing the Stargate project, a U.S.-based initiative to build out AI infrastructure along OpenAI, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. Arm is based in Cambridge, England. Arm’s chip competes with hardware powerhouses Arm’s partnership with Meta could disrupt some business for other major companies in server chips, such as Intel and AMD. Arm has already pulled ahead of Intel in the AI age because its CPUs are relatively energy efficient. Energy efficiency can make or break data center plans in the days of resource-guzzling AI workloads. Selling its own chip puts Arm in direct competition with one of its customers: Qualcomm. Arm and Qualcomm have been embroiled in a legal battle, resulting in a win for Qualcomm in December 2024. Arm alleged Qualcomm’s use of Nuvia processors, which Qualcomm began to use after acquiring Nuvia, violated the terms of Nuvia’s licenses regarding Arm chips. However, jurors were undecided on whether Nuvia actually broke its licensing contract with Arm; therefore, the case might go to another trial. Arm’s step into making a CPU product overlaps with NVIDIA’s customer base, although NVIDIA is known best for GPUs. NVIDIA attempted to buy Arm in 2020 but was thwarted by antitrust regulators. NVIDIA still has a financial stake in Arm and uses Arm for some of its designs. source

The first incremental update to Apple’s iOS 18.3 may drop next week, both 9to5Mac and MacRumors predict. Both sites monitor the devices used by their visitors to track waves of updates. It’s normal for Apple to release minor fixes after the launch of a new version, and iOS 18.3.1 is likely to include the same. However, the new release gained some unlikely buzz because of a TikTok rumor related to an optional satellite connectivity feature. What will be included in iOS 18.3.1? Apple has not released details about iOS 18.3.1; however, it is likely the update will include bug fixes, security patches, and quality-of-life upgrades. The first update after a release, such as iOS 18.2.1, often contains these small tweaks rather than introducing major new features. Since iOS 18.3 enables automatic activation of Apple Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, iOS 18.3.1 may include refinements to Apple’s generative AI features as well. iOS 18.3 resolved bugs in Genomji, HealthKit, and the Writing Tools API. Users can check for available software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update on their Apple devices. Must-read Apple coverage When will iOS 18.3.1 be released? MacRumors suggested that iOS 18.3.1 will likely drop “within the next few weeks.” The next version, iOS 18.4, is expected to be available for beta testing in March, potentially bringing  enhanced generative AI features for Siri, new emoji, and security and privacy updates as Apple fine-tunes its integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Does iOS 18.3 automatically connect to Starlink? No, iOS 18.3 does not automatically link devices to Starlink, the Elon Musk-run satellite connectivity service. In early February, an inaccurate rumor spread around TikTok that downloading iOS 18.3 would give Starlink automatic access to Apple phones. While iOS 18.3 does include a network setting that allows optional Starlink access, it is only available to T-Mobile customers participating in a beta program. This functionality is part of a T-Mobile Starlink partnership, not a direct Apple-Starlink integration. Apple’s satellite Emergency SOS feature, which works only when no cellular or Wi-Fi network is available, remains separate from Starlink services and unchanged in iOS 18.3. source

Lili is a digital-first banking platform tailored for small business owners, and entrepreneurs looking for an accessible, modern approach to financial management. Known for its user-friendly mobile app, automated expense tracking, and fee-free business checking accounts, Lili aims to empower business owners with a streamlined, hassle-free banking experience. Wondering if Lili is the right fit for your business needs? Below, I dive into Lili’s key features, pricing structure, and how it compares with other digital banking services. Lili’s fast facts My rating: 4.7 out of 5Starting price: Free business checking with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirementsKey features: No monthly fees Automatic tax and expense categorization Seamless integration with bookkeeping tools like QuickBooks Instant invoice creation for easy billing Image: Lili Lili has gained popularity among self-employed individuals and small business owners who want simplicity in their business banking. With comprehensive expense tracking, tax categorization, and no-cost banking options, Lili helps entrepreneurs achieve financial clarity without the need for a physical bank branch. Let’s take a closer look at what Lili offers and how it stands out among digital banking competitors. Lili Business Checking review: User ratings and feedback 4.7/5 Lili has received positive feedback for its automated features, user-friendly interface, and fee-free structure, making it especially popular among solo business owners. Most users appreciate Lili’s expense and tax categorization tools, which are perfect for keeping track of finances without hassle. On the downside, some users note that Lili doesn’t offer options for cash deposits, which may be limiting for businesses that handle cash frequently. Despite this limitation, Lili remains an excellent choice for digital-focused businesses that operate primarily online (i.e., ecommerce, digital stores, etc.). Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 stars G2: 4.6 out of 5 stars Business owners consistently commend Lili for its straightforward account setup and digital banking tools, which streamline expense tracking and simplify financial organization. A common drawback is the lack of cash deposit options. However, this won’t impact businesses that are comfortable operating online. Lili’s pricing structure Lili’s pricing model centers around accessibility and simplicity. It offers business checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees and no balance requirements, which makes Lili especially appealing to business owners, and startups wanting to reduce banking expenses while gaining access to effective financial tools. No monthly fees: Lili’s business checking account is completely free with no hidden fees. Unlimited ACH transfers: ACH transfers between accounts are unlimited and free of charge. Debit card access: Both digital and physical debit cards are available for free. Automatic tax and expense tracking: Built-in features categorize transactions and track expenses, helping users simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation. Lili’s low-cost, feature-rich approach is ideal for small businesses aiming to keep expenses low while gaining access to essential banking functions. Visit Lili Key features of Lili Business Checking 4.7/5 Lili provides features designed to meet the needs of small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from Lili Business Checking. 1. No monthly fees Lili’s business checking account is completely free, with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. This makes Lili a cost-effective option for small business owners who want to save on banking fees. 2. Automated tax and expense tracking One of Lili’s standout features is its automated tax and expense categorization. Every transaction is automatically sorted and categorized, making it easier for business owners to monitor their spending and prepare for tax season. This feature is especially helpful for business owners who often handle both personal and business expenses. 3. Integration with accounting software Lili integrates seamlessly with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks, allowing users to sync their transactions and streamline bookkeeping. This integration reduces the time spent on manual entry, giving users a clear view of their cash flow and simplifying financial management. 4. Digital and physical debit cards Lili offers both virtual and physical debit cards that can be used for business expenses. The ability to issue multiple cards and set spending limits makes it easier for small teams to manage expenses while keeping finances secure and organized. Would our expert use Lili Business Checking? 5.0/5 Lili Business Checking is an excellent choice for solo business owners, and small teams who prefer a digital-first approach to banking. The fee-free structure and automated expense tracking make it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to minimize costs while gaining access to essential financial tools. Expert opinion: Lili is perfect for businesses prioritizing affordability, tech-driven solutions, and easy integration with accounting software. However, a more traditional bank may be a better fit if your business frequently requires cash deposits or in-person banking services. Lili pros No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements: Great for startups and business owners focused on reducing costs Automated tax categorization and expense tracking: Helps users stay organized and prepared for tax season Integration with QuickBooks: Syncs transactions automatically, reducing manual data entry Digital and physical debit cards: Easy to issue and manage, especially useful for small teams Lili cons No option for cash deposits: May limit businesses that handle cash Limited to online-only services: No physical branches or in-person banking options No business credit or lending products: Focuses exclusively on checking accounts and debit cards, so businesses needing credit may need an alternative provider Business types supported by Lili Lili is designed to cater to a variety of small business structures, making it a versatile banking solution for entrepreneurs. The types of businesses that can benefit from Lili include: Sole proprietors: Lili is ideal for individuals running their own small, unincorporated businesses. Single-member LLCs: Lili supports single-member LLCs, offering tools to help business owners manage expenses, categorize transactions, and prepare for tax season. Independent contractors: Lili’s automated expense tracking and tax features are especially useful for those working in gig- or project-based roles. Side hustlers: Lili’s no-fee checking is an excellent option for side hustlers who may not need a traditional business account but want to keep their business and personal finances separate. With these business structures in mind,

Money market accounts (MMAs) and savings accounts are common banking products offered by financial institutions. Both are classified as savings products and may seem similar since they earn interest. However, money market accounts tend to have higher interest rates and require larger minimum balances than savings accounts. Additionally, some MMAs let you write checks and often come with a debit card. What is a money market account? A money market account is a deposit account that blends the features of a traditional savings account and a checking account. In general, it offers higher interest but often has a higher minimum balance requirement and initial deposit than a traditional savings account. Money market accounts can include check-writing privileges and a debit card. What is a savings account? A savings account is a basic bank account where customers deposit their funds and earn interest. These accounts are considered low-risk and usually offer lower yields than money market accounts. Savings accounts also have lower initial deposits and balance minimums and often feature low or no monthly service fees. To encourage saving and limit access to funds, savings accounts typically are not issued a debit card. Key differences: savings account vs money market account Below is a table highlighting the differences between a savings account vs money market account. Savings Account Money Market Account Initial deposit amount Lower Higher Minimum balance requirement Lower Higher Monthly service fee Lower; waivable Higher; waivable Earns interest Yes Yes Monthly withdrawal limits Six but varies per provider Six but varies per provider Debit card availability No Yes; some Check-writing No Yes; some Federally insured Yes Yes Risk level Very low-risk Low-risk Suitability Short-term goals Medium to long-term goals Interest rates of money market vs savings accounts Before choosing a business bank, it is essential to review the interest rate offered for a money market vs a savings account. Money market account: It typically offers higher interest rates than savings accounts, ranging from 0.5% to over 3%, depending on the bank and the minimum balance required. Some financial institutions provide tiered MMAs, which yield higher returns for larger accounts. Savings account: In contrast, a savings account draws lower interest, typically between 0.01% and 0.5% at many banks. Online banks and credit unions may provide more competitive rates. The minimum balance requirements for savings accounts tend to be lower than MMAs. If your goal is to earn higher interest while meeting minimum balance requirements, I recommend choosing a money market account. However, if you want a simpler account without the pressure of maintaining a high balance, a regular savings account may be a better choice. Access to funds of money market vs savings accounts Compared to other types of savings products, such as certificates of deposit (CDs), both money market and savings accounts offer more liquidity. Money market account: Highly liquid, it enables easy access to funds and transfers to linked checking accounts. Unlike regular savings accounts, some MMAs also allow check writing and debit card access. However, check with your bank for withdrawal limits, as transfers and withdrawals are typically restricted to six per month under Federal Reserve regulations. Savings account: This account type allows easy access to funds through online banking and transfers between linked accounts, though it may have the same monthly withdrawal limits as MMAs. Some banks may not limit inter-account transfers. Generally, there are no minimum balance requirements, and you won’t face penalties for accessing your money. If you’re looking for more flexibility, such as the ability to write checks or use a debit card, I strongly recommend a money market account that offers these features over a traditional savings account. However, if you prefer higher liquidity without the need to maintain a large balance, a savings account might be more suitable for you. Minimum balances and fees of money market vs savings accounts Fees and balance requirements can vary a lot between money market accounts and savings accounts, depending on the financial institution. Here are some general differences: Money market account: Typically requires a higher minimum balance, often ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, but it can sometimes reach $10,000 or more. Monthly service fees usually range from $5 to $30. Additionally, if you exceed the monthly limit of six transactions, you may incur transaction costs. Savings account: Generally has lower minimum balance requirements, starting as low as $25 to $100. Many providers, particularly online-only banks, may not require a minimum balance or charge a monthly service fee at all. However, if you exceed the monthly withdrawal limit, a transaction fee of $3 to $10 may apply. If you have a smaller balance and prefer an account with little to no fees, a savings account is likely your best option. Between a money market and a savings account, I believe the latter can be a more cost-effective option if you don’t plan to maintain a large balance or earn high returns. Risk and insurance of money market vs savings accounts When discussing risk and insurance, both MMAs and savings accounts are generally considered low-risk options. They are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for banks and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for credit unions. Money market account: It is designated as low-risk because it is backed by the FDIC or NCUA. If the financial institution fails, your account is protected up to $250,000 per depositor and per institution. Generally, the risk associated with MMAs is slightly higher since they may be invested in short-term securities, such as treasury bills and CDs. Savings account: Classified as very low risk, it is also insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to a coverage limit of $250,000 per depositor and per institution, in case of a bank or credit union failure. Regular savings accounts are considered the safest savings vehicles since they are not exposed to market fluctuations. Overall, I view both MMAs and savings accounts as low-risk options due to the FDIC or NCUA insurance coverage. While some minimal risk may exist,

When you’re in an all-hands meeting, you’re likely feeling two things. First, you struggle to jot down all the important points — usually everything your boss says. Second, you may feel bored, unfocused, or downright confused throughout the long meetings. Thankfully, there’s a tool that could make your meetings much more bearable. Meet Hedy AI, an AI meeting coach app that records everything that’s presented or spoken; it can also give you smart talking points to sound your brightest in front of your team and managers. Grab it while the one-year subscription is discounted to only $29.99 (reg. $69.99). Image: StackCommerce Your new AI assistant Trying to engage in meeting discussions or project planning can be stressful, especially if you’re unprepared.. Luckily, Hedy AI helps you contribute meaningfully to conversations, whether you’re working with a new client or brainstorming marketing ideas with colleagues. You might come up with a winning idea that gives your team a competitive edge! At the end of your meetings, Hedy AI will provide you with clear transcripts, meaning you won’t have to hurriedly jot down notes mid-meeting and potentially miss key points or requests. Just review the transcript afterwards, and take advantage of the app’s recording of meeting minutes. Beyond using Hedy AI at work to impress coworkers and higher-ups, you can also rely on it in other conversations. Have a job interview? Use this app to ask thoughtful and relevant follow-up questions. Attending a class lecture? With Hedy AI, you can gain a clearer understanding of your teacher’s lessons and the topic of discussion. Grab Hedy AI’s conversation and meeting coaching for just $29.99 while this best-of-web pricing lasts. No coupon needed! Prices and availability are subject to change. source