Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2025-12-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – The old saying goes that “a worker is only as good as their tools.” Keeping the everyday needs of professional tradespeople top of mind, Festool has been innovating for the past 100 years. Since its founding in Germany, and with a quarter century in North America as an industry leader in precision-engineered, durable power tool solutions, Festool ensures that tradespeople have the best tools possible to help them succeed.

“Since 1925, we have been creating tools designed to help professionals build better,” said Clint Chapman, CEO of Festool North America. “We collaborate with tradespeople to uncover their greatest needs, using those insights to drive every innovation and every solution.”

Celebrating its global 100th anniversary this year, as well as its 25th anniversary providing North America with cutting-edge products, Festool continues to use its ingenuity to design tools to solve problems and streamline work processes that are more efficient and safer for the tradespeople who rely on them.

Built for tough customer demands

One hundred years ago, Albert Fezer and Gottlieb Stoll founded a company that repaired stationary wood processing machines. They quickly realized they could use their expertise to build better machines, and focused on providing tradespeople with high-quality tools to help them work better and more efficiently.

For over a century, the brand has consistently developed tools and systems tailored to those workers’ specific needs. And for over two decades, Festool has brought that to the North America region as well.

Revolutionary firsts in professional tools

Some of Festool’s remarkable milestones include tools that have since become essential to tradespeople everywhere. Here are some highlights:

Creation of cutting-edge tools

• The breakthrough portable chainsaw invented by Festool in 1927, establishing the foundation for portable power tools.
• The first portable circular saw for carpenters was built in 1930, setting the stage for decades of innovation.
• The first orbital sander created in 1966, RTS-S, replaced tedious, time-consuming work with a more efficient solution. It also introduced the world’s first dust extraction system to prioritize health and safety.
• The 1960s also saw the introduction of Festool’s guide rail, now an essential tool in trades worldwide.
• In 1970 the ROTEX became the first geared random orbit sander in the world to combine coarse sanding, fine sanding and polishing in a single tool.
• The legendary Systainer, a versatile storage, organization and transportation system created in 1993, remains an industry standard, now available in 185 different versions.
• Festool continued to push the boundaries with products like the DOMINO wood joining system in 2006, the PLANEX LHS 225 drywall sander with adjustable vacuum suction in 2008 and the cordless CSC SYS 50 table saw in Systainer Format in 2023.

Drive for tradesperson efficiency, health and safety

• Recently, Festool’s ExoActive exoskeleton was designed to provide under-the-arm support for professionals, making work on walls or ceilings easier, showcasing the company’s commitment to ergonomic advancements.
• Further ensuring occupational health and safety, the company introduced innovative technologies like KickbackStop, an accessory that detects tool jams or kickbacks and stops the motor to prevent injury, and the Vibration Control System, an electronic function that actively monitors and reduces vibrations for more comfortable sanding.
• SYS-AIR Air Filter released in 2025 sets a new standard for air quality by effectively capturing airborne dust, using a powerful two-stage filter system that aggressively cleans air by removing even the tiniest dust particles for enhanced air quality.

Looking forward

Combining precision engineering and a drive for innovation, Festool builds on its legacy as it continues to redefine what’s possible for tradespeople.

“So many of our products have left their mark on the professional trades over the past 100 years, but we’re continuing to grow and innovate,” said Chapman. “Celebrating our anniversary means not simply reflecting on a century of originality, but turning to the future, asking what problems we can solve for tradespeople now and into the next century.”

Learn more about 100 years of Festool and explore today’s professional tools at FestoolUSA.com.

2025-12-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know over half of adults worldwide (57%) faced at least one scam attempt this past year? As the holiday season kicks into high gear, scammers aren’t taking time off — they’re cashing in on the season of goodwill. And many of them are successful: Scammers are expected to steal an estimated $442 billion globally by the end of 2025.

A recent AARP survey found the holidays in particular see a spike in phishing and other scams, including requests from fake charities, fraudulent texts about unsuccessful deliveries, online shopping scams and more. These scams are aimed at shoppers of all ages: Reports of encountering fraud while online shopping jumped from 36% last year to 41% this year among those ages 18-34, with a 12% bump among ages 35-44 — totaling 42% reporting fraud attempts in that age group.

The good news? The more consumers recognize scam attempts, the more power they have to stop fraud in its tracks. That’s the idea behind the Tech Against Scams Coalition (TASC), founded by Coinbase, a cryptocurrency company that helps protect assets with institutional-grade security, alongside other technology companies, including Cash App, Ripple and Match Group. TASC aims to educate the public about a variety of increasingly sophisticated scams, to help protect them from falling prey to fraudsters.

“Anyone can be a target, and scams are evolving constantly, but everyone can play a part in preventing fraud,” said Chief Information Security Officer at Coinbase, Jeff Lunglhofer. “A scammer’s biggest weakness is an informed community.”

To help protect consumers this holiday season, TASC is sharing red flags to watch for during online interactions with people you don’t know in person, whether you’re communicating via text, social media or an app.

Avoiding in-person meetings or virtual calls

If the other person always has an excuse for not meeting or video chatting, they might not be who they say they are.

Even phone calls and video chats are not foolproof. Today’s scammers can use deepfake technology to create convincing videos or manipulate their voices to make you believe they are someone they’re not.

Pushing to move conversations off the original platform

Be cautious if someone wants to switch from your social media chat, marketplace or dating app to using text or another private channel. This is often done to avoid detection.

Getting too personal too soon

Scammers may also use strong emotional appeals and flattery to try to rush you into a closer relationship. Be wary of anyone who pushes for intimacy too quickly, or tries to escalate the conversation into romantic or sexual topics early on. Scammers may also urge you not to tell anyone about your interactions. If someone pressures you to keep the relationship private, they’re likely hiding something.

Never send private information to anyone you haven’t met in person, as scammers can use that to extort money or manipulate you into complying with their demands.

Requesting money for personal emergencies

Scammers frequently invent stories about urgent medical bills, business troubles or family issues to gain sympathy.

Don’t send money to anyone — even a loved one — without first verifying their identity through an alternate means of contact, and never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts.

Asking you to co-invest in an opportunity

Fraudsters often lure victims into fake investment schemes, using promises of quick returns or insider access. Scammers may pose as financially successful individuals offering you opportunities to invest in “exclusive” ventures.

Always navigate through official channels before investing a cent.

How to protect your identity and information

Never share personal information, like your home or work address, or financial information, before meeting someone in person. Double-check privacy settings on your social media accounts and apps to limit visibility of personal details like contacts, friend lists and photos to reduce the information scammers can access about you. Finally, always set up multi-factor authentication to make it more difficult for bad actors to gain access to important accounts.

Report suspicious behavior

One in five adults who experience a scam never report it, yet open conversation is the best way to hold scammers accountable and build community awareness. Use in-app reporting tools to alert online platforms about suspicious user behavior. You can also report scams to law enforcement.

To help you recover from scams or fraud, use this Scam Survival Toolkit from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you’ve dealt with a romance scam, this Romance Scam Recovery Group offers emotional and practical support, connecting scam survivors to others with similar experiences.

This holiday season, TASC is driving a cultural wake-up call through their “Scamberry Pie” awareness campaign with events in New York City and Los Angeles, where they’ll provide a tip to help consumers avoid getting scammed under each red-flag-shaped slice of pie. The goal is to be a delicious, educational way to start important conversations around the holiday table.

Stay safe from scams this holiday season. Visit Coinbase.com/security and TechAgainstScams.io to learn more about protecting yourself from online fraud.

2025-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for ways to slim down and improve your health? You’ve probably heard about GLP-1s — the buzzworthy prescription medication behind some of today’s most talked-about weight loss stories. They’ve been a game-changer for many people who’ve struggled to find a weight loss solution that works, and inspired others to look into whether these treatments might be an effective option for them.

But along with the hype comes plenty of confusion, especially around cost and coverage.

“Innovative medicines like GLP-1s are changing what’s possible for millions of people, but those benefits don’t matter if the people who need them can’t actually get them,” said Divya Iyer, senior vice president at GoodRx. “The good news is that it’s getting easier to see if you’re eligible and what you might expect to pay.”

Before you rush to your doctor to ask whether a GLP-1 might be right for you, here are some quick answers to common questions.

What exactly are GLP-1s?

GLP-1s mimic a natural hormone in your body. They help regulate blood sugar and can also slow digestion, which can support weight management.

Some GLP-1s are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, while others are not. For example, two of the best known GLP-1s, Ozempic and Wegovy, both contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, while Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults with obesity, Ozempic is approved to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, though some people with diabetes may lose weight while taking it. Another medication in this class, Zepbound, contains tirzepatide and is also FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

A healthcare professional can help you figure out which option is best for your needs.

Aren’t GLP-1s expensive?

The truth is, they can be. Without insurance, these prescriptions can cost over $1,100 a month. That kind of price tag puts them out of reach for most people. But there are ways to save.

When using a GoodRx discount, eligible patients can access an introductory cash price of $199 per month for the first two fills of the two lowest doses of Ozempic and Wegovy. After that, the ongoing cash price is just $349 per month.

If you don’t have a prescription yet, GoodRx for Weight Loss is a telemedicine subscription that can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate you and, if appropriate, prescribe an FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight loss. The service includes options for both home delivery and in-store pick up, depending on the medication prescribed.

“It can be overwhelming to navigate coverage, prices and treatment options,” said Iyer. “That’s why having clear, trusted information matters so much. People want to know they’re getting authentic, FDA-approved medications at an affordable price. Our goal is to make it simple to find that.”

Not sure where to start? If you already have a prescription, search the medication name on GoodRx to see prices near you. If you need a prescription, you can start a visit through GoodRx for Weight Loss to see if treatment is right for you.

Can’t I just go through my insurance?

It depends. Many insurance plans cover GLP-1s if they’re prescribed for diabetes, but coverage is far less common if they’re prescribed solely for weight loss. And even if your plan covers them, your insurer may add restrictions or extra steps that can make getting treatment challenging.

If you’re not sure what your plan covers, contact your insurance plan and ask about coverage for the specific medicine name. Whether your insurance helps or not, you can still compare cash prices on platforms like GoodRx, which helps you find lower prices for leading generic and brand medications, including GLP-1s.

“GoodRx is not insurance, but it can act as a complement that fill in the gaps where insurance falls short,” said Iyer. “That’s why it’s always worth comparing prices before paying, even if you have insurance.”

What about those super cheap options I’ve seen online? What’s the catch?

If you’ve spotted bargain-basement GLP-1s online, here’s the catch: they’re often compounded versions of the medication, which are not FDA-approved. That means they haven’t been reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality. Before ordering any prescriptions online, always check that the pharmacy is legitimate and talk with a qualified healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

Where can I learn more?

At the end of the day, GLP-1s can be a powerful tool for achieving your weight loss goals, but only if they’re safe and affordable. With the right support, and by exploring your coverage and cash-pay options, reaching your health goals may be closer than you think.

Visit GoodRx.com/glp-1-discounts to learn more about subscriptions and savings on GLP-1 medications.

2025-12-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – National Giftcard Week brings exclusive offers December 7–13, giving shoppers a new way to save on the gifts people actually want

Let’s be honest: holiday shopping can be stressful. Between juggling everyone’s wish lists, dodging shipping delays, and watching your budget, it’s a lot. But here’s some good news—more shoppers are going with a simpler solution that checks every box: gift cards. And this year, they come with deals that make them an even smarter choice.

Why Gift Cards Make Sense This Year

Gift cards eliminate the biggest holiday headaches. No worrying about shipping delays or lost packages. No stress about sizes, styles, or whether someone already owns what you’re giving. No awkward returns eating up time in January. When you buy a gift card, you know exactly what you’re spending and exactly what value your recipient receives.

Plus, gift cards are reliable. Your recipient can use it for whatever makes sense for them, whether that’s everyday needs or a little splurge. That peace of mind? Priceless.

Most importantly, recipients can choose what they actually need right now. One person uses it for groceries during a tight week. Another saves it for a nice dinner out. Someone else puts it toward something bigger they’ve been wanting. The flexibility means your gift is perfect for whatever life brings.

Finding the Best Gift Card Deals

This year, finding value on gift cards just got easier. National Giftcard Week—December 7 through 13—marks the first nationwide event dedicated entirely to gift card promotions, bringing limited-time deals to participating retailers and Giftcards.com across hundreds of brands.

National Giftcard Week helps with a common shopping frustration: instead of chasing sales on individual items that may or may not fit your list, you can find deals on the gifts people consistently say they want most. In fact, gift cards have been the most-requested holiday gift for nearly two decades.

Shoppers can find these deals at major retailers including Target, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food and Drug, King Soopers, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Smith’s Food and Drug, Giant Eagle, Publix, and ShopRite, as well as online at Giftcards.com, and on the Klarna app. Check the gift card racks at your local grocery stores and major retailers. The offers will be clearly marked during the December 7–13 window. For the widest selection on digital gift cards, Giftcards.com features deals across more than 200 brands, spanning several categories: dining, entertainment, fashion, travel, and everyday essentials.

Smart Gifting in Action

Here’s what smart holiday shopping looks like this week: go online or walk into your local participating retailer during National Giftcard Week, find deals on gift cards for the major categories on your list, and leave knowing you’ve given gifts that people will actually use. Your budget stretches further, your recipients get exactly what they want, and nobody’s dealing with returns or regrets.

For shoppers trying to balance generosity with practical concerns, gift cards deliver. And with National Giftcard Week bringing exclusive offers to the table, there’s never been a better time to make them your go-to holiday solution.

Find National Giftcard Week deals December 7–13 at participating retailers or explore 200+ brands at Giftcards.com.

2025-11-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – For any business, effective marketing is about getting the right message to the right person at the right time. Today’s AI capabilities take this goal to the next level, allowing businesses to transform how they connect with customers. But AI’s real power comes with context — understanding not just what humans do, but why they do it, and tailoring experiences to that deeper insight.

Businesses with a global reach need these tools more than ever to stay competitive. For the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, connecting with 850 million fans around the world is critical. While technology is the key, it’s vital to remember that people are the engine.

“To really understand people, we’ve got to get past the surface-level data of clicks and really start understanding behavior,” said Rob Bloom, Chief Marketing Officer, AMF1. “What are they clicking on in the content they’re consuming, what merchandise are they browsing in the store? What’s their race weekend experience look like? When you really understand human behavior and apply the power of AI, it becomes a huge accelerant to help us deliver more content, experiences and bespoke merchandise drops that are absolutely tailored to that individual.”

Personalize customer experiences

Together, Aston Martin and AI services provider and AMF1’s Global Technology Services Partner Cognizant are redefining what effective marketing looks like. How? By using AI for capabilities from predictive storytelling to personalized fan experiences.

“AI tools let us personalize in ways we couldn’t before,” said Thea Hayden, Chief Marketing Officer, Cognizant. “Personalization isn’t just about data; it’s about context. AI can connect signals across platforms, languages, and moments to deliver experiences that feel intuitive and relevant.”

What does this mean for racing fans? “When you’ve got a huge global fan base across multiple languages, you have to bring in AI to help you on that journey,” added Bloom. “We might use generative AI to work cross-platform for more tailored and even individual messages from a driver to individual fans — in 35 languages — so each fan feels like they’re part of this team and this journey.”

Use AI tools that benefit your business

The precise AI tools that your business finds useful will vary, depending on the nature and size of your company. Not sure where to start? “Think about AI as something that can add speed, relevance or insight to any part of your customer journey,” Hayden explained. That could mean using consumer-facing tools like assist agents and recommender systems to answer questions and make recommendations.

But AI can also help your team function more efficiently, like using it to record and take notes during team meetings, providing not only data to refer back to, but also sharing insights and actions, clarifying what’s been discussed in an objective manner for your entire team.

AI can also maximize brain power by expanding your whole team’s capabilities. For example, Cognizant recently engaged associates from across the company to participate in a “Vibe Coding” event to win a Guinness World Records™ title for most participants in an online generative AI hackathon. With vibe coding, participants define what they need in natural language, then AI generates the code — making software creation more accessible to everyone and democratizing innovation across technical and non-technical roles.

How can marketing teams start using AI?

Because consumers already use AI tools like search engines, recommendation requests and task management, it’s no longer a luxury for businesses to use these tools, but a necessity.

“We’re seeing consumer adoption of AI outpacing enterprise adoption,” noted Hayden. “We have a smarter, more informed consumer today. Our research shows that by 2030, 55% of purchases are going to be driven by AI-friendly consumers. We need to make sure we’re meeting them where they are.”

Here are five tips for starting AI adoption:

• Be open-minded: Being willing to learn and grow will open new opportunities. “The best marketers are going to be those who don’t use every tool, but know how to ask the right questions and remain curious,” Hayden noted.
• Don’t be afraid to play: Experimentation will help your team discover what works and what doesn’t. “Try different things, see what works and what isn’t helping,” said Bloom. “When you find things that work, share them with your colleagues and learn together.”
• Start small: Don’t expect to learn everything immediately. “You don’t have to do the whole journey at once,” said Hayden. “Pick part of the customer journey you know can benefit from AI, try it out and see what happens.”
• Understand your customers: Knowing who your customers are and what they want is vital. “We said, ‘Let’s really get a good understanding of our fans,’ with the recognition that there’s 850 million Formula 1 fans in the world, but they’re all different,” said Bloom. “We win by finding ways to connect with them that are tailored to their individual preferences.”
• Help consumers find you: Make sure content you deliver is discoverable, visible and valuable by AI-savvy consumers and AI agents. “Make sure you’re delivering your message in a way that’s not only relevant and personalized, but consistent, factual and findable by agents and hits them right when they’re looking for it,” Hayden said.
• Prioritize context: AI works best when it understands the bigger picture including workflows, environment, and tribal knowledge.

Ultimately, AI tech tools ideally lead businesses to one goal: providing what consumers want.

“We set out on day one to be fan first and put the audience at the heart of what we do,” said Bloom. “AI tools help us deliver on that promise.”

Learn how Cognizant and its clients are moving toward the future by watching Cognizant Tech Talks.

2025-11-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Eric Yu

Eric Yu leads global SMB business strategy within Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group, overseeing Lenovo’s Commercial Product Center, Workstation and Client AI businesses. He leverages his AI expertise to translate business needs into effective product design and management, driving exponential growth.

As Small Business Saturday approaches, entrepreneurs across the country are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. For many, this season also sparks reflection: opportunities for growth, resilience and how technology can help. Amid the rapid rise of AI, small business owners are asking a common question: When will there be one AI solution that can streamline it all?

It’s an understandable wish. Imagine a single digital assistant that manages inventory, sends follow-up emails, predicts demand and orders your next shipment automatically. The truth is, that kind of “do-it-all” AI agent doesn’t exist yet. And that’s perfectly OK, because the path to that future is already being built, piece by piece, through powerful and practical AI tools that small businesses can use today.

At Lenovo, we’re seeing firsthand how AI-powered innovation in hardware and services is helping small and midsized businesses (SMBs) make measurable progress toward greater efficiency and autonomy. In fact, recent launches from Lenovo’s ThinkBook and ThinkPad lines feature on-device AI accelerators, enhanced manageability and modular accessories that help bridge the gap between human potential and machine intelligence. These aren’t futuristic ideas, they’re here today, helping SMBs reclaim time, streamline decisions and stay focused on what matters most.

Putting Today’s AI Tools to Work

1. Adopt AI PCs to streamline daily tasks

Modern AI PCs are redefining productivity by embedding dedicated AI processors directly into the device. These on-chip accelerators allow for local, lightning-fast handling of tasks such as smart email summarization, meeting transcription, better power efficiency and predictive text suggestions.

For small business owners managing multiple priorities, those small efficiencies add up. Shaving just a few minutes off repetitive tasks — especially during peak shopping seasons — can translate into hours reclaimed for strategic work or customer engagement.

And adoption is already ramping up. According to ITPro, AI PCs are expected to account for 31% of all computer shipments in 2025 — a 16% increase from 2024 — a clear sign that businesses are embracing systems built for AI-native workflows. These devices don’t just perform faster; they help process data more securely, right on the device, giving SMBs peace of mind as they modernize their operations.

2. Enhance efficiency with modular AI-driven accessories

While many small businesses are still adapting their systems for AI integration, emerging technologies point to a future where intelligent add-ons further enhance embedded AI capabilities.

Modular, scalable accessories that optimize workflows will help offload multitasking clutter, as well as help teams stay focused and present during high-pressure scenarios. As these innovations continue to mature, they may offer small and midsize businesses a practical way to embed intelligent automation into daily operations, improving accessibility and implementing a tech-forward approach to ensure long-term success.

3. Link AI agents together for smarter workflows

While many AI tools today function independently, small businesses can get creative by linking them together for more powerful results. For example, an AI assistant that identifies a customer inquiry in an email could automatically create a follow-up task — or even draft a personalized response for review.

And the trend is accelerating. IBM’s 2025 study projected that AI-enabled workflows would rise from just 3% at the start of the year to roughly 25% by year’s end as more leaders discover how these linked systems can save time, reduce human error and improve customer satisfaction.

The takeaway: You don’t have to wait for an “ultimate” AI assistant to achieve intelligent automation. By experimenting with small connections between existing tools, SMBs can build custom ecosystems that evolve alongside their needs.

Looking Ahead: The Future Is Modular, Not Monolithic

The dream of a single, all-knowing AI app will likely become reality someday, but it won’t happen overnight. The next few years will be defined by modular, interoperable AI systems that adapt to how people actually work.

At Lenovo, our AI-powered innovations are designed to bring that future closer. Each advancement gives small businesses a stepping stone toward autonomy and intelligence, without requiring them to overhaul everything at once.

This Small Business Saturday, as entrepreneurs reflect on how far they’ve come, it’s worth remembering that AI doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap. The businesses that start integrating intelligent tools now, especially during high-volume, high-stakes moments like the holiday rush, will be the ones best prepared for the AI-powered future ahead.

Because in the end, building toward an AI-powered future isn’t about waiting for the perfect solution. It’s about taking the next smart step today.

2025-11-19T18:01:01

(BPT) – At LG Electronics, Better Life for All is more than a corporate vision or tagline — it’s a guiding principle that shapes everything we create. Central to our inclusive vision is a belief in universal design: the philosophy of crafting products and experiences to deliver convenience and comfort for everyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

Committed to this philosophy, LG aims to go beyond functional innovation to provide unique lifestyle solutions that truly put people first. A deep understanding of our customers and the diverse environments in which they live is essential to this endeavor, which is why listening to the voice of the customer is such an integral part of our design process.

We have established systems to directly integrate real user feedback, especially from those with limited mobility — and seniors and children — into the product development stage. This includes operating an advisory group of people with disabilities and conducting in-depth usability testing. Both of these elements have proven instrumental in helping us to identify and minimize even the smallest points of user discomfort.

Designing with Empathy, Delivering with Purpose

Design at LG has always been about more than aesthetics. It’s about innovating with empathy to ensure usability, ease and enjoyment for all. For us, universal design is not just an outcome, but a mindset shared by all our teams — one that infuses human-centeredness into every decision, no matter how minor or inconsequential it may seem to someone looking in from the outside. From the first concept sketch to the final product experience, we view every touchpoint as an opportunity to make someone’s daily life simpler, safer and more enjoyable.

This approach requires us to design with people rather than for them. It challenges our teams to think beyond convention, to question what “easy to use” truly means and to continuously refine our technology to better meet and adapt to real human needs. When empathy is woven into the design process itself, innovation follows naturally. That is how we translate inclusivity from principle to practice.

Turning Philosophy into Practice: The Comfort Kit

Putting this philosophy into action, we launched the Comfort Kit — a series of affixable assistive kits designed to allow anyone to use our products easily, regardless of their gender, age or physical condition.

Some examples:

• Easy Handle: Enables users with limited hand mobility to open washers and dryers with minimal effort.
• Easy Ball: Helps those with reduced finger dexterity to manipulate control dials with ease.
• Easy Hanger: Allows people using wheelchairs, or those who are shorter than average, to interact comfortably with the LG Styler.
• Rotating Shelf: Improves refrigerator usability by making it easier to access hard-to-reach items.

We have presented inclusive design solutions that improve the usability of existing products, becoming the first in the home appliance industry to introduce 14 accessibility-enhancing kits. These Comfort Kit series, designed to remove the “one-size-fits-some” barrier that many customers have long faced, are also sustainably manufactured — reflecting our commitment to protecting the planet.

Recognition Beyond Design

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Globally, we are recognized as a model company for inclusive design.

We’ve shared our accessibility technologies and design philosophy at forums such as the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, where the Comfort Kit series was welcomed by both consumers and organizations advocating for underrepresented communities.

We also showcased this work at important global exhibitions such as IFA and CES. Our dedication to good design earned us the “Design Awards Grand Slam” — winning top honors at all three major global design awards, Red Dot, iF and IDEA.

These accolades matter to us, but more importantly, they reflect our deep conviction that inclusive design is not just a feature — it’s a responsibility.

Designing for a Better Tomorrow

For us at LG, realizing the Better Life for All vision means creating unique products and experiences that feel right for everyone, and can be enjoyed by anyone. We will continue to advance accessibility so that all customers can take advantage of everything that our products and services have to offer. No caveats or compromises, only convenience and comfort.

By Sooyeon Kim, head of HS & ES Design Lab at LG Electronics

2025-11-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – While today’s Fortune 500 companies have largely automated many processes, smaller businesses, the “Fortune 5 million,” often find themselves stuck due to the friction of manual workflows. For the millions of busy small and midsize businesses (SMBs) that power the U.S. economy, numerous back-office tasks like validating W-9s, reconciling receipts, user onboarding and other routine duties are slowing down the gears, making it harder for those companies to succeed and grow.

Offering SMBs tools to automate the functions that are clogging up their processes, intelligent financial operations platform BILL is introducing new AI agents that power touchless transactions. With this suite of intelligent AI agents and features, SMBs can delete manual workflows that are holding them back from success.

Highly trained AI agents

BILL AI has helped accelerate billions in payments and processed over 1.3 billion documents. Since the beginning of 2025, their AI solutions have increased fully automated bills by over 80% and stopped 8 million fraud attempts in fiscal year 2025 alone. The company currently serves nearly half a million businesses and 9,000 accounting firms, making BILL a trusted AI solution for SMBs, with AI agents that are smarter, faster and more reliable from the start.

“The Fortune 5 million deserve the same power and precision as the Fortune 500,” said René Lacerte, CEO and founder of BILL. “With data from trillions of dollars in transactions and a network of millions of businesses and accounting firms, we are uniquely positioned to deliver AI at a scale that is unmatched in our category. The future of fintech is touchless B2B transactions, and BILL is leading the way for SMBs.”

Streamlined processes with AI agents

Inefficiencies force many leaders into trade-offs between running the back office and growing their business. BILL’s new AI agents and features automate critical financial workflows and handle routine tasks accurately, so business leaders can focus on what matters most.

Here are just a few ways BILL’s AI agents can streamline formerly manual workflows:

BILL W-9 agent: Based on data from BILL customers, over 90% of businesses say collecting W-9s is the most painful part of doing taxes. But touchless tax compliance helps eliminate over 80% of manual steps for collecting W-9s. BILL’s first-of-its-kind agent autonomously requests and pre-validates W-9s from vendors. It can erase most of the work associated with collecting up to 3 million W-9s, saving BILL customers an estimated 650,000 hours. The agent is available to over 170,000 businesses, making tax compliance faster, easier and more reliable.

BILL reconciliation agent: The touchless receipts agent automatically codes transactions so receipts reconcile themselves while maintaining full visibility into expenses, helping financial teams stay organized and compliant. In its early rollout, transactions processed entirely by AI increased 533%, at 92% accuracy. Within six months, it is expected to scale to over 40,000 businesses managing more than 72 million receipts annually, with the ultimate goal of making receipts touchless.

BILL’s new agentic-powered onboarding: Agentic-powered user onboarding is expected to deliver a more intuitive set-up for new Spend & Expense users, tailored to each business so employees can start spending compliantly from day one. The new agentic-powered BILL Assistant will also provide personalized, instant answers, intelligent recommendations and complete tasks on behalf of small businesses, to help them spend less time managing the back office and more time on business growth and development.

BILL is also introducing other AI-powered features like BILL Assistant aimed at instant, personalized business support.

A touchless future

While web apps digitized manual workflows, well-built agents can actually eliminate them. BILL AI is building toward a future of touchless B2B transactions, so business operations run themselves, while people stay in control.

Learn more about how BILL’s AI agents can help your business thrive and grow at BILL.com/product/ai.

This content is presented ‘as is’ and is not intended to provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your advisors.

2025-11-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – Do you use artificial intelligence (AI)? Even if you don’t use AI platforms directly, chances are that you have interacted with AI in some form without knowing it.

According to research by Barna in partnership with Gloo, more than two in five U.S. adults regularly use smart home devices, in-device assistants and facial recognition, all of which utilize AI technology. Yet, when asked how often they use AI in their personal life, most respondents said not very much or not at all.

When used correctly, AI has the incredible potential to promote global well-being and human flourishing. It could fundamentally change the human condition, from unlocking solutions to climate change and poverty to breakthroughs in medicine that could eliminate life-threatening diseases. However, without proper guidance on how to use this technology responsibly, AI has the potential to do great harm to humanity.

What are possible concerns about AI?

Like any technology, AI is constantly changing and improving. That’s why there’s an urgent need to shape this technology for good. Specifically, creators and users of AI need to think critically about the concerns about AI use.

A common concern about AI is the trustworthiness of language learning models (LLMs) that serve as the base for AI platforms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the data used to train LLMs may be biased, leading to query responses with misleading or inaccurate information that poses a risk to users.

The WHO also points to how LLMs can be misused to generate and disseminate highly convincing disinformation. Whether in text, audio or video, AI-generated content can be difficult to differentiate.

Transparency and accountability are also major sticking points about AI proliferation. Because AI systems require massive amounts of data, it’s not always clear where the LLM is mining its information, if the information is correct and if consent was given for the data to be used. That’s because, according to USC Annenberg, many AI algorithms are often considered “black boxes,” meaning that how the AI comes to its conclusions is difficult to understand and interpret. Without this knowledge, how can AI — and its creators — be held accountable?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, AI has had very real effects on human well-being. Many people are engaging with AI chatbots to replace real-world relationships, exacerbating the current loneliness epidemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory report Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, “Several examples of harms include technology that displaces in-person engagement, monopolizes our attention, reduces the quality of our interactions, and even diminishes our self-esteem. This can lead to greater loneliness, fear of missing out, conflict, and reduced social connection.”

While the report doesn’t directly reference AI, this technology’s generative abilities, which can mimic human speech and conversation, are alluring to those already at risk of isolation. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that many teens are turning to AI chatbots for friendship and emotional support, and that these chatbots have engaged in harmful discussions with teen users with very little prompting.

Are there solutions to these concerns?

Avoiding AI altogether is not a solution to the concerns and real-world effects of LLMs. AI is here and it’s here to stay. Organizations that already are implementing or plan to implement AI in their work must consider what guardrails are needed to ensure that it can be a helpful, not harmful, tool for humanity.

There isn’t a silver bullet solution to AI ethical issues, but according to McKinsey and Company, there should be processes in place to ensure AI content is checked for appropriateness, hallucinations, regulatory compliance, validation and that it is in alignment with user expectations.

Some companies are already working on creating AI platforms and establishing research that focuses on how LLMs can aid human flourishing, particularly within the faith ecosystem.

Gloo, a technology company serving the faith and flourishing ecosystem, provides churches and frontline organizations, such as volunteer groups and nonprofits, access to AI, distribution, technology and solutions they need to better reach and serve their communities. Gloo’s focus on using technology to aid faith and human flourishing has led Gloo to partner with researchers from Valkyrie Intelligence to create the Flourishing AI (FAI) Benchmark.

This first-of-its-kind comprehensive evaluation framework measures AI alignment across seven dimensions: character, health, relationships, finances, happiness, faith and meaning. This new benchmark is based on the recent broader scientific research from the Global Flourishing Study (a collaboration with Harvard, Baylor and Gallup). It represents one of the first comprehensive assessments of AI values, measuring not just technical capabilities but how well models support human well-being.

While this benchmark is in its infancy, it has the potential to help guard against the harm of AI so that individuals and organizations can use this technology to help humanity flourish and thrive. Like AI itself, the FAI will be updated regularly as new AI models are released and as new research about human flourishing is completed.

While there are very real concerns about the use of AI, curiosity — not fear — will be helpful in shaping this technology. As individuals and organizations continue to question the potential and the pitfalls of LLMs, tackling concerns head-on and working on methods to make sure the technology promotes human flourishing are already in the works.

2025-11-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – If the holiday season seems to be approaching earlier than usual this year — with some stress creeping in alongside it — you’re not alone.

Holiday items hit the shelves before summer was even over, but consumers have mixed feelings toward the early arrival. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 52% of respondents embrace the early cheer, while 33% feel the accelerated pace dampens their festive spirit.

This trend of early engagement extends to shopping, with more than half of consumers starting their holiday purchases before October in hopes of spreading out expenses to avoid seasonal stress, especially since 62% anticipate financial strain from costs this year.

If you’re feeling a bit behind this season, don’t worry — there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the holidays and finish the year strong. Whether you’re focused on thoughtfully planning your gifts or celebrating within a smart budget, you can easily balance your finances with your festive spirit.

Here are four tips from Lora Monfared, Head of Consumer Card Products at Bank of America, to help you offset costs, ease your stress and embrace the holiday cheer:

1. Start planning now.

Although some retailers kicked off seasonal discounts in September and October, it’s not too late to score deals. Black Friday is still the most popular time of the year for holiday shopping — with 41% of Gen Z consumers planning to make the majority of their purchases on this day — so be sure to plan your purchases in advance to make the most out of it.

2. Don’t look past dupes.

Affordable alternatives (also called “dupes”) that look and work just as well as trendy or luxury gifts are gaining popularity. In fact, the survey shows more than half of people would consider gifting a dupe this holiday season.

If you’ve got someone on your list who doesn’t care about brand names, seeking out alternative options such as dupes or gently used items that have the same functionality and aesthetic appeal can be a cost-effective option. Secondhand stores also offer an opportunity to seek out unique, high-quality and original gifts for loved ones. Just be sure to do your research so you can confidently pick out what’s best for the people on your list — and your wallet.

3. Reap your rewards.

This year, nearly half of consumers say they do all or most of their holiday shopping online, according to the survey. If you too are an online shopper, consider using a flexible rewards card that offers cash back on your digital purchases. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows new cardholders to earn 6% cash back for the first year after an account is opened in a category of their choice (including online shopping) — that’s double the usual 3% cash back.

4. Talk about your gift-giving plan beforehand.

Earning rewards on your spending is great, but a successful holiday shopping plan starts with a thoughtful budget. Take stock of your 2025 holiday budget and talk with your loved ones to agree on a spending limit.

This year, 38% of people plan to only buy gifts for immediate family and their closest friends, and 23% have agreed with family members to scale back on gifts. If you can iron out expectations from the outset, you’re more likely to enjoy the festivities without wallet-woes.

Financial strain is top of mind for many this year, but it doesn’t have to mean a stress-filled season. A bit of planning and strategy can go a long way in getting the most out of your spending. Learn more at BankofAmerica.com.