Tag: provide

  • AirPods Pro 3 arrive with heart-rate sensing and live translation using Apple Intelligence

    AirPods Pro 3 arrive with heart-rate sensing and live translation using Apple Intelligence

    Apple debuted the third-generation AirPods Pro at the “Awe-dropping” event on Tuesday, featuring heart-rate tracking, improved audio, and a smaller, more interactive charging case. 

    It’s been three years since Apple refreshed the AirPods Pro line, releasing the Pro 2 model in 2022. The new AirPods Pro are available for preorder today at a cost of $249. The headphones will arrive in stores on September 19.Image Credits:Apple

    One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 3 is its heart-rate sensing capability, a first for the AirPods line. This addition will operate similarly to the Powerbeats Pro 2, using LED sensors to provide precise measurements. The collected data will sync with Apple’s Fitness app.

    The active noise cancellation, which reduces external noise, has been significantly improved. Apple says it removes twice the noise compared to Pro 2.

    A noteworthy upcoming feature is a live translation capability, thanks to Apple’s iOS 26 software update. This lets you have conversations in different languages, using your iPhone to translate while the phone plays one language and the AirPods handle the other.

    Other notable updates include smaller, more comfortable earbuds. Apple now offers foam ear tips in five different sizes, and the company claims it’s “the best-fitting AirPods.”

    Although the current model represents a solid improvement, considerable speculation has circulated before the event about the potential release of a second version of the AirPods Pro 3.

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    This rumored high-end variant is expected to have a higher price point than the other version, with the significant hardware upgrade being an infrared camera capable of detecting hand gestures and delivering an improved spatial audio experience when used with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. 

    The second version of the Pro 3 model is predicted to launch in 2026.

  • Google doubles down on 'AI phones' with its Pixel 10 series

    Google doubles down on 'AI phones' with its Pixel 10 series

    With the launch of the new Pixel 10 series, Google is rushing ahead of Apple to deliver AI-powered smartphones to consumers. The devices, announced during Wednesday’s Made by Google event, come just weeks ahead of Apple’s expected iPhone 17 reveal, which promises to be more of the same — better cameras, possibly thinner devices, and new colors to choose from.

    Google, meanwhile, has been rapidly integrating its AI platform into its devices.

    Last year, its Pixel 9 series added a number of AI features, like Gemini Live (Gemini’s voice mode), image-generation tools, call notes, searchable screenshots, and more. Since then, Google says that Gemini Live conversations have proven to be 5x longer than text-based conversations.Image Credits:Google

    This year, the tech giant is rolling out even more AI-powered upgrades with the launch of its Pixel 10, including a Visual Overlays feature for the camera, a proactive “Magic Cue” feature, Camera Coach, Voice Translate for calls, an assistant-like “Take a Message” feature, Pixel Journal, and more.

    Combined, the updates allow Google to showcase what its latest AI technology can do when enhanced by its Tensor G5 processor, an upgrade to the company’s custom silicon designed for AI experiences and the first to run its newest Gemini Nano model.

    Alongside the launch, Google announced that Gemini Live will gain a new audio model that will detect your tone — like whether you’re excited or concerned — and adjust its response accordingly.Image Credits:Google

    With the addition of a feature called Visual Overlays, Gemini Live will be able to see what you see through the lens of your camera and provide guidance by highlighting things on your screen. For example, while traveling in a foreign country, you could hold up your phone to see if the street signs around offer information about parking along the roadside.

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    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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    Another new feature, Magic Cue, lets the AI be more proactive by offering contextual suggestions in real time, across apps like Gmail, Calendar, Messages, Screenshots, and others.

    The idea of a more proactive interaction between people and Google technology is something the company has dreamed of for years, long before the AI era. In the early 2010s, for example, Google introduced an Android feature called Google Now that would pop up cards with real-time information related to your daily schedule or the time of day, like nearby restaurants at lunchtime, upcoming meetings, or flight details.

    Years later, Magic Cue is the AI-powered reintroduction of this feature, but one where it inserts itself into your everyday apps and interactions.Image Credits:Google

    Google demonstrated how Magic Cue could suggest a restaurant to dine at with a friend, offering quick access to place a call to the restaurant to make a reservation. It could propose a reply to your friend with the reservation details or point you to your calendar to check your availability.

    Magic Cue’s suggestions appear within the app you’re using and are wrapped with a rainbow-colored outline to differentiate them, as well as within Daily Hub, a personalized daily digest in your Discover feed. You can also tap on its suggestions to take action.Image Credits:Google

    Also similar to Google Now, Magic Cue will be able to surface reminders. But it goes a step further by popping up reminders and notifications more intuitively. For instance, it may remind you of errands you need to handle, like a return of an online order, suggest topics you may want to research, or recommend new playlists to stream.

    At launch, Magic Cue’s suggestions will be limited to select activities, like settling up a tab, adding events to your calendar, and showing the forecast for an upcoming trip in the weather app. Over time, Google will add other options and let you configure which data source the feature has access to.

    Apple, it should be noted, is trying to do something similar by allowing users to speak to Siri to interact with and take action within their apps, but unfortunately, its AI-powered Siri has been delayed until 2026.

    Another one of the more interesting additions in the Pixel 10 series is Camera Coach, an AI-powered assistant that aims to make you a better photographer.Image Credits:Google

    The feature will be launching in preview with the new devices and uses Gemini models to offer suggestions about how to better frame and compose your shot. You can even choose a “get inspired” option that will suggest scenes you may not have considered.Image Credits:Google

    Plus, the camera will now be able to recognize when you’re taking a group photo. The “Auto Best Take” feature activates and analyzes up to 150 images shot over several seconds to find the best one — whether that’s a shot you snapped yourself or one made by blending others together via AI.Image Credits:Google

    Then, with the AI-powered “Ask Photos” tool, you can edit the shot to do other things, like fix the lighting, change the framing, or remove an object from the photo by either speaking to or texting Photos’ AI assistant.

    On Pro devices, the Pro Res Zoom option will also use AI to allow you to “zoom” in on things like architecture and landscapes at 30x-60x or 30x-60x for animals and wildlife.Image Credits:Google (screenshot)

    Related to its enhanced use of AI in photography, Pixel 10 phones will also be the first to implement C2PA, a standard that establishes the origin and edits of digital content, which will help to identify when photos have been modified by AI.

    Another new AI feature, Voice Translate, will use on-device AI to translate your phone call in real time in what sounds like each speaker’s own voice. This could be a potential game changer, particularly for business users and world travelers, if it works as well as described. (This still needs to be tested by reviewers, of course.)Image Credits:Google

    The feature will translate to or from English and Spanish, German, Japanese, French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, and Indonesian.

    In Pixel’s Phone app, a new addition called Take a Message provides real-time transcripts for missed and declined calls and then uses AI to identify the next steps you need to take based on the caller’s voicemail. (That update will come to Call Notes, too.)Image Credits:Google

    Pixel Journal, meanwhile, is Google’s answer to Apple’s Journal app, but one that uses AI to prompt you to share your thoughts, track your progress toward goals, and offer insights over time.Image Credits:Google

    Other minor AI upgrades to the Pixel 10 lineup include writing tools integrated into the Gboard keyboard, updates to Pixel screenshots in Pixel Studio, and Notebook LM integrations with Recorder and screenshots.

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  • Google Expands NotebookLM for Teenagers Amid Surging AI Education Competition

    Google’s NotebookLM Goes Kids‑Friendly

    In a move that’ll make students and parents cheer, Google has lifted its age restriction on the AI‑powered NotebookLM note‑taking app. Gone are the days when only adults could tap into this smart‑assistant wonder; the platform now welcomes anyone 13 and older, and it’s even a hit with Google Workspace for Education users, no age limit at all.

    Why the Change?

    The main goal? Give younger learners a powerful tool to decode their class material. NotebookLM isn’t just a note‑cruncher; it turns ordinary assignments into:

    • A Podcast‑style Audio Overview that reads your notes aloud
    • A Mind Map that visualises concepts and keeps the ideas connected
    • A Video Overview that dishes out dynamic presentations from PDFs, images, or raw notes

    All of this helps students digest information faster and in a way that feels less like boring textbook reading.

    Privacy and Safety First

    Of course Google knows the stakes. The company says NotebookLM has tighter content rules for under‑18 users to keep the responses clean and appropriate. Your chats and media uploads are not inspected by people, nor are they mined to improve the AI.

    Competitive Heat in the AI Classroom

    This move comes after OpenAI launched a “study mode” for ChatGPT, signalling a new race among tech giants to lead the AI‑in‑education space. With younger users now on board, Google’s NotebookLM is aiming to become the go‑to study buddy for students of all ages.

    Bottom Line

    So whether you’re a 13‑year‑old tackling the algebra test or an educator curating class materials, NotebookLM’s fresh lineup gives you an AI‑powered way to make learning more engaging, all without compromising privacy. Just remember—it’s here to aid, not replace your teachers or your brilliant mind!

  • Dry Eyes: Causes, Treatments, and Keeping Your Vision Clear – Health Cages

    Dry Eyes: Causes, Treatments, and Keeping Your Vision Clear – Health Cages

    Introduction:

    Dry eyes occur when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and sometimes even vision problems. There are a few common causes, such as aging, certain medications, environmental factors like dry air or wind, and prolonged screen time, which can reduce the blink rate and lead to the evaporation of tears. 

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    Sometimes underlying health conditions like blepharitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or hormonal changes can also contribute to dry eyes. Treatment often involves using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, managing underlying conditions if present, and making lifestyle changes like using a humidifier, taking breaks during prolonged screen use, and staying hydrated. If dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to see an eye doctor for evaluation and treatment. 

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    This topic we’ll discuss in this blog:

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    What is dry eye?

    Dry eye syndrome, also known simply as dry eye, is a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to lubricate the eye surface adequately or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When there’s an imbalance in tear production, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and sometimes even damage to the surface of the eye.

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    Common symptoms of dry eye

    • Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
    • Irritation or scratchiness
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Blurred vision
    • Pink Eye
    • Excessive tearing (paradoxically, the eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness)

    Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including aging, certain medical conditions (such as autoimmune diseases), medications, environmental factors (like dry air or wind), and prolonged screen time.

    Treatment for dry eye typically involves using artificial tear drops to lubricate the eyes, avoiding environmental triggers when possible, and in some cases, prescription medications or procedures may be recommended to address underlying causes or provide more long-term relief.

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    Causes of dry eye?

    A variety of factors can cause dry eye, both environmental and medical. Here are some common causes:

    Aging

    As people get older, tear production tends to decrease, leading to a higher likelihood of experiencing dry eye symptoms.

    Medications

    Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies, can reduce tear production as a side effect.

    Medical conditions

    Various medical conditions can contribute to dry eye, including autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and allergic conjunctivitis.

    Environmental factors

    Dry and windy climates, as well as indoor environments with low humidity (such as air-conditioned or heated spaces), can accelerate tear evaporation and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

    Extended screen time

    Staring at screens for prolonged periods without blinking enough can lead to dry eye symptoms due to reduced blink rate and increased tear evaporation.

    Dry Eyes: Causes, Treatments, and Keeping Your Vision Clear - Health Cages

    Contact lens wear

    Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if they are worn for extended periods or if they don’t fit properly.

    Eyelid problems

    Conditions that affect the eyelids, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) or meibomian gland dysfunction (affecting the glands that produce the oily part of tears), can interfere with the normal functioning of tears and contribute to dry eye.

    Hormonal changes

    Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills, can affect tear production and quality.

    Laser eye surgery

    Procedures like LASIK can temporarily disrupt the nerves responsible for stimulating tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms that usually resolve over time.

    Other factors

    Smoking, certain nutritional deficiencies (such as omega-3 fatty acids), and prolonged use of eye makeup or certain eye care products can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

    Understanding the underlying cause of dry eye is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach and managing symptoms effectively.

    When to see the doctor

    If you’re experiencing persistent or severe dry eye symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or eye care professional for evaluation and management. This is especially true if your symptoms interfere with daily activities or if you notice changes in your vision.

    Severe symptoms, such as eye pain or sensitivity to light, should prompt immediate medical attention to rule out any serious conditions. Additionally, if you have underlying medical conditions or have undergone recent eye surgery, it’s crucial to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional for appropriate management strategies. Early detection and treatment of dry eye can help alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications, ensuring better eye health and overall well-being.

    Treatment for dry eye?

    Treatment for dry eye aims to alleviate symptoms, improve tear production and quality, and protect the ocular surface. Here are some common treatment options:

    Artificial tears

    Over-the-counter artificial tear drops or lubricating eye gels can help relieve dryness and provide temporary relief from symptoms. These can be used as needed throughout the day.

    Prescription eye drops

    In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation, increase tear production, or improve tear quality. These may include cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra).

    Eyelid hygiene

    Cleaning the eyelids regularly can help manage conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, which can contribute to dry eye. Warm compresses and eyelid scrubs are commonly recommended.

    Punctal plugs

    Tiny silicone or gel plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep tears on the eye surface longer and increasing moisture.

    Nutritional supplements

    Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, may help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation in some individuals with dry eyes.

    Environmental modifications

    Making changes to your environment, such as using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, wearing wrap-around glasses outdoors to protect against wind and dust, or taking regular breaks from screen time, can help reduce dry eye symptoms.

    Prescription medications

    In cases where underlying conditions contribute to dry eye, such as autoimmune diseases or hormonal imbalances, treating the underlying condition may help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

    Lifestyle modifications

    Simple changes like staying hydrated, avoiding smoke and air pollutants, and maintaining a healthy diet can help support overall eye health and reduce dry eye symptoms.

    Specialty contact lenses

    For individuals who wear contact lenses, switching to specialty lenses designed for dry eye or daily disposable lenses may help reduce discomfort.

    In-office procedures

    Procedures such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or meibomian gland expression performed by an eye care professional can help improve meibomian gland function and reduce dry eye symptoms.

    Treatment for dry eye is often personalized based on the severity of symptoms, underlying causes, and individual preferences. Working closely with your eye care provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and provides long-term relief is essential.

    Faq’s

    Q1. What causes dry eyes?

    A1. Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears. This can happen because of aging, especially in women after menopause.

    Q2. Can dry eyes make it hard to see?

    A2. Yes, dry eyes can make your vision blurry sometimes. It can also cause glare or haloes around lights, especially at night.

    Q3. What’s a good natural way to make my eyes less dry?

    A3. Using virgin coconut oil can help. It puts a protective layer over your tears, reducing how quickly they evaporate. Coconut oil also fights bacteria and inflammation.

    Q4. How can I make my eyes more moist?

    A4. Eating foods with omega-3 fats like flaxseed, salmon, and sardines can help. You can also try using eye drops made with castor oil, which can reduce tear evaporation.

    Q5. Is Vaseline helpful for dry eyes?

    A5. Yes, some doctors suggest using Vaseline for certain dry eye problems. It can soothe dry and irritated eyelids. It also helps keep wounds moist, which can prevent scarring.

    Your eyes deserve the best. Get more eye care info here:

  • From Parliament to Pixels: Meet the UK\’s First Virtual MP

    Meet the MP with a 24/7 Digital Doppelgänger

    Picture this: your favorite MP is always on hand, no matter the time or day—thanks to a little thing called a digital twin. That’s what the British Member of Parliament claimed just recently, promising constituents a supercharged way to get in touch 24/7. But what does a digital twin really look like, and why should it matter to you?

    What’s a Digital Twin?

    • Replicated Persona: Think of it as a virtual avatar that mirrors the MP’s appearance, voice, and, most importantly, his conversational style.
    • Artificial Intelligence: Powered by advanced algorithms, it’s designed to respond swiftly to questions on policy, local issues, or anything that pops up in your mind.
    • Constant Availability: Door open 24/7—virtually—so you can connect whenever you need.

    How It Works

    When you drop a message through the official portal, the digital twin reviews your query, fetches the relevant data, and replies with a human-like tone. Think of it as having the MP in your pocket, ready for a quick consult every time you get stuck or just want to weigh in on a new bill.

    Why It’s a Game‑Changer for Constituents
    1. Speedy Responses: No more waiting in line for a phone call or email.
    2. Inclusivity: People who can’t always travel to a town hall or prefer digital communication feel more represented.
    3. Real‑time Feedback: The MP can gauge public sentiment instantly, adjusting priorities in real time.

    Of course, some skeptics worry about the authenticity of a chatbot. But the MP assured that the twin is just a tool to augment communication, not replace human interaction. The aim? To keep the line of dialogue open and efficient, making politics a bit less of a labyrinth and more of a conversation.

    Possible Quirks and Twists

    Picture your MP strolling through the heart of your neighborhood, answering questions as casually as you’d chat with a friend at a café—just, the friend has a slightly more formal voice, a steady policy knowledge base, and a promise to never forget your name.

    And while it’s still early days, this approach could well set the pace for how politicians interact with citizens worldwide. Ready to give it a whirl? Just tap the “Chat” button on the MP’s website and start the conversation—no need to wait for the next election!

    Meet “AI‑Mark”: Your MP’s Digital Sidekick

    Think of it like a voicemail for your Local Councilman, but instead of waiting for a four‑minute callback you get an instant reply—any time of day, any day of the week. That’s Mr. Mark Sewards’ new trick: an AI clone that’s ready to tackle your questions, complaints, or just the occasional “Hey, what’s the scoop on that new policy?” whenever you pop in.

    Why the Digital Rep?

    • No Schedules Required – You can reach out whenever you feel like it.
    • Zero Red‑Tape – Forget the paperwork maze; the bot cuts straight to the point.
    • Always On – Span the 24/7 cycle rather than waiting weeks for the official office to respond.

    Mark’s Take

    Mark said on Instagram, “I’m super excited to explore how AI can tighten the bond between my office and you folks.” He’s clear: this isn’t a replacement for his official role but a handy backup that expands the office’s reach.

    How It Works
    1. Drop a question or a local issue.
    2. The AI gives you an immediate reply—think of it as a personal assistant who never sleeps.
    3. Got something important? The bot forwards it straight to his team for further action.

    “I just wanted to give everyone another way to get in touch, without the hassle,” Mark wrote. Don’t miss the chance to give AI‑Mark a spin—you’ll be surprised how helpful a digital version of your MP can be!

    How a tech firm cloned Sewards

    Meet the UK’s First Virtual MP

    In a world where folks are still trying to figure out what a podcast is, Leeds‑based Neural Voice has taken a giant leap into the future. They’ve cloned Senator Adam Seward into a digital doppelgänger, dubbing him the nation’s first virtual Member of Parliament.

    How this Audio‑Avenger Was Built

    • Voice harvest: Parliament speeches, tweets, and even emails to constituents.
    • Neural magic: Cutting‑edge voice synthesis that mimics his cadence, tone, and the subtle smirk in his verbal lilt.
    • AI wrap‑up: State‑of‑the‑art natural language processing so the clone can answer questions, cheer with applause, and occasionally insert a single “mesmerised” line.

    Why Nobody’s Talking (Too) About Their MP

    “People have been hiding behind nameplate hype like a bad secret handshake,” says Jeremy Smith, the CEO and co‑founder. “You know your MP’s name, but you’re not signed up for a ringtone subscription.”

    He envisions a future where the digital MP pops up in phone systems or on council websites—so citizens can finally ask, ‘Hey, what’s the plan for pothole repairs in my neighbourhood?’ without needing to trek to the town hall.

    Potential Ripple Effects

    • More local politicians get instant voice avatars.
    • Businesses could deploy “virtual reps” to answer FAQs with personality.
    • Every citizen could feel like they’ve got a personal whistle‑blower at their fingertips.

    What’s Next?

    As the echo chamber matures, Neural Voice pledges this technology won’t be a novelty but a norm. “We’re onboarding other MPs soon, and maybe even political thrill‑seekers from overseas,” Smith muses.

    Until then, keep listening for the faint echo of Adam Seward’s voice reverberating through your phone—whether you’re calling about rent, or just double‑checking if your local MP likes cheese or cake.

    Digital doubles in politics and business

    AI in Public Roles: From Virtual Mayors to Fake Celebrities

    Move over glass ceilings—AI is stepping up to the front lines of public service! Why? Because robots can chat 24/7, break down language barriers, and keep us in the loop without the awkwardness of slow, human responses.

    Yokosuka’s Digital Mayor

    • Yokosuka, Japan: The mayor turned himself into a virtual avatar, saying, “I’ll speak English so every U.S. Navy person on base feels heard.” No more scrambling for translators.

    Denmark’s “Leader Lars” Election Experiment

    • The Synthetic Party: In 2022, they launched an AI candidate named “Leader Lars.” He was built from old political pamphlets spanning from the 1970s.
    • Purpose: To engage the disenchanted voters and show how AI can sneak into the democratic process.
    • Result: No votes—but the experiment proved AI’s potential as a talking point.

    Foreign CEOs and the Rise of AI Branding

    • Poland & China: Companies tried putting AI “CEOs” front and center to give their brands a futuristic vibe.
    • Good idea? Che
      e? Depends on whether you’re a fan of self‑talking boardrooms.

    The Dark Side of Digital Doppelgängers

    • Deepfake scams have taken on a life of their own—targeting officials and celebrities alike.
    • Notable victims: Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Taylor Swift, Joe Rogan, and more.
    • Scammers spun fake videos praising “government funds” to trick folks into sharing money.

    The Reality Check: 5-Minute Deepfake Creation

    • The Entrust Cybersecurity Institute reported that in 2024 a new deepfake pops up every five minutes.
    • That’s a lot of fake faces shuffling through the web—a countdown that’s existentially terrifying.

    Will AI Replace Human Interaction?

    • “Maybe,” says Sewards from the UK, “AI could be our new go-to for public chats—at least one promising option.”
    • He adds, “The AI revolution is kicking, so we gotta roll with it or get left in the dust.”

    What to Do About It

    • Stay skeptical: If it sounds too perfect, it might be too perfect.
    • Verify sources: Credibility still beats flashy technology.
    • Hooray for playful AI—just let it know we’re ready for the next upgrade, but with caution.
  • How to be a successful franchisee

    How to be a successful franchisee

    Leading consumer brands like Subway and McDonalds have set the global yardstick when it comes to Franchising, especially in the UK where hundreds of businesses have grown using this business model.

    Franchising has become popular in all industries – from restaurants to supermarkets and ice cream parlours.
    Franchising boasts a simplistic business model and this has transformed the way businesses expand, allowing first timers to try out their luck as entrepreneurs.
    The process is low risk, as it basically involves a franchisor selling an initial business idea, along with numerous supporting materials and resources, to someone else – the franchisee. The franchisee’s opportunity is to set up an already established business but in a different geographical area. In this article, we will be exploring the process of franchising in order to understand why this is often a good choice for anyone wanting to start their own business.

    What / When / How?

    The most enticing aspect of franchising is that the risk factor is a lot lower than that which comes with starting a business from scratch. Franchisees pay a one off fee to the franchisor, which means that the exclusive right to operate the business in a defined territory is purchased. Aside from using the brand name, a franchisee has access to the training and support that comes with an already established business with proven techniques and processes.
    The franchisor is expected to provide everything needed to succeed in exchange for the initial fee – this includes vehicles and equipment, stock, documentation, systems, software, operating procedures and new employee training.
    Additionally, a franchisee would normally pay an on-going percentage of sales to the franchisor and a portion of that money is often collected, from all franchisees, and combined to use for marketing the brand across the entire franchise network.

    …And then there was paperwork

    Franchisees operate independently from the franchisor, hence they need to complete the financial and tax paperwork associated as with any business.
    Regulations, paperwork and decisions come thick and fast when starting a franchise, and while this can be distracting, it is vital that aspects such as: business structure, forming a company, registering with HMRC/Companies House, VAT schemes, business insurances, business banking, remuneration structuring, tax planning, life cover and pensions are covered.
    As soon as the business is up and running, it’s important to maintain control of tax and finances and stay on top of things like: payslips, tax and NI deductions, monthly payroll returns, directors’ loans, dividends, VAT returns, company returns, annual accounts, corporation tax and self-assessment returns. The finances of the business need to be monitored and managed and its tax affairs kept up to date with..

    Efficiency is key

    Business owners often feel like they can do everything themselves, but that idea quickly dissolves when they see the amount of paperwork that needs to be dealt with. The quickest and smartest way to get help is to have an accountancy solution that has the ability to deal with all the issues above safely and with minimum hassle, whilst providing up to date financial information and traditional support and advice – all at a reasonable cost.
    So it’s probably safe to say that the best thing to do is to go digital! There are so many benefits to an online accountancy solution, the most important being that they offer a cost-effective and hassle-free way of helping franchisees in becoming more efficient. It only takes approximately 24 hours to set yourself up, meaning that you get instant access to a modern way of viewing your finances, with no fear of delays and no extra costs. Your accountant can submit all the necessary information in real time, and you will be able to see how much will be needed to be set aside for tax bills.
    Accessing advice and support whenever it is needed is one of the beauties of technology. It makes life simpler and allows you to have full control of your life and business; yes, the two go hand in hand. The admin burden is removed and you, the franchisee, can focus on the more important aspects of your business, such as growing the brand, with the comfort of knowing the tax-man won’t come knocking on your door.

    John Hoskin is a director of CleverAccounts.com, an online accountancy firm that seeks to simplify the task of business accountancy. Paying a fixed monthly fee, small businesses, limited companies, sole traders, freelancers and contractors have access to accountancy, business-set up and tax planning services, simple-to-use online bookkeeping, a 24/7 view of their figures and on-going tax advice.