The Companies Betting They Can Profit From Google Search's Demise
At least a dozen new companies are pouring millions of dollars into software meant to help brands prepare for a world in which customers no longer browse the web and instead rely on ChatGPT, Perplexity and other artificial-intelligence chatbots to do it for them.
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Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
This Fast-Casual Chinese Chain Is Beating Local Spots At Their Own Game
Let's face it: America's very fond of chain dining. Whether it's one of the best regional fast food chains or one of the ubiquitous giants, corporate eating covers every context. And both the cuisine and locations of such operations are rapidly evolving: It's not just about burgers or fried chicken anymore. And now, Pei Wei is once again changing the game. Since starting some 25 years ago in Arizona, the chain operates over a hundred locations all across the country. During their first decade of preparation, several factors set them apart. They were among the earliest corporate adopters of gluten-free and allergy sensitive dining. And the interior is sleek, but still casual, with a convenient counter service model that saves costs. Last -- but certainly not least -- for easy-going Pan-Asian fare, the eclectic menu hits the spot: Think classics like orange chicken, Mongolian beef, as well Poke bowls, Thai-influenced curries, and more. Throw in affordable pricing, and such a combination of factors cemented their enduring growth -- a valued evidenced by their (and P.F. Chang's) acquisition for over a billion dollars in 2012. Such a scale cements Pei Wei as the second biggest player in Asian food. The more fast-food like Panda Express menu is the only company that more commercially successful. However, for many Americans, Pei Wei even beats out local, hole-in-wall options. Read more: Chain Restaurants That Serve The Highest And Lowest Quality Steak Pei Wei may have introduced you to classics like orange chicken, but the chain didn't invent Chinese-American cuisine. Instead, many items off their menu are adapted versions of fare that traces roots to 19th century California. It's here that Cantonese-run eateries -- especially densely cluttered in the Bay Area -- first created tasty and affordable dishes like chop suey. And the creation of orange chicken is accredited to Panda Express in 1987. So while Pei Wei does offer a few signature dishes like their protein bowls and salads, they mainly stick to tried and true Asian-American classics. Pei Wei broke into such a formula by way of P.F. Chang's, their more upscale counterpart chain which opened in 1993 (and now boasts a great happy hour). An innovator in specifically wok-driven dishes sold to American audiences, P.F. Chang's has enjoyed popularity since the 1990s, with their snazzy surroundings yet comforting fare. The parent company launched Pei Wei in 2000 to deliver simpler Asian-American classics in a more casual environment, with less overhead. The move proved hugely commercially successful, leading to the chain that still thrives today. Read the original article on Chowhound.
Entrepreneur
36 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
Life After London
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. London is known as the epicentre of UK innovation - a glittering magnet for entrepreneurs, investors and talent alike. The city's sprawling start-up ecosystem pulses with opportunity: networking events, venture capital firms, accelerators, and a dense community of like-minded disruptors. But beneath the surface, a quiet revolution is unfolding across the North, in cities like Manchester, where founders are challenging the assumption that success means being based in the capital. The story of these northern start-ups is not one of scarcity or compromise, but of strategic choice and unexpected advantages. For founders like Harvey Lowe, co-founder of Arcube, a travel sector start-up and Jana Stella, founder of NeuWave Technologies - both residents of Sister, Manchester's £1.7bn innovation district - the decision to build outside London has been liberating. Sister is fast becoming one of the UK's leading innovation districts, providing a fertile ecosystem for ambitious start-ups to thrive beyond the capital. Lowe explains: "For a lot of companies, they are located in London to be closer to other start-ups, suppliers, clients, etc. However, operating in London comes with significantly higher costs, which can be challenging for start-ups - especially when a London base isn't essential. For us – operating in the travel sector - being located in the capital isn't critical for reaching customers or prospects as we often travel to international events to meet airline companies." Manchester offers Arcube benefits that might be overlooked by a capital-centric mindset. "We're linked very closely with the university, and are able to tap into great graduate and higher education talent pools, which would be harder to connect to given the expanse of the ecosystem in London," Lowe says. That local connection extends to suppliers too. "We also see that a surprising number of our suppliers are actually based in Manchester, Leeds and the general north. It's great to meet these people in-person which wouldn't happen if we were down South." Stella echoes these advantages from a highly specialised sector. "Our sector requires a niche skillset (in wave modelling and oceanography) where the speciality really lies outside of London. Being in Manchester means we can tap into our technical network easily. We've also really benefitted from local initiatives for office space and funding." Cost efficiency is another critical factor: "It's definitely helped from a cost perspective. Building a start-up already requires close monitoring of expenditure, so the funding outside of London stretches much further." Both founders challenge the myth that location limits access to capital and opportunity. "People assume being outside London means you have less access to opportunity, capital, and talent. The reality for us is that we're less distracted by the noise, and we can work with a leaner team without compromising on quality," Lowe says. Stella adds, "It's industry dependent, but for us it hasn't been the case. Sure, a lot of our investment is London based, but it's only a train ride away. Our customers are all over the British coastlines." For Lowe, the quality of life is tangible: "I only have a 25 minute 'commute' (walk) to the office in the morning given that the city is so walkable!" Despite occasional questions about location - "People outside the UK sometimes ask if we're based in London" - it's never really a concern. "We are two hours away from London if we have to be there for a meeting or event." Freedom from the London bubble is the real prize. "Building outside the capital gives us more freedom. We're able to make decisions without being caught up in the noise or trends that make up the London scene. There's less pressure to follow what everyone else is doing," Lowe says. Minor inconveniences like "slightly longer travel times" don't slow progress. "We've got all the access to capital, talent, and opportunity we need. The trade-off is worth it and we aren't looking back." Alongside the technical and operational advantages championed by Lowe and Stella, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, founder of Firebird - a Manchester-based neurodivergent consultancy - highlights a more intangible but equally crucial benefit: community. "People always say the North is friendlier but it really makes an impact when it comes to networking, helping other people out, etc." For Morgan-Trimmer, this warmth isn't just anecdotal; it's an essential pillar for building a business rooted in inclusivity and connection. As a neurodivergent entrepreneur, she also appreciates practical lifestyle differences. "Travelling about is a bit easier, partly because it's less crowded and city centres are more concentrated." Morgan-Trimmer challenges another pervasive myth about location and opportunity. "They think you 'have' to be in London to get anywhere or do anything. I actually do a lot of work in London and it doesn't make a difference to them (or my other clients) where I'm based. I can do Manchester to London and back in a day. I don't think there are fewer opportunities in the North than there are in London." On the question of feeling underestimated because of her location, Morgan-Trimmer is unequivocal. "No. In this day and age, I find that people don't really care where you're based. In fact, many of my clients don't even know until I mention it!" The freedom this founder finds outside London is both professional and personal. "I love London, don't get me wrong, but having grown up down south, I definitely prefer living and working in Manchester. I find the culture here to be friendly, supportive and a bit more direct – which obviously is perfect for a neurodivergent entrepreneur!" The new geography of opportunity What unites these founders is a shared rejection of London as a prerequisite for innovation. Instead, they embrace the strategic advantages of their location, supported by strong local ecosystems, universities, funding initiatives, and a cultural vibrancy that's often missing from capital life. Manchester's Sister innovation district, backed by a £1.7bn investment, exemplifies the regional drive to build world-class environments that nurture start-ups without the London price tag. It's a place where businesses can tap into highly skilled talent, access cutting-edge research, and connect with suppliers and partners - all while enjoying a quality of life that fosters focus and creativity. This shift is also supported by the reality of modern connectivity. The ability to travel to London in a matter of hours, combined with digital tools that facilitate remote working and global outreach, means start-ups no longer need to choose between presence and opportunity. London remains a powerhouse - a city of ideas, capital and unmatched density - but it's no longer the only game in town. For founders like Lowe, Stella and Morgan-Trimmer, Manchester offers something different: space to think, room to grow, and a community that prizes collaboration over competition. The shift isn't about turning away from the capital, but expanding the idea of where innovation can thrive. As start-ups flourish beyond the old postcode boundaries, one thing is becoming clear: the future of UK entrepreneurship is not about choosing between London and elsewhere - it's about making both work, on your own terms. While some London insiders may still view the capital as the only place for innovation, the stories of Lowe, Stella, and Morgan-Trimmer highlight a broader truth: success is no longer about geography alone, but about mindset, community, and strategic choice. "Our results speak louder than our location," Lowe adds.
CNET
44 minutes ago
- CNET
Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates: Here's How to Get Them
Microsoft is closing the door on Windows 10 in October 2025, and will be ceasing security support for that operating system unless users pay $30 for a one-year extended security update. Now, Microsoft has added a free option. Users need to turn on cloud backup and connect it to their OneDrive account. The ability to get free updates on Windows 10 is a pretty big deal because it is still the most widely used Windows OS, accounting for just over 53% of installs as of May 2025. That leaves millions of people without security support in just a few months unless they upgrade. So the cloud backup option gives users a way out without costing them any money. The only potential issue is OneDrive. Anyone with a Microsoft account gets up to 5GB of storage for free. However, as The Verge points out, some backups may exceed this limitation, requiring users to purchase a monthly or yearly plan. At $1.99 per month for 100GB of cloud storage, a year of OneDrive still costs less than the $30 for a year of additional security updates, but it still may cause frustration among some users. Windows 10 was released in July 2015, more than a decade ago. Microsoft will be rolling out the ESU wizard in July 2025. Microsoft How to get Windows 10 security updates for free Per Microsoft's blog post, there are now three options for people who want to stay on Windows 10 and still receive security updates. Use Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud via OneDrive. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Redeeming those points can buy you one year of security updates. Pay $30 for the extended security updates program. Users will be presented with these options starting in July, which is when Microsoft plans to roll out the sign-up wizard for the Extended Security Updates program. Signing up for this option will guarantee updates until Oct. 13, 2026, although businesses will have the option to purchase up to three years of additional updates. So, this isn't a long-term solution, but rather gives consumers more time to upgrade to Windows 11. It's been an uphill battle for Microsoft as people have been resilient in upgrading their existing hardware. There are myriad differences between the two operating systems, but Microsoft's string of unpopular decisions along with Windows 11 compatibility issues have kept the prior generation OS around a lot longer than it normally would be.
