Latest news with #Bing
The Verge
29 minutes ago
- Business
- The Verge
Opera files complaint against Microsoft's tricks to make you use Edge
Microsoft has used a variety of tricks to convince people to keep using the defaults of Bing and Microsoft Edge in Windows over the years, including modifying Chrome download sites and using malware-like popups. Now, Opera is fed up of what it calls Microsoft's 'manipulative design tactics' and is filing a competition complaint in Brazil today, alleging that Microsoft is using anti-competitive practices to steer people toward using Edge. 'Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn,' says Aaron McParlan, general counsel at Opera. 'First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities. And then Microsoft frustrates users' ability to download and use alternative browsers.' Opera's complaint alleges that Microsoft ignores a users' default browser choice in a variety of ways, from opening PDF files or links in Outlook and Teams, to opening links through Windows features like Search or Widgets. Opera also notes that Microsoft uses 'obtrusive banners and messages discouraging users fromdownloading alternative browsers at the very moment they are searching for those browsers on Edge.' Opera has filed its complaint in Brazil because it's one of the company's main markets. 'Opera is already a major success in Brazil: it is the third most popular browser in Brazil and has millions of loyal users in Brazil who actively choose it, despite Microsoft's tactics,' says McParlan, in a statement to The Verge. 'The complaint, which concerns practices implemented globally by Microsoft, presents an opportunity for Brazil to be a leader on this international issue' If Opera is successful with its complaint, it wants remedies from Microsoft like allowing PC manufacturers to preload alternative default browsers, a halt to blocking consumers from downloading other browsers, and an end to 'dark patterns that push users towards Edge.' Opera also reveals that Microsoft requires OEMs to 'deliver S mode devices as a condition for rebates on a Windows OS license,' which is another practice it wants to see outlawed. While the complaint will be handled by Brazil's competition authority, it's part of a broader effort from Opera to challenge Microsoft's Edge practices around the world. Opera unsuccessfully challenged the EU's decision not to designate Microsoft Edge as a gatekeeper under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules last year. Microsoft escaped this designation, but it has still had to make changes to Windows in EU markets in response to the DMA. These changes have led to it stop bugging Windows users about Edge. 'We believe that Microsoft's conduct, including the changes that it has announced in Europe, are insufficient to attain effective compliance with the DMA,' says McParlan. 'In this context, and as part of its global efforts to ensure free and effective consumer choice, Opera has appealed before the EU Courts the European Commission's decision not to designate Edge as a 'gatekeeper' service under the DMA.' Not only has Microsoft used Windows to urge people into switching to Edge in the past, the company also created a spoofed Google UI to try and convince Bing users they were using Google earlier this year. The search results looked a lot like Google, complete with a custom search bar, Google Doodle-like image, and some small text under the search bar just like Google search. Microsoft quickly killed the plug on its spoofed Google UI once people started noticing it. Opera also has a history of complaints against Microsoft's browser behavior in Windows. It originally filed an antitrust complaint with the EU in 2007, which eventually led to the browser ballot screen being created — allowing Windows users to pick one of the 12 most popular browsers rather than defaulting to Internet Explorer. Microsoft had to keep the browser choice screen in Windows for five years, but was fined $730 million in 2013 for failing to include the ballot in Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Tom Warren Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Microsoft Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Web Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Windows
Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
SEO Services: The Backbone of Online Visibility and Growth
In an era where more than 5 billion searches happen on Google every day, having a well-optimized website is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you're a small local business, a growing startup, or a large enterprise, your online visibility directly impacts your success. This is where SEO services come into play. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful digital marketing strategy that helps your website rank higher on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. But SEO is not just about stuffing keywords into content. It's a long-term strategy involving technical optimization, high-quality content, link building, and user experience improvements. In this article, we'll explore what SEO services are, why they matter, the types available, how to choose a provider, and how they can supercharge your online growth SEO services are professional offerings provided by agencies, freelancers, or digital marketing companies to help websites improve their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). These services focus on optimizing various aspects of a website to meet search engine criteria and match user intent. The ultimate goal of SEO services is to increase organic traffic—visitors who find your site through unpaid search results—and convert them into customers or clients. The internet has transformed how people discover information, make decisions, and purchase products. When someone wants to find a restaurant, book a service, or buy a product, their first step is usually a Google search. If your business doesn't appear on the first page of search results, you're likely missing out on valuable traffic and potential sales. Here are key reasons why SEO services are crucial: The higher you rank in search results, the more people will see your website. SEO ensures your content appears when users search for relevant terms, increasing exposure. SEO is not about attracting just any traffic—it's about drawing the right audience. SEO services target users actively searching for what you offer, increasing the chance of conversion. Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating traffic once you stop paying, SEO provides long-term results. Over time, it becomes a more affordable and sustainable investment Brand Credibility Websites that appear on the first page are often seen as more credible and trustworthy. SEO helps establish your authority in your niche. Google rewards websites that load fast, are mobile-friendly, and provide a seamless experience. SEO services include improvements that enhance both rankings and user satisfaction. Professional SEO services include multiple strategies and elements that work together to improve your rankings. Let's explore the major components: On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher. This includes: Keyword research and placement Title tags and meta descriptions Header tags (H1, H2, etc.) Image alt texts Internal linking Content quality and relevance Off-Page SEO Off-page SEO focuses on activities outside your website to build trust and authority. These include: Link building (acquiring backlinks from reputable sites) Guest blogging Social media promotion Influencer outreach Online reviews and citations Technical SEO Technical SEO ensures search engines can crawl and index your website efficiently. It includes: Site speed optimization Mobile responsiveness Secure protocols (HTTPS) Sitemap and setup Schema markup Content is the backbone of SEO. SEO services often include content creation, such as: Blog posts Product descriptions Landing pages Evergreen content FAQs The content should be keyword-optimized, valuable to users, and aligned with search intent. For businesses targeting a specific geographical area, local SEO is vital. This includes: Google My Business (GMB) optimization Local keyword targeting Map and location integration Customer reviews and citations Local backlinks SEO Audit and Reporting A professional SEO service begins with a comprehensive audit to assess your website's current performance. Ongoing reporting helps track progress and refine strategies. Reports often include: Keyword rankings Traffic analysis Backlink profile Technical errors Conversion tracking There are several types of SEO services providers, each catering to different needs and budgets Freelancers Individual SEO experts who offer flexible and often cost-effective services. Suitable for small businesses with limited budgets. Agencies typically have teams of specialists in content, technical SEO, and link building. They offer comprehensive packages and are ideal for growing businesses. These companies offer SEO along with other services like PPC, email marketing, social media, and web design. Ideal for businesses looking for integrated solutions. Selecting the right SEO partner can make or break your online strategy. Here's what to consider: Check the provider's history, case studies, and client testimonials. Look for proven success in your industry. A good provider will explain their strategy and keep you informed with regular updates. Avoid companies that are secretive or make unrealistic guarantees. Your business is unique. Choose a provider that tailors strategies to your goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure the provider uses ethical, white-hat SEO techniques. Black-hat methods may offer quick results but risk penalties from Google. Reputable SEO providers use advanced tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, or Google Analytics to track performance and refine strategies. Despite its popularity, SEO is often misunderstood. Let's debunk some common myths: SEO is very much alive. What's changed is how it's done. Today, SEO is more about user intent, content quality, and technical performance. SEO takes time. Results typically start showing within 3–6 months. Beware of agencies promising instant success. Keyword stuffing can hurt your ranking. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity. SEO requires ongoing effort. Your competitors are always working to outrank you. Continuous optimization is essential. Many businesses choose to outsource SEO to professionals rather than managing it in-house. Here's why: Expertise : SEO professionals stay updated with algorithm changes and best practices. : SEO professionals stay updated with algorithm changes and best practices. Time-saving : SEO is complex and time-consuming. Outsourcing lets you focus on your core business. : SEO is complex and time-consuming. Outsourcing lets you focus on your core business. Better results : Experienced SEO providers deliver measurable results faster. : Experienced SEO providers deliver measurable results faster. Scalability: SEO services can grow with your business needs. SEO is constantly evolving. Staying ahead of trends ensures your strategy remains effective. Here are some future-focused elements to watch: With smart speakers and voice assistants on the rise, optimizing for voice queries using natural language is crucial. Search engines are using AI to understand context and intent. SEO strategies must adapt to focus on semantic search. Google now indexes the mobile version of your site first. A mobile-optimized design is no longer optional. Platforms like YouTube are major search engines in themselves. Optimizing video content can bring in massive traffic. In the competitive digital landscape, simply having a website isn't enough. You need to be visible, credible, and engaging. That's where SEO services become invaluable. A solid SEO strategy brings you more qualified leads, builds brand trust, and ensures your business shows up exactly when your customers are looking. Whether you manage a local business, eCommerce store, blog, or enterprise company, SEO services can be the key to unlocking consistent growth and digital dominance. Don't wait to be discovered. Make it easy for your audience to find you—with expert SEO services. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
All of the exciting live performances coming to the Cliffs Pavilion this August
With July coming to an end and the summer holidays in full swing, let's take a look at some of the exciting live entertainment heading to the Cliffs Pavilion this August. Bing's Birthday Kicking off the month, this will show on August 1 and 2, a family-friendly performance of animal characters with tickets priced from £13. Based on the CBeebies series, join Bing and his friends in a heart warming new show with catchy songs, all brought to life by first-class puppeteers. Bat Out of Hell The award winning hit musical Bat Out of Hell debuts in the Main Auditorium from August 4th-9th, with tickets priced from £21.60. This "ultimate rock experience" roars back to the UK, with iconic music from Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf shaking the stage, "delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before." The Wizard of Oz Summer Youth Project 2025 This takes place from August 7-10, pioneering youth performing arts with a cast of 80 incredible performers and 10 youth technicians. It's a fantastic introduction to the performing arts for young people and has led many former participants to follow a career in theatre - tickets start from £21. Tropicana Nights This event arrives on August 8, transporting back to the neon-soaked era of the 1980s as "the ultimate 80's party night" set to the beats of iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Duran Duran. Doors Open at 8pm – 1am and will be a standing event for over 21s , with tickets are priced at £10. The Princess Proms A magical concert of enchanting songs from popular movies including Frozen, Moana and Aladdin on August 11, with tickets priced from £20.50. Singalong to hits like Let it Go, How Far I'll Go and Arabian Nights with the whole family. As If By Magic Southend's own magic club, Southend Sorcerers, is here for an amazing week of magic, illusion and comedy for the whole family - from August 12-16 with tickets from £13. "This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before", with incredible sleight of hand, baffling mind reading and mystifying magic. Balls Out Comedy Club A mash-up night featuring some of the newest and freshest comedy acts around, performing on August 14 with tickets at £7.50. Guests can expect to be entertained by a blend of stand-ups, comic poets, sketch groups, musical comedy acts and much more. The Ultimate Classic Rock Show Arriving August 15, guests can dust off their air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present. Tickets start at £35.50 - a price worth paying for a "roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia", performing over two hours of anthems from artists including Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple. Fanny Galore's Big Night Out! With tickets from £32.5o, August 15th will see Fanny Galore as "the hostess with the moistest, a tart with the heart and the most glamourous and glitzy fanny you'll ever see!" With her very cheeky butlers, Dick and Rodger by her side, guests will be welcomed with a glass of Fanny's Fizz Cocktail, and be served a lip-smacking food platter with Fanny's Special little Sausage included! The Last Laugh From August 19-23, catch this laugh-a-minute play, reimagining the lives of three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse, direct from the West End. The Last Laugh - Arriving in Southend straight from the West End. (Image: Pamela Raith) Filled with great gags and touching stories, The Last Laugh is nostalgic and poignant, with tickets from £22. Pie, Mash & Quiz For £14.95, guests are treated to a pie and mash meal and a quiz night for the ages on August 20. Teams of two to ten people can get together, have a drink, dig into the best pie 'n mash in town and enjoy an evening of hard-core quizzing with host Craig Burchell to win the prize of a £50 Southend Theatres gift voucher. Twelfth Night This amateur production arrives August 21-23, tackling lost identities, mistaken love, and riotous revelry in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Join the Southend Shakespeare Company for this enchanting and beloved comedy, where music, mischief, and merriment await from £15.50. Cirque: The Greatest Show - Reimagined "Bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever", get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts on August 23. Circus - This show blends circus performance with musical theatre. (Image: Cirque) This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement, with tickets starting at £30. Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians On August 24, prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians. Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king, stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin, or help detectives find the headless man? Do all that and more from £18.50. TINA - The Tina Turner Musical From £29, witness this West End mega-hit documenting the life of Tina Turner from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi award-winning global superstar. On August 26 to September 6, this show is set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What's Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Musical Theatre Workshop On August 27, local industry expert Ailish Murphy will facilitate workshops using her wealth of experience to work with young people aged 5 and 16 years. Guests will explore singing, dancing, and acting, all themed around some well-known and loved back to school themed musicals, with tickets at £15. The Amazing Bubble Man From £15.50, witness Louis Pearl who has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, from square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles on August 28. Wonders of Our Universe Immerse yourself in an evening of cosmic exploration, meticulously crafted to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey through the universe on August 29. Presented by Astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS and Exoplanet Research Scientist Charlotte Alexandra FRAS, this show weaves together distinctive storytelling, live demonstrations, breath-taking visuals and live music, allowing imaginations to soar and inspiring minds of all ages from £18. Fanny Galore's Buns and Bubbles Afternoon Tea Enjoy afternoon tea with Southend's favourite drag queen on August 30 - spoil yourself with fabulous cakes, sandwiches and a glass of bubbles with Fanny as your host. Fanny will play favourite songs, where guests can sing along or get up for a boogie, with tickets at £32.50. Flowers And Friendship Bracelets - The Ultimate Pop Concert Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage on August 30 for the ultimate pop concert. For 26.50, Shake it Off to Taylor Swift, sing along to Flowers with Miley Cyrus, dust off your best dance moves to Vampires with Olivia Rodrigo, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as Espresso. That's everything coming to the Cliffs Pavilion next month, with lots available from comedy to song and dance, ensuring fun for the whole family. For tickets, visit
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Indian-Origin Man Leaves Google After 16 Years, Finds Microsoft ‘Refreshing'
Last Updated: Amar Subramanya got the opportunity to talk to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. In a major push to strengthen its Artificial Intelligence capabilities, Microsoft has hired 24 researchers, developers, and product specialists from Google DeepMind over the past six months. Among the notable recruits is Amar Subramanya, former technical head of Google's Gemini chatbot, who has joined Microsoft as Corporate Vice President of AI. His new role was confirmed through a recent LinkedIn post. In his LinkedIn post, Amar Subramanya expressed excitement about his new role and praised Microsoft's work culture, describing it as 'refreshingly low ego yet bursting with ambition." As Corporate Vice President of AI, his responsibilities will include enhancing Microsoft's AI offerings, such as Copilot and Bing. 'Super excited to share that I've started a new position as Corporate VP, AI at Microsoft AI," Amar Subramanya wrote in his LinkedIn post. 'After only one week in my new work, I'm already feeling extremely energised. The culture here is surprisingly humble yet bursting with aspiration." Furthermore, he compared the company's work culture to that of a new start-up and described it as 'fast-paced, collaborative, and intensely focused on developing really creative, cutting-edge foundation models that enable enjoyable AI-powered products like Microsoft Copilot." Not just this, Amar also got the opportunity to talk to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. As soon as the post was shared, several LinkedIn users congratulated Amar on his new journey with Microsoft. However, his comment about Microsoft's work culture being 'refreshingly low ego" raised a few eyebrows. Many even congratulated him. A LinkedIn user commented, 'Congratulations Amar! They are lucky to have you!" Another one wrote, 'Awesome!!!! Congratulations, Amar." A person shared, 'Congrats! They're very fortunate to have you on the team." Other Recruits Apart from Amar, according to a report by Financial Times, other notable hires include Sonal Gupta (engineering lead), Adam Sadovsky (formerly senior director at DeepMind), and Tim Frank (product manager), who have all taken on leadership roles as Microsoft expands its AI division. Microsoft Layoffs This hiring comes at a time when Microsoft has laid off over 15,000 employees over the past two years. Despite the workforce reduction, the company continues to double down on artificial intelligence, with significant investments in tools like Copilot and automation. Internally, Microsoft has been urging employees to upskill in AI, with leadership emphasising that integrating AI into daily work is no longer optional but essential. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 24, 2025, 16:03 IST News viral Indian-Origin Man Leaves Google After 16 Years, Finds Microsoft 'Refreshing' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
AFP
6 days ago
- General
- AFP
False claim France's La Jument lighthouse pays staff millions persists online
"This job pays $1.2 million per year but nobody is willing to do it," says text over an image shared on Instagram. The July 6, 2025 post, which has garnered more than 24,000 likes, includes multiple dramatic images showing a wave crashing around the lighthouse. "The French Maritime Administration has struggled for years to staff the post, despite the astronomical salary," the post's caption reads. "A report from Le Monde detailed the extreme isolation, constant threat from the sea, and the psychological toll of living alone under high-risk conditions." "Sometimes, peace of mind is worth more than a paycheck," the post adds, calling the La Jument lighthouse "one of the most dangerous in the world." Image Screenshot of a post on Instagram taken July 18, 2025 Similar posts repeating the same claim racked up thousands of likes across platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube. The rumor also spawned articles that purported to detail the position and salary, published on advertisement-laden websites that resemble pages AFP has previously fact-checked for pushing clickbait misinformation to generate advertising revenue. The lighthouse, built from 1904 to 1911, rose to fame in 1989 after French photographer Jean Guichard took a dramatic picture of keeper Théodore Malgorn standing in the lighthouse's doorway as a wave enveloped the structure. The photo won second prize in the "Nature" category at the 1991 World Press Photo contest -- and is used to illustrate the false Instagram post. But claims of a $1.2 million salary for those guarding the watchtower are false. The official history of the lighthouse on the Interregional Directorate of the North Atlantic Sea Western Channel (DIRM NAMO) website says La Jument has been automated since 1991 (archived here). "There is no keeper at the La Jument lighthouse nor in any French lighthouse," DIRM NAMO told AFP in a July 21 email. "French lighthouses have all been automated for many years. Agents from the 'lighthouses and beacons' division regularly visit them to maintain and modernize them." This statement echoes an official denial the authority posted online when a similar claim circulated on TikTok in 2024 (archived here). A search for open positions within DIRM NAMO yielded no results for prospective employment at the lighthouse (archived here and here). The Office of Tourism for Ouessant Island -- the westernmost point in metropolitan France where the lighthouse is located -- also said the claim was "fake." "There has been no one who has worked in the La Jument lighthouse since 1991 and the salary at that time was far from a million," the office told AFP in a July 18 email. Despite this information, a keyword search AFP conducted for "La Jument lighthouse 1.2 million salary," using Microsoft's Bing browser on July 18, provided an AI-generated summary affirming the eye-popping pay to work at the site, offering social media posts and a false article as the evidence. The same search performed July 22 on Google resulted in an AI summary that called the salary claim exaggerated, but repeated misinformation that the position is vacant, referencing false articles and social media posts. However, when the search was conducted the same day in French, Google's AI summary correctly stated that the lighthouse keeper job at La Jument does not exist. Image Screenshots comparing AI summary responses to keyword searches on Google in English (L) and French on July 22, 2025 AFP has debunked other misinformation about Europe here.
