Month: July 2024

Google Maps UI overhaul starts rolling out on Android phones

Posted on by faz_business


What you need to know

  • Google’s previously spotted Maps UI changes are now rolling out after facing another round of development.
  • The update to Maps brings in a “sheet-based” style and also alters how users experience directional information in the search bar.
  • Google previously detailed several AI features on the way for Maps while also informing users of a disappearing web feature that’ll slide onto Android.

A Google Maps redesign that’s been in the works for the past few months is finally hitting Android devices for the app’s stable version.

After being popped back into the oven, 9to5Google reports that Google has started rolling out its UI overhaul for Maps on Android. To start, version 11.136.x changes how users will experience direction searches. It was discovered that the UI now displays your starting location and end destination after asking. Google has also shifted the mode switcher to the bottom of the UI.



10 Common Mistakes That Can Prevent You from Landing a Remote Job

Posted on by faz_business


One of the worst things a candidate can do that holds them back from getting remote jobs, according to online reviews and expert advice, is failing to demonstrate their ability to work independently and manage their time effectively. Remote jobs require a high degree of self-motivation and discipline, as there is often less direct supervision compared to in-office roles.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common mistakes that candidates make when applying for remote positions. By understanding and avoiding these errors, you can enhance your application process, make a stronger impression on potential employers, and increase your likelihood of landing that coveted remote job. Whether you’re new to remote work or looking to improve your job search strategy, these insights will help you navigate the remote job market more effectively.

10 Common Mistakes That Can Prevent You from Landing a Remote Job

Finding a remote job can be competitive, and certain missteps can significantly hinder your chances of landing a position. Here are ten things candidates often do that can hold them back from securing remote jobs:

1. Unprofessional Online Presence:

  • Neglecting Social Media: Inappropriate posts or an unprofessional LinkedIn profile can deter potential employers.
  • Incomplete Profiles: Failing to fully complete your LinkedIn or other professional profiles can make you seem less serious.

2. Generic Applications:

  • One-Size-Fits-All Resumes: Sending the same resume and cover letter to every job application without tailoring it to the specific role.
  • Lack of Personalization: Not addressing the hiring manager by name or failing to mention the company in your cover letter.

3. Poor Communication Skills:

  • Unclear Emails: Sending poorly written or unclear emails to potential employers.
  • Lack of Follow-Up: Failing to follow up after submitting an application or completing an interview.

4. Ignoring Job Requirements:

  • Mismatched Skills: Applying for jobs that require skills or experiences you don’t possess.
  • Overlooking Instructions: Failing to follow application instructions or ignoring specific requests from the employer.

5. Inadequate Technology Setup:

  • Technical Issues: Having a poor internet connection or outdated technology can be a red flag for remote roles.
  • Unfamiliarity with Tools: Not being proficient with remote work tools like Slack, Zoom, or project management software.

6. Lack of Remote Work Experience:

7. Unprofessional Interview Environment:

  • Distracting Backgrounds: Conducting video interviews in a noisy or cluttered environment.
  • Inappropriate Attire: Dressing too casually for video interviews.
  • Inadequate Home Office Setup: Candidates who do not have a proper home office setup may be seen as unprepared for remote work, which can include a quiet space, reliable internet connection, and necessary equipment.

8. Poor Time Management:

  • Missing Deadlines: Submitting applications late or missing scheduled interview times.
  • Inconsistent Availability: Being unavailable or difficult to reach during standard working hours.

9. Negative Attitude:

  • Complaining: Speaking negatively about previous employers or job experiences during interviews.
  • Lack of Enthusiasm: Showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm for the role or company.

10. Overlooking Professional Development:

  • Stagnant Skills: Not keeping your skills up-to-date or failing to pursue relevant certifications and courses.
  • Not Asking Questions About Remote Work Arrangements: Employers expect candidates to be proactive in understanding the expectations and requirements of remote work, including communication norms and availability.
  • Ignoring Feedback: Failing to act on feedback from previous job applications or interviews.

Land Your Dream Remote Job With DailyRemote

Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve your chances of securing a remote job. By presenting yourself professionally, tailoring your applications, and demonstrating your readiness for remote work, you can stand out as a strong candidate in the competitive remote job market.

If you’re looking for remote jobs, there’s no better place to start than DailyRemote. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today.  And now that you know have the job search checklist to help find the remote job of your dreams, start applying today. Join like-minded people in our



Best Buy’s Anti-Prime Day Sale Takes Almost 50% Off This 55-Inch TCL 4K TV

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As Amazon Prime Day draws closer, other outlets, like Best Buy, are throwing competitive deals out there so Amazon won’t hog the spotlight. Right now, Best Buy is offering a TCL 55-inch 4K TV for only $230, $220 less than its normal $450 price. It’s a steal for anyone who wants a decently large quality QLED 4K smart TV and has been waiting for a significant price drop. This deal is part of Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale, which runs through July 17, so you don’t have long to get in on the savings. 


This story is part of Amazon Prime Day, CNET’s guide to everything you need to know and how to find the best deals.

This TCL Q5 Series TV is a solid budget buy at this price, confirmed by the fact that the older TCL 4 Series ranks among our best budget TVs. This Q5 is even better, with a respectable 4K resolution and a special motion rate technology to handle video playback at higher refresh rates. TCL has embraced Google TV’s smart OS for this model, giving you easy access to streaming apps and Google Assistant. 

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

While the TV is no gaming monitor, it was made with gamers in mind. It has HDR capabilities that work in conjunction with current generation consoles, producing crisper, more accurate colors and graphics. You’ll also find that it has a gaming mode for reducing latency and lag during gaming sessions. Thanks to its three HDMI ports at the back, you can easily mount the TV in a living room and it can serve regular TV and gaming purposes competently. All of these, combined with this make it a good buy despite the many other attractive Prime Day TV deals we’ve discovered.

CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.



Simple AutoCAD Tricks to Split a Polyine!

Posted on by faz_business


Hey All,

I hope you’re doing well and managing to stay afloat in this typically busy season for engineering, design, and construction!

It’s certainly been crazy here the last few weeks but things are starting to settle down and I’m excited to share this week’s email/tutorial with you all.

First off, this week’s video is a fun one!

In it we are looking at a bunch of ways to split a polyline or polygon in AutoCAD.

Whether you need to break up/split your polyline at a random location, split it into equal segments, at specific distances or explode it into individual segments. This video has a command and answer for you!

Check it out here: AutoCAD How to Split a Polyine! Break at Points, Equal Segments, Split & More!

That’s all for today, I hope you enjoyed this week’s email and I would love to hear what you think? Be sure to let me know by hitting comment or on twitter @cadintentions ! 

As always, thank you so much for reading and watching, I am super excited for the rest of the year, growing the content, tutorials, and blog with you all. 

Cheers and happy Drafting!

PS. If you’d like to improve your AutoCAD/Design skills to get into working remotely with CAD, be sure to check out my highly rated and recommended AutoCAD Fundamentals & Workflows Course! to learn all of my favorite Tips/Tricks!

I created this course to answer all of our most common questions and concerns when learning AuotCAD, I even polled 1000s of readers to get their questions and answered them all in the course!

It’s packed full of 15+ years of experience along with practical and highly requested tutorials on everything from initial drawing setup to pdf plotting, annotative text, xrefs, templates, packaging files for final submissions or archiving and so much more. 

If you’re excited to learn new workflows and AutoCAD Skills and join millions of viewers who learn from and enjoy my tutorials daily,

Get the Course Here

What viewers are saying about CAD Intentions Tutorials:

Where were you all my life
You have great tips on your channel

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Thank you, thank you, thank you! That was very helpful!
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Brandon is a Civil Designer, Aspiring Blogger/Creator, Husband, Father to two Amazing Kids and Tech Aficionado from a small town in Canada. He has been obsessed with design and technology since he can remember and working as a Civil Designer for nearly as long. Brandon’s blog and Youtube channel, CADIntentions.com has been his outlet and excuse for keeping up with new tech and trends in the CAD design world for the last 10 years growing to more than 60,000 subscribers and over 15,000,000 views, while also being the source of many great friendships and unique opportunities.

If you would like to Sponsor CAD Intentions or Work together in some way, Please visit my About Page and send me an email: http://cadintentions.com/about-me/



Community Update July 2024 – Summertime Edition

Posted on by faz_business


Greetings Xbox Insiders!

We wanted to give a few quick updates to the community about what’s going on with the program while we are currently doing our best to weather an early summer heatwave and keep ourselves cool and safe.

Your Feedback Matters

As with the last update, we want to continue to draw attention to more Community-driven fixes made possible by your feedback. Users reported unexpected behavior with game clips and your feedback was vital to implementing a fix that was released with a recent update to Alpha Skip-Ahead, Alpha and Beta.

The Future of Community Updates

We expect things to pick up over the next few weeks/months where we’ll have more to discuss with our Xbox Insider community. Also, we’re looking to have other members of the Xbox Insider Team bring their voices to the Community updates, so be on the lookout to hear from other members of the team you haven’t heard from before.

A Gracious Thank You

It’s been our pleasure to bring you this latest Community Update for the Xbox Insider Program. If you’d like to chat more about this update (or anything Xbox Insider) be sure to head to the r/XboxInsiders subreddit or follow @xboxinsider.  

The Xbox Insider Team



Record Face and Screen with Descript

Posted on by faz_business


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Recording your face and screen with Descript is easy! One of the coolest features of Descript is the ability to record your face and screen at the same time. It cuts down on recording time and editing (since you can edit directly in Descript too!).

There’s more than one way to create a Descript video. Let me show you how to record your face and screen in Descript (and edit with scene layouts, too!)

VIDEO: Record Face and Screen with Descript

Some product links in this post are affiliate links, and I will be compensated when you purchase by clicking our links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Getting Started with Descript

Before we begin, ensure you have Descript installed on your computer. Also, make sure your microphone and camera are properly connected. If you’re using a built-in webcam and microphone, those will work fine too.

Related: Video Editing with Descript

Ways to Record Your Face and Screen in Descript:

A. Recording Directly in Descript

  1. Create a New Project:
    • Open Descript and click on the top right corner to create a new video project.
    • Ensure your microphone and camera are connected. Select the appropriate inputs in the Descript settings.
  2. Start Recording:
    • Click the record button in the middle of the screen hit record.
    • A preview window will open where you can select whether you want to record just your microphone (ex. Shure SM7dB which is connected through the Shure MVX2U) or your camera (Ex. Canon m50 Mark II), and microphone, or your screen, camera, and microphone.
    • Choose the correct microphone and camera from the input options.
  3. Select Recording Options:
    • You can enable studio sound and automatic transcription if needed. Studio sound is useful for noisy environments, while transcription helps in editing.
  4. Record Your Screen:
    • Choose how much of your screen you want to record. You can either drag to create a custom-sized box or press the space bar to record the entire screen.
    • After a countdown, your recording will start. You’ll see a small toolbar on the right where you can pause or stop the recording.
  5. Save and Edit:
    • Once you stop the recording, Descript will automatically save and transcribe it.
    • You can then edit the recording, with the video of your face and screen synced together.

B. Using Descript Quick Record

  1. Install Quick Record:
    • Ensure you have Descript Quick Record installed on your Mac (check compatibility for Windows).
  2. Start a Quick Recording:
    • Click the Descript icon in your menu bar and select the quick record option.
    • Choose whether you want to record your entire screen or a specific tab.
  3. Recording and Saving:
    • Hit record and share your screen.
    • Once done, the recording will open in Descript’s browser version for editing.

Related: How to Use Descript if You’re Used to a “Real” Video Editor

C. Using SquadCast.fm for Remote Recording

  1. Set Up a Session:
    • As a Descript customer, you can use Squadcast.fm for remote recording.
    • Start a new session and grant the necessary permissions.
  2. Record Your Face and Screen:
    • Select whether you want to record a browser tab, a window, or the entire screen.
    • Hit the record button and proceed with your session.
  3. Editing in Descript:
    • Once the recording is done, you can open it in Descript for editing.

Editing Your Recordings

Descript automatically creates a sequence of your recordings, syncing your face and screen videos together. Here’s how to fine-tune your content:

  1. Adjust Layout:
    • Open the sequence and manipulate the video layout. You can resize and move your face video around.
    • Use the shapes tool to change the video shape, like making it circular and placing it in the bottom right corner.
  2. Create Scenes:
    • Break your video into different scenes to focus on either your face or the screen.
    • Save these scenes as templates for future use, making it easier to apply consistent layouts across multiple videos.
  3. Add Templates:
    • Save specific layouts as templates and apply them to scenes in your future recordings. This ensures consistency and saves editing time.

Related: Descript’s New Editor Layout (what is Underlord??)

Conclusion

Recording your face and screen simultaneously with Descript is a straightforward process with multiple methods to choose from. Whether you use the main Descript app, Quick Record, or SquadCast.fm, you’ll find a method that suits your needs. Editing is also made simple with Descript’s intuitive interface, allowing you to create professional-looking videos with ease.

For more tips and tricks, grab my Descript cheat sheet, linked in the description, and check out additional tutorials on my channel.

c# – Visual studio code snippet indentation

Posted on by faz_business


I have set the indentation to 2 spaces per tab in my Visual Studio (2022). Whenever there is any auto-generated code from Visual Studio (also applies when creating new classes), the indentation is set to 4 spaces. This is especially notable with code snippets.

Example:

class Class1
{

  public int MyProperty { get; set; }


  ctor

  public void Method1()
  {

  }
}

is turned to:

class Class1
{

  public int MyProperty { get; set; }


      public Class1()
      {
          
      }

      public void Method1()
  {

  }
}

If I press undo and then press tab again, the indentation is correct. If I press ctrl-K-D, it’s also formatted correctly. The indentation also works as it should for all my custom code snippets. There is no editorconfig or anything that could mess with indentation. On my home machine with my personal account, it’s formatted correctly as well, but I can’t find any setting that would be responsible for this.

How can i fix this?

Are You Supporting Your Workforce?

Posted on by faz_business


It may seem like a strange question for organizations, but it’s an important one – do you support your workers? The answer is much more complicated than you think.

From a traditional perspective, the answer is almost certainly yes. As organization leaders, we strive to make sure that we hire the right people and give them the tools and help needed to get the job done efficiently. The contract between our organizations and our employees – implied or in writing – promises them the support they need to operate in an office or remote setting. Computers, network access, IT support, supervision, sometimes even onboarding are there for the new or existing employee.

But your workers are so much more than just workers. They’re husbands, wives, partners, sons, daughters, parents, caregivers, and more. They’re the couple who’s struggling with infertility; they’re the single parent trying to patch together a better financial future; they’re the veteran worker with aging parents and health issues of their own.

All of that affects how they perform. Yet none of it is supported adequately by the majority of organizations.

Let’s ask the question again. Are you supporting your workers by:

  • Providing access to financial wellness resources?
  • Supporting their need for remote work to better deal with personal situations?
  • Augmenting their healthcare benefits package with value-added services and resources for better mental and physical health?
  • Working with your worker to help them achieve their work benchmarks and alleviate some of their personal situations?
  • Hiring remote help to lighten the load and help them achieve a better work-life balance?

A good work-life balance leads to better worker productivity, improved morale, and higher employee retention and job satisfaction. A Pew Research study shows that 71% of remote workers said remote work helps balance their work and personal life.[1]

With the pandemic shift to remote work in 2020, we have plenty of evidence to show that remote work is not a death knell for productivity – just the opposite. Statistics from Zippia show that 68% of enterprises say there’s been an improvement in employee productivity since the move to remote work[2].

It costs nothing to show compassion and empathy to your workers, and y our organization can reap the benefits of happier employees. Foster those connections with your employees. Here are a few ways to do that:

  • Adopt more flexibility in when they work and from where they work.
  • Stop looking at the clock – an eight-hour day isn’t a great measurement of employee success. The better indicator of how well your employees are doing is by the benchmarks and deadlines they meet.
  • Let your employees work when they are most productive. That’s not always 9-to-5, either. Maybe it’s 6 am to noon or 3 pm until 11 pm. Harness their best hours, not the ones you think are mandatory.
  • Build a strong, communicative hybrid work model, which includes: daily contact with your employees; mindful, intentional communication to set benchmarks and discuss any work or personal issues; a fully remote or hybrid workweek to accommodate their personal needs (this allows them to focus more fully on their work tasks); a trust system that treats employees like the adults they are.

That last point is an important one. Your remote/hybrid workers are adults. They can accomplish a great deal for your organization without micromanagement.

Supporting your workers has come a long way from providing them with a desk and a computer. Today’s workers have intense personal and professional pressures that impact everything in their lives. Ignoring that can be detrimental to your workers and to your organization.

It takes just a few changes to your work model and communication process to adopt a more flexible approach to doing business. You’ve trusted your workers to handle your most critical business functions. Trust them to be able to operate remotely with your management team offering support. The result could well be better productivity and more satisfied workers.

[1] Remote Work Statistics & Trends In (2024) – Forbes Advisor

[2] 25 Trending Remote Work Statistics [2023]: Facts, Trends, And Projections – Zippia

Report finds most subscription services manipulate customers with ‘dark patterns’

Posted on by faz_business


Most subscription sites use “dark patterns” to influence customer behavior around subscriptions and personal data, according to a pair of new reports from global consumer protection groups. Dark patterns are “practices commonly found in online user interfaces [that] steer, deceive, coerce or manipulate consumers into making choices that often are not in their best interests.” The international research efforts were conducted by the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) and the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN).

The ICPEN conducted the of 642 websites and mobile apps with a subscription component. The assessment revealed one dark pattern in use at almost 76 percent of the platforms, and multiple dark patterns at play in almost 68 percent of them. One of the most common dark patterns discovered was sneaking, where a company makes potentially negative information difficult to find. ICPEN said 81 percent of the platforms with automatic subscription renewal kept the ability for a buyer to turn off auto-renewal out of the purchase flow. Other dark patterns for subscription services included interface interference, where desirable actions are easier to perform, and forced action, where customers have to provide information to access a particular function.

The companion from GPEN examined dark patterns that could encourage users to compromise their privacy. In this review, nearly all of the more than 1,000 websites and apps surveyed used a deceptive design practice. More than 89 percent of them used complex and confusing language in their privacy policies. Interface interference was another key offender here, with 57 percent of the platforms making the least protective privacy option the easiest to choose and 42 percent using emotionally charged language that could influence users.

Even the most savvy of us can be influenced by these subtle cues to make suboptimal decisions. Those decisions might be innocuous ones, like forgetting that you’ve set a service to auto-renew, or they might put you at risk by encouraging you to reveal more personal information than needed. The reports didn’t specify whether the dark patterns were used in illicit or illegal ways, only that they were present. The dual release is a stark reminder that digital literacy is an essential skill.