Indie Selects for July 2026: Gameplay That Will Make Summer Pop


Mina The Hollower is a retro-inspired 2D top-down action-adventure game with a punishing, yet charming world. Players take on the role of Mina, a Hollower mouse, as she fights through hordes of enemies, traps, and bosses to restore generators and save a cursed island. It feels like a mix of Castlevania in the form of classic Zelda, with a sprinkle of Ghost ‘n Goblins, and a dash of Dark Souls.

“Everything is earned in Mina the Hollower.” I found myself repeating this after countless deaths to what looks like a forgiving world on the surface. It’s charming – but definitely not easy, and honestly, that tracks. It wasn’t until the final stretch, when mousetraps showed up as an obstacle, that it clicked: “oh yeah, I AM a mouse.” It’s easy to forget, because Mina can start to feel like a beast as you master traversal, unlock trinkets, sidearms, and weapon upgrades, but she’s still small in a world that’s thematically, overwhelmingly larger than her. You’re supposed to feel punished; you’re supposed to feel like Mina – barring pitfalls and hazard deaths, of course. While the methodical combat, larger-than-life bosses, and even the pacing of healing all reinforce a lot of the soulslike comparisons, it’s this idea of world scale and immersion that’s often forgotten when considering the ingredients of the genre and something that I find charming here.

It feels like a lost ’80s–’90s gem – polished just enough by Yacht Club to keep its spirit intact. Old-school design (contact damage, heavy knockback, real punishment) meets modern QoL, so it never feels dated. The world is charmingly dark, packed with lore, varied biomes, and fresh mechanics that keep things from getting stale. It’s tough but fair with every failure still feeling like something you can overcome – which makes pushing through it that much more rewarding. If you’re itching for that old-school top-down adventure feeling, this feels like a best-in-class example worth checking out!

– Deron Mann

Be Still and Know That I Am God Ocean Wallpaper


I am quite literally obsessed with the ocean. Any chance I get and I’m there. Rain or shine, doesn’t matter. I’ve lived in Northern CA and then also in Oregon and very well used to the ocean. Some of my fondest memories growing up were the trips where my grandparents would take my mom and I all over Northern California and show us all kinds of cool treasures. 🥰

Oceans with driftwood. Oceans with seashells. They knew the best places and I always had a blast visiting all the cool places. They were definitely the travelers and I loved it so much.

Sometimes, my mom and I would just get in the car and drive. Just drive somewhere. We didn’t know where, but somewhere. And we always had a lot of fun and got away from the hectic life.

So oceans hold a very special place in my heart. Of COURSE I will use it as wallpaper for our mobile devices and computers. God’s amazing creation: the OCEAN!!!

Below, you will find some really cool Be Still and Know That I Am God ocean wallpaper to set your devices up with.

Be Still and Know That I Am God Ocean Wallpaper

Need help saving them to your device? Click here for the full tutorial.

Grab the wallpapers below…

Phone (1849 x 3798 px):

Christian Wallpaper Ocean Cell PhoneChristian Wallpaper Ocean Cell Phone

Laptop (2550 x 2048 px):

Christian Wallpaper Ocean Desktop LaptopChristian Wallpaper Ocean Desktop Laptop

Instagram (2550 x 2550 px):

Christian Wallpaper Ocean InstagramChristian Wallpaper Ocean Instagram

Desktop (2550 x 1435 px):

Christian Wallpaper Ocean Large ComputerChristian Wallpaper Ocean Large Computer

Facebook Cover (2550 x 948 px):

Christian Wallpaper Ocean Facebook CoverChristian Wallpaper Ocean Facebook Cover

Enjoy!!! 💕🎁

 

Christian Ocean Wallpaper Be Still and Know-01Christian Ocean Wallpaper Be Still and Know-01

I wore the Oura Ring 5 for a month, and it’s an even bigger upgrade than expected


Oura Ring 5 on hand

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.


ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Pros: The brand’s slimmest smart ring yet, 40% smaller than the last gen. Extra day of battery life. Useful app add-ons and GLP-1 insights.
  • Cons: Besides the slimmer physical form, it’s largely the same as the Oura Ring 4. However, it is around $50 more expensive with the same annual subscription.

After a few weeks of wearing Oura’s skinniest Oura Ring 5 around my finger, I was riding the subway when I spotted a girl’s hand donning the not-so-slim Oura Ring 4. The ring’s chunkiness caught my attention, and I spent several seconds focused on that thick piece of wearable technology. It looked huge on her finger and instantly noticeable — ugly, even.

Also: I dug deeper into my Oura Ring data using this free app – here’s what I found

Maybe I wouldn’t have noticed that prior to the Oura Ring 5, but as soon as Oura’s latest smart ring launched with a substantially slimmer design, every other smart ring in my view became obsolete.

It’s funny how quickly we become accustomed to the newest thing, and how fast technology from a year or two ago becomes outdated in the advent of a worthy upgrade. Nowhere is that more evident than in Oura’s latest (and smallest) smart ring. 

As I’ve worn the Oura Ring 5 over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about this idea. Like Apple unveiling the iPhone Air, the biggest upgrade to this smart ring is simply the size and slimness of the device itself; not too much else has changed. 

Sure, the Oura Ring 5 arrives with a few software updates that hint at Oura’s greater mission as a health technology company, but you’re really buying it for its discreet build — the software is a lovely add-on. 

Also: Oura Ring 5 vs. Oura Ring 4: I compared both smart rings for health tracking – you should buy this one

I’ve worn the Oura Ring 5 everywhere these past few weeks, and the latest generation is a worthy upgrade for a few reasons. Here’s what I found.

Two big upgrades

image-20260603-224120-756

Oura Ring 4 on left and Oura Ring 5 on right. 

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

40% is the big number with the Oura Ring 5. It’s 40% smaller than its predecessor, and, as someone who has worn the Oura Ring 4 since it came out, I can confirm it’s noticeable. It seems like other users notice the difference as well: one Reddit user said they thought they forgot about the ring around their finger, only to notice that it was there — just less bulky than the previous generation. 

Also: Google’s Fitbit Air is a $99 screenless wearable that I can actually take seriously

Oura also says it added an additional day of battery life to the new ring, even despite the smaller size. This is thanks to optimized signal pathways, a new battery, and improved AI, the company says. That upgraded battery claim might be true, but it’s heavily dependent on the size of smart ring you’re wearing. I wear a size 6 ring, for example, and I haven’t experienced that much of a change between my first few weeks using the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 5.  

I tested the battery life of the Oura Ring 5 by wearing it and recording its percentages each day to see just how quickly the smart ring’s battery depletes. Because battery capacity is dependent on ring size, and I have one of Oura’s smaller rings, I was expecting a shorter battery life already. Here’s how the battery fared over a six-day period. 

On June 9, Oura notified me that I had around seven hours of battery left before it would run out. If I had let it fully die, it would have gone to 0% at 1 a.m. on June 10, making the total battery life of this smart ring, on its first-ever battery run, around six days and a few hours. 

During my first test run with the Oura Ring 4 around a year ago, I wrote that the Oura Ring 4 gave me about five and a half days of battery life. With the 5, I got around one day more of battery life during my first week. Not too bad. 

About that software… 

screenshot-2026-07-01-at-11-13-19am.png

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

When Oura launched the Oura Ring 5, it announced a few new software add-ons that make the smart ring a little bit more useful and relevant for modern-day health tracking. In the last few software updates, Oura added a live activity tracker widget for your smartphone and a location feature for when you’ve misplaced your ring or its charging case. 

There also were some special features for women: Oura members could log their symptoms along their pregnancy or perimenopausal track to contextualize their condition, providing deeper insights into a user’s health during a pivotal moment. Oura continues this ethos with its latest feature, available now on the Oura app. 

Also: I tracked 3,000 steps on my Apple Watch, Google Pixel, and Oura Ring – this one was most accurate

Something that will resonate with a new demographic is the GLP-1 insights feature, which aggregates your health data as you begin taking weight loss medication. Dosing, weight, and side effects are connected to biomarkers Oura already measures, such as sleep, stress, key vitals, and readiness. I didn’t test out this feature, since I’m not on a GLP-1, but I can imagine it being useful for someone starting the drug and wondering whether their symptoms are normal or concerning.

Another feature in development is Health Radar, Oura’s extension of Symptom Radar, the near-magical feature that successfully predicted an illness days before I fell ill. Health Radar will track cardiovascular strain and overall blood pressure health, along with nighttime breathing over a 30-day period. This will arrive in the Oura app by July 8, 2026, and it’s opt-in only. 

ZDNET’s buying advice 

If you’re planning to upgrade from an earlier-gen ring to the Oura Ring 5, you’ll do so for the thinner design, first and foremost. That’s the greatest draw of this update, and one that has made wearing the ring more enjoyable, more discreet, and more like actual jewelry. 

Also: Why your Oura Ring battery is dying quicker (and what Oura is doing about it)

You’ll probably get another day of battery life with this update as well, though we’ll see just how long that battery decides to last, as the Oura Ring 4 had a few battery issues of its own that caused diminishing returns on battery over a year of use. Oura has replaced that battery with a new one for the fifth generation ring, so I hope the Oura Ring 5 will have a longer-lasting battery than its predecessor. 

As far as the usual stuff goes, the Oura Ring still excels at sleep, stress, and symptom tracking. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for the best health or sleep tracker on the market, especially if they want a smart ring over a fitness band or watch. 

Why the Oura Ring 5 earns an Editors’ Choice Award

The best health trackers can still be a hassle to wear, and even smart rings still feel like technology disguised as jewelry. The Oura Ring 5 is the first smart ring I’ve tested that feels like jewelry first and technology second. 

Its smaller design makes a big difference for everyday wear, and it’s the most comfortable smart ring I’ve tested. Oura matches its improved physical design with its signature, insights-driven software with the Oura Ring 5.  



Hylics 2 Free Download – WorldofPCGames


Hylics 2 PC Game




Download File

Hylics 2 Direct Download:

The tyrant Gibby’s minions seek to reconstitute their long-presumed-annihilated master. It’s up to our crescent headed protagonist Wayne to assemble a crew and put a stop to that sort of thing. Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection

  • Features:
    A mesmerizing visual style incorporating stop-motion animation, 3D-scanned clay models, and pixel art.
    Engage in turn-based RPG combat against over 25 adversaries, each with unique capabilities and behaviors.
  • Gather Wayne’s crew and explore 3D environments. Use air-dashing, rolling, and gliding to find hidden treasures or evade enemies. Consult the world’s inhabitants for hints, lore, and musings.
  • Find TVs throughout the world to learn exciting new battle abilities like Poromer Bleb and Soul Crisper.
  • Optional side content including a diverting platformer minigame and a first-person-view dungeon-crawler.
  • The followup to 2015’s Hylics. Hylics 2 uses motifs from its predecessor, but players unfamiliar with Hylics may still fully enjoy Hylics 2.

Screenshots

System Requirements

Minimum
OS *: Windows 7
Processor: 2 Ghz or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Monitor Resolution 1280×720 or higher. 16:9 aspect ratio for fullscreen
Storage: 4 GB available space
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam

Installation Guide

Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game

1 :: Download Game
2 :: Extract Game
3 :: Launch The Game
4 :: Have Fun 🙂




Download File

Venice AI becomes a unicorn with $65M Series A as its privacy-first AI platform takes off


Concerns over the impact of AI chatbots on mental health, personal safety, harassment, and disinformation have forced AI developers to implement safeguards to better control how and what their AI models are allowed to respond or do.

But concerns and worries can’t erode demand. AI offers a lot of promise, and people don’t want a faceless tech company to restrict their access to that potential. And if they can preserve their privacy while they use AI models however they want, why not?

Venice AI, which offers access to more than 200 AI models while allowing users to retain their privacy, is raking it in thanks to that demand. Just two years in, the company already has more than 850,000 unique visitors to its website, and serves more than 3 million active users and an average of 1.7 million API calls per day.

The startup hosts “uncensored,” open-source models on its own data centers, and routes queries to closed-source models, such as those by OpenAI or Anthropic. All user input is encrypted and unencrypted client-side, and routed through an external proxy before it is processed and returned, with no data stored on Venice’s own systems. It also provides end-to-end encryption on some models, though you have to pay for a subscription to get that feature.

The company is already profitable, with annualized run-rate revenues of over $70 million, its CEO Erik Voorhees (pictured above, in the center) told TechCrunch during an exclusive interview.

Understandably, investors have flocked to get a piece of that traction. Venice AI on Wednesday said it had raised a $65 million Series A at a $1 billion valuation, its first external fundraise. The round was led by crypto-focused venture firm Dragonfly, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, North Island Ventures, and others.

The overlap between Voorhees, Venice’s focus on privacy, and its new crypto investors is hard to miss, especially given the CEO’s background and past work. An early bitcoin advocate, Voorhees has founded a few crypto companies, including bitcoin gambling site Satoshi Dice and cryptocurrency exchange ShapeShift, and has long advocated in favor of preserving users’ privacy.

In fact, when a Wall Street Journal investigation accused ShapeShift, which initially didn’t require its users to identify themselves, of processing millions of suspect funds, Voorhees reportedly said: “I don’t think people should have their identity recorded to catch an occasional criminal.”

He struck a similar note when asked how Venice AI thinks about offering access to AI models in light of recent cases of AI psychosis and resulting harm, saying his team treats their service as a “neutral tool or a neutral platform.”

“This is the same principle that you have in Bitcoin, where Bitcoin, as a neutral protocol, works the same way for all people,” he said. “I think it’s actually quite dangerous from a safety perspective, for the world to enter this next phase and have everyone be constantly watched. To me that is actually much more dangerous than any particular person asking a controversial question or something that might be considered bad.”

There’s a considerable focus on giving users agency, too. Users can freely choose from AI models that can generate text, images, audio, and video — all of which vary in their performance, quality, and the amount of censorship applied. The website prominently features several AI “characters” that you can customize and chat with, and the company proudly states it offers an “uncensored” experience.

“We’re optimizing for freedom and actually respecting users as adults, which is, I think, rare these days,” Voorhees said.

The founder said Venice also works on some open models’ system prompts to instruct them to answer more openly, though it doesn’t add any restrictions to the models.

Unsurprisingly, there are two crypto tokens associated with the effort. Venice launched a token called “VVV” in early January, in a bid to attract users, Voorhees said, and in August last year added another, called “DIEM.” Users can buy VVV and then stake it to mint DIEM, which generates $1 worth of AI credits per day that you can spend on Venice. However, Voorhees said only about 8% of the company’s users pay with crypto.

The founder credited the company’s growth to the good performance of the crypto tokens, though he said the strongest driver was getting close to feature parity with ChatGPT. “When we launched, we were very far away from what ChatGPT could do, but people would use us because it was private. And today, we’re very close to what ChatGPT can do […] so as we’ve closed that gap, it’s become an increasingly compelling alternative,” he said.

Looking forward, Venice AI wants to use the fresh cash to start buying GPUs and building its own data centers so it can stop leasing GPUs and increase its gross margins.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Top Reasons to Upgrade Windows and Doors Toronto Homes


Upgrade windows and doors in a toronto home
Photo by Curtis Adams

Many homeowners look for practical ways to improve their properties. One of the most effective upgrades involves replacing outdated windows and doors. Modern products can upgrade windows and doors which in turn, improves comfort, appearance, and everyday functionality. They also help create a more enjoyable indoor environment throughout the year.

When exploring windows and doors Toronto solutions, property owners often focus on durability and performance. New designs offer improved operation and cleaner aesthetics. They can also complement both traditional and contemporary homes. This makes them a popular renovation choice.

Top Signs Your Existing Windows Need Attention

A reason to upgrade windows is that older windows often show visible signs of wear over time. Frames may begin to deteriorate, and seals can weaken. These issues can affect comfort inside the home. Paying attention to early warning signs helps homeowners plan upgrades before problems become larger.

Drafts near windows are another common concern. Difficulty opening or closing windows may also indicate aging components. Condensation between panes can suggest seal failure. Recognizing these signs early allows for a smoother replacement process.

Noticeable Drafts Around the Home

Drafts can make indoor spaces feel less comfortable. Even small gaps around aging windows may allow outside air to enter. This can affect temperature consistency throughout different rooms. Many homeowners notice these changes during seasonal weather shifts.

When you upgrade windows, replacing older units often helps create a better indoor environment. Newer products are designed to fit securely within existing openings. This can reduce unwanted airflow and improve overall comfort.

Difficulty Opening and Closing Windows

Windows should operate smoothly every day. If they stick, jam, or require extra force, the hardware may be wearing out. Moisture exposure and aging materials can contribute to these issues. Over time, operation becomes less reliable.

Functional windows provide convenience and accessibility. Homeowners often appreciate the ease of using modern designs. Smooth operation also supports proper ventilation when needed.

Best Window Styles for Modern Homes

Selecting the right style is an important part of any renovation project. Different upgrade window designs offer unique benefits depending on the layout of the home. The right choice can improve both appearance and functionality. Homeowners often consider ventilation, natural light, and maintenance needs.

Popular options continue to evolve as design preferences change. Many modern styles balance practicality with visual appeal. This allows homeowners to achieve both performance and aesthetics.

Casement Windows

Casement windows remain a popular choice because of their simple operation. They open outward and allow fresh air to enter efficiently. Their design also provides a clear view of the outdoors. Many homeowners appreciate their clean appearance.

These windows fit well in various architectural styles. They can work in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Their versatility contributes to their continued popularity.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are designed to maximize outdoor views. They allow natural light to enter while creating an open feel inside the home. Their simple design works well in both modern and traditional properties. Many homeowners use them to highlight landscaping or scenic surroundings.

Because they do not open, picture windows often pair well with operable styles nearby. This combination balances ventilation and visibility. The result is a bright and welcoming space.

How Window Installation Toronto Projects Improve Performance

A quality product performs best when installed correctly. Proper fitting helps ensure windows function as intended. Careful installation also supports long term durability. This is why professional workmanship plays an important role in any renovation project.

Many homeowners researching window installation Toronto options focus on both product quality and installation expertise. The combination of these factors contributes to a better overall result. Attention to detail helps avoid future complications. It also supports consistent performance over time.

Upgrade Windows and DoorsUpgrade Windows and Doors

Proper Sealing Matters

A secure seal helps protect the home from outdoor elements. Gaps around windows can allow moisture and air movement. Professional installation focuses on creating a proper fit within the opening. This supports long term reliability.

Effective sealing also helps maintain comfort levels indoors. Homeowners often notice improved consistency throughout their living spaces. Small details during installation can make a meaningful difference.

Accurate Measurements Support Better Results

Every home has unique dimensions and requirements. Accurate measurements help ensure products fit correctly. This reduces the likelihood of installation challenges. It also contributes to a cleaner final appearance.

Well fitted windows often operate more smoothly. They integrate naturally with the home’s existing structure. Proper planning is an important part of the process.

Best Door Options for Added Functionality

Doors contribute to both appearance and daily convenience. Choosing the right option depends on style preferences and functional needs. Many homeowners look for designs that complement their property’s architecture. Practicality is also an important consideration.

Modern door options offer a wide range of styles. From entry doors to patio doors, there are solutions for different spaces. This variety allows homeowners to select products that match their goals.

Entry Doors

Entry doors create the first impression of a property. Their design influences curb appeal and overall character. Homeowners often choose styles that complement exterior finishes. Material selection also plays an important role.

A well selected entry door can enhance the home’s appearance. It can create a welcoming entrance while supporting everyday use. Many styles are available to suit different tastes.

Patio Doors

Patio doors help connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large glass areas allow natural light to enter the home. They also provide convenient access to patios and backyards. Many homeowners value the openness they create.

Modern patio door designs offer smooth operation and attractive aesthetics. They can fit a variety of layouts and architectural styles. Their popularity continues to grow among homeowners.

Top Factors to Consider Before Replacement

Planning helps ensure a successful renovation experience. Homeowners should evaluate their goals before selecting products. Factors such as style, maintenance, and functionality deserve attention. Taking time to compare options often leads to better decisions.

It is also useful to consider how new windows and doors will complement the overall property. Consistency in design creates a cohesive appearance. Careful planning supports long term satisfaction.

Conclusion

Upgrading windows and doors is one of the most practical improvements homeowners can make. Modern products can improve comfort, functionality, and visual appeal. From selecting the right styles to ensuring proper installation, every step contributes to the final outcome.

Whether exploring windows and doors Toronto solutions or planning a future window installation Toronto project, understanding available options helps homeowners make informed decisions. A thoughtful approach can support both performance and appearance for years to come.

FAQs

How do I know if my windows should be replaced?

Drafts, condensation between panes, and difficulty operating windows are common signs.

What window style is popular for modern homes?

Casement and picture windows remain popular because of their functionality and appearance.

Why is professional installation important?

Proper installation supports performance, durability, and smooth operation.

What should I consider when choosing a new door?

Focus on design, functionality, maintenance requirements, and compatibility with your home.

Can new windows improve natural light?

Yes. Many modern window designs are created to maximize daylight and outdoor views.

Find a Home-Based Business to Start-Up >>> Hundreds of Business Listings.

Sony is shutting down the PS3 and PS Vita stores after a very long run


Sony is closing the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita, ending new digital purchases on two of its most beloved older platforms after a remarkably long run.

The PS3 launched in 2006 and 2007, depending on the region, while the PS Vita arrived in Japan in late 2011 before reaching North America and Europe in February 2012. By the time the final closures happen in July 2027, Sony will have supported PS3 store purchases for nearly two decades, and PS Vita purchases for more than 15 years.

When will the stores shut down?

The shutdown will happen in phases. PlayStation Store on PS3 will close first in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua starting in August 2026. More Latin American and Middle Eastern countries will follow in late 2026.

For the rest of the world, PlayStation Store on both PS3 and PS Vita will close in July 2027. After that, players will no longer be able to buy new digital games, DLC, or other content on those devices.

Sony says previously purchased content will remain available to download “for the foreseeable future.” The company says the decision comes down to modern commerce systems and updated payment processing standards that PS3 and PS Vita can no longer support at the required level.

The preservation concern is hard to ignore

For many players, the frustration is not only about losing old storefronts. Some PS3 and Vita games still have no modern ports, no physical versions, and no easy way to buy them elsewhere.

One X user summed up that concern by saying many games exclusive to PS3 and Vita will no longer be purchasable, including Sony’s own games that have not been ported or added to its cloud gaming service.

theyre also shutting down the ps3 and vita stores, so many games exclusive to those platforms will no longer be purchasable, INCLUDING sonys own games they havent ported or dropped onto their could gaming slop service

— . (@ConnahDC_) July 1, 2026

Sony tried to close the PS3 and Vita stores in 2021, then reversed course after strong backlash from players. This new plan gives people more time to buy what they want, but it still leaves the same long-term problem. Once these stores close, a large part of PlayStation’s older digital catalog becomes harder to access legally.

‘No bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense.’ Former Microsoft coding wizard makes an OG Notepad clone that’s just 2,686 bytes in size


Tired of Bloated Windows? I Fixed Notepad (2.5KB) – YouTube
Tired of Bloated Windows? I Fixed Notepad (2.5KB) - YouTube


Watch On

Once nothing more than a basic text editor, Windows Notepad has been expanded in recent years to become almost a fully-fledged word processor. For some people, the little tool has become synonymous with Microsoft’s penchant for bloat and unnecessary changes, so one former Redmond coder decided to do something about it.

The person in question is Dave Plummer, and we’ve written about his past work and exploits many times over the years. These days, he regularly posts videos on his YouTube channel, Dave’s Garage, and earlier this week, he showed how he created an app that replicated the original Notepad, with the goal of keeping everything under 4 kB.

AI Prompts For Franchise Marketing Managers, But With Approval Rules


Franchise marketing teams are experimenting with ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google Gemini to speed up content creation. The appeal is practical: a social post, email draft, review response, or ad variation can be produced in seconds.

But speed without structure creates problems. When team members across dozens or hundreds of locations generate AI-assisted content without clear prompts or approval rules, brand consistency erodes and compliance exposure increases.

For franchise systems, prompts alone are not enough. Marketing teams also need approval rules and custom AI workflows that keep generated content aligned with brand standards, legal requirements, local market needs, and campaign goals.

of franchisees believe more AI tool use would improve their marketing performance

The State of Franchise Marketing report found that just 13% of franchisors offer no AI support to franchisees — most systems are already guiding AI usage in some form, which makes structured guidance essential.

How Franchise Marketing Managers Are Using LLM Tools Today

Most franchise teams begin with everyday content tasks that are repetitive but still need local detail — a back-to-school post for each city, a January membership email, paid search headlines for different service areas.

Common uses include social captions, email campaigns, review responses, and ad copy variations. Teams scaling this across locations can explore franchise AI workflow use cases for repeatable local marketing workflows.

Social Media Examiner’s 2025 AI Marketing Industry Report found that 90% of marketers use AI for text-based tasks, with idea generation, draft creation, and headline writing among the top applications.

of marketers use AI for text-based tasks — drafts, captions, and headlines, the exact content types franchise teams generate daily

For franchise systems, frequent usage raises the stakes. If AI is used daily but prompts are inconsistent, content quality will vary by location and channel, the issue is not whether the tools are useful, but whether drafts are based on approved inputs and reviewed before publishing.

How Franchise Marketing Managers Are Using LLM Tools Today

Where Unstructured Usage Creates Problems

Where Unstructured Usage Creates Problems

A vague prompt leaves too much to guesswork — the output looks polished but carries real compliance and brand risk.

Unstructured usage usually looks harmless. A local manager needs a fast post, so the prompt says, “Write a post about our summer offer.” The tool produces a clean draft. The manager posts it. The problem appears later.

In our AI implementation work with multi-location franchise teams, the failure point is almost never the prompt, it’s the missing approval step. In one case, a local manager at a regulated-industry franchise used AI to draft a review response that quietly included a refund promise no one at corporate had approved. It stayed live for two days before anyone caught it. The prompt was fine; what was missing was a checkpoint between the draft and the publish button.

Unstructured prompt output Creates Problems

The most common franchise risks fall into five areas. The FTC’s advertising and marketing guidance says advertising claims must be truthful, not deceptive, and evidence-based. Its online review guidance also warns against soliciting only positive reviews or conditioning incentives on them.

Risk area Example Risk level
Brand voice drift One location formal, another uses slang — brand feels fragmented Medium
Inaccurate local claims AI invents hours, awards, service areas, or neighborhoods High
Compliance exposure Healthcare, financial, childcare franchises have strict language rules High
Review response errors Admitting fault, revealing customer info, promising unapproved refunds High
Skipped approvals Fast drafts create pressure to publish without brand or legal review Medium

How Franchise Marketing Managers Should Use Prompts

A franchise prompt should work like a content brief, not a casual request the same information a marketing manager would give a writer. Franchise prompts need more structure than general-purpose prompts because every output may affect brand standards, local accuracy, and approval responsibilities.

A weak prompt leaves too much room for guesswork, while a structured prompt gives local teams the details they need to produce on-brand, compliant content the first time.

Structured Prompt Builder — ChatGPT
Franchise / Location [Your Franchise Name] — [City, State]
Content type Facebook post (2 variations)
Audience Parents of children aged 4–12
Brand voice Friendly, professional, community-focused
Approved offer Free registration for new families through June 30
Restrictions No emojis, no pricing claims, no results guarantees
Approval level ⚑  Local manager review required before posting
Output format 2 options, under 120 words each
Generated Output (2 options — ready for local manager review)
Option 1: Summer Reading Camp at [Franchise Location] is open for enrollment. New families can register at no cost through June 30. Spots are limited — contact your local team to reserve a place for your child.

Option 2: Help your child discover the joy of reading this summer. [Franchise Location]’s Summer Reading Camp offers structured, engaging sessions for children ages 4–12. New family registration is complimentary through June 30.

A structured prompt with all nine elements produces clean, on-brand options — none contain unverifiable claims, missing disclaimers, or off-brand language.

Prompt Examples for Franchise Marketing Managers

These examples show structured prompts that pair content instructions with approval requirements.

Compliance-Sensitive Post

PROMPT EXAMPLE — Compliance-Sensitive Post
Write a promotional post for [Franchise Name]’s [Location] in [regulated industry]. Promote [Service]. Tone: trustworthy and informative. No outcome guarantees or results-based claims. Include this required disclaimer: [Disclaimer Text]. This post requires legal team review before publication. Format for Facebook. Under 130 words.

Paid Ad Headlines

PROMPT EXAMPLE — Paid Ad Headlines
Write three Google Ads headlines for [Franchise Name]’s [Campaign Name]. Each headline must be under 30 characters. Campaign promotes [Product/Service] with [Offer]. Target keyword: [Keyword]. Headlines should be direct and action-oriented. Do not use superlatives such as “best” or “number one” unless supported by a verifiable, documented claim. Approval level: corporate marketing approval required before launch.
image2 1

Review Response

PROMPT EXAMPLE — Review Response
Write a response to this Google Review: [Paste Review]. Acknowledge the customer’s experience without admitting fault. Do not reveal private customer information. Do not offer refunds or discounts publicly. If the review is negative, invite the customer to contact [approved contact method]. Tone: professional and empathetic. Approval level: local manager review required before publishing.

Why Approval Rules Matter

Prompts improve the quality of AI output; approval rules determine whether that output is appropriate to publish. This is where prompt usage becomes part of broader multi-unit business workflows, rather than a set of one-off content tasks.

Teams that want to turn this into a repeatable system can join Weam’s live AI implementation bootcamp for franchise marketing teams, which walks through identifying use cases, mapping workflows, and deciding where human review stays in the process.

In a franchise system, content is created by many people across locations, but customers experience the brand as one entity, a compliance failure at one location can create brand-level consequences. McKinsey’s 2025 State of AI survey found that 51% of organizations using AI had experienced at least one negative consequence, a reminder that defined human-validation processes matter as usage scales.

weam.ai — Content Approval Workflow   Summer Reading Camp post · [Location]
AI draft generatedUsing approved prompt template · June 18, 9:14 AM Complete
Auto-check: restricted claimsNo superlatives, pricing claims, or invented facts detected Passed
Local manager reviewAssigned to: Local Manager · Pending since 9:16 AM In Review
Schedule & publishWill publish to Facebook after manager approval Waiting

Every draft moves through a defined approval chain before publishing — the step and reviewer are set by content type and risk level, not by individual preference.

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Example Approval Rules for Franchise Marketing Content

A tiered approval framework should be tied to content type and risk level. The approval rule should be chosen before the content is generated, not after.

Approval level When it applies
Corporate required National campaigns, brand claims, slogons, awards, competitor mentions, paid media templates
Regional required Multi-location promotions, regional event partnerships, co-op campaigns
Local allowed Store hours, community posts, team introductions, review responses via approved templates
Legal review Regulated industries, health or financial outcome claims, testimonials, child-related claims
Auto-reject Unverifiable superlatives, competitor attacks, fake reviews, missing disclaimers, invented facts

A Practical Prompt Framework for Franchise Teams

Every prompt written for franchise marketing should address these nine elements. Use this as a repeatable checklist before generating any content.

① GoalWhat the content should accomplish ② LocationSpecific market, city, region, or store
③ AudienceTarget customer and intent signals ④ ChannelFacebook, email, Google Ads, local page
⑤ Brand voiceTone, language rules, vocabulary guidelines ⑥ Offer detailsApproved product, price, expiry date, terms
⑦ Required disclaimersLegal language or mandatory brand statements ⑧ Approval levelCorporate, regional, local, or legal review required
⑨ Output formatVariations count, word count, character limit, checklist  

Filling in all nine fields — not just a few — keeps output consistent across team members and locations, and creates a record of what was requested for the approval review.

Want all nine elements pre-built into all 75 prompts? Grab the library →

Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring local context. A prompt written for a suburban Phoenix location should not be identical to one written for a downtown Chicago unit.
Not documenting effective prompts. When a prompt produces consistently good output, it should be saved and shared so teams do not rebuild the same work repeatedly.

Get 75 Franchise Marketing Prompts, Ready to Adapt

A preview from the library:

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Each prompt should follow the nine-element framework described in this article.

Grab the Library →

Weam cut marketing costs by 22% while launching campaigns faster across every location.

R Laws

Conclusion

LLM tools offer franchise marketing teams a real efficiency advantage — but only when prompts are structured and approval rules are part of the workflow, not an afterthought.

Franchise marketing managers who treat prompts as documented internal tools, with approval steps tied to content type and risk level, will produce content that’s faster to create, easier to review, and less likely to create brand or compliance problems.

The combination of structured AI prompts for franchise marketing and clear approval rules is not a constraint on speed. It is what makes speed sustainable across a multi-location system.

The fastest way to put this into practice: start from a finished library instead of a blank prompt.

Get All 75 Prompts →

NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit Brings Accelerated AI to Life Sciences Researchers in Claude Science



Life sciences has entered an era of computational scale, and for more than a decade, NVIDIA has built the full GPU-accelerated computing stack — spanning hardware, frameworks, libraries, models, microservices and domain-specific tools — to help researchers run more sophisticated workflows and iterate faster.

This week, Anthropic announced Claude Science, an AI workbench for science research that lets scientists converse with agents in natural language to run their work end to end.

Claude Science integrates with NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit as a resource that scientists can access within their workflow. The toolkit packages NVIDIA-accelerated capabilities as callable skills, enabling Claude Science to select the appropriate tool, prepare valid inputs and execute the workflow — all while connecting to NVIDIA compute resources deployed anywhere. This brings NVIDIA’s accelerated models, libraries and NVIDIA NIM microservices directly into the same environment where the rest of the research happens.

The world’s largest pharmaceutical companies use NVIDIA technologies to advance AI-enabled research across drug discovery, genomics, medical imaging, molecular design and protein engineering. Today, 18 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies use NVIDIA BioNeMo, underscoring the breadth of its role across the ecosystem.

Advancing the Agentic Era of Scientific Discovery

Claude Science lets scientists use natural language to move their research from intent into action, without manually configuring models, endpoints, or software environments. NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit extends that with access to accelerated workflows and models like Evo 2, Boltz-2 and OpenFold3, so the analyses that benefit from acceleration run faster. 

A scientist begins by describing a research task, such as analyzing a genomic sequence, predicting a protein structure or designing a potential binder, in natural language. Claude Science interprets the request and orchestrates the work through preconfigured domain-specialized agents that know established workflows across genomics, proteomics, single-cell analysis, cheminformatics and clinical research. 

BioNeMo Agent Toolkit gives these agents the context needed to connect each step with an appropriate NVIDIA scientific capability. Each skill includes information about its purpose and required inputs, helping agents prepare and execute the workflow and return outputs for review.

The result is an iterative loop between scientific reasoning and accelerated computational work. Scientists can inspect outputs, refine their questions and determine the next step while staying focused on the science.

One powerful example is generating better inhibitors of common cancer targets. In this workflow, a scientist starts with a known cancer-causing antigen mutation and asks Claude to design numerous potential inhibitors. Claude Science integrated with BioNeMo Agent Toolkit and NVIDIA NIM microservices accelerates high-throughput inhibitor prediction, optimization and validation.

A Scientific Foundation Built for Agents

AI agents reason, plan and use tools to complete tasks. In life sciences, those tools are often specialized computational workflows. 

An autonomous AI scientist agent doesn’t reason in isolation. It may need to fingerprint a library of compounds, cluster promising hits, generate conformers for top candidates, analyze genomic context and compare perturbation responses before recommending the next experiment. 

Each step relies on a scientific tool, and the agent can only work as fast as those tools run.

NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit gives scientific agents the accelerated tools they need to operate at the speed of science. It includes:

  • NVIDIA Parabricks accelerates genomic analysis from hours to minutes, so an agent can integrate genomic context into a decision in near real time.
  • RAPIDS-singlecell, developed by scverse, compresses a 1.3-million-cell preprocessing and clustering workflow from 52 minutes to 25 seconds, so single cell analysis becomes part of the reasoning loop rather than an offline batch of jobs.
  • nvMolKit accelerates cheminformatics operations like similarity search and conformer generation by up to 3,000x, so an agent iterating across a massive chemical space gets results at the speed of thought.
  • NVIDIA BioNeMo open models deliver core biomolecular capabilities accelerated by NVIDIA libraries, so an agent has a purpose-built scientific model for each step of a workflow.
  • BioNeMo NIM microservices package those models as enterprise-ready inference endpoints — containerized microservices with the full accelerated software stack pre-integrated and tuned for high-performance inference — so an agent can call a single stable application programming interface for production deployment.

NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit is open and harness-agnostic, allowing the same scientific skills to work across agent frameworks and research platforms. The toolkit and its skills are available now through NVIDIA developer resources and GitHub.

Scientists can access BioNeMo-powered workflows through Anthropic’s Claude Science, which is entering public beta today. As part of the public beta, Anthropic is inviting researchers to provide feedback on additional domain specialists and integrations they need.