Chef Nick Rodriguez talks about building a successful cupcake brand, staying calm under pressure and turning viral chaos into community support.
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His Bakery's Window Got Smashed — But What He Did Next Actually Helped His Business
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Mutazione Is A Mutant Soap Opera That I Can’t Get Enough Of
You’ll explore the community of Mutazione as 15-year-old Kai as she travels back to the town to care for her dying grandfather Nono and hopefully bring him back to health. But he has many other plans for her. And that’s not even to mention the odd bird-like character who keeps appearing in Kai’s dreams.
More than 100 years ago, a meteor “Moon Dragon” struck the tropical holiday resort. Most perished, but anyone who survived showed strange mutations. Those who remained formed to small titular town.
Everyone might have survived the meteor strike, but the drama might be another matter.
The game features a beautiful hand-illustrated world to explore, including the ensemble of lovable mutant characters. As you might expect, the story is full of dramatic twists and turns.
One of the best features are gardens in the game that can create unique, relaxing generative musical soundscapes.
Mutazione is a $8.99 download now on the App Store. It’s for the iPhone and all iPad models.
I’m just a few minutes into the game, and it is as charming and unique as I’d expect from such a fun concept. I can’t wait to dive in more and uncover all of the secrets.
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Top 3 things to know for AI on Android at Google I/O ‘25
Posted by Kateryna Semenova – Sr. Developer Relations Engineer
AI is reshaping how users interact with their favorite apps, opening new avenues for developers to create intelligent experiences. At Google I/O, we showcased how Android is making it easier than ever for you to build smart, personalized and creative apps. And we’re committed to providing you with the tools needed to innovate across the full development stack in this evolving landscape.
This year, we focused on making AI accessible across the spectrum, from on-device processing to cloud-powered capabilities. Here are the top 3 announcements you need to know for building with AI on Android from Google I/O ‘25:
#1 Leverage the efficiency of Gemini Nano for on-device AI experiences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP9QESmEDls
For on-device AI, we announced a new set of ML Kit GenAI APIs powered by Gemini Nano, our most efficient and compact model designed and optimized for running directly on mobile devices. These APIs provide high-level, easy integration for common tasks including text summarization, proofreading, rewriting content in different styles, and generating image description. Building on-device offers significant benefits such as local data processing and offline availability at no additional cost for inference. To start integrating these solutions explore the ML Kit GenAI documentation, the sample on GitHub and watch the “Gemini Nano on Android: Building with on-device GenAI” talk.
#2 Seamlessly integrate on-device ML/AI with your own custom models
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLmJJk1gbuE
The Google AI Edge platform enables building and deploying a wide range of pretrained and custom models on edge devices and supports various frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and Jax, allowing for more customization in apps. The platform now also offers improved support of on-device hardware accelerators and a new AI Edge Portal service for broad coverage of on-device benchmarking and evals. If you are looking for GenAI language models on devices where Gemini Nano is not available, you can use other open models via the MediaPipe LLM Inference API.
Serving your own custom models on-device can pose challenges related to handling large model downloads and updates, impacting the user experience. To improve this, we’ve launched Play for On-Device AI in beta. This service is designed to help developers manage custom model downloads efficiently, ensuring the right model size and speed are delivered to each Android device precisely when needed.
For more information watch “Small language models with Google AI Edge” talk.
#3 Power your Android apps with Gemini Flash, Pro and Imagen using Firebase AI Logic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8Nb68XsVY4
For more advanced generative AI use cases, such as complex reasoning tasks, analyzing large amounts of data, processing audio or video, or generating images, you can use larger models from the Gemini Flash and Gemini Pro families, and Imagen running in the cloud. These models are well suited for scenarios requiring advanced capabilities or multimodal inputs and outputs. And since the AI inference runs in the cloud any Android device with an internet connection is supported. They are easy to integrate into your Android app by using Firebase AI Logic, which provides a simplified, secure way to access these capabilities without managing your own backend. Its SDK also includes support for conversational AI experiences using the Gemini Live API or generating custom contextual visual assets with Imagen. To learn more, check out our sample on GitHub and watch “Enhance your Android app with Gemini Pro and Flash, and Imagen” session.
These powerful AI capabilities can also be brought to life in immersive Android XR experiences. You can find corresponding documentation, samples and the technical session: “The future is now, with Compose and AI on Android XR“.
Figure 1: Firebase AI Logic integration architecture Get inspired and start building with AI on Android today
We released a new open source app, Androidify, to help developers build AI-driven Android experiences using Gemini APIs, ML Kit, Jetpack Compose, CameraX, Navigation 3, and adaptive design. Users can create personalized Android bot with Gemini and Imagen via the Firebase AI Logic SDK. Additionally, it incorporates ML Kit pose detection to detect a person in the camera viewfinder. The full code sample is available on GitHub for exploration and inspiration. Discover additional AI examples in our Android AI Sample Catalog.
The original image and Androidifi-ed image Choosing the right Gemini model depends on understanding your specific needs and the model’s capabilities, including modality, complexity, context window, offline capability, cost, and device reach. To explore these considerations further and see all our announcements in action, check out the AI on Android at I/O ‘25 playlist on YouTube and check out our documentation.
We are excited to see what you will build with the power of Gemini!
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You’re Only Three Weeks Away From Reaching International Clients, Partners, and Customers
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
If your business takes you across borders, even occasionally, knowing a second language can be the difference between a wasted trip and a new partnership. Whether you’re sourcing materials from Europe, meeting with international clients, or attending trade shows abroad, clear communication builds trust and saves time, and Babbel can help.
Babbel is a language-learning app built for real-world conversations, and right now, you can get lifetime access to all 14 languages for just $129.99 (reg. $599). This price won’t be available for much longer.
Take your business to the next level
Babbel focuses on practical, everyday language rather than academic grammar drills. You’ll learn phrases and conversations around travel, dining, directions, casual introductions, and more. That means you’re gaining skills you can actually use in meetings, while traveling, or in customer interactions. Each session takes just 10 minutes to 15 minutes, so you can fit lessons into your schedule between calls or during a break.
You’re not limited to one language either. Babbel gives you access to all 14, including:
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Portuguese
- Italian
And that’s just a sampling. You can switch between them at any time, whether you’re building fluency in one or picking up useful basics in several.
Babbel also uses speech recognition to help with pronunciation, and its new AI-powered conversation partner gives you a low-pressure way to practice speaking out loud. Personalized review sessions reinforce what you’ve learned, so you actually remember it when it counts.
If your business depends on travel or international communication, language should be an asset, not a barrier.
Use code LEARN40 by June 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Babbel Lifetime Subscription for only $129.99.
Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)
StackSocial prices subject to change
If your business takes you across borders, even occasionally, knowing a second language can be the difference between a wasted trip and a new partnership. Whether you’re sourcing materials from Europe, meeting with international clients, or attending trade shows abroad, clear communication builds trust and saves time, and Babbel can help.
Babbel is a language-learning app built for real-world conversations, and right now, you can get lifetime access to all 14 languages for just $129.99 (reg. $599). This price won’t be available for much longer.
Take your business to the next level
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Discover How AI Can Transform the Way You Work With This $20 E-Degree
Learn how to make AI work for you with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree, now for just $20.
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Streamline Your Workflow With This $30 Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 License
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
TL;DR: Secure a Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.
Entrepreneurs clock an average of 52 hours a week, often juggling everything from emails to spreadsheets, according to Shopify’s Entrepreneurship Trends 2024 report. If you’re hoping to streamline your workflow and need some helpful tools to shave some time off that average, Microsoft Office can help.
Now is your chance to rediscover these tried-and-true apps with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $229) through July 20.
Unlock 7 essential Microsoft Office apps for one low price
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is ready to help you tackle your workday, providing must-have apps that let you get more done. This particular license comes with seven helpful tools.
You can draft a document in Word and then send it in Outlook. You can also create a spreadsheet in Excel and present it in PowerPoint to colleagues. You’ll also have access to newer additions like OneNote, Publisher, and Access. With this deal, each costs less than $4.
This license lets you enjoy these apps for life, no subscriptions required. It’s a 2019 edition, but don’t think that means it’s outdated. It has been redesigned with improved cloud connectivity and enhanced features, like new presentation tools in PowerPoint, updated email and contact management features in Outlook, and new analysis capabilities in Excel.
Make sure you’re running Windows 10 or 11 before making a purchase. You’ll receive an instant download after purchase. If you encounter any issues, you can contact Microsoft’s free customer support.
Outfit your PC with a Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Secure a Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.
Entrepreneurs clock an average of 52 hours a week, often juggling everything from emails to spreadsheets, according to Shopify’s Entrepreneurship Trends 2024 report. If you’re hoping to streamline your workflow and need some helpful tools to shave some time off that average, Microsoft Office can help.
Now is your chance to rediscover these tried-and-true apps with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $229) through July 20.
The rest of this article is locked.
Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.
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Fenne Uses AI to Help You Learn About Anything Imaginable
Even though you can use AI to learn about whatever topic you can, Fenne creates bite-sized videos about a specific topic. Captions are available in multiple languages. The immersive audio us designed to boost comprehension and retention.
Using the app is easy and allow you to jump right into learning. There are a number of suggestions, like the Principles of Aerodynamics. You can also select Learn Anything at the bottom of the screen and then enter a prompt on what piques your interest.
Creating a video takes around 15-60 seconds and you’ll receive a notification when complete. The video for my World War II prompt was concise, easy to understand, and mentioned the major highlights of the conflict.
Fenne is a free download now on the App Store. It’s only for the iPhone. The free version is limited to a single video. To unlock unlimited use of the app, you’ll need a subscription. That’s available for $8.99 per week or $89.99 yearly.
Subscribers will be able to unlock unlimited AI video generation, advanced learning topics and subjects, and more.
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Alchemer’s CFO on the keys to getting finance backing behind your CX initiatives
When CFOs push back on customer experience (CX) investments, it’s rarely because they don’t care—it’s because the business case for CX isn’t framed in the financial terms they trust.
In the latest episode of The Business of Feedback, Alchemer CMO Bo Bandy sits down with CFO Jove Oakley to explore how CX leaders can break through that disconnect. Together, they outline three practical steps to bridge the gap with Finance, align meaningful metrics, and turn strong CX ideas into fully funded initiatives.
Step 1: Speak the CFO’s language—business outcomes
Jove’s #1 piece of advice?
“Find a partner in the CFO org. Spend time understanding what they’re tasked with. They care about the same things you do—they just speak a different language.”Many CX leaders start with metrics like NPS or CSAT. But as Jove explains, “NPS is just a trended line. The key is tying it to business outcomes that matter—like retention, expansion, and revenue growth.”
Instead of starting with customer complaints or experience gaps, start by asking Finance:
What problems are you trying to solve this year?It could be improving renewal rates, increasing customer lifetime value (LTV), or reducing churn. Once you know what Finance is focused on, you can position CX as a solution to that challenge, not just another expense.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re aligning CX to LTV, break the metric down. Focus on the controllable components—like retention rate, expansion potential, and customer acquisition—that CX can actually influence.
Step 2: Show the path to measurable results
Your CFO doesn’t need a miracle, they need a clear, measurable roadmap.
Jove’s advice? “Tell me what you’re going to measure, how we’ll track it over time, and when I can expect to see progress, even if the full payoff takes two or three years.”
That means:
- Setting baseline metrics (e.g., current NPS or churn rates)
- Defining target outcomes (e.g., 3% retention lift)
- Mapping the leading indicators (e.g., reduction in support tickets, more promoters in key segments)
- And most importantly: Correlating CX improvements to business impact
CX pros often overlook neutral NPS respondents, but as Bo and Jove discussed, that group might actually have the lowest retention rate. Focus on them, and your ROI story becomes even stronger.
Step 3: Understand total cost and deliver ROI
To get a “yes” from Finance, show that you’ve done your homework.
Jove wants to see:
- Total cost of ownership (TCO), including vendors, internal resources, and opportunity costs
- A realistic timeline for returns
- A projected ROI—ideally 3–4x over the program’s lifecycle
He’s also evaluating scalability. “Don’t bring me a point solution that solves one problem today but needs to be replaced or expanded in a year,” he says. CFOs want tools that grow with the business and can support multiple teams—marketing, product, HR, and beyond.
Bonus: Demonstrate how AI adds real value
AI can be a major accelerator, especially when it comes to summarizing unstructured feedback, surfacing insights faster, and democratizing access to data. But it needs to be tied to value.
If your CX platform includes AI:
- Highlight how it reduces time-to-insight
- Emphasize executive visibility (dashboards that your CFO will actually use)
- Address security and data governance concerns
Jove notes, “The tools I never question are the ones that give me dashboards I open every day. If your platform gives me visibility into key metrics without needing a meeting? That’s a win.”
Ready to watch the full conversation?
This blog just scratches the surface. To hear the full, candid discussion between Bo Bandy and Jove Oakley—including real-world examples, personal insights, and practical tips—watch the complete webinar:
Looking for other resources? You can also watch previous episodes of the Business of Feedback, here. Additionally, check out our latest e-guide, titled The CX Leaders Guide to the CFO!
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What’s the Highest Paid Hourly Position at Walmart?
Walmart managers can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, with some even taking home mid-six-figure salaries. But there’s another high-paying role at Walmart, one that’s focused on creativity and art.
The retail giant confirmed to USA Today that, besides managers, cake decorators are the highest-paid hourly positions in U.S. Walmart stores. The average pay for a cake decorator at Walmart starts at around $19.25 an hour, according to the outlet.
Related: Walmart Is Raising Prices, According to the Company’s CEO. Here’s When.
And recently, a New Jersey Walmart employee, Melissa Fernandez, has been going viral on TikTok for her cupcake bouquets.
@melimakescakes Another Cupcake Bouquet!!! ???@Walmart #walmartcakes #cakedecorating #walmartcakedecorator #walmart3795 #cupcakes #cupcakebouquet #flowers #buttercreamflowers #walmartbakery #buttercream ♬ luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Fernandez told the AP that she’s been at Walmart for 11 years and makes about $24.40 an hour.
The average hourly wage for Walmart’s “U.S. frontline associates” is “close to $18,” according to Walmart.
USA Today reports that there are at least 6,000 cake decorators employed by Walmart at press time.
According to Walmart’s career website, there are more than 50 cake decorator roles open across the country.
Walmart had around 1.6 million U.S. employees at the end of fiscal year 2024, though the company announced in May that it was cutting 1,500 corporate employees.
Related: Walmart Is Laying Off 1,500 Corporate Employees: ‘Reshaping Our Structure’
Walmart managers can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, with some even taking home mid-six-figure salaries. But there’s another high-paying role at Walmart, one that’s focused on creativity and art.
The retail giant confirmed to USA Today that, besides managers, cake decorators are the highest-paid hourly positions in U.S. Walmart stores. The average pay for a cake decorator at Walmart starts at around $19.25 an hour, according to the outlet.
Related: Walmart Is Raising Prices, According to the Company’s CEO. Here’s When.
The rest of this article is locked.
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Mattel, OpenAI Sign Deal to Bring ChatGPT to ‘Iconic’ Toys
A trailblazing new partnership will bring AI power to bestselling toys.
Mattel announced on Thursday that it had signed a deal with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to its “iconic” toys. The toymaker is the company behind popular items, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, and more.
“We’re pleased to work with Mattel as it moves to introduce thoughtful AI-powered experiences and products into its iconic brands, while also providing its employees the benefits of ChatGPT,” OpenAI Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap said in a press release.
Barbie dolls. Photo by Tom Starkweather/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAccording to TechCrunch, the deal is the first-of-its-kind for OpenAI, which has signed deals with companies like Reddit and Google but never with a toymaker. Mattel had not yet signed any deals with any AI companies. The move will also see Mattel incorporate ChatGPT Enterprise into its business operations, so staff can use the chatbot on the job to help design new products.
The partnership is in its early stage, with its first product expected to be announced later this year. Lightcap and Mattel’s Chief Franchise Officer Josh Silverman told Bloomberg that Mattel could use AI to create digital assistants based on characters like Polly Pocket or to enhance games like UNO.
“It’s really across the spectrum of physical products and some experiences,” Silverman told the outlet, while also noting that Mattel isn’t licensing its intellectual property to OpenAI, and it retains full ownership of the products being created.
Mattel is pushing into digital gaming and intends to launch its first self-published game next year.
Related: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Says AI Agents Are Like a Team of ‘Junior Employees’
Meanwhile, OpenAI is planning a broader push into physical products.
Last month, the ChatGPT-maker announced its biggest deal yet with its plans to acquire io, a startup created by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.4 billion. The deal brings Ive and his 55-person team over to OpenAI to work on hardware embedded with ChatGPT, which could include headphones and devices with cameras, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
OpenAI is worth $300 billion after a record fundraising round in April. Mattel had a market cap of $6.23 billion at the time of writing.
A trailblazing new partnership will bring AI power to bestselling toys.
Mattel announced on Thursday that it had signed a deal with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to its “iconic” toys. The toymaker is the company behind popular items, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, and more.
“We’re pleased to work with Mattel as it moves to introduce thoughtful AI-powered experiences and products into its iconic brands, while also providing its employees the benefits of ChatGPT,” OpenAI Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap said in a press release.
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