The year 2019 is upon us and is moving forward like a house on fire. With so many things happening and the world constantly moving forward, there are a lot of things to look at, especially when it comes to your financial services. As a startup, here’s how you can set your financial goals for 2019:
1. Review your goals
A lot can happen over the span of a year. Priorities can change, mindsets can change and your ideas about where you think your startup should be can change. You may have overshot your budget last year and you may not have properly planned for the year ahead. Take a look at all the things which happened in the past year and review the goals you set for yourself. It is vital to note that in order to stay fully prepared for 2019, you should have financial plans which are in sync with what your goals are going to be!
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2. Take stock of the previous investments
When you are working on what to expect from the financial year from 2019, it is important to look at the kind of investments you made in the past. Make a note of the funding you received in the past and where you used the money. If you know you have enough funds to make do for the essentials, don’t go overboard with the frills. Cut back wherever necessary and with the the goal of securing your future investments, make a clear choice about what you want and need for your startup. This not only helps in figuring out your plans, it also helps in giving you a clear direction regarding where you need to go.
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3. Manage your debts the right way
One of the best ways to get over your financial crunches is by learning how to manage your debts. It is daunting to look at your debts and see how much you owe people. Take stock of what your outstandings are and then start crossing each debt off one step at a time. The more money you owe, the scarier it is to look at how to grow and as you climb up the ladder, this is never a good idea.
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4. Prioritize and get rid of the unnecessary
One of the primary ways to keep a track of your financial status is by looking at what is priority and what isn’t. If you’re paying for three coffee machines when you can actually make do with just one, get rid of the extra. If you need only 5 people in a particular team and have at least ten, then take a look at if you can work better with fewer people on your team. While it may be hard to make these cut throat and to the point decisions, the long term goals are satisfying and worth it at the end of the day.
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5. Stick to your plans
Despite working on your goals, it isn’t easy to stick to your goals all the time. No matter what, hold yourself accountable for when things don’t go according to your plan. Stay true to what you want and what you need, so at the end of the day, you know you have done all that you could. Sticking to your plans is important, especially when it comes to achieving success later in life. When it comes to your startup, sticking to your plan needs to be taken care of without the shadow of doubt.
Picture credits: accessibleinvestor.com
6. Have goals for the expansion of your business
The start of every financial year looks at how to secure cash for the growth of your startup. While some look at growth on a small scale level, others want to expand with leaps and bounds. Take into account which category you fall under and when you decide that, the financial aspects also fall into place. It is imperative to have goals and decide the kind of sacrifices which need to be made when it comes to turning your dreams to reality. Though the sacrifices may seem a bit much now, the end result is always going to be worth it!
When it comes to financial stability, you need to make sure you have all your eggs in order. What are some of the ways you stay financially stable? Comment and let us know!
Google has introduced a new AI-powered feature for its Files by Google app, allowing users to easily interact with PDF documents. The “Ask about this PDF” feature, powered by Gemini, enables users to ask questions about the document’s content directly within the app.
How it Works
Access
The feature is available in the updated Files by Google app (version 16.0.5 and above). Users can download the latest version from the Google Play Store to access this functionality.
Functionality
Users can simply tap the “Ask about this PDF” button while viewing a document. This prompts the app to allow users to ask questions regarding the PDF content, such as:
Summaries of sections
Clarifications on specific paragraphs
Details about tables and charts
AI Interaction
The app leverages the power of Gemini AI to provide accurate and informative answers based on the content of the PDF. This interaction enhances user engagement by making it easier to extract relevant information without manually scrolling through lengthy documents.
User-Friendly Experience
AI-generated responses are displayed as an overlay, enabling users to view both the original PDF and the AI-generated answers simultaneously. This feature streamlines the process of obtaining information from PDFs, making it particularly useful for students and professionals who frequently work with such documents.
Availability
Gemini Advanced Required
The “Ask about this PDF” feature is currently exclusive to users of Gemini Advanced, a subscription service that provides enhanced capabilities of Google’s AI tools.
Limited to Files by Google
At present, this feature is available only within the Files by Google app. However, there are expectations that similar functionalities may be integrated into other Google applications in the future, such as Google Drive.
Future Outlook
This new feature demonstrates Google’s commitment to integrating AI seamlessly into its products and services. By enhancing the user experience with innovative tools like “Ask about this PDF,” Google aims to improve productivity and accessibility for its users.
Expansion Plans
Given the positive reception of this feature, it is likely that Google will explore expanding Gemini’s capabilities across other platforms and applications, potentially offering similar functionalities for various document types and formats.
Conclusion
Google’s introduction of the “Ask about this PDF” feature in its Files by Google app marks a significant advancement in how users interact with digital documents. By leveraging Gemini AI, Google is not only enhancing productivity but also making information retrieval more efficient and user-friendly. As AI continues to evolve, features like these are expected to play a crucial role in transforming digital workflows across various sectors.
WhatsApp is revolutionizing how users handle voice messages with the introduction of its new Voice Note Transcription feature. Designed to cater to diverse user needs, this update ensures that you never miss out on voice messages, even in situations where listening isn’t an option—be it a noisy environment, an important meeting, or simply when audio isn’t convenient.
What Is Voice Note Transcription?
The Voice Note Transcription feature converts voice messages into text, allowing users to read the content instead of listening. This thoughtful solution addresses scenarios where audio playback may not be practical. With this addition, WhatsApp enhances communication efficiency, helping users stay connected regardless of their circumstances.
How Does It Work?
Using the transcription feature is straightforward:
Enable the Feature: Navigate to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts to enable or disable the feature and select your preferred transcription language.
Transcribing a Voice Note: Once activated, long-press the voice message you’ve received and tap ‘Transcribe’. The app will instantly generate a text version of the audio message for you to read at your convenience.
This process is handled entirely on your device, ensuring that the voice messages remain private. Neither WhatsApp nor external servers have access to the content, maintaining the platform’s commitment to privacy.
Privacy and Security
In line with WhatsApp’s dedication to user security, the transcription process is executed locally on the device. This ensures that your voice messages are never sent to external servers, and even WhatsApp itself cannot access them. By integrating this feature while preserving its robust end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp continues to prioritize user trust.
Key Privacy Features
Local Processing: Transcripts are generated entirely on-device, ensuring that no one else—not even WhatsApp—can access your personal messages.
End-to-End Encryption: The feature maintains WhatsApp’s strong privacy standards, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access their voice messages.
Global Rollout and Language Support
The Voice Note Transcription feature is rolling out globally over the coming weeks. Initially, it supports selected languages such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi. WhatsApp has confirmed plans to expand its language offerings soon, ensuring wider accessibility for users worldwide.
Why This Feature is a Game-Changer
This new addition addresses a common pain point for WhatsApp users: handling voice messages when audio playback isn’t feasible. Whether you’re in a crowded space, attending a quiet event, or dealing with a lengthy voice note, the transcription feature provides a convenient alternative.
Benefits of Voice Note Transcription
Multitasking Convenience: Users can skim through voice messages while juggling other responsibilities without needing headphones.
Accessibility Improvement: The feature enhances accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments or those who prefer text-based communication over audio.
Enhanced Communication: Merging the personal touch of voice communication with the convenience of text allows for more flexible interactions.
Conclusion
By introducing the Voice Note Transcription feature, WhatsApp continues to innovate and enhance its platform. This tool exemplifies how technology can adapt to diverse user needs while maintaining security and privacy. Keep an eye on your app settings—this feature is rolling out soon and is set to make staying connected easier than ever. As WhatsApp expands its capabilities, users can look forward to a more personalized and efficient messaging experience that caters to their evolving communication preferences.
WhatsApp has introduced an innovative security feature known as Chat Lock, which enhances user privacy by allowing individuals to secure their personal chats from unwanted access. A key component of this update is the Secret Code option, enabling users to access locked chats through a unique code, thereby making private conversations even more discreet.
What is the Secret Code for Locked Chats?
The Secret Code feature allows users to set a custom code for their locked chats, effectively hiding them and making them accessible only through a specific search command. Instead of simply navigating to the Locked Chats folder within the app, users can assign a custom name or code that conceals these chats entirely from the main chat screen.
Once the Secret Code is established, users can easily search for it within the app to access their hidden chats. If someone attempts to enter an incorrect code, the locked chats will remain invisible, adding an extra layer of security.
Steps to Set Up a Secret Code for Locked Chats on WhatsApp
If you want to enhance the security of your chats with a Secret Code, follow this step-by-step guide:
Lock Your Chats:
Select the chat you wish to lock.
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Lock Chat.
Access the Locked Chats Folder:
After locking some chats, open WhatsApp and navigate to the Locked Chats folder.
Set the Secret Code:
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the Locked Chats screen and select Chat Lock Settings.
Choose the Secret Code option.
Enter a memorable code of your choice (this can include words or emojis).
Tap Next, re-enter your code to confirm, and then tap Done to save your code.
Hide Locked Chats:
To make locked chats less visible, go back to the Chat Lock Settings page and toggle on Hide Locked Chats.
Important Considerations
Code Access: After setting up your Secret Code, you will need to enter it each time you want to access your hidden chats.
Privacy Caution: If someone knows your Secret Code, they can unlock your chats.
Code Retrieval: If you forget your Secret Code, there is no recovery option unless you have a backup of your chats.
Benefits of Using the Secret Code Feature
The introduction of the Secret Code significantly enhances privacy for WhatsApp users. It allows individuals to keep sensitive conversations hidden from prying eyes, making it particularly useful for those who share their devices or are concerned about unauthorized access. This feature is ideal for various scenarios, such as discussing personal matters or planning surprises without fear of being discovered.
Conclusion
With its new Secret Code feature for locked chats, WhatsApp has taken a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and security. By allowing users to hide their sensitive conversations behind a customizable code, WhatsApp provides an effective solution for those looking to keep their communications confidential. As digital privacy becomes increasingly important, features like these empower users to take control over their personal information and interactions within the app.