5 Ways the New Microsoft-Acquired LinkedIn Could Help You Find Your Dream Job

LinkedIn announced on Monday that it was just acquired by tech giant Microsoft. The news may seem completely irrelevant to your day-to-day, but in an email that LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner sent to all employees and then posted on the network, he outlined some important changes the network is hoping to make. These updates could seriously change how we see our digital professional networks and make landing your dream job even easier.

1. Your professional network will get bigger. If there’s one thing Microsoft has access to, it’s audience. The corporation’s products are used by over one billion people. If all these people were also on LinkedIn, it would more than double the business network’s users (the main reason LinkedIn sold). Theoretically, these new billion LinkedIn’s users will be inextricably woven into Bing searches and Microsoft Office products, meaning you’ll have TONS of new connects to help you on the next phase of your career.

2. LinkedIn will integrate with Microsoft Office. If all goes according to plan, LinkedIn data will be available on Microsoft Office products like Word, Outlook, Skype, Calendar and Cortana. That means that if you’re typing a project on Microsoft Word, Office assistant can pop up and recommend experts that could help you complete the work. Calendar and Outlook will link up to LinkedIn and organize your professional meetings while building your professional network.

3. We’ll all learn from Lynda. If you don’t know Lynda yet, LinkedIn hopes you will soon. Lynda is a video tutorial system teaching software, creative and business skills. The training program is owned by LinkedIn, but the acquisition hopes to integrate Lynda technology into Microsoft products. So theoretically, if you’re stuck and can’t figure something out on Microsoft Excel, Lynda technology will pop up and teach you all you need to know in video form. Plus, once you’ve learned the skill, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile.

4. LinkedIn will be more relevant in your workday. Chances are, you aren’t using LinkedIn when at your desk. But you probably are using at least one Microsoft product. In the future, you could use LinkedIn as your company directory, weekly newsletter and digital meet center for collaborations. Those that freelance could use LinkedIn as a point of contact for their employers. More active daily use on LinkedIn will let future employers see exactly what it is that you do.

5. You might start using LinkedIn when you AREN’T even looking for a new job. If there’s one thing we all know to be true, it’s that everyone is most active on LinkedIn when they’re actively looking for a new job. But this new acquisition hopes to make LinkedIn even more than a job-seeking tool. It’s aspiring to become a complete business social network that employees and bosses use every day in their nine-to-five to make work more social and productive. That would mean actively collaborating via LinkedIn and forging new business connections even while you’re happily employed.

Are you excited about the upcoming LinkedIn updates? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t LinkedIn, photos via Getty)

Apple unveiled their latest and greatest today, most notably introducing the iPhone 15 suite, improved iCloud storage plan options, and the Apple Watch Series 9. The new products bring forth some reasonably big changes to Apple’s existing technology – the company saying ‘goodbye’ to the Lightning port is just one example. Read on for everything, new and improved, that was just announced at the Apple Event.

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

  • iPhone SE will start at $429.
  • iPhone 13 will start at $599.
  • iPhone 14 will start at $699.
  • iPhone 15 will start at $799.
  • iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
  • iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

  • Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
  • Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

Stay in the loop on current events and happenings with Brit + Co.

Images via Apple.

Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!

Is Gisele Bündchen pregnant?

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gaia Herbs

Yes! According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."

Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?

Instagram/gisele

Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!

These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.

In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."

As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." That being said, sources also told Page Sixthat they don't think the pair will get married "anytime soon." Despite Gisele being "thrilled" to welcome another child, her friends tell the outlet that the couple will just "live together for now."

Regardless, we're also thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings them so much joy!

How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?

Instagram/gisele

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!

When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!

Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?

Instagram/tombrady

While sources told TMZthat Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public, other sources told Page Sixthat he only just found out "very recently" — and apparently, he didn't find out from Gisele. Sources explained to Page Six that the ex-spouses "talk when they have to." So I guess this situation didn't exactly qualify as having to talk...

Still, a source close to the situation explained to Page Six that Tom was "stunned" to find out about the news. “Tom knew that things were serious between Gisele and Joaquin but he never imagined they would be having a child together,” they said. "“It just wasn’t something that was on his radar. So when Gisele broke the news to him he was stunned, to say the least.”

Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, but he did take to Instagram on October 28. The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life.

And that same Page Sixsource noted that Tom's “grown used to the idea and he’s happy for Gisele.” They said, “At the end of the day, Tom’s sole focus is on his children and his career. What Gisele decides to do with her own life is really none of his business.”

Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!

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This post has been updated.

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum made headlines for their whirlwind romanceafter they met while making Zoë's directorial debutBlink Twice. Fans were so excited to learn they were engaged, but on October 29, multiple sources reported that the couple had broken up — and called off their upcoming wedding. Here's a look back at their relationship timeline.

Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum's Relationship Timeline

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

February 10, 2017 — The Lego Batman Movie Premieres

Glimmers of their love story began in 2017 when Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum lent their voices to the hit animated film, The Lego Batman Movie. Little did they know that this animated connection would pave the way for their real-life love story a few years later.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ABA

Summer 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Work Together Again

Kravitz was all set to work with Tatum in her directorial debut film P*ssy Island. This creative endeavor brought the two closer, both personally and professionally, setting the stage for a unique partnership. While working on the film, Tatum advised Kravitz not to take on too much, showcasing the supportive and collaborative nature of their relationship. Both stars had nothing but praise for each other's work and creativity.

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

August 2021 — Zoë Kravitz Gets A Fresh Start

At the start of 2021, Zoë Kravitz divorced her former spouse, eventually sparking rumors a possible romance with Channing Tatum. This marked the potential for the beginning of their exciting journey as a couple, with their personal lives becoming increasingly intertwined. August was a pivotal month for these two, too. Channing Tatum showed his love and support by following various fan-run Instagram accounts dedicated to Zoë Kravitz. It wasn't long before their relationship made its way into the public eye. And hello, did you see that Brooklyn bike ride? It was clear this couple was meant-to-be kinda cute from the beginning!

Images via Theo Wargo/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

September 13, 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Make Their Red Carpet Debut

The couple made their debut — stepping up and out at the iconic Met Gala, a night filled with glamour and romance. Their joint appearance in multiple after party pictures confirmed their blossoming relationship to the world. Kravitz wore a sexy chain dress, while Tatum looked incredibly handsome in a black tux.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

November 15, 2022 — Zoë Kravitz Calls Her Relationship With Channing Tatum "Sacred"

In a GQ interview, Zoë Kravitz opened up about her relationship with Tatum. She shared that they chose to keep their love story relatively low-key, wanting to keep it sacred and private for as long as possible. “He’s just a wonderful human," she says. "He makes me laugh and we both really love art and talking about art and the exploration of why we do what we do. We love to watch a film and break it down and talk about it and challenge each other."

“You want to keep it sacred and private as long as you can,” Kravitz continues. “So that you don’t have to even think about what the world thinks about it.”

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

January 17, 2023 — Channing Tatum Says He's A "Monogamist"

Channing Tatum candidly discussed the early days of his relationship with Zoë Kravtiz in Vanity Fair, revealing they briefly lost touch before rekindling their connection on the set of P*ssy Island. He also opened up about his struggles in matters of the heart.

“Relationships are hard for me,” Channing says. “I am a bit of a monogamist...but heart things, when it comes to people I love, I have a really hard time. I end up trying too hard, you know?”

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

June 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Taking Things Slowly

Sources close to the couple revealed to US Weeklythat Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum were in no hurry to get engaged, as both had experienced failed marriages before. "They are perfectly happy with where things are and cherish [their] special relationship," the source says. "Having a baby is a very real possibility. But they enjoy taking things slowly."

Images via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Engaged!

After a romantic date night in Paris during Fashion Week, Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum are getting married! In October, the lovebirds finally took the next step and got engaged, per PEOPLE, promising a future filled with love and adventure. YAY! We love love!

www.instagram.com

January 26, 2024 — Channing Tatum Supports Zoë Kravitz' New Movie

Channing recently took to Instagram to show his support of Zoë directing Blink Twice (formerly named P*ssy Island) and even shared a cute BTS video of them looking intently at a scene being filmed. "MISS DIRECTOR LADY HERSELF IN ACTION!!" he says in the caption. "ABSOLUTELY CRUSHING IT. CAN’T WAIT FOR YALL TO SEE."

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

March 4, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Doing "Fantastic"

"Channing and Zoë are doing fantastic and could not be more in love," a source tells ET. "They’re so thrilled about their engagement and to be taking this next step together." The fact that *they're* excited about their engagement makes *me* even more excited for them!

August 9, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Attend The Blink Twice Premiere

Look out world because Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum have officially stepped out on the red carpet together! They stunned in gorgeous, minimalistic black ensembles at the premiere of Blink Twice and made us wish we could've been specks of dust on what they were wearing.

Zoë wore a satin Saint Laurent dress and kept the rest of her look simple while Channing took dapper to the next level with a tailored black suit. Honestly, this is one sexy couple whose engagement rumors we hope are true.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

August 14, 2024 — Lenny Kravitz Is Excited For Zoë's Wedding

Fans may be surprised to know Zoë Kravtiz and Channing Tatum didn't know each other before she shared her idea for Blink Twice. Spending time together snowballed into the romantic relationship they have today, but wedding bells aren't ringing soon. Though her dad, Lenny Kravitz announced he's excited for the couple's wedding (via Entertainment Tonight), Zoë admitted that she and Channing have talked about it "in passing," (via Esquire).

Also, you might want to erase the image of Zoë being a mother from your brain because she doesn't think she'll be taking on that role. It's something she used to be scared to admit, but feels more comfortable talking about these days (via Esquire).

"There’s a lot of pressure on women to have children, and there’s a feeling that if you don’t, you don’t have purpose here. But this movie, it feels like I gave birth," she said.

October 29, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Have Broken Up

Multiple sources told People that Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz have split after three years together, and called off their wedding. TMZ also confirmed the news.

“Wedding plans were looming, but neither of them were rushing to the altar,” a source told Us Weekly, adding that their relaxed mindset ended up putting "a lot of pressure" on them. “Ultimately once [Blink Twice] ended, they realized they were on different pages with what they wanted. It fizzled fast after their press tour wrapped.”

​What are Channing Tatum & Zoë Kravitz ages?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Channing Tatum was born on April 26, 1980, making him 43 years old. Zoë Kravitz (who's 35 years old) was born on December 1, 1988, so there's an 8-year age gap between the two.

Looking for more celeb news? Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter and if you love Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum's relationship, check out the latest news on Tom Holland And Zendaya and Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce!

Header image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

“Amen,” all the Starbucks-frequenting vegans, lactose intolerants, and anti-dairy people said in unison. Starbucks is no longer charging extra for non-dairy milk customizations! Starting November 7, 2024, the coffee giant saidthey’re nixing the up-charge on alternative milks like soy, coconut, almond, and oat.

Starbucks

“At the heart of the Starbucks Experience has, and always will be, the ability to customize beverages and our baristas’ expertise in helping you find, and craft your Starbucks beverage,” a Starbucks announcement reads. “Substituting non-dairy milk in a handcrafted beverage is the second most requested customization from our customers, behind adding a shot of espresso.”

The chain reported that almost half of U.S. customers that pay for non-dairy milk could see a price reduction of more than 10%. The news comes amidst the company's recent 6% drop in sales, along with customer complaints that Starbucks is simply charging too much for their goodies – something the newly-appointed Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol, seems to be addressing.

Starbucks

How much savings are we really talking about with this menu update? Most Starbucks stores charge $0.70 to customize your drink with soy, coconut, almond, and oat milks. Some locations in hotspots like New York City even see an up to $0.90 upcharge.

A regular Caffé Latte in my area (Denver, CO) costs $5.25, and if I were to customize it with an alternative milk, it brings the price up to $5.95 ($6.43 total with tax). That's around a 13% increase that I luckily won't be seeing anymore once the new non-dairy changes go into effect.

Starbucks also announced the pricing update on their Instagram page. Many commenters seem elated to hear the news.

“FINALLY!!!!!!” one user wrote.

“People should never have been getting charged because of allergies or dietary restrictions,” another person said. “It’s [about] time 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

“Good call as long as nothing else goes up,” someone else noted. “Prices are getting way [too] high even for a simple, non fancy coffee.”

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