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Forget your password? Google has you covered

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Forget your password? Google has you covered

Goodbye, passwords… and yourat-least eight characters, special characters, numbers, change every 90 days’ ways. Those things are impossible to keep up with. Thankfully, Google has a solution with plug-in security keys. The device resembles a USB stick and plugs directly into your computer. Not only can you bypass typing in a password, but the plug-in also provides an encryption key for you and your device that renders criminals useless.

Even safer… than the simplest possible password you came up with and probably use for everything. Google has already been using their new product and has seen zero employees fall victim to phishing scams since – not a bad track record. That type of success should catch the attention of other companies that hire gullible employees to work with priceless information.

Just one method… of two-factor authentication involves the plug-in and you will still need a second. The fact is, two-factor is much more secure than one single way of keeping your information safe. Other methods include receiving a security code on your phone and biometric options (i.e., your fingerprint). But hey, it is a step toward not having to remember a thousand different passwords, so I will take it.

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Walmart is getting into the chauffeuring biz

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Walmart is getting into the chauffeuring biz

Well, sort of… the company is driving customers in Chandler, Arizona from their homes to the store to pick-up online grocery orders. The fun part? Walmart is using Waymo’s self-driving Chrysler Pacifica vans – and the groceries will be delivered to the van when you get there.

A learning experience… is what this is, according to Walmart. Customers get to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, and the retail giant gets to see if this is a good idea. Regardless, autonomous vehicles may be an essential part of the future, and Walmart is striving to stay ahead.

You probably won’t get to try… because only 400 people can participate in the program, for now. We also have no idea how this program will last or if it will be expanded to other parts of the country. But at least one Arizona town can beat the heat stroke by taking a Waymo car rather than their own that has undoubtedly been baking in the sun.

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You thought GrubHub just delivers food…

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They also deliver profits… and the online delivery company’s stock jumped 20% on Wednesday to a new all-time high. Sales were up 50% and earnings more than doubled in the second quarter. These results are coming despite the presence of formidable opponents such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Amazon in the market.

With some help… from their latest acquisition, LevelUp, GrubHub has tapped into new and valuable relationships with restaurants. These relationships should help in their effort to shun the competition and earn a more significant share of the market.

They may deliver near you… even if you don’t happen to live in New York, Chicago, L.A., or San Francisco. The company recently moved into Santa Barbara, Reno, Scranton (what!? the electric city!), and Spokane. Moving into smaller markets is part of GrubHub’s strategy for growth – finally, someone realizes that the little guys like to eat, too.

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Why KitKat can’t get a break

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Why KitKat can’t get a break

Gimme a break… is what Nestle is saying after being denied legal protection for their iconic ‘KitKat’ chocolate bar. They were unable to persuade a judge that the design is indeed proprietary. The ruling itself is likely to cost Nestle the trademark in the European Union.

Ten years… is how the legal battle, stemming from the configuration of a candy bar, has been going on. If that sounds weird – it is a little. However, the time, money, and effort put forth by Nestle shows just how vital and valuable trademarks are.

And Nestle isn’t done… because they think this is really important. To be clear, this battle is over a trademark in the European Union. The shape of a KitKat has been successfully trademarked in Australia, Canada, and France. Looks like the candy bar that is synonymous with ‘gimme a break’ is looking for one right about now.

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