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No matter how big or small your business, building (or updating) your website and branding is one of the most important things you’ll do as an entrepreneur. Finding a platform that supports you is the key to making the process more fun than frightful — especially in the early stages.

Squarespace recently announced a suite of tools designed to do just that. They take the complexity out of creating and amplifying your website, helping you jumpstart your business. Here are just a few reasons to try it out. 

Credit: Squarespace Opens in a new window Credit: Squarespace Squarespace Refresh Explore Design Intelligence by Squarespace, plus other new releases Learn More Use AI to build and unify your brand 

One of the things AI is particularly good at is getting you past that dreaded blank-page moment. Squarespace Blueprint AI is the perfect example of that — it can transform basic information about you and your brand into a fully bespoke website you can easily edit or add to.

Consistency is key to building a brand, so Squarespace's new approach to web design — aptly titled Design Intelligence — uses your brand attributes to generate a cohesive, unified online presence in just a few steps. Plus, their AI writer can use your brand voice to generate on-brand copy across placements like SEO site descriptions, video descriptions, and even client documents.  

Market your brand like a pro

You’ll want to get that fresh website out there fast. 

Squarespace makes it easy with two tools. First up is the Marketing Automation Builder, which helps you create and trigger emails based on audience actions and the rules you set. This ensures your content and brand stay top of mind at the right moments, helping you scale more effectively.

The other tool is Bio Sites, which centralizes your content, store, and more within one link in bio, to easily share your world with your followers. To seamlessly match your website and brand, you can now customize header layouts, link layouts, colors, and fonts.

Make bank, any way you like

Creators can also now monetize content using Squarespace’s monetized blog and video paywall features. Consultants and coaches can use Acuity Scheduling to make bookings for customers, then create professional, on-brand invoices that can be scheduled to be sent at the right time, all without leaving Squarespace. 

Plus, with ACH direct debit, mobile wallets, and Klarna, Squarespace Payments can be used with the tools above or by setting up your e-commerce payment portal. You can track upcoming payments and payouts from the Squarespace App on iOS or Android. 

Squarespace Refresh is a new era for entrepreneurs. Start building your website today. 

What is Emergency SOS on iPhone? It's a feature that could save your life.

Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro works in partnership with Globalstar satellite communications company to use satellite connectivity to put people in touch with local emergency dispatch centers if there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

If you're in an emergency, your iPhone can ping one of Globalstar's 24 low-orbit satellites. The satellite will then send the information to one of its ground stations, which routes the call to a local dispatch center or relay center if the dispatch center is unable to receive 911 text messages. These relay centers consist of third-party and Apple-employed specialists who are trained in emergency protocol to communicate with dispatchers and relay the information back and forth.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Watch Series 8 is all about saving you from mortal peril

Testing this feature out is a bit of a catch-22. Apple hopes you're never in an emergency where you have to use it, and it really doesn't want you testing it out when you're not in an emergency. Did you know prank calling 911, which is essentially what you'd be doing, is a felony? (Yeah, Apple doesn't want you doing that.) That said, the best time to learn how to use Emergency SOS via satellite is when you're not in an actual emergency. When facing mortal peril, the last thing you need to deal with is scrolling through your settings to find the feature. So Apple has developed a demo mode for users to test it out in a non-emergency situation.

Mashable was able to demo the feature in a controlled environment. Here's how it works.

Emergency SOS on iPhone: How to use it

You'll find this feature when you call, text, or use Siri or Crash Detection to contact 911 in an area where there's no cellular service or Wi-Fi. It can also be activated via Fall Detection with Apple Watch if you have it set up to route emergency services through your iPhone.

Emergency SOS via satellite is prepared to activate when the SOS icon appears at the top right-hand corner of the screen, which indicates there's no cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity and satellite service is available. A combination of hardware and software components power the feature, which is why it's only available on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.

You activate the feature by dialing 911. When the call doesn't go through because there's no connection, the green circular icon at the bottom right of the screen will read, "Emergency text via Satellite." Tap this icon to activate the feature. It's important to note that because the feature is messaging a satellite, there is going to be a latency. Apple says it takes about 15 seconds for a message to be sent and could take up to a minute if you're under some trees with foliage.

Access the feature when you try to dial 911 in an area without cellular connectivity. Credit: Apple A close-up of how to activate Emergency SOS via satellite. Credit: Apple Report emergency

The next screen gives you information about using the feature: You need to be outside to get satellite connectivity, messages will take longer to send, and you'll need to answer questions to get a faster response. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Report Emergency" to start communicating with emergency services. As of this moment, emergency services is notified.

Now it's time to describe your emergency. Credit: Apple Provide details about the emergency

Next, the feature will ask you a series of questions to gather information about the nature of the emergency. Remember: If you are unable to fill out the report, as long as you have made it to this step, emergency services will be notified regardless. For the purpose of the demo, it helped to come up with a specific emergency situation, so I imagined I had broken my leg while hiking in a remote mountain range. (For the record, I am not trying to manifest that energy.) The report asks you to specify from a list of common emergency scenarios which best applies.

Hopefully, I didn't manifest a broken leg. Credit: Apple

The next screen asked for more details about my imaginary accident, like "who needs help?" and "how are you breathing?" and "what best describes the emergency?" I specified that I was the one injured, didn't have any trouble breathing, and chose "traumatic injury" from the list of options.

Asking for me or a friend? Credit: Apple Just a little more detail needed. Credit: Apple

The final step in the emergency report was the option to notify emergency contacts. This uses a pre-existing feature called Medical ID that notifies designated people in the event of an emergency and emergency services if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or take medication. Theoretically, I would have filled this out before my doomed excursion, and my emergency contact would be alerted of my traumatic injury. Your emergency contacts will also have access to a text conversation between you and emergency services, so that they can follow the dialogue in real time (although they can't reply in the chat).

You need to have already filled out your Medical ID for this feature to work. Credit: Apple Your emergency contacts can follow you in real time. Credit: Apple Texting with emergency services via satellite

Once all of the details of the emergency were sent, which included my medical information and location, a new conversation was created with the relay center responding to my request. A status bar at the top of the screen showed that the iPhone was still connected and reminded me to keep pointing the phone in the same direction to remain connected. After about 30 seconds, I received a text from the relay center asking me to describe my location and if I had any medication with me (because the Medical ID had been filled out to say I took medication).

SEE ALSO: Crash Detection on Apple's iPhone 14 can be triggered by rollercoasters Sending and receiving texts via satellite can take between 15 and 60 seconds. Credit: Apple

After answering these questions, I received a text saying local responders had been notified. This is when you wait and hope help is on the way. You can also stay connected to the relay center, but that's a personal preference.

The text will notify you when help is on the way. Credit: Apple Demo mode

If you want to be extra prepared, you can test the feature for yourself in demo mode. Access this by going to Settings, then Emergency SOS, and tapping Try Demo. The demo will temporarily disable your cellular connection and connect to a real satellite to walk you through the feature. This is so you can get a realistic sense of where to position your phone and understand the latency time to send and receive messages via satellite. It's also a good way to know what questions to expect if the unthinkable happens.

Demo mode allows you to test it out so you can know what to expect. Credit: Apple It's a useful way to understand the latency and emergency questionnaire. Credit: Apple Takeaways

Between Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite, Apple is really concerned about its users' safety. Would I feel better knowing that I have this feature at my fingertips on a hike or even driving through a dead zone in a remote area? Absolutely. It increases the likelihood that I'll be able to get help.

That said, it's a lengthy process that requires me to complete a lot of steps in order to get the help I need. It follows a similar emergency protocol conversation that a 911 dispatcher is trained to follow, so it isn't much different than that, but something about tapping and texting in a crisis feels like more of an obstacle to overcome — especially if I'm physically incapacitated.

It's a lengthy process that requires me to complete a lot of steps in order to get the help I need.

There's also the privacy issue: Apple says your messages are sent to the satellite in an encrypted form and then decrypted by Apple to send to the emergency dispatcher. It also says your messages may be saved by emergency services and relay centers "to improve their services." It's not unlike the privacy risk of a typical 911 call, which is considered public record (access to such records depends by state). Still, before using this feature, you need to consider the fact that your information could be retained.

It's something to keep in mind, but even for a privacy advocate, it's an exception you might be willing to make in an emergency.

The one and only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election airs Tuesday evening, with a Midwest battle brewing. Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will contend with Republican Ohio Senator and Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance at the CBS News-hosted debate.

What time is the presidential debate?

The 90-minute debate, taking place at New York City’s CBS Broadcast Center, begins at 9 p.m. ET, with two four-minute breaks. CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell will moderate, along with Face the Nation host and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

Where can I stream the Walz-Vance debate?CBSNews.com & the CBS News app

Viewers can also stream anywhere CBS News 24/7 is available, including Paramount+ and YouTube. Debate coverage on CBS News 24/7 begins at 4 p.m. ET, yes, five hours before the debate begins. Additionally, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, Fox News, and ABC News will air the VP debate on their cable channels and streaming is available via their websites, apps, and sister networks like Peacock (NBC) and Hulu (ABC).

Like the presidential matchup three weeks ago, there will be no audience at the VP debate. Also similar to the Harris/Trump affair, Walz and Vance will be denied pre-written notes and will be standing at podiums — a marked change from the seats and tables featured in VP debates since 2008. 

What sets this debate apart from the Trump/Harris precursor is that there will be no live fact-checking of the candidates by O’Donnell or Brennan. CBS News recently informed the Associated Press that it “will be up to the politicians — not the moderators — to check the facts of their opponents.” During the ABC News-hosted presidential candidate debate on Sept. 10, journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis were able to rebut lies, mostly from Trump, including his false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating Americans’ pets. While not perfect, the ABC debate was given high marks for professionalism and a lack of chaos that usually surrounds Trump-related events. 

Fact-checking will be available to debate viewers watching via CBSNews.com, where 20 journalists will correct lies and exaggerations in real time; those watching live on CBS will have the option of scanning a QR code directing them to the website. The passive fact-checking is not everyone’s favorite, as it could allow some misinformation to devolve into a he said/he said situation. Also, many viewers may be watching via cable and likely have no interest in running up to their TV screen and scanning a code on their smartphone.

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Wondering how to use Wi-Fi calling?

Wi-Fi Calling is a feature on the iPhone that enables users experiencing reception problems to have a stronger call connection over broadband via Wi-Fi. The connection is generally encrypted, which is reassuring for those relying on shared Wi-Fi.

Many users may not even realize they have the power to improve their call quality. Before we proceed, make sure that you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network as Wi-Fi calling isn't possible without one. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step to show you where the Wi-Fi calling tab is located and how to turn it on. 

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling on iPhone

You can turn on Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone in just a few steps.

1. Tap 'Settings' on your home screen  Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

Very simple. Find the "Settings" icon on your home page and click it. 

2. Select 'Phone'  Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

It should have a green icon next to it right under "Voice Memos." 

3. Tap 'Wi-Fi Calling' Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

You can’t miss it. 

4. Toggle 'Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone' on

The next screen will give you the option to toggle "Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone" on. Once you do, you'll get a pop-up asking if you'd like to enable Wi-Fi calling. Tap "Enable."

Credit: screenshot from an Apple iPhone

Now, you’ve enabled Wi-Fi Calling. You also can toggle this feature off. 

How to turn on Wi-Fi calling on Android

Oh, don’t worry Android users. We got you, too. 

1. Tap your Settings tab on the home screen  Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

Easy so far, right? 

2. Find 'Connections'  Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

Not much scrolling will be needed because it should be the first title you see on the setting screen. Tap that.

3. Select 'Wi-Fi Calling' Credit: Screenshot from a Samsung phone

It should be located right under ‘WiFi’. From there, you can toggle the option on or off. 

Keep in mind that having Wi-Fi calling on can drain your battery, so use this feature at your own discretion. Maybe make sure you have a portable charger on hand in case you find your phone's battery percentage is decreasing. 

Also, if you’re concerned about Wi-Fi calling accounting to your current phone plan, check with your carrier to see if it will count towards your minutes. Wi-Fi calling does not use up your mobile data.

Enjoy better quality phone calls moving forward. 

What is SOS?

You try to make phone call or post on social media on your iPhone – but you can't. Do you have bad service? No – in fact, you have no service. The service bars on your iPhone aren't just low, they are completely missing. 

In place of the bars? "SOS."

What does 'SOS' mean?

SOS mode is a way for your iPhone to make emergency calls even when you are completely out of service. 

It's obviously good that this SOS feature exists. But seeing it often means that something is wrong with your cellular service and your iPhone can't make calls, receive calls, send messages, access the internet, nor do anything else that requires a cellular connection.

But even without any cellular service, SOS mode allows iPhone users to call 911 and share their location in the case of an emergency.

How does SOS mode work?

If you have no cellular connection, how do calls to emergency services still receive calls?

SOS mode has evolved a bit with newer iPhone models. Previously, if SOS mode was activated, your iPhone would be able to access any service provider's network – not just your service provider – in order to connect with 911.

Since iPhone 14 and later, Apple has been able to utilize satellites in order to connect with emergency services when needed.

Based on spiking trends on search engines, it appears many users are still unaware of the SOS mode features. Seeing "SOS" on your iPhone usually means doom at first sight. There are outages with your carrier and you won't be able to use your phone at the moment.

But the fact that iPhone users can still get help in an emergency should still be a welcome sign – even if the "SOS" message itself isn't.