• Google Voice is a free service that lets you merge multiple phone numbers into a single number that you can call or text from.
• You can set up a Google Voice account on either your computer or mobile device, and immediately begin placing domestic and international calls, or sending texts.
• Your Google Voice number needs to be linked to an existing phone number, so you can't use Google Voice as your sole phone provider.
• Although it's free to make an account and place domestic calls, international calls cost a small fee per minute.
• Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

Google Voice is a free internet telephone service that allows you to combine all your cellular services, and forward calls to several devices at a time.

If you have a landline at home, as well as a business phone and your personal smartphone, rather than bouncing between three different numbers and devices, you can give out one simple Google Voice number and when someone calls, you'll be notified at all three numbers.

You can also use Google Voice on a computer to place and receive calls. But before you can use any of Google Voice's features, you'll need to have a Google account first. You'll also need to have an existing U.S.-based mobile or landline phone number. 

For the user who simply has too many phones and numbers to manage, Google Voice is a great resource for merging multiple communication channels. It's also good for regular travelers who are forced to bounce between carriers. If you find yourself changing phone numbers and paying a fortune for international calls, or for those users who are looking to record incoming calls for free, it's also a great option.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting you started using Google Voice. 

How to set up Google Voice on a computer

1. Go the Google Voice website.

2. Sign into your Google account if you aren't already.

3. Enter your area code or city in the Google Voice text box. 

4. In the drop-down that appears, select a phone number. 

5. You'll then be prompted to verify your existing phone number. Click "Verify" on the page that loads. 

6. Type in the number you want Google to forward your calls to. 

7. Click "Send Code."

8. Once you receive the code either via text or phone call, enter it into the box. 

9. Click "Verify." 

10.  To confirm that this is the number you want your calls forwarded to, click "Claim." 

10. It will prompt you to click "Finish" twice before you're done. 

How to link more than one number to your Google Voice account on your computer

1. While logged in, go to the Google Voice dashboard. 

2. Click "New linked number" at the bottom of the dashboard menu. 

3. Enter the number you wish to link and click "Send code." 

4. Finish verifying your new number the same way as your first. 

5. To see all your linked numbers, return to Google Voice dashboard scroll to the bottom of the page. You can find all your linked numbers under the phone icon. 

How to set up Google Voice on a mobile device

1. Download the Google Voice app on your iPhone or Android phone. 

2. Once the app is open, select which Google account you'd like to attach a Voice number to and tap "Continue."

3. On the next page, tap "Search" in the lower-right corner to select a Google Voice number. 

4. Enter your zip code or city to load a list of regionally relevant numbers for you to choose from.

5. Tap the green "Select" button next to the number you want. 

6. Google Voice will confirm the number you selected. Tap "Next" on the next two screens to begin the verification process. 

7. Enter the phone number you want to connect to your Google Voice number. 

8. On the next screen, enter the code texted to your phone before selecting "Verify." 

9. Tap "Claim" to confirm you want to link the Google Voice number to your phone before choosing "Finish."

How to use Google Voice 

You can treat Google Voice just like your normal Phone app, but with even more flexibility. 

To make a call through Google Voice, simply go to "Calls" and type in the number. In the Settings menu, you can set up and listen to voicemail, block numbers, and customize other preferences. 

You can also send and receive text messages through Google Voice using Wi-Fi or cellular data, but there are certain restrictions. Texts are free if you're sending messages to anyone in the US or Canada, but when you're outside the US and not using Wi-Fi, "your mobile phone company might charge you extra roaming fees to send a text," according to Google. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to set up Google Voice on your computer or mobile device, and use it to make calls and send messages

• How to change your voicemail greeting on Google Voice using a computer or mobile device

• How to make international calls with Google Voice on your smartphone, tablet, or computer

• How to add credit to your Google Voice account in 2 ways, so you can make international calls

• How to block a number on Google Voice on desktop or mobile

• Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has built 5% stakes in Japan's five biggest "sogo shosha" or general trading companies: Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo.
• Their operations span multiple industries including mining, energy, food, aerospace, retail, real estate, finance, consulting, and logistics.
• Buffett may have backed them because of their depressed valuations, improved management, and similarities to Berkshire, Maria Nikishkova, a Fidelity International research analyst, told Business Insider.
• If Berkshire subsidiaries collaborate with sogo shosha businesses it could end up "making Buffett's entrance point very attractive," she said.

  ---

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway recently revealed 5% stakes worth a total of $7 billion in five Japanese giants: Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo.

They are the largest of the country's "sogo shosha" — general trading companies that engage in a vast range of international business activities.

Those run the gamut from mining metals to producing energy, processing meat, manufacturing aircraft parts, operating stores, investing in real estate, and providing services such as financing, consulting, and logistics.

Their diverse operations give them a "holistic" view across many industries, which they leverage to develop new business models, technologies, and services, Mitsubishi said in its latest strategy report.

Read More: A top strategist explains why Warren Buffett's latest bets could be a 'true turning point' for Japanese stocks

The "big five" sogo shosha have market capitalizations between $10 billion and $42 billion, annual revenues of $48 billion to $136 billion, and profits ranging from $4.9 billion in net income to a $1.8 billion net loss, according to Sentieo, a financial-research site.

Their stock prices are down an average of 7% this year, and all but one (Itochu) trade below book value, meaning their market caps are lower than their net assets.

However, it's tricky for investors to determine whether the companies are undervalued, Maria Nikishkova, a research analyst at Fidelity International, told Business Insider. The timeframes for investment returns vary between their businesses, and it's tough to gauge their overall risk profiles, she said.

Moreover, their many joint ventures mean they lack full control of their operations, their late-stage investments often have limited upside, and their earnings can be volatile, Nikishkova continued.

They have also been forced to write down the value of some assets due to financial crises, pressure on commodity prices, and low interest rates, she added.

Read More: 'You can make 5, 10, 50x your money': Here's an inside look at the 7-part strategy small-stock expert Ian Cassel is using to unearth the market's most overlooked gems

Buffett's decision to bet on them is an "interesting development," Nikishkova said. It likely reflects his signature strategy of buying companies trading below their intrinsic values, she continued.

The famed investor's backing may also be due to their increased focus on allocating capital wisely, generating cash, and boosting shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, Nikishkova added.

Other key factors might be the similarities between Berkshire and the sogo shosha, and the potential for collaborations, she said.

Berkshire owns scores of businesses — including See's Candies, Geico, PacifiCorp, and the BNSF railway — and boasts massive stakes in Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola and other public companies.

If it invests alongside or forms joint ventures with the Japanese giants, that could boost the value of the sogo shosha, "making Buffett's entrance point very attractive," Nikishkova said.

• Electric vehicle battery developer QuantumScape plans to go public through a reverse merger with SPAC firm Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp.
• The combined company aims to trade with a valuation of $3.3 billion under the ticker QE.
• The battery producer touts backing from automotive giants including Volkswagen, as well as a venture investment from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
• SPAC deals have flourished through the year on a wave of sustained public-market demand.
• For more stories like this, sign up here for our weekly energy newsletter, Insider Energy.

Battery producer QuantumScape is the latest firm to go public through a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, merger.

The company said Thursday it will make its market debut after joining with Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. QuantumScape aims to go public with a valuation of $3.3 billion, and is set to trade on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker QE.

The battery company has backing from industry giants including Volkswagen, Shanghai Auto, and Continental. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also holds a stake in the firm.

Read more: 'I had run $5,000 up to $140,000 in just 2 years': Here are the 7 trading rules stock-market wizard Marty Schwartz leverages to help ensure success

SPAC-driven initial public offerings have surged in popularity through 2020. Roughly $34 billion has been raised across 84 SPAC deals in 2020 so far, according to SPACInsider.com. Last year saw 59 deals raise just $13.6 billion.

The so-called blank-check firms raise capital in public markets with the intention of buying a private company. Acquisitions typically take place within two years of the SPAC's market debut. Such deals can replace traditional IPOs, as a merger between the public SPAC and its private target leads to the combined company trading publicly.

Click here to subscribe to Insider Energy, Business Insider's weekly energy newsletter.

Nikola Motors was the last automotive company to go public through a SPAC merger, and its stock rally suggests healthy investor demand for such deals. The firm's shares tripled in the days after its market debut, but have since slid back to their offering price.

Other electric vehicle companies to join the SPAC trend include Fisker, Lordstown Motors, and Canoo.

Now read more markets coverage from Markets Insider and Business Insider:

US stock rally halts as investors shun tech giants

Robinhood faces SEC investigation over deals with high-speed trading firms, report says

A commercial real estate-investing expert explains why the future of offices isn't as bleak as you think — and shares 3 property stocks set for gains no matter the path the COVID-19 recovery

• Cruise stocks surged on Thursday after Carnival announced it would embark on its first voyage since the COVID-19 pandemic this weekend.
• Carnival subsidiary Costa Cruises, based in Italy, will restart its sailing operations this Sunday.
• Carnival expects its German-based subsidiary, AIDA Cruises, to resume selling on November 1.
• The upcoming Cruise launch will be gradual and include increased safety and health protocols to combat COVID-19.
• Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories.

Cruise stocks bucked the market sell-off that plagued technology stocks on Thursday and moved higher after Carnival announced two of its Europe-based subsidiaries would resume operations as soon as this weekend.

Costa Cruises, an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival, will embark on its first voyage since the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined operations on Sunday, September 6. The one-week itineraries will include trips to southern Italian ports and be reserved exclusively for Italian guests.

On November 1, AIDA Cruises, a German-based subsidiary of Carnival, will resume sailing operations as well.

Read more: A commercial real estate-investing expert explains why the future of offices isn't as bleak as you think — and shares 3 property stocks set for gains no matter the path the COVID-19 recovery

Both cruise lines will restrict the number of passengers allowed to embark on the voyages, and will subject its crew and passengers to increased health and safety protocols to better combat COVID-19.

Following the disclosure, Carnival surged as much as 12% to $18.74 in Thursday trades. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines jumped 9% and 13%, respectively.

Cruise line stocks are a central pillar of Fundstrat Global Advisors co-founder Tom Lee's so-called "epicenter" stocks, which he expects to surge higher in anticipation of a successful COVID-19 vaccine being developed. Epicenter stocks are those that were hit hardest amid the rolling economic shutdowns due to the pandemic.

• Brian Belski of BMO Capital Markets told Bloomberg that the stock market's low on March 23 was the "control alt delete" reset button for the next 10-year bull run, the second half of a 20-year secular bull market. 
• But the strategist cautioned investors to not play the same strategy that they did following the 2008 financial crisis. Cyclicals, emerging markets, and oil may not be the move this time around. 
• "Bottoms-up stock picking" and "good old-fashioned" fundamentals will dominate this next bull market, Belski said. 

• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
  

Brain Belski, BMO Capital Markets chief investment strategist, told Bloomberg on Thursday that March 23, the S&P 500 index's low, was the "control alt delete" reset button for the next 10-year bull market. This next decade will be a continuation of what he sees as a 20-year secular bull run.

However, Belski told investors to not use the same "academic" strategy as they did following the 2008 financial crisis.

After that crisis, financial stocks led for six months, and then cyclical stocks, emerging markets, and commodities like oil took over again, said Belksi. 

"Quite frankly, it's not the same type of fundamental environment. We would caution investors by being that academic and playing that playbook again," the strategist said. 

Read more: A commercial real estate-investing expert explains why the future of offices isn't as bleak as you think — and shares 3 property stocks set for gains no matter the path the COVID-19 recovery

The key to this bull market will be "bottoms-up stock picking" and "good old-fashioned fundamentals," he said. And, a focus on company management and products and services will dominate.  

"Those that can't embrace that and continue to go back and focus more on macro academics and quant will continue to hate the stock market and continue to underperform," Belski said.

The strategist added: "From every great recession and every great bear market, we've gone from despair to hope. The hope is new technologies, whether it's Zoom Technologies, or new restaurants or new consumer discretionary, retail concepts, to new technology concepts to new vaccines, new healthcare. America is an economy and stock market of growth and innovation and we think that's going to drive things."

Read more: 'I had run $5,000 up to $140,000 in just 2 years': Here are the 7 trading rules stock-market wizard Marty Schwartz leverages to help ensure success

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• Get an Instant Pot Max 6-quart from Kohl's for only $80 with free shipping or, if it's in stock near you, store pick-up.
• Make the upgrade to an electric pressure cooker with a brand we've tested and recommend.
• Worthwhile discounts on Instant Pots are common, but they don't usually last long before going out of stock. Buy now while it lasts.
• Read our full Instant Pot review. 
• If you're looking for similar deals, check out these great sales on home and kitchen.
• See also: The best online deals and sales happening now
• Visit Insider Reviews' deals page for more general sales and Insider Coupons for more savings.

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

• Nvidia recently announced its RTX 30-series graphics cards (GPUs), making the worst time to buy a graphics card right now. 
• The new RTX 30-series GPUs won't be released until September 17 and later, so they're not even an option right now. Still, don't buy or preorder them until you've seen reviews and benchmarks.
• Otherwise, any Nvidia 10 or 20 series GPU you can buy today for $500 or more is obsolete.
• Even 10 or 20 series Nvidia GPUs under $500 are likely become obsolete soon enough, as Nvidia has shown that it announces and releases GPUs after the initial reveal of a new series, especially in the mid-range and low-end tiers. 

Nvidia announced its brand new RTX 30-series graphics cards (GPUs) based on its new Ampere siilicon architecture on September 1 with some pretty humongous claims. If those claims are accurate, it's an exciting time for PC gamers. 

Some of the biggest claims included promises of 4K and even 8K resolution gameplay at smooth 60 frames per second, depending on which RTX 30-series card you're looking at. Nvidia also announced massive gains with ray-tracing technology — a feature that makes in-game lighting look more realistic.

But, claims are just that — claims — and they haven't yet been validated by benchmarks or reviews. With that in mind, it's not a good time to preorder Nvidia's RTX 30-series GPU.

So, that's the boiler plate reason why you shouldn't preorder the new RTX 30-series specifically just yet. But, what about Nvidia's older 10 and 20 series GPUs? Surely, those are a good value now with price drops and decent performance?

Nope. Here's why:

Any Nvidia 10 or 20 series GPU you can buy today for $500 or more is obsolete

Do not buy an Nvidia 10 or 20 series GPU that costs $500 or more, whether used or new — Nvidia claims the new, $500 RTX 3070 has better performance for half the price of the previous generation's top high-end flagship, the $1,000-plus RTX 2080Ti.

I'd be pretty upset if I had just recently spent around $1,000 for a new RTX 2080Ti, or even $750 for a used one online, or even a used GTX 1080Ti that's going between $400 and $500. Even today, vendors like Newegg are still selling RTX 2080Ti GPUs for well over $1,000, which is insane, quite frankly. 

Still, the new RTX 30-series GPUs need to be benchmarked and reviewed, and we might find that Nvidia's claims were too ambitious. With that in mind, it's still better to wait for the benchmarks and reviews before buying an RTX 30 series card, or buying a 10 or 20 series Nvidia GPU at all. 

Even 10 or 20 series Nvidia GPUs under $500 may also become obsolete soon

Even if you're in the mid range or low end market for a GPU under $500, it's still a bad time to buy anything in Nvidia's 10 or 20 series.

Nvidia has shown that it announces and releases additional models some time after its initial announcements of a new series, especially in the mid-range and entry-level quality tiers. With that in mind, your best bet is to wait and see what Nvidia has in store for the mid-range and low-end in its RTX 30 series.

• SoulCycle announced on Wednesday that it will offer private, customized 45-minute rides for individuals or groups of friends and family members at 16 recently launched SoulOutside outdoor locations. 
• Prices start at $1,200 and varies depending on region, according to an email sent to riders on Wednesday and information on the SoulCycle website.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SoulCycle is opening up its studios for private rides during the pandemic — but it'll set you back at least $1,200. 

The buzzy fitness brand announced select outdoor studio locations will begin offering 45-minute customized classes for individuals or groups of friends and family looking to reconnect with the "Soul Fam," according to an email sent to riders on Wednesday and information shared on its website.

While the price starts at $1,200, SoulCycle wrote that it varies by region. It includes complimentary shoes and water, a Jonathan Adler candle in the company's "signature grapefruit scent," as well as special discounts on apparel and future classes. (By comparison, a single class at SoulCycle cost $36 in areas like New York City in the before times.)

"If there's anything the last few months have taught us, it's just how important staying connected and spending quality time with our Soul Fam is," SoulCycle wrote. "Now that your studio is back up and running (albeit a bit different than we're used to), what better way to celebrate than with a private ride with your friends and family?"

The sessions are available at 16 recently opened SoulOutside locations, which include an "outdoor set-up with bikes placed at least 6 feet apart," and classes that use "silent-disco" audio via headsets that are sanitized between use, according to the company. 

SoulCycle was not immediately available to respond to a request to comment from Business Insider. 

The company also started selling lightly used bikes in August starting at $950, in addition to its SoulCycle At-Home bike which retails for $2,500 and includes access to on-demand classes, similar to its competitor Peloton. 

The alternative revenue streams come as SoulCycle studios remain closed in major markets like New York City, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo determined gyms could reopen this week but not indoor group fitness classes. Such mandates have prompted studio owners and fitness professionals to band together to create groups like the New York Fitness Coalition and the Boutique Fitness Alliance in recent months. 

• El Al Israel Airlines flew the first commercial flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Monday with Jared Kushner onboard.
• The two Middle Eastern countries just announced a peace deal in August that would establish formal relations between the two. 
• Saudi Arabia aided the flight by allowing the aircraft to use its airspace. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

An El Al Israel Airlines aircraft made history on Monday as it flew the first commercial flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The historic flight was made possible by a new peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates seeking to normalize relations. Only 1,300 miles separate Ben Gurion International Airport from Abu Dhabi but prior to Monday, no commercial airliner had ever made the trek, with geopolitical conflict in the region blocking access for any Israeli or Emirati passenger carrier to serve each other's country. 

Onboard the US-made Boeing 737-900ER for the first flight was a US and Israeli delegation with US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner joined by US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien and Israeli National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat. Trump placed Kushner in charge of Middle East peace with Israel's relationship with its neighboring Arab nations taking priority.

Israeli passenger aircraft are typically prohibited from flying over Saudi Arabia with Air India making history in 2018 when it flew to Israel via the kingdom's airspace, Reuters reported.

Here's what it was like onboard the historic flight. 

An El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 737-900ER was used for the flight, departing Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday morning bound for the airline's newest destination, Abu Dhabi.

It was the first time "Abu Dhabi" or any city in the UAE was featured on Ben Gurion International's departure board for commercial airlines.

The plane proudly wore its blue and white colors in the style of the Israeli flag but over the cockpit was a new addition, the word "peace" written in English, Arabic, and Hebrew.

The pandemic had largely grounded El Al as Israel's border was closed to foreigners early on and remains closed to this day so the flight would give the opportunity for the airline to stretch its legs on its most important mission since the repatriation flights of the spring.

Face masks were also customized for the event.

The Israeli delegation lead by National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat was joined by a US delegation lead by Jared Kushner – a senior advisor to President Trump.

Source: Times of Israel

The flight was the first physical symbol of the newly-announced peace accords between Israel and the UAE, only the third Arab country to establish ties with the Jewish state.

Source: Times of Israel

Only 18 days had passed between the announcement of the agreement and the flight.

Kushner – as the deal's broker – was eager to get the ball rolling on normalizing relations with the in-person trip to the UAE, joking that the plane should fly faster to Abu Dhabi to speed up the process.

Source: Times of Israel

Onboard the aircraft, each seat had a headrest cover with "making history" written in English, Arabic, and Hebrew...

And passengers were given a placard to commemorate the event.

For most, if not all of the crew onboard, this would be the most important flight of their career.

Pilots would take the Boeing 737 where no El Al aircraft has gone before over formerly restricted airspace for the Israeli airline.

The planned route would take the Boeing 737 towards Jerusalem before flying over the West Bank, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and even Oman before reaching touching down in the UAE's capital city.

The leaders of the US and Israeli delegation occupied the business class cabin with Kushner, Ben Shabbat, and O'Brien occupying the first row.

Though around 1,300 miles as the crow flies, the actual routing would see the plane fly just under 1,700 miles, taking around three hours and 23 minutes.

Source: FlightAware

Overhead screens kept the passengers abreast of their historic route as they made the historic crossing over the Arabian Peninsula...

While flight attendants began the in-flight service.

The 737 began its descent into Abu Dhabi just under three hours from its departure while over Saudi Arabia, touching parts of Oman as it approached.

Landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport for the first time, El Al had inaugurated its newest destination.

Once on the ground, the aircraft headed to the VIP terminal at Abu Dhabi International for a reception upon arrival.

Pilots mounted the flags of each represented country – the US, UAE, and Israel – as they taxied to the terminal.

The aircraft had arrived with the flight number LY 971, the country code for the UAE.

The Emiratis had literally rolled out the red carpet for the delegation with carpet-lined airstairs.

Kushner gave a speech after the jet touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport where he thanked Saudi Arabian leader Mohammed bin Zayed for letting them cross Saudi Arabian airspace and marked the importance of the flight as another step towards peace. "While this peace was forged by its leaders, it is overwhelming desired by the people," Kushner said of the agreement.

Source: Times of Israel

The delegation stayed in Abu Dhabi for one-night, returning the next day to Israel with the callsign LY 972, the Israeli country code.

Source: Flightradar24

Normalization between the UAE and Israel opens up opportunities for El Al to connect its homeland with the two of the most popular and extravagant destinations in the Middle East: Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Israel has long suffered from a lack of connectivity from Middle Eastern airlines, which pride themselves on connecting the world through mega-hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, but don't serve the Jewish state.

Only two Arab airlines currently serve Israel: Royal Jordanian and Egypt's Air Sinai.

Eithad and Emirates – the UAE's top carriers – can benefit from a new market in Israel, which sees thousands of visitors and pilgrims from over the world.

El Al is also presented with an opportunity to use the potential easing of airspace restrictions to open new routes to the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.

• TikTok parent company ByteDance is reportedly close to announcing the buyer of its US operations.
• Given TikTok's immense popularity with the younger generation, it's clear why large companies like Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle would be interested in acquiring its US operations.
• What's less clear, however, is how the app might change under new ownership.
• Experts say it's too soon to tell, but some predict that companies like Walmart or Oracle could add new monetization and advertising tools.
• A big priority, however, will be to maintain the app's current appeal and popularity.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

After weeks of deliberation, TikTok parent company ByteDance is said to be on the verge of announcing which company will be the buyer of its United States operations.

Microsoft and Walmart have announced their interest in acquiring the popular short-form video app, and The Financial Times reported that Oracle has emerged as another frontrunner in the negotiations.

TikTok has reportedly decided on a buyer and could be ready to make an announcement as soon as this week, CNBC reported on Monday. But new rules governing how China's technology can be exported have slowed down discussions, The Wall Street Journal reported. 

The acquisition talks began to surface when President Trump issued an executive order targeting TikTok in early August that would ban any transactions with ByteDance by any person under the jurisdiction of the United States. 

It's clear why such companies would be interested in the acquisition. Microsoft, for one, could use TikTok to make a stronger impression on younger consumers. It also has the cloud infrastructure to support a popular video platform like TikTok. For Walmart, TikTok presents an opportunity to grow its advertising and ecommerce businesses, while Oracle may be interested in using the platform to boost its marketing business and cloud tools.

But what remains uncertain is the impact that such an acquisition could have on TikTok itself, an app that's grown to become one of the most popular social platforms among Generation Z with more than 2.3 billion all-time downloads. Moreover, China's new export rules could threaten TikTok's popularity if the app's "For You" algorithm is withheld from the sale.

There's no way to know how TikTok may change, but some experts have speculated that companies like Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle could add tools to make monetization easier for influencers and advertisers, while also maintaining and improving the app's user experience.  

Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle declined to comment on their potential plans for TikTok in the event of an acquisition. Walmart pointed Business Insider to its previous statement on the matter.

'Let's not rock the boat'

Experts say that any new owner is likely to try and preserve the app's appeal by leaving it largely unchanged. At least for now.

"The immediate focus would be, let's not rock the boat," Mukul Krishna, global head of practice for digital enterprise and digital media at Frost & Sullivan, said to Business Insider. "If you're talking about [the] immediate future, nothing's going to, at least to the user, apparently change because the companies themselves would be just working really, really hard to preserve what they have acquired."

That being said, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to see some changes if TikTok's US operations gain new ownership. But it would take some time before any meaningful updates appear.

Some changes to the app could involve behind-the-scenes revisions to make the app compliant with the terms of the deal and Trump's executive order from a security perspective. Others could create more opportunity for monetization depending on the interests of the new owner. 

It's also worth noting that both Microsoft and Oracle have a track record of working closely with the US government and law enforcement. President Trump acknowledged Microsoft's history of working with the government in a press conference in August. He pointed to Microsoft's "high level"security clearance, which allows it to work with federal agencies like the Department of Defense.

More advertising and tools for influencers 

Walmart said in a previous statement that partnering with Microsoft to acquire TikTok could help it "reach and serve omnichannel customers" and grow its "third-party marketplace and advertising business."

Still, it's unclear precisely what that would mean for the TikTok user experience. Brian Yarbrough, a senior analyst of equity research with Edward Jones, speculates that could mean Walmart integrating more advertising into the app given its focus on-ecommerce.

"I wouldn't expect a lot of changes, but I would probably expect over time to see more advertisements," Yarbrough said.

An Oracle acquisition could give the enterprise tech giant a leg up in the digital marketing space, considering it would have access to data on up-and-coming TikTok influencers that could be useful to advertisers, Krishna says. As for the app itself, Oracle could potentially launch more tools for providing influencers with ways to monetize their content.

"[If] you talk to any digital marketer, right now they're trying to identify influencers on all these platforms," Krishna said. "'Who's a TikTok influencer, who should I be reaching out to?'"

Better performance and security

But perhaps the most likely change would be increased security. Any buyer would likely have to meet specific security demands to gain approval, since the executive order against TikTok stems from national security concerns in the first place.

"Security protocols, data protection, all of that has to be top of mind for whoever acquires it," Krishna said. "So a company that understands data, understands how best to secure it and all of those things, needs to be a key part of the entire equation."

Microsoft may also try to make enhancements to the app's user interface, such as making it more personalized and improving recommendations, Krishna said.

Oracle's cloud technology could also potentially boost the app's performance by enabling lower latency, Ray Wang, principal analyst and founder of Constellation Research, said, adding that both Microsoft and Oracle were likely to focus on security.

Regardless of which company acquires TikTok — and there's still the possibility that ByteDance holds onto it — it's impossible to know exactly what changes will be coming to users. Still, experts agree that any potential buyer would likely maintain the experience that's made it so popular, and work on developing backend changes first.

"I don't think anybody wants to mess with the content creation, the ease of use, the fact that the network is already there," Wang said. "This is about building the next digital giant."

• White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Thursday avoided assigning direct blame to Russia for the poisoning of Putin's top opponent, Alexei Navalny. 
• Russia has a long history of attacking dissidents. 
• Other world leaders have explicitly demanded an explanation from the Russian government, and Biden directly blamed the Kremlin for Navalny's poisoning.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Thursday decried the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as "reprehensible," but declined to assign direct blame for the incident to the Russian government or Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

McEnany said the Trump administration is "deeply troubled" by Germany's announcement on Wednesday that the nerve agent Novichok was found in Navalny's system. Novichok has been used to poison other Russian dissidents. 

But she did not explicitly blame the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack, instead stating that the administration will work to hold "those in Russia" responsible for the incident accountable. 

"We're deeply troubled by the results released yesterday. Alexi Navalny's poisoning is completely reprehensible. Russia has used chemical nerve agents in the past and we're working with our allies in the international community to hold those in Russia accountable," McEnany said, essentially repeating a statement from the National Security Council released on Wednesday. 

—NSC (@WHNSC) September 2, 2020

Navalny is Putin's most prominent opponent and has faced various forms of harassment from the Russian government for years. In 2018, he sought to challenge Putin for the presidency but was ultimately barred from running for office. 

The anticorruption campaigner fell ill last month while traveling back to Moscow from Siberia. His aides immediately suspected he'd been poisoned. Russian authorities initially prohibited Navalny from leaving the country, but he was ultimately transferred to Germany for further treatment. 

Trump has remained remarkably silent on the matter, even as he continues to take to Twitter to attack his opponents and offer his thoughts on an array of issues. The president has faced widespread calls to issue a statement directly condemning the attack on Navalny, including from his former national security adviser, John Bolton. 

Other world leaders have forcefully demanded an explanation from the Russian government. 

"It's outrageous that a chemical weapon was used against Alexey Navalny," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted on Wednesday. "We have seen first-hand the deadly consequences of Novichok in the UK. The Russian government must now explain what happened to Mr Navalny – we will work with international partners to ensure justice is done."

Former Vice President Joe Biden issued a statement Wednesday that directly blamed the Kremlin for Navalny's poisoning. 

"Once again, the Kremlin has used a favorite weapon – an agent from the Novichok class of chemicals – in an effort to silence a political opponent," Biden said.

Navalny remains in intensive care in a Berlin hospital. 

• Shares of Tesla slumped as much as 9% in intraday trading Thursday.
• The fall comes just a day after Baillie Gifford, Tesla's largest outside shareholder, said it had to trim its stake amid the stock's record-breaking rally.
• Tesla fell 6% on Wednesday following the announcement.
• Watch Tesla trade live on Markets Insider.
• Read more on Business Insider.

Tesla shares continued to slump Thursday, a day after its largest outside shareholder announced it had cut its stake because of the recent blistering rally.

Shares of Tesla fell as much as 9% in intraday trading Thursday, extending a 6% loss from Wednesday. Baillie Gifford, the automaker's largest shareholder, on Wednesday announced that it had trimmed its stake in the company because of internal rules limiting the weight of a single stock in client portfolios.

Read more: 'I had run $5,000 up to $140,000 in just 2 years': Here are the 7 trading rules stock-market wizard Marty Schwartz leverages to help ensure success

Baillie Gifford said it's still a Tesla fan and would welcome the opportunity to increase its stake once again if the stock were to fall further. Tesla shares have been on an epic rally this year, surging more than 430% through Wednesday's close.

The slump comes just after Tesla's 5-for-1 stock split went into effect Monday. On Tuesday, to take advantage of the stock's epic rally, Tesla announced plans to raise as much as $5 billion in a share sale.

Tesla is officially in correction territory, marked as a drop of more than 10%, after falling this week. The stock shed more than 10% between Monday and Wednesday's close.

Read more: A UBS real estate-investing chief told us 5 ways investors can profit from the pandemic's transformation of how Americans live and work — including the housing markets poised to boom

• The Trump administration said the US wouldn't participate in COVAX, an international WHO-backed effort to develop and distribute coronavirus vaccines. 
• Trump has pledged to withdraw the US from WHO entirely, calling the group's pandemic response "China-centric."
• Health experts are concerned that the US's absence from COVAX could impede the country's access to vaccines developed in other countries. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When the World Health Organization announced COVAX last week — a major international effort to develop, manufacture, and distribute coronavirus vaccines — 172 countries had already signed on. 

One was conspicuously absent: the US. 

The US, historically a global leader in fighting infectious diseases like HIV and smallpox, has distanced itself from WHO since the pandemic began. In May, President Donald Trump announced the US would pull its funding and membership from the organization, an agency of the United Nations specializing in international public-health issues. Trump called WHO's coronavirus response "China-centric."

White House spokesman Judd Deere told Reuters on Tuesday that the US wouldn't join COVAX because the WHO is "corrupt." Instead, the Trump administration's focus is on funding vaccine research and development on its own, then striking deals to buy the resulting shots. In the US so far, vaccine candidates developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, Moderna, and a Pfizer-BioNTech partnership have reached phase-three trials.

But COVAX is the only global initiative working with multiple countries to develop, manufacture, and distribute a coronavirus vaccine — and to make sure it reaches vulnerable populations, like older people and healthcare workers. The project's larger goal is to have 2 billion vaccine doses by the end of 2021. That effort, which involves both governments and manufacturers, also hopes to help wealthier countries distribute vaccines to poorer ones, thereby discouraging vaccine hoarding and ensuring all countries get access to a vaccine.

A lack of US collaboration undermines these goals, according to public-health experts. 

"The US has always been a leader in global health, going back to smallpox eradication or polio eradication or HIV," Bill Gates, who's helping to fund Gavi, one of the organizations that's leading COVAX, told Business Insider in July. "Without the US, the coalition to stop the disease globally just doesn't come together."

The US also needs the international community, according to experts. Opting out of COVAX is a risky gamble, since it could limit the US's access to vaccine candidates developed by other countries and manufacturing facilities abroad. In other words, if domestic vaccine candidates fail, the US could be out of luck. 

Plus, even if the US does make a successful vaccine on its own, some experts think that by staying out of COVAX, the country might hurt its own economy by not helping other countries get their populations properly protected and back to work.

"It's a double edged sword," Jennifer Huang Bouey, an epidemiologist and senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, told Business Insider. "It hurts the US, and it also probably hurts COVAX." 

The US is betting on new, less-established types of vaccines

Globally, vaccine developers are testing at least eight different types of vaccine. The most established kind involves injections of weakened or inactivated virus to generate an immune response. 

The two strongest candidates in this traditional vein so far are from Chinese companies SinoPharm and SinoVac. (China also hasn't signed on to COVAX, but gave the WHO a "positive signal" this week, according to Reuters.)

By refusing to participate in COVAX, Buoey said, the US "basically let go of the most traditional, most mature technology — that's a risk."

The US's two strongest candidates so far, from Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech collaboration, are mRNA vaccines, a type that's never been approved by the FDA before. These vaccines use a technology called messenger RNA to create doses using only a virus' genetic code. 

If successful, mRNA vaccines could be easier to produce and more effective than traditional ones, since they may prompt a stronger immune response and don't need to be incubated the way traditional vaccines do. But that's a big if — there's still a possibility the mRNA vaccines will trigger inadequate immune responses or come with harmful side effects.

The US could lose access to international manufacturing

A big question authorities around the world are still tackling is how a vaccine will be manufactured and distributed after it's proven to be safe and effective. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) — a foundation that funds vaccine research and is one of COVAX's main backers — announced in June that it had identified enough vaccine manufacturers to produce 4 billion doses in a year. 

The US's refusal to participate in COVAX means it could lack access to that infrastructure, though the country is working to expand its own manufacturing capacity. 

"It's really just US versus all these other countries," Buoey said. "The US will be left on its own."

The US's absence could limit COVAX's potential manufacturing capacity as well — the initiative could distribute more vaccines if it had early access to successful candidates and facilities in the US. 

The US's economy and reputation could suffer

Even if the US does create a successful vaccine, it could suffer economic repercussions if it hoards all the doses to itself, or if its supply chain can't effectively distribute extra doses worldwide.

That's because countries without a vaccine would continue to struggle with the economic impacts of COVID-19, and their economic fates are intertwined with the US's. 

"We will continue to suffer the economic consequences — lost US jobs — if the pandemic rages unabated in allies and trading partners," Thomas J. Bollyky, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told the Washington Post. 

Then there are larger, long-term questions about the US's global reputation as a public-health leader, Buoey said, if the country stays out of international collaboration efforts. 

"Even during the height of the Cold War, US and Soviet Union scientists were working collaboratively with WHO on eradicating polio in 1950s to 1980s," she said. "Right now, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, the US is really changing the track."

Hilary Brueck contributed reporting.

• You can set up a VPN on a variety of devices including Apple iPhones and Macs, Windows-based computers and tablets, Android systems, Chrome OS, and more.
• Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, offer more security and privacy online.
• While free VPNs are available, choosing fee-based services is preferable for optimal service and performance.
• Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

Internet security is vital these days, and it's important to know that your personal information is being protected whenever you hop online. While not entirely foolproof, one of the easiest ways to ensure this is by using a VPN, or Virtual Private Network.

Whether you're using a laptop, desktop computer, or even a mobile device, setting up a VPN can help provide a more secure and private browsing experience and it only takes a few minutes to complete. It should be noted, however, that while free VPN companies exist, your best bet is to opt for a paid product with a trusted history of providing good service. 

Once you've chosen your VPN client, here's how to set one up on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. 

How to set up a VPN on Windows

1. Click on the Windows button to open up your Settings menu. 

2. Navigate to the "Network & Internet" section, then click "VPN."

3. Click "Add a VPN connection." 

4. Fill in the fields on the page with your VPN's information. Ensure that you select Windows (built-in) for your provider and name your connection whatever you'd like in the relevant section. Then enter the server name and address, the type of VPN you're using, as well as your login information such as username and password. 

5. Click "Save." 

How to set up a VPN on Mac

1. On your Mac's desktop, open System Preferences, then click on "Network."

2. Click the "+" symbol located on the lower left side of your screen to open a dropdown menu. From there, choose "VPN."

3. Enter the details of your chosen VPN in the "VPN Type and Service Name" fields provided.

4. Click "Create." 

5. Next, enter the server address, local ID, remote ID, and other relevant info, and when completed click on "Authentication Settings." 

6. Add your VPN's username and password. 

7. Click "OK" to save your information and connect to the VPN. 

How to set up a VPN on iOS

The following instructions explain how to set up your VPN connection manually. You can also choose to download the relevant app for your chosen VPN client, which should automatically detect necessary settings.

1. In your iPhone's Settings menu, tap "General."

2. Scroll down until you find the VPN section and tap "VPN Configuration." Your VPN provider will tell you what security protocol needs to be added in the "Type" field. 

3. Go back to the "Add Configuration" screen to fill in your account's description and server as well as remote and local IDs. 

4. Enter the username and password provided by your VPN company. 

5. Tap "Done." 

How to set up a VPN on Android

Much like on iOS, VPN apps will generally do all the setup work for you, only requiring you to add your username and password. However, if you would like to set up your connection manually, you can do so by following these steps. 

1. In the Settings menu on your device's home screen, look for the "Network & Internet" section. Tap "Advanced" and then "VPN." Note that not all versions of Android contain the "Network & Internet" section and you may need to do a manual search for "VPN."

2. Tap "Add," then fill in your VPN name and type as well as the server address before hitting "Save." 

3. On the VPN screen, add your username and password as given by your VPN provider. You'll have the option to save this information so that you don't have to re-enter it every time you want to use your VPN. You can also choose to use your VPN at all times. 

4. Click "Connect" after saving your info to use the VPN.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• What is a VPN? How a Virtual Private Network can help protect your privacy online
  

• How to boost your internet speed at home in 8 ways, and make sure you're not being overcharged for low speeds

• 'What is a good internet speed?': The internet speeds you should aim for, based on how you use the internet

• How to turn on private browsing on a Mac computer in Safari

• 'Why isn't my internet working?': How to identify why you can't connect to the internet and troubleshoot accordingly

• Sen. Ted Cruz tweeted in opposition to an oral drug that can terminate pregnancies, and his wording got him in hot water.
• "Pregnancy is not a life-threatening illness, and the abortion pill does not cure or prevent any disease," Cruz tweeted on Wednesday.
• Given that the US has the highest pregnancy mortality rate in the developed world, the backlash to Cruz's erroneous claim was swift.
• Cruz later grumbled about the initial media coverage of the pile on, tweeting "Oddly, for these 'reporters' Lefty tweets are news, but nobody on Twitter is pro-life w/ a different view."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is getting pilloried online for his comments on pregnancy.

Cruz signed onto a letter with other GOP senators calling for the FDA to ban the oral drug Mifeprex — sometimes referred to as the "abortion pill" that can terminate a pregnancy at 97% effectiveness in the first 63 days.

"Pregnancy is not a life-threatening illness, and the abortion pill does not cure or prevent any disease," Cruz tweeted on Wednesday. "Make no mistake, Mifeprex is a dangerous pill. That's why 20 of my Republican colleagues and I are urging @US_FDA to classify it as such."

In fact, the United States has the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation. A USA Today investigation found more than 50,000 women experience serious injuries and another 700 die during pregnancy each year.

The reaction to Cruz's erroneous claim about the risk of death was swift and intense.

—Bess Kalb (@bessbell) September 3, 2020

—ilyseh (@ilyseh) September 3, 2020

Cruz then returned to Twitter to take issue with the initial coverage.

—Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 3, 2020

As a "pro-life" conservative, Cruz is staunchly opposed to abortion, only allowing approval for such a procedure if the life of the mother is at risk.

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

• REI is a go-to shopping spot for all things outdoors— whether you need to stock up on some outdoor apparel basics or want to go on a fun nature adventure in your area, REI has got you covered. 
• Now through September 7, you can save up to 40% on outdoor gear, apparel, and more at REI's Labor Day sale. Plus, you can also save between 50-70% on clearance clothing, sandals, and swimwear.
• Through the duration of the sale, shoppers can use coupon code LABORDAY20 at checkout to save an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item.
• Check out the best deals we found below, or head right to REI to start shopping.
• Read more: Labor Day sales 2020: Everything you need to know and the best Labor Day sales on tech, mattresses, clothing, and more.

REI is the ultimate shopping destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you need a jacket to brave the winter cold or want to stock up on gear before a big outdoor adventure, REI has got you covered.

Right now, REI is running a huge Labor Day sale — and anyone who needs some outdoor gear or apparel should take note. From August 28 through September 7, you can save up to 40% on outdoor gear, apparel, classes, and adventures at REI. 

Plus, shoppers can use coupon code LABORDAY20 at checkout to save an additional 20% on one REI Outlet item.

The sale is offering deep discounts on tons of items, including kayaks, hiking boots, winter jackets, sleeping bags, and more from your favorite outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Thule, and more. This year, you can even save on REI events and adventures— outdoor day trips, activity classes, and specialty trips run by the retailer.

If you need to gear up for a rock-climbing trip, are looking to actually learn how to rock climb, or just want to pick up some outdoor clothing basics, the REI Labor Day sale is well worth checking out.

The best REI Labor Day 2020 sales we found:

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

$358.83 (Originally $599) [You save 40%]

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Capri Pants

$24.93 (Originally $50) [You save 50%]

La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX Hiking Boots

$99.49 (Originally 199.00) [You save 50%]

REI Co-op Signal 40 Pack

$79.99 (Originally $120) [You save 33%]

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Water Bottle with Cafe Cap

$20.89 (Originally $27.95) [You save 25%]

REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

$139.29 (Originally $199) [You save 30%]

Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp

$29.93 (Originally $39.95) [You save 25%]

REI Co-op Groundbreaker Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

$41.89 (Originally $59.95) [You save 30%]

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set

$27.89 (Originally $39.95) [You save $39.95]

REI Co-op Heliovale Insulated Jacket 2

$98.99 (Originally $199.00) [You save 50%]

Head to REI to shop the Labor Day sale now.

• Twitter on Thursday flagged two of President Donald Trump's tweets for violating its Civic Integrity Policy by "encouraging people to potentially vote twice" in the November election.
• "On Election Day, or Early voting ... go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted)," Trump wrote in one of the tweets that was flagged.
• "If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly," he continued. "If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen's right to do)."
• "To protect people on Twitter, we err on the side of limiting the circulation of Tweets which advise people to take actions which could be illegal in the context of voting or result in the invalidation of their votes," Twitter said in a statement.
• On Wednesday, the president similarly urged people in North Carolina to vote twice in the general election (which is illegal): once by mail and once in person, to test the integrity of the system.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Twitter on Thursday flagged two of President Donald Trump's tweets encouraging voters to cast two ballots in the November general election, which is illegal.

In a thread that consisted of three tweets, Trump wrote, "Based on the massive number of Unsolicited & Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, & in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS & IS COUNTED, SIGN & MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early voting ... go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted)."

The thread continued: "If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen's right to do). If your Mail In Ballot arrives ... after you Vote, which it should not, that Ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast & tabulated. YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn't been 'lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed'. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!"

Twitter added notices to the second and third tweets in the thread saying they "violated the Twitter rules about civic and election integrity." The company did not remove the tweets because it determined that it "may be in the public's interest" for them to remain accessible.

The social media giant also announced the decision in a separate tweet, saying it flagged the president's statements for potentially encouraging people to vote twice in the election.

—Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) September 3, 2020

"The laws regarding the invalidation of mail-in ballots when individuals choose to vote in person are complex, and vary significantly by state," Twitter said in a statement. "Our goal is to prevent people from sharing advice about voting twice, which may be illegal."

"To protect people on Twitter, we err on the side of limiting the circulation of Tweets which advise people to take actions which could be illegal in the context of voting or result in the invalidation of their votes," the statement continued. "Per our policies, this Tweet will remain on the service given its relevance to ongoing public conversation. Engagements with the Tweet will be limited. People will be able to Quote Tweet, but not Like, Reply, or Retweet it."

On Wednesday, the president similarly urged people in North Carolina to vote twice in the general election: once by mail and once in person, to test the integrity of the system.

"So let them send it in and let them go vote, and if their system's as good as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote," Trump told reporters when asked whether he was confident in North Carolina's mail-in voting system. "If it's as good as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote. If it isn't tabulated, they'll be able to vote. So that's the way it is. And that's what they should do."

• To check your iPhone battery's health, open the "Battery" menu in your Settings app.
• Whenever you charge your iPhone, the battery slightly degrades, meaning it won't be able to hold as much power in a single charge.
• Your iPhone will need to be running iOS 11.3 or higher to check your battery health.
• Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

It's true: Your iPhone's battery degrades over time.

As your iPhone ages (and as you repeatedly recharge it), the battery slowly loses its ability to hold power, and won't last as long each day on a charge.

This is unavoidable, but Apple includes a way for you to monitor the health of your battery so you have an indication of when you might need to replace it.

Here's how to check your iPhone battery's health.  

How to check battery health on your iPhone

If you have an iPhone running iOS 11.3 or higher, you can see your battery health in Settings. If you have a version of iOS that's older, you'll need to update.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "Battery."

3. Tap "Battery Health."

The Battery Health page shows you the remaining battery capacity — the closer to 100 percent it is, the better.

Apple says that your phone's battery is "designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles," which for most people takes about two years of use. 

In the Peak Performance Capability section, you'll see a more detailed explanation of how your battery is doing.

Here are some common messages:

• Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance. This means that your battery is working normally and has the highest capacity available. 
• Built-in dynamic software and hardware will help counter performance impacts that may be noticed as your iPhone battery chemically ages. As your battery ages, you might see this message. This means your battery is beginning to degrade, which may affect performance. 
• This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power. Performance management has been applied to help prevent this from happening again. This message is an indication your battery is causing issues with your iPhone, and it might soon be time to upgrade. You're likely going to see performance issues, like slower loading times.
• Your battery's health is significantly degraded. The iPhone will display this when the battery's capacity is below 80%, and it can significantly affect your phone's ability to work normally. 

If your iPhone is older and can't upgrade to iOS 11.3, then you can't check on the battery health in Settings. 

However, you can ask Apple to run a diagnostic test on your battery for you. You can do this by visiting an Apple Store, or by talking to Apple's customer support online. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• 'Why won't my iPhone charge?': How to diagnose and fix common iPhone charging problems

• How to properly clean your iPhone's charging port when it won't charge

• Tips for fixing an iPhone or iPad charger that appears to be broken

• 8 ways to charge your iPhone faster, including using the right charger and taking it out of direct sunlight

• How to tell if your iPhone is charging properly, whether it's turned on or off

• The Cboe Volatility index, or VIX, on Thursday surged to its highest level since July amid a major stock selloff. 
• The index is referred to as Wall Street's fear gauge. It spiked as stocks tumbled from recent record highs. 
• Losses in big technology company stocks led the market rout Thursday. 
• Watch the Vix trade live on Markets Insider.
• Read more on Business Insider.

Wall Street's favorite fear gauge just hit its highest level since July amid a major stock market selloff. 

The Cboe Volatility Index, or Vix, spiked as much as 26% to 33.45 on Thursday, the highest reading in seven weeks. The jump in volatility came as stocks sold off sharply on Thursday, retreating from record highs hit earlier in the week by the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.

While the Vix pared some of the jump, the index remained above 30 during trading Thursday, putting it on track for its highest close since mid-July. 

Read more: One of Tesla's biggest bulls on Wall Street breaks down how the company's $5 billion stock sale could benefit retail investors — and explains why the electric-car giant would still be cheap at $1,400 per share in 2024

Technology stocks, which have led the stock market's rapid rebound from March lows, drove losses Thursday. Shares of major companies such as Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google parent Alphabet — the so-called FAANG stocks – all posted major slumps Thursday. 

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

• To celebrate Labor Day on September 7, many retailers have launched sales on several TVs, including HD, 4K, and even 8K models.
• We'll update this page with new discounts as more deals are revealed.
• Right now, LG's 77-inch CX OLED 4K TV is $3,799.99 — that's a $1,200 discount and its lowest price ever.
• For more Labor Day savings, check out our comprehensive list of deals.
• To potentially save even more this Labor Day, check out our deals page and Insider Coupons.

Labor Day is right around the corner, and to mark the holiday many stores are offering a ton of deals on a variety of products, including TVs. If you've been shopping for a new display, this weekend's Labor Day discounts could yield some of the best prices yet on many new 2020 models, making it an ideal time to purchase that fancy OLED you've been eyeing.

Below, we've rounded up a list of the best Labor Day TV deals we've seen so far. With that said, since stores are still rolling out their specific Labor Day sales, the prices listed below might fluctuate. It's also likely that new deals will still be announced for the weekend. We'll update this page with additional discounts as new promotions are posted.

You can check out all of Best Buy's Labor Day TV deals here, and you can see all the Amazon Labor Day TV deals here. 

The 5 best Labor Day TV deals:

1. LG 77-inch CX OLED 4K TV (2020 model), $3,799.99 (originally $4,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,200]
2. Samsung 65-inch Q90T 4K TV (2020 model), $2,197.99 (originally $2,697.99) at Amazon [You save $500]
3. TCL 75-inch 8 Series 4K TV, $1,799.99 (originally $2,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,200]
4. Insignia 43-inch Fire TV Edition 4K TV, $229.99 (originally $299.99) at Best Buy [You save $70]
5. Insignia 24-inch Fire TV Edition HDTV, $99.99 (originally $149.99) at Best Buy [You save $50]

Shop more great Labor Day TV deals:

LG 77-inch CX OLED 4K TV (2020 model), $3,799.99 (originally $4,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,200]

LG's new 77-inch CX OLED is available for a sizeable $1,200 discount just in time for Labor Day. Though still quite pricey, this is the cheapest we've seen this model so far. The TV features all of the key benefits that OLED displays are known for, including an infinite contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. LG has also implemented its latest AI image processor for upscaling, along with HDMI 2.1 ports for advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

LG 55-inch CX OLED 4K TV (2020 model), $1,499.99 (originally $1,799.99) at Best Buy [You save $300]

For shoppers who want OLED picture quality in a more manageable size, the 55-inch CX model is also on sale right now. This TV offers all of the same benefits that the larger model provides.

Sony 65-inch A8H OLED 4K TV (2020 model), $2,298.00 (originally $2,798.00) at Amazon [You save $500]

LG isn't the only game in town when it comes to OLED TVs. Sony's OLEDs are known for being just as impressive, and the new A8H is no different. With pixel-level contrast and extensive HDR support, this is one of the best looking TVs on the market. Android TV integration is included for smart TV functions.

Samsung 65-inch Q90T 4K TV (2020 model), $2,197.99 (originally $2,697.99) at Amazon [You save $500]

Samsung's newest flagship 4K QLED TV is the Q90T. This high-end 65-inch display offers quantum dot color, full-array local dimming, and a stylish, premium design. The TV also uses Samsung's reliable smart TV OS powered by Tizen, along with built-in Alexa voice control. The Q90T has previously been on sale for $100 less than its current discount price, but this is still a solid deal for buyers who want a premium QLED.

Samsung 65-inch Q900TS 8K TV, $4,497.99 (originally $5,499.99) at Amazon [You save $1,002]

If you've got more cash to spare, Samsung's Q900TS 8K TV is the very definition of premium. In addition to all of the impressive QLED picture quality perks you'd expect in a flagship display, the massive 85-inch panel uses an edge-to-edge "Infinity Screen" that makes it look as if the TV has no frame surrounding the image. Though the actual benefits of 8K resolution are fairly minimal, there's no denying how incredible this TV looks. The current sale price is the cheapest we've seen yet.

LG 75-inch NanoCell 99 Series 8K TV (2020 model), $4,299.99 (originally $4,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $700]

LG's NanoCell LCD TVs aren't on par with the company's OLED models when it comes to overall picture quality, but they offer solid performance in their own right. Though still expensive, this 8K model is a whole lot more affordable than the company's $30,000 8K OLED. For a current sale price of $4,299.99 you get a large 75-inch screen size, local dimming, and wide color support. 

Hisense 55-inch H8G 4K TV (2020 model), $499.99 (originally $599.99) at Best Buy [You save $100]

Hisense's H8G is one of the best midrange TV models you can buy in this screen size. With full-array local dimming, support for multiple HDR formats, quantum dot color, and reliable smart TV functions via Android TV and Google Assistant, the display provides performance that rivals more expensive models from the competition. This $100 discount is a frequent deal for the TV, but it's still a strong value. For more detailed impressions, be sure to read our full review of the 65-inch model here.  

TCL 75-inch 8 Series 4K TV, $1,799.99 (originally $2,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,200]

TCL's flagship 8 Series TV is on sale for $1,200 off its regular price. Though the TV has been discounted to $1,499.99 on rare occasions, its current $1,799.99 price is a very worthwhile deal. The 4K display uses mini-LED technology for advanced local dimming performance. This results in improved black levels and contrast. Roku smart TV capabilities are built-in as well, providing easy access to popular streaming services. The smaller 65-inch 8 Series TV is also on sale, with a current deal price of $1,399.99.

Sony 55-inch X900H 4K TV (2020 model), $999.99 (originally $1,199.99) at Best Buy [You save $200]

One of Sony's high-end LED displays for 2020, the X900H offers good image performance, including local dimming, Dolby Vision support, and IMAX Enhanced capabilities. Models range in size all the way up to a giant 85-inch version, which is currently $1,000 off.   

Insignia 43-inch Fire TV Edition 4K TV, $229.99 (originally $299.99) at Best Buy [You save $70]

This entry-level 43-inch 4K TV is a nice option for shoppers who just want a simple smart TV for basic streaming. The display includes integrated support for Amazon's Fire TV OS, offering access to a solid assortment of apps. 

TCL 40-inch 3 Series HDTV, $179.99 (originally $199.99) at Best Buy [You save $20]

Though Ultra HD is pretty much the default for most TV models in 2020, you can still save some cash by going for a lower resolution HDTV. 1080p smart TVs, like the TCL 3 Series, rarely get huge discounts since they're already so cheap to begin with, but $20 off is still $20 off. This TV is about as entry-level as they come, but its support for Android TV should be enough to satisfy people who simply want to stream their favorite services.

Insignia 24-inch Fire TV Edition HDTV, $99.99 (originally $149.99) at Best Buy [You save $50]

For buyers who just need a small and inexpensive TV with basic streaming support, the Insignia Fire TV Edition HDTV is one of the cheapest options there is. The 24-inch panel only features a 720p screen, but at such a small size you probably wouldn't be able to see the benefit of a better resolution anyway.