Month: October 2021

Final Fantasy 16 arrives later this year, exclusively for PS5. Here’s everything we know about the game so far.

Final Fantasy 16 will launch later this year, and will tell a very different Final Fantasy story to its predecessor. The game’s visuals and themes are based on Medieval Europe, so a lot more swords, banners and shields on show. 

Now that the curtain has been pulled back, we know a fair bit about Final Fantasy 16. It appears to offer up a new combat system which blends the fast-paced action of FF15 with some of the systems shown off in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. It certainly looks to be a feast for the eyes, with next-gen graphics on PS5, and some great looking art direction.

While we wait for more on Final Fantasy 16, this page has been filled with all of the latest news related to the game. You’ll find an up to date list of all the trailers released so far, a look at the specific release date, as well as a breakdown of the story and setting. Here’s what we know about Final Fantasy 16 so far.

Final Fantasy 16 : cut to the chase

What is it? The next mainline single-player Final Fantasy title

When can I play it? June 22, 2023

Which can I play it on? PS5 (PC could follow)

Final Fantasy 16 release date and platforms

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Final Fantasy 16 will launch June 22, 2023 on PS5. This was confirmed at The Game Awards 2022, alongside a brand new trailer. This puts it among some stiff competition, given that Diablo 4 just revealed a June launch date as well.

Sony has now confirmed that while Final Fantasy 16 is indeed a PS5 exclusive, it’s only as such for 6 months. It will likely be announced for PC platforms shortly afterwards. This information was included in a recent trailer.

Final Fantasy 16 trailers

Latest trailer

During The Game Awards 2022, the latest trailer for Final Fantasy 16 was shown off. It centered around Clive, the game’s main protagonist. It’s mostly cinematic, with a little bit of gameplay spread evenly throughout. You can watch it below:

More trailers

We’ve included some key Final Fantasy 16 trailers throughout this article ut you can find all the FF16 trailers that have been released to date on Square Enix’s official YouTube channel.

Final Fantasy 16 story and setting

We now know that Final Fantasy 16‘s story and adventure will take place in a land called Valisthea. 

The world is tied to six different Mothercrystals, which have been around for generations. During this time, six powerful nations have risen up around the Mothercrystals and each place now lives in relative peace. As is always the case with Final Fantasy, the blessings bestowed by the Mothercrystals has allowed these powers to thrive, and their people to live in comfort. 

Of course, we also learn that the crystals have been the cause of “countless wars”, which eventually formed the six nations now in the game: the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, the Iron Kingdom, and the Crystalline Dominion.

Each place views the world differently and, obviously, this leads to some political disagreements between the nations. However, we know that the emergence of something called a “Blight”, which is spreading across the land, is making these different powers desperate. This is probably where we will begin the game; in the midst of this turbulent time.

In a radio interview (via Kotaku) producer Naoki Yoshida said that while Final Fantasy 16 is going to be “action-oriented” it’s “turning into a Final Fantasy that features both story and action.”  According to Yoshida, steps are being taken to accommodate players who prefer story to action, saying, “We strongly want people to enjoy the story, so we’re preparing a mode for those who want to focus on the story”.

It seems that the story might touch on more mature themes, as he added, “I think that when you become an adult, you also understand suffering. And so, people who have grown up on Final Fantasy, also know the real world. But even then, they want to once again enjoy fantasy. They can get something out of it and are able to contemplate things. I’m thinking I’d like to make this a theme [for the game].” 

Final Fantasy 16 gameplay

Final Fantasy 16 is an action RPG, meaning you shouldn’t expect the turn-based combat of older entries, it’s more akin to Final Fantasy 15 instead. We’re also aware that Final Fantasy 16 won’t be open world, but Naoki Yoshida confirms it will “find inspiration” from them.

Clive Rosfield is the main protagonist and he’ll be joined by a series of AI-controlled companions in battles. The teaser website explains that he’s the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria and he’s in charge of protecting his younger brother Joshua, who happens to hold the Dominant of the Phoenix. 

Thanks to Joshua’s link to the Eikon Phoenix, Clive has been bestowed the Blessing of the Phoenix, giving him the ability to use some of the eikon’s flame and power to make himself stronger. As the story unfolds, we’re told that Clive is “swept up into a great tragedy.”

Finally, Jill Warrick is the young girl we first meet in the initial trailer. She’s friends with Clive and Joshua because, an early age, she was taken from her homeland in the Northern Territories—a nation that swore loyalty to the Grand Duchy of Rosaria—to broker peace between the two powers.

You’ll recognize the term eikon if you’ve played Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, where they’re referred to as Primals. The official website tells us eikons “reside within special beings called Dominants. How Dominants are treated depends on the realm—in some, they are revered as royalty, while in others they are sent to the frontlines as weapons of war.”

Commenting on gameplay in an interview with Japanese site Comic Days (via VGC), back in August 2022, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida stated his concerns that some fans won’t like the action-based shift. He stated:

“We want the world, especially the younger generation, to play the game. Also, the mainstream games nowadays are intuitive games where you press a button and the character shoots a gun or wields a sword, and the traditional RPG style of turn-based command fighting is no longer familiar to them. It is also a fact that people are becoming less familiar with the old-fashioned style of RPGs, where you fight by selecting turn commands. That’s why the battles in Final Fantasy 16 are very action-based.”

Continuing further, Yoshida admits that the game won’t satisfy everyone’s demands, stating, “Of course, I don’t think we’ll be able to satisfy everyone’s demands, so I’ve told everyone on the team that the first thing we need to do is to make something we think is fun, and make sure it reaches the people who like it.”

Final Fantasy 16 news

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Microsoft states that FF16 will not come to Xbox consoles
While we do know that Final Fantasy 16 has a 6 month exclusivity period on PS5, it was hoped that the game could then head to Xbox. According to comments by Microsoft (via Eurogamer), Sony has “entered into arrangements with third-party publishers which require the ‘exclusion’ of Xbox.”

The report then goes on to offer examples of what games Microsoft is talking about:

“Some prominent examples of these agreements include Final Fantasy VII Remake (Square Enix), Bloodborne (From Software), the upcoming Final Fantasy XVI (Square Enix) and the recently announced Silent Hill 2 remastered [sic] (Bloober team).”

These comments were made in response to the FTC lawsuit against Xbox. For now, there’s been no confirmation as to whether these ‘exclusion’ agreements are real. It’s worth noting that Final Fantasy 7 Remake still hasn’t come to Xbox platforms, despite having released in April, 2020. Even if Final Fantasy 16 is going to come to Xbox platforms, we may be in for quite a wait.

There’s never been a better time to jump into Final Fantasy 7

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Here’s why integrated POS systems are a better solution — and how they can help your business grow.

For any kind of business owner, making use of an integrated POS system can be the lifeline of their operations, whether it’s run bricks-and-mortar style or online. The demand for POS systems is increasing at a rapid pace: by 2025, the global POS software market is expected to grow from $17.66 billion to $30.86 billion.  

However, in order to exploit all of the benefits at the point of sale, you need an integrated POS system that brings together different functions. Let’s understand what an integrated POS system is, and how it can make a difference to your business. 

What is an integrated POS system? 

An integrated POS system is a platform that connects sales data with your other business apps. If everything is working as it should be this means they’ll then be able to exchange data seamlessly. 

Traditional POS systems just had a sales record book or a cash register. You would then have a separate payment system, another one to manage your stock, another one to track your product list and so on. 

As you can imagine, this is a cumbersome way to work and not very efficient. Many of these operations are manual too. And, as you tackle the different parts of your business in silos, you constantly struggle to keep them synchronized and understand the big picture.

On the other hand, an integrated POS system encompasses some or all of the features below: 

Payment processing
Inventory management
Employee management
Revenue management
Reports generation
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Data analytics
Ecommerce
Integration with app marketplace
Hardware and software coupling

There are many integrated POS systems on the market and you will find that each system has its own strength, depending on what you need it to do. For example, while one might have robust employee management functions, another could be more focused on CRM.  

Why opt for an integrated POS system?

The convergence of so many functions in one place obviously makes a strong case for using an integrated POS system, as opposed to the hassle of managing multiple systems in addition to a standalone POS terminal. In particular, an integrated POS system scores over a non-integrated POS system in the following aspects:

How does an integrated POS system help your business? 

From receiving multiple payment types and storing customer shopping preferences to managing inventory and receipts, POS integrations make an impact in every aspect of your business. As an integrated POS system streamlines your operations and reduces administrative burden, your team can focus on aspects that really matter, which revolves around offering excellent customer service. 

Beyond improving the checkout process, an integrated POS system can give you valuable insights into the behavior and purchase patterns of your customers. You can leverage such data on the shop or café floor, but it can also be shared with internal UX analysts, brand marketers and pricing teams, to help better inform marketing campaigns and increase profitability. 

Let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits of integrated POS systems.

Easy POS integration ✔

All you need in one place 

Integrated POS systems can seamlessly connect with third-party apps including marketing automation software, accounting software and loyalty management systems. This expands the scope of what a POS system can achieve and opens up new possibilities.

A single POS system eliminates the hassle and cost of dealing with different vendors. Instead, you just need to deal with one POS provider and govern a common data pool. 

Real-time POS data availability ✔

A singular, centralized POS system does not just facilitate easier administration, it also ensures you have real-time data across all your systems. On the ground, this can make a big difference.

If you run a retail store, a live inventory update can help the personnel on the floor guide your customers make the right buying choices.

Take another example. At any point of time during the day, if you want to check which employee made the most commissions, you have a quick mechanism to determine that as employee profiles, sales and payments all act as one cohesive unit. 

Improved POS efficiency ✔

POS systems integrated with your merchant services such as credit card processing eliminate the need for manual entry during checkout. 

This not only saves time but also reduces the probability of human errors. This approach to card processing also makes your end-of-day reconciliation much easier and accurate.  

Better POS payment security ✔

POS ecommerce integration ensures that your customers don’t need to be redirected to an external landing page to provide their payment information. In addition, payment processor integration adds extra layers of security such as in-built Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance and data encryption that minimizes the risk of online fraud.  

Look out for EMV compliant POS systems like Clover POS and Lightspeed POS system to protect your business against payment fraudsters and the chargebacks costs this can incur. 

Improved cashflow and sale insights ✔

Integrated credit and debit card processing ensures that you can process payments in real-time. There are no delays on account of manual entry and no delays in fund transfers to your account, especially when the volume of transactions is high. This allows you to take in more sales in a day. 

Also, integrating your POS with accounting software can give you access to valuable data and insights. 

With QuickBooks POS integration, for example, you get a comprehensive view of your sales and financial data so you can make better business decisions. 

Easily personalize and upsell with an integrated POS ✔

(Image credit: Photo by Tom Official on Unsplash)

McKinsey calls personalization the “hygiene factor” that “customers take for granted, but if a retailer gets it wrong, customers may depart for a competitor.” An integrated POS system helps you hit that sweet spot when it comes to personalization and upselling/cross-selling similar or complementary products. 

Let’s say you run a restaurant or eatery. When your POS system is integrated with your CRM, you get access to information such as how often a customer visits your establishment, the time of day or month when they visit, and the items they usually order. 

Personalization can even be called a “hygiene factor”: customers take it for granted, but if a retailer gets it wrong, customers may depart for a competitor.

McKinsey

You can then provide successful data-driven incentives such as special offers on their favorite items or exclusive discounts aligning with their regular visit frequencies. On occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, you can reward them with extra store credit to redeem on their next visit.

As these incentives are based on the unique understanding of the customer’s lifestyle, they come off as naturally helpful instead of a hard sell. Customers respond better to such offers and over time, you build relationships with your customers which in turn leads to more sales and ROI.

Build customer loyalty with your integrated POS ✔

(Image credit: Pexels)

Integrated POS systems help you keep track of your best-selling products and prevent your customers’ favorite items from going out of stock. They also offer valuable insights into their behavior and purchase patterns. 

Sharing this data with UX analysts, brand marketers, and pricing teams allows you to personalize offers. Such targeted marketing campaigns, recommendations, reminders, and rewards go a long way in encouraging your customers to make repeat purchases and building loyalty and retention. 

Sellers who use Square Loyalty see a 40% increase in customer visit frequency.

– Square POS

Case study: Square POS system

Many integrated POS companies like Square POS have an in-built digital loyalty program so you don’t have to make the effort of creating one yourself. Square’s loyalty program is based on the customer’s phone number.

The customer receives a text alert every time they spend with your business through Square POS, notifying them of their rewards. Meanwhile, business owners can store the details of this purchase, use them to create customer reports, and develop customized campaigns based on their spending.

This is a win-win situation for you and the customer: you invest in the right strategies and get long-term customers while the customers score the best deals.

Does your POS provider fully integrate?

Now we’ve shone a light on all the benefits a fully integrated POS system can offer your business, you may be wondering just how suitable your current POS system is. After all, how long has it been since you last replaced your POS system? 

But before you rush out to choose a new POS system with integration, use this checklist:

Does the POS system have architecture compatibility with your other systems or in other words, do they have APIs to talk to other third-party apps you’re using? Usually, their website should reveal such information. For example, Zettle lists all its POS and ecommerce integrations on its website.  

What are the integrations that matter to you? For some businesses, it could be having an ecommerce platform while for others, it could be about hardware and software packaged together. 
Are you willing to commit to the cost of integration? In most cases, you need to hire developers to program the POS system to fulfill all the integrations. This requires additional costs, which you need to be ready to spend in order to leverage the complete potential of an integrated POS system.

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can decide whether to continue with your existing system or move forward with a new one.

Find the perfect integrated POS solution provider

The purpose of an integrated POS system is to ensure uninterrupted communication between your POS and other third-party platforms, used daily business. When done right, a full POS integration can help you improve operational efficiency and provide exceptional customer experiences that keep them coming back. 

It can also give you visibility into sales, marketing, and financial data all in one place that helps you with better decision-making. Follow the tips mentioned above to leverage your integrated POS and take your business to newer heights.

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Haunted Chocolatier is the latest game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe. Here’s everything we know about it so far.

Haunted Chocolatier, a simulation RPG, has been announced by the creator of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe.

In Haunted Chocolatier, you’ll be playing as a chocolatier with the goal of making the best delicious desserts possible. Success requires gathering as many rare and exciting ingredients as you can and then making your creations as delectable as possible. Oh, and you’ll be working out of the kitchen in your own haunted mansion.

If you’re waiting for the Haunted Chocolatier as intently as we are, then read on to find out everything we currently know about the Stardew Valley follow-up so far.

Haunted Chocolatier: cut to the chase

What is it? A spooky chocolate-making sim that follows the style of Stardew Valley.

When can I play it? No release date yet

What can I play it on? PC (other platforms TBC)

Haunted Chocolatier release date and platforms

(Image credit: ConcernedApe)

For platforms, the developer has only committed to PC right now, but has said he has “every intention of bringing it to the other major platforms as well”. 

We’ll almost certainly see Haunted Chocolatier supported on Steam Deck, though we’d expect it’ll come to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. However, it may be a delayed release like with Stardew Valley. 

Unfortunately, the game doesn’t yet have a release date of any kind – not even a vague ‘2022’ release window. Launch details for Haunted Chocolatier are thin on the ground right now, and over on the game’s FAQ page, ConcernedApe says:

“I can’t commit to a release date yet. It’s still relatively early in development, and I want to be able to work in peace without the pressure of a release date”.

Haunted Chocolatier: trailers

Latest trailer

Right now, we just have the announcement trailer for Haunted Chocolatier, which gave us a good look at what we should expect from the gameplay. You can see this in full below:

More trailers

There are no other gameplay trailers as of now, but if you want to keep up to date with all the developer’s antics and creations, then check out ConcernedApe’s official YouTube channel.

Haunted Chocolatier: story and setting

It looks like Haunted Chocolatier might have more sinister elements than ConcernedApe’s previous game, Stardew Valley. While the trailer shows friendly ghosts helping to manage your chocolate shop, we also meet a bartender named Nigel, who doesn’t seem overjoyed to have another chocolatier rock up to the town.

We do know there’ll be some lore overlap with Stardew Valley, but it remains to be seen how that’ll work. So far, ConcernedApe has been keen to make clear that Haunted Chocolatier will have a self-contained identity. Reiterating that when speaking to a fan in a Twitter reply, ConcernedApe said:

“It’s gonna be its own separate game with a self-contained identity… it’s not a “[Stardew Valley 2]”. But there might be some shared lore; I haven’t nailed down exactly to what degree the two will be connected”. 

Haunted Chocolatier: gameplay

Thanks to that announcement trailer, we’ve got an idea of what to expect. For starters, there is a lot of similarity to Stardew Valley. 

Most obviously is the return of Stardew’s iconic pixelated art style, which will bring this game’s new characters and locations to life. We also get to see that Stardew’s combat and romance systems will be making a return.

ConcerenedApe has stressed this is a game still very early in development, so it’ll be a while before we’ll likely see new features added to Haunted Chocolatier. There’s even every chance we might find certain aspects taken away or changed. 

Haunted Chocolatier: news

(Image credit: Eric Barone)

Haunted Chocolatier gets a new screenshot

Offering a small new update on the game, ConcernedApe has taken to Twitter to release a brand new screenshot. While you can’t discern much from this image, it’s a nice update that the project’s moving ahead, if nothing else. When asked about how development was proceeding, ConcernedApe replied: 

“Progress is pretty good, but it does take a long time to make a game, and I’m making this completely from scratch (Except the very rare re-use of something from Stardew [Valley], if it makes sense). Still just in the middle of the long grind”.

Romantic relationships will return

Speaking in an interview with VGKami, Barone revealed that Haunted Chocolatier is bringing back romantic relationships. He didn’t elaborate too much, though, stating: “There will be relationships like in Stardew Valley. I haven’t decided exactly how the system will work, yet. And I expect to approach some things differently this time around.”

Games of the Generation: Stardew Valley is a welcome break from the chaos of the world

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We run through the key differences between the two titans of the vacuum cleaner world.

If you’re in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, you might well find yourself choosing between Dyson vs Shark. These are probably the two most respected and popular vacuum brands on the market right now, and certainly the models we tend to rate the highest here at TechRadar. Both brands crop up repeatedly in our general best vacuum cleaners ranking, as well as our best cordless vacuum roundup. Now’s a great time to buy, too, because the Black Friday vacuum deals are starting to ramp up, with offers on both brands already available.

Both Dyson and Shark make plenty of great vacuums, and are well worth checking out. However, depending on what you’re looking for, one might be a better choice over the other.

In terms of brand focus, Dyson is all about engineering. It has invested plenty of time and resources into its vacuums, and it’s continuously working to hone its designs to improve efficiency, suction power and battery life. Today’s best Dyson vacuums tend to be meticulously crafted, more high-tech, but more expensive, as a result.

Shark has a much wider, more varied range. Its models are often less tech-focused and instead spotlight usability – a great example is the forward-bending wand for cleaning under furniture. Today’s best Shark vacuums also tend to come in at a lower price compared to Dyson models, delivering good value for money.

And there are plenty more subtle differences worth considering, too. Read on for my in-depth Shark vs Dyson vacuum comparison.

Shark vs Dyson: range

Dyson’s range mainly comprises cordless stick vacuumsShark has a much wider selection of vacuum typesDyson’s range is fairly streamlined, Shark’s is wider and confusing

Dyson has a fairly straightforward vacuum range. Its main focus, and arguably what it’s still best known for, is its cordless stick vacuums. Alongside the main model, you’ll find alternatives with words such as “Complete”, “Absolute” and “Animal” on the end. Generally speaking, these will be the same vacuum, but with a different array of tools included, or perhaps in a different colorway.

At time of writing, the oldest model in the official lineup is the Dyson V8, which launched in 2016. It looks roughly like the rest of the Dyson cordless range, but is less powerful, with fewer fancy features.

That’s followed by the Dyson Cyclone V10, which hit the market in 2018. This was the model to introduce the “in-line configuration” seen on all subsequent stick vacs, which saw the motor, bin and cyclone array positioned in a straight line, to maximize suction power. See how it compares to its predecessor in our Dyson V8 vs V10 explainer.

In 2019, we got the Dyson V11. This introduced the LCD screen for alerts and information, where previous models used LED indicator lights. Our Dyson V10 vs V11 explainer has more detail.

Dyson is known for its cordless stick vacuums, but there’s also an upright in the range (Image credit: Future)

Next to launch in 2021 was the new flagship, the Dyson V15 Detect. This model added dirt detection capabilities and a floorhead featuring a laser to highlight hidden dust. See how it compares to the previous flagship in our Dyson V11 vs V15 face-off. There’s also a V15s Detect Submarine, which is a cordless stick vacuum whose standard floorhead can be swapped out for an optional wet cleaner floorhead.

That same year, Dyson launched the V12 Detect Slim, a kind of in-between model that’s a slightly more advanced, but smaller and lighter, version of the V15.

At time of writing, the latest and greatest Dyson vacuum is the Dyson Gen5detect. This introduces a new motor and battery, offering longer runtimes and greater power (find out more about the differences between Gen5detect and V15 Detect).

Dyson also has one corded upright model, the Dyson Ball Animal, currently on its third-gen iteration. The other outliers include a robot vacuum called the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, and a wet cleaner called the Dyson WashG1.

Shark’s range is massive, and includes lots of uprights and corded vacuums as well as cordless stick vacs (Image credit: Future)

Moving on to Shark, the range is much less straightforward. There are dozens and dozens of models, often sporting very similar names, with models appearing and disappearing on a regular basis. It’s fairly common to find that a model will have a different name and product code depending on the country you’re in. Shark offers a much broader selection of model types, too: as well as cordless stick vacuums, there are corded stick vacuums, lots of upright vacuums, car vacuums, a range of robot vacuums, and plenty of wet floor cleaners as well.

I won’t get into all your options, because I don’t have a spare year, but three of Shark’s key ranges are Stratos, Detect Pro and PowerDetect. All have various different types of vacuum in their ranges, but I’ll focus on the cordless stick vacuum options.

Stratos is the oldest and least advanced of the three. The Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum offers powerful suction, but the payoff is that it’s a little heavier than the other two. My Shark Detect Pro vs Stratos comparison goes into more depth on the differences.

The Detect Pro range is a little newer. The Detect Pro Cordless Stick vacuum is lighter and a little less powerful than the Stratos, but adds a bunch of smart automation features, including the ability to adjust suction when it detects the floor is especially dirty.

PowerDetect is the newest Shark range at time of writing. The PowerDetect Cordless Stick vacuum is designed to combine the suction power of the Stratos vacs with the smarts of the Detect Pro vacs, and adds a few new features besides. Our Detect Pro vs PowerDetect explainer provides more detail on the differences between those two ranges.

Shark vs Dyson: design & usability

Dyson vacuums offer better floorhead maneuverability Most Shark vacuums arrive with a bendable wand for cleaning under furnitureDyson models dock on a wall-mounted charger; Sharks can be stored freestanding

While there will be specific differences between particular models of vacuum you might be considering, there are a few generalizations that can be made regarding the performance and usability of Shark vacuums versus Dyson vacuums.

Let’s start with suction. Shark doesn’t release suction specs (and actually, figuring out how much suction a vacuum cleaner has is more complicated than you might imagine), but generally speaking, Dyson vacuums tend to have a more powerful maximum suction mode than Shark models, especially at the top end of the range.

However, on test, we’ve generally been very impressed with the cleaning power offered by both brands. Most Shark and Dyson vacuums we’ve tested have performed well in our cleaning tests, which include both fine dust and larger debris. For most people, either brand will offer plenty good enough suction for daily cleans. However, if you’re dealing with high levels of dirt, you might be better off with a Dyson.

Dyson’s floorheads have far greater maneuverability than those of Shark (Image credit: Future)

Now, let’s look at maneuverability. Dyson’s cordless vacuums really shine here – the floorhead can pivot smoothly any which way, easily moving around furniture and getting into nooks and crannies without issue.

Shark’s cordless stick vacuums offer decent maneuverability, but fall short of being as nimble as those from Dyson. However, one area where Shark holds the trump card is with its flexible wands. Most Shark stick vacuums feature a button on the back of the wand, which, when pressed, allows the wand to fold forward. This enables you to vacuum easily under furniture, without having to get down on the floor yourself.

Shark refers to this as MultiFLEX / Flexology – one of many confusing bits of brand jargon that you’ll need to navigate on your shopping journey. This Shark vacuum technologies guide should help you decipher things.

Note: Dyson now sells an accessory that adds very similar functionality to its own stick vacuums. Find out more in my Dyson vacuum tools guide.

Most of Shark’s wands can be released to fold forward (Image credit: Future)

A benefit of this foldable design is that it enables most of Shark’s cordless vacuums to be stored freestanding when they’re not in use, seeing the wand released and the motor and heandle folding down next to the floorhead. In contrast, Dyson cordless vacuums are designed to be stored on a wall-mounted charging dock.

A minor downside to Shark’s freestanding solution is that it requires the floorhead to lock in place at a right angle to the vacuum wand. It’s easy to release by pressing gently on the floorhead with your foot, but can sometimes catch in the lock position during vacuuming, which is a little annoying. In contrast, Dyson’s floorheads just hang loose from the end of the wand.

Many Shark vacuums can fold up and be stored freestanding (Image credit: Future)

Both Dyson and Shark’s cordless models can be converted into handheld vacuums by removing the wand, and both arrive with a range of tools for detail cleaning tasks. The exact tools included will vary depending on the model and iteration, but we’ve been especially impressed with Dyson’s options, which include a fluffy floorhead designed especially for hard floors, and a hair-screw tool for pulling hair from furniture.

Speaking of which, anyone who has long hair, or lives with someone who does, will know how quickly it can build up on the brushroll of a vacuum’s floorhead. Both Shark and Dyson have taken steps in the design of their models to counter this and encourage hair straight into the bin. On test, we’ve been impressed with both brands’ anti-hair wrap technologies.

Shark vs Dyson: controls

Newer Dyson models feature an LCD screen that provides complex informationShark vacuum controls tend to be more basic

Older options from both brands are operated using a trigger the needs to be continuously depressed while vacuuming, and both have changed to one-press buttons or switches in their newer models. The latter approach is much more comfortable when vacuuming for longer periods.

Newer Dyson vacuums have a control screen (left) that can show complex information, whereas Shark models (right) tend to be more basic (Image credit: Future)

Shark vacuums tend to use indicator lights or illuminated icons to relay information about power mode or battery life to the user. It’s a similar situation with older Dyson models (the V8 and V10); but if you opt for a V11 or later, there’s an LCD screen that can display more detailed info. For instance, it will indicate in words/numbers exactly how long you have left in the current battery mode, and it prompt if any maintenance tasks are required. This screen is also used for real-time dust stats, but I’ll get into that in the “Special features” section.

Shark vs Dyson: battery life

Battery life broadly in line: 40 mins for basic models, 60 mins for premiumDyson Gen5detect has a maximum runtime of 70 minutes

Specs for maximum battery life are based on use in the lowest power mode, and specifics vary by model. Broadly speaking, though, Shark and Dyson are roughly in line here. The older or cheaper options in each brand’s lineup will top out at around 40 minutes (still a decent amount of cleaning time), while more advanced Shark and Dyson vacuums offer a full hour from a single charge. However, the newest Dyson Gen5detect delivers a maximum of 70 minutes – that’s the longest battery life I’ve seen from any brand.

This isn’t without a payoff, though: the motor/battery part of the Gen5detect is noticeably heavy for a cordless stick vacuum. Also bear in mind that one vacuum’s lowest power mode isn’t necessarily the same as another’s in terms of suction. In boost/max modes, you can expect the battery to drain significantly faster on models from both brands.

Many Shark and Dyson vacuums have removable batteries, with spares available at extra cost (Image credit: Future)

If you’re looking at the upper end of both ranges, both have “Auto” modes designed to intelligently adjust suction based on dirt levels (and other things) in order to deliver the most battery-efficient clean (more on this in the next section). Runtimes will naturally vary in this mode.

Both Dyson and Shark cordless vacuums tend to have swappable batteries, meaning you can purchase a backup and hot-swap to extend battery life if you wish. One benefit of Dyson over Shark is that if you pick a newer model, it will spell out exactly how much cleaning time you have left in the current battery mode. With Shark, you’re relying on indicator lights.

Shark vs Dyson: special features

Both can adjust suction based on the level of dirt on the floorDyson has better floorhead headlights, and real-time dirt dataShark has an optional auto-empty dock and odor neutralizer puck

Beyond standard cleaning power, the newer Shark and Dyson models also have several special features, the kind that you might not expect from a regular vacuum. In this section, I’m mostly talking about the Shark Detect Pro and PowerDetect cordless stick vacuums, and the Dyson V15 Detect and Gen5detect. Specifics vary by model, so double-check what’s included before you buy.

Perhaps the most useful special feature is automatic suction adjustment. Both brands have an “Auto” mode that will increase or decrease suction based on how much dirt the vacuum detects on the floor, and whether it’s being used on a hard floor or carpet. This means a low-effort cleaning session that maximizes battery life while still ensuring clean floors.

Dyson takes a slightly techier route with its automatic adjustment: it records particle volume and size, and provides real-time reports via the vacuum’s control screen, as well as a summary once you’re done. This is potentially interesting from a data point of view, but also helps you do a more thorough job. You can watch for the numbers to stabilize on the screen, at which point you can be sure that a particular patch of floor is clean and then move on. This feature is only available when using the main Digital Motorbar floorhead (not the fluffy one for hard floors), because that’s the one to feature the sensors.

The Dyson Gen5detect and V15 provide real-time dust reports (Image credit: Future)

Shark’s most advanced vacuums won’t report back on what they’re sucking up, but they do have a range of extra detection properties that aren’t offered by Dyson. For example, as well as making adjustments based on floor type and dirt levels, they can sense when they’re cleaning near the edge of a room, where dust can gather, and amp up suction on the relevant side of the floorhead in response. They can also brighten or dim their headlamps depending on light levels in the area being cleaned.

Talking of which… On paper, the headlamps on both the Shark and Dyson sound similar, but they’re actually quite different.

Shark vacuums feature basic LED lights on their main floorhead that help brighten the path directly in front of the vacuum. Dyson’s lights appear on its “detect” models, taking the form of a precisely angled beam of laser light – the kind that’s safe for humans and animal eyes – designed to illuminate hidden dust on hard floors. The laser on the Gen5detect is brighter than that found on the V15 Detect, but both are significantly brighter than Shark vacuum headlamps.

Dyson’s laser (left) is brighter than Shark’s lights (right), but only appear on its secondary floorhead (Image credit: Future)

This laser is only found on the soft floorhead that’s designed specifically for hard floors (called the “Laser Fluffy” floorhead). It doesn’t appear on the main Motorbar floorhead, and as such can’t be used in conjunction with the automatic suction adjustment mode.

Shark has a couple of extra, unique features. With its newest vacuums, there’s the option of adding an auto-empty base. The idea is borrowed from robot vacuums, and is essentially a dock that features a larger dust bin. With the vacuum sitting on the dock, all the dust and debris whooshes out of the small onboard bin, through a sealed system and into the base. As well as saving on effort, it might be a particularly good choice for those who suffer from allergies because it means far less frequent manual emptying, and fewer chances for allergens to escape back into the air. This dock also charges the vacuum and provides somewhere to store it.

Many Shark vacuums have an odor-neutralizing puck to prevent the buildup of bad smells (Image credit: Future)

Another special feature that I haven’t seen anywhere is an an odor-neutralizing puck. This sits either in the floorhead or the auto-empty base, and is designed to stop the buildup of nasty odors – for example, if you’re vacuuming up a lot of dog hair on a regular basis. You can twist the puck to increase or decrease the neutralization levels. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t designed to introduce an new scent into the air; just remove existing, bad smells. Many reviewers are big fans of this addition, but a handful think it’s a pointless gimmick.

Shark vs Dyson: price

Generally, Shark vacuums are cheaper than Dyson vacuumsShark pricing is far less stable, so value for money varies

Using cordless stick vacuums for comparison, let’s look at how the two brands match up for price.

The oldest and cheapest model in the Dyson cordless vacuum lineup is the V8, which comes with a list price of $469.99 / £320 / AU$799 – although, at time of writing, could be found discounted everywhere to $329.99 / £229 / AU$499. The newest and priciest Dyson cordless vacuum is the Gen5detect, which costs $949.99 / £769.99 / AU$1,599 at list price. Dyson vacuum sales are more common than you might think, and there are always some decent price drops in the Black Friday Dyson deals.

Shark’s pricing is far more variable: the options change pretty regularly, as do the names and list prices for existing products. Discounts are offered regularly, and don’t always follow the expected patterns.

As an example, let’s look at the Detect Pro, which is the second-newest model in the Shark range. At time of writing, the vacuum-only model (without auto-empty base) has a list price of $379.99 / £349.99 / AU$599.99. In the US, that’s reduced to $199.99; but it has been out of stock for some time. In the UK, it’s down to £199.99, making it pretty much the cheapest cordless vacuum in the lineup, *****and in Australia’s full price (but the list price has dropped from the original $799.99)****. You see what I’m dealing with here.

However, broadly speaking, Shark vacuums tend to be cheaper than Dyson models, particularly when shopping at the top end of the range. Dyson’s most expensive vacuums are significantly more expensive than Shark’s most expensive vacuums. The Black Friday sales are a good time to shop, but it is actually possible to find deals pretty much year-round.

Dyson vs Shark vacuums: which should you buy?

Buy a Dyson vacuum if…

Buy a Shark vacuum if…

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Stream 85 channels live around the States on top of its on-demand library of movies and TV shows with the Hulu with Live TV package. Here’s everything you need to know.

Besides the thousands of award-winning and critically acclaimed TV shows and movies, Hulu also provides customers with one of the best alternatives to cable. The Hulu with Live TV plan offers popular US channels that you can watch live alongside its on-demand catalogue, including FX, MTV, VH1, ABC, NBC, TNT, USA Network, and many more, alongside acclaimed titles like The Handmaid’s Tale and Normal People, as well as The Kardashians, Fleishman is in Trouble, and Fresh.

Hulu with Live TV: Head straight to the website to sign up to the plan

With countless boxsets to binge-watch and 85+ live channels depending on where you are in the States, Hulu with Live TV offers the best of both worlds for those looking to cut the cord.

Offering entertainment for all the family, you can also customize your package with add-ons like HBO Max, giving you access to even more. Not to mention there are now a number of Hulu with Live TV bundle options that throw in Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.

Want to know more about one of the best TV streaming services live plan? Keep reading for our full explainer on what you get when subscribing to the Hulu with Live TV plan.

What is the Hulu with Live TV plan?

Hulu with Live TV (otherwise known as Hulu + Live TV) gets you all the goodness of a regular Hulu plan with the added bonus of over 85 channels that you can tune into live – all without the steep cable package price tag. 

This includes TV channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, Comedy Central, Fox, Adult Swim, and many more, with the option to also select premium channels as add-ons. 

All for the Hulu price of $68.99 a month.

The Hulu + Live TV package no longer comes with its 7-day Hulu free trial. However, you can now get a variety of Disney Plus bundle options that include ESPN Plus as well.

Hulu with Live TV only – $68.99 a month

Hulu with Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus – $69.99 a month (Ads)

Hulu with Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus – $82.99 a month (No Ads)

Hulu with Live TV offers much the same perks as Hulu’s other two streaming plans. This means you avoid being locked into a fixed contract, with the ability to cancel hassle free anytime. There are also no hidden fees or need for additional equipment to watch Hulu.

(Image credit: Hulu)

What TV channels can you watch on the Hulu with Live TV plan?

Boasting over 85 channels, you can get all these with Hulu + Live TV plans:

ABC
ABC News
CBS
CBSN
FOX
NBC
ACC Network
Adult Swim
A&E
Animal Planet
Bet
BTN

Bloomberg Television
Boomerang
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Cheddar News
CMT
CNBC
CNN
Comedy Central
Cozi TV
Crimge Invesgation
The CW
Dabl
Discovery Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Junior
Disney XD
E!
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPNews
ESPNU
ESPN College Extra
Food Network
Fox Business
Fox News
FS1
FS2
Freeform
FX
FXM
fyi
NBC Golf
HGTV
History Channel
HLN
ID
Lifetime
Lifetime Movies
Localish
Military History Channel
MSNBC
Motortrend
MTV
NASA
National Geographic
Nat Geo Wild
NBCSN
News Nation
NFL Network
Nickelodeon 
Nick Jr.
Olympic Channel
Oxygen
Own
Paramount Network
Pop
QVC
ESPN Sec
Smithsonian Channel
Start TV
SYFY
tbs
TCM
Telemundo
TLC
TNT
Trvl Channel
tru TV
TV Land
Universal Kids
USA
Vice
VH1Bloomberg Television
Boomerang
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Cheddar News
CMT
CNBC
CNN
Comedy Central
Cozi TV
Crimge Invesgation
The CW
Dabl
Discovery Channel
Disney Channel
Disney Junior
Disney XD
E!
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPNews
ESPNU
ESPN College Extra
Food Network
Fox Business
Fox News
FS1
FS2
Freeform
FX
FXM
fyi
NBC Golf
HGTV
History Channel
HLN
ID
Lifetime
Lifetime Movies
Localish
Military History Channel
MSNBC
Motortrend
MTV
NASA
National Geographic
Nat Geo Wild
NBCSN
News Nation
NFL Network
Nickelodeon 
Nick Jr.
Olympic Channel
Oxygen
Own
Paramount Network
Pop
QVC
ESPN Sec
Smithsonian Channel
Start TV
SYFY
tbs
TCM
Telemundo
TLC
TNT
Trvl Channel
tru TV
TV Land
Universal Kids
USA
Vice
VH1

What’s more, Hulu with Live TV subscribers get 50 hours of storage, so you can record any of its live TV channels to watch back later. You can also stream across multiple devices, including Hulu on Roku and Hulu on Fire Stick.

If Hulu + Live TV sounds up your street, head to the website to sign up now!

(Image credit: Hulu)

What add-ons are available with a Hulu + Live TV plan?

On top of the 85+ Hulu with Live TV channels included in the plan, you can opt to add four other premium channels for an additional monthly rate. This includes HBO Max and Starz.

HBO Max – $15.99
Cinemax – $9.99
Showtime – $10.99
Starz – $8.99

Other add-ons include:

Unlimited Screens – $9.99
Entertainment Networks – $7.99
Sports Add-on – $9.99
Español Add-on – $4.99

What can I watch on Hulu with Live TV channels?

With over 85 channels, a better question is what can’t you watch on Hulu’s Hulu + Live TV plan. From ABC, get all the latest drama from the ward at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Grey’s Anatomy, or fantastic comedy Black-ish. For your reality fix, watch The Bachelorette.

Meanwhile, ESPN hosts a ton of sports coverage for fans of NHL to the Premiere League and NBA games.

Including Adult Swim, you can now watch Rick and Morty season 6, while there are plenty of channels appropriate for the younger members of the family, too. Disney Channel sits alongside Disney XD, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon. 

Of course, for fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race, VH1 is the place to be, while those with specialist interests can make the most of the likes of the History Channel, Food Network, and National Geographic.

If you decide to add-on HBO Max to your package you’ll be able to watch Game of Thrones sequel House of the Dragon, as well as Euphoria, Industry, and plenty of other popular HBO Originals. 

(Image credit: Sherl / Shutterstock.com)

How do Hulu with Live TV prices compare to FuboTV?

At $74.99, FuboTV’s entry-level Starter plan is now more expensive than Hulu’s Live TV package, and delivers significantly more channels: over 150, about 70 – more than Hulu + Live TV. A third of its line-up is sports too, including networks like ESPN, FH1, and NFL, so it’s perfect if keeping up with the latest match is a must.

 A Hulu +Live TV subscription can now include ESPN Plus, though, which brings lots of live matches and sports coverage to the table, and it’s pretty unbeatable for overall entertainment. It’s home to award-winning Hulu Originals like Nomadland and The United States vs. Billie Holiday, and binge-worthy comedy-dramas like Only Murders in the Building, Reservation Dogs, and PEN15, to name just a few. Plus, Hulu includes a variety of TV networks that aren’t currently available through Fubo, like A&E, Cartoon Network, Vice TV and CNN.  

If you’re interested in a comprehensive replacement to cable that’s sports focused and provides coverage of all the major sporting tournaments, you’ll probably want to grab a FuboTV plan – and there’s plenty of extra scope if your wallet can take the strain. But if you want the the catchall of live TV with a hefty VOD library and buzz-worthy Original shows, then hello…it’s Hulu + Live TV you’re looking for.

How do Hulu plans compare to Sling TV?

Want an online cable replacement but need to keep costs down? Where Hulu has a single Live TV plan fixed at $68.99 and only a handful of additional channels, Sling TV has three base plans on which you can build a bespoke line-up, meaning that a Sling TV plan is flexible and affordable.

Sling Orange has about 30 channels, including ESPN, the Disney Channel, CNN and A&E, while Sling Blue provides a more expansive offering leaning towards news and entertainment. Both cost from $40 a month, but for $60 you can get Sling Orange + Blue, which enables four streams in total and delivers 50 channels. Then you can bulk up your plan with dozens of a la carte options (e.g. Showtime), and a variety of add-ons like Lifestyle Extra. That way, Sling helps ensure you spend your money on the channels you enjoy watching.

Of course, Hulu’s the only place you’ll be able to watch a growing roster of hit Hulu Originals, including the Michael Keaton miniseries Dopesick, teen drama Love Victor, Little Fires Everywhere, and Nine Perfect Strangers starring Nicole Kidman. So, although its Live TV plan isn’t exactly cheap, it’s a simple, comprehensive solution to all your entertainment needs. 

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Traditional POS systems are in decline as Cloud-based POS systems take over by encouraging retailers to evolve and enhance the overall customer experience.

With Cloud POS technology evolving at eye-popping speed, consumers continue to be bombarded with a variety of different payment options when they visit retail operations. The invention of some of the best ever cloud POS systems, or web-based point-of-sale systems, allows retailers to provide a variety of payment platforms easily and from the same device, minus the hassle of an old-school cash register.

However, with the sheer variety of options for modern-day cloud POS systems now available it can be a headache for business-owners to understand which option they should choose. TechRadar breaks down the benefits of top-rated cloud-based systems in this article.

TechRadar also notes that a recent study revealed that 50% of consumers globally prefer cloud-based payment methods versus the hassle and inconvenience of carrying cash. This leads to higher customer satisfaction, helps build retention, as well as offering the ability to gather valuable data. Meanwhile, there’s the capacity to upsell additional products or services too. 

What is Cloud POS and what are the components of a cloud-based point of sale system? 

A cloud POS system is an online point of sale setup that allows business owners the ability to process payments through the internet, rather than using a desktop computer. Cloud-based POS systems let operators store transactions, inventory, employee and other business data on a remote server. 

Given that cloud POS systems fall under the SaaS (Software as a Service) umbrella, they often employ a subscription model for business-owners. As an owner, this means you have access to tech support, automatic software updates (a big selling point compared to traditional POS systems), staff training and dedicated account management, plus enhanced encryption security. 

This technology provides business owners the opportunity to operate more competently, and effectively for their consumer-base. Transactions are faster, safer, and track more data than ever before. 

There’ll be no need for one of these anymore! Everything is digital with a cloud-based POS system, meaning you only buy the POS hardware you need.  (Image credit: Enrico Hänel from Pexels)

Cloud POS systems are also capable of running on virtually any device – including a tablet or cell phone. Small businesses such as boutique retail operations, food trucks, mom and pop restaurants, home service providers and so on benefit greatly from these systems as they are more realistically transportable for on-the-job transactions. 

That’s not all either – cloud-based POS systems also allow operators to access their point of sale from any location, as well and manage their business remotely. With the advancement of internet technology, most cloud systems rely on a wireless network, so there isn’t a need to physically connect to a land-based server. 

By today’s standards, a POS system that is only available on-premise doesn’t cut the mustard.

Pointofsale.com

So what are the components of this savvy modern payment system? Well, it can be made up of hardware and software. A stable touchscreen is needed to serve as the system monitor, allowing consumers to utilize a pen, or fingertip, to navigate through the transaction. A customizable customer touchscreen display provides the business owner the opportunity to ask customers to sign up for loyalty programs, review orders, sign receipts, etc. And of course a card reader is required to take payments.

A hard drive is also a necessary component to ensure efficient system operations. Some cloud-based systems have upgraded to SSD (solid state) hard drives, which run smoother and more efficiently than standard hard drives. A router can be included to allow the business owner the ability to securely send data between various devices, and a printer to provide hard copies of any necessary documentations. 

What are the benefits of Cloud POS Systems?

For customers, cloud-based POS systems offer the flexibility to pay for goods and services anywhere, anytime.  (Image credit: Future)

An article by financesonline.com breaks down the significant benefits cloud-based systems have over legacy systems through their retail consulting research. Here is what they discovered: 35% of retailers are already offering personalized rewards based on customer loyalty. 

Meanwhile, 23% of retailers plan to offer personalized rewards within 12 months, and another 23% plans to do the same within 1-3 years. For 79% of shoppers, a key consideration when looking for stores to shop is personalized service. With this in mind, let’s look at the benefits of cloud-based POS systems and what they empower your business to do:

Manage your inventory better and reduce human error by storing information as soon as transactions are completed
Restaurant owners can track sales data from any store at any time
Eliminate the need for clunky space-consuming computers with handheld devices or small table- top devices
Save on expensive certifications and service fees 
Keep current data as your software has automatic-updates
Personalize your promotions and interactions with customers by having access to their shopping preferences
Easily integrate with e-commerce applications

The benefits of cloud POS systems vs legacy POS systems

An article by ConnectPOS compares the benefits of Cloud POS systems, vs traditional on-premise POS systems. Here is what they discovered:

“Cloud POS system has a core benefit when it synchronizes all actual transactions. POS will update automatically all data between online and offline stores at the happening time. 

It is extremely beneficial if you operate multi-stores at different locations. For instance, when you sell an item at a specific store, the available amount of that item on that outlet will be changed accordingly. In addition, the level of stock is immediately deducted in the warehouse.” 

How much does a cloud POS system cost?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

This is always the question-of-the-day when it comes to technology isn’t it? In our guide to the Best POS systems we advise that business owners will likely only pay once for hardware, then monthly for software use and additional services. Not all providers charge a monthly fee, however, but rather take a percentage from the transaction, such as Square. 

We also state that costs have come down in recent years, and the payment screen, card reader and printer can be acquired for the cost of a single terminal – around $600. The options vary depending on which components you choose for your business. 

Today’s top cloud-based POS systems

Which is the best cloud-based system? 

Each owner/operator has varying needs, so the best cloud POS system will depend on how it will be utilized. When researching a cloud-based system for your business, consider the following questions:  

What is your budget?
Which integrations do you need your POS system to be compatible with? 
How experienced you are using POS software?
What kind of customer data do you want to gather? 
Do you want customizations?

The top-rated systems per industry are: 

As it relates to the overall operator and consumer journey, Square POS tends to be the most highly rated system, stated by fitsmallbusiness.com. With a $0 monthly fee for retail and restaurant owners (a major perk compared to its competitors) this cloud-based POS system has a low card interest rate of 2.6% + $.10 and positive consumer experience.

If you’re looking for advice about POS systems for specific type of business, then take a look at Tech Radar’s guides to choosing the best POS systems for small business, POS systems for restaurants, and POS systems for retail. 

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When used effectively, a POS system is capable of driving down costs and improving margins without sacrificing service levels.

What is a POS system? As a business owner or business manager looking to upgrade your business’ payment processing system you may be scratching your head at this question. But the good news is you probably already know what these systems are, the terminology is just slightly new. 

A POS system, or point of sale system is a combination of payment hardware and software which sets your business up to conduct transactions for products or services at both your physical and online businesses. For electronic versions of POS systems, you may hear the term  ‘ePOS’ for electronic point of sale system. 

POS hardware typically takes the form of a card reader, register, or tablet. The POS software meanwhile, links everything together and has functions for managing inventory, staff, and customer data. But more on that later.

As a merchant, you likely have a physical-front store, online shop—or indeed, both—and need a commercial system that can process payments or refunds quickly and record transaction history accurately. Sounds simple enough, right? 

When you start to think about how these situations can play out in detail, from tourists paying with different card types and currency, to loyal customers paying with a mix of cash, store credit, or gift voucher, a simple sale gets a little trickier to process. 

POS systems: more than just a point of sale

A POS system is designed exactly for this complexity. They are equipped to deal with all customer needs at the point of sale, from sending email gift receipts to reminding you of current promotions to boost sales. 

When used effectively POS systems are capable of driving down cost and improving margins without sacrificing service levels. There’s tons to choose from, and in our roundup of the best point of sale systems, Shopify, Square and Vend topped our list of recommendations.

POS systems also offer you business insight to keep operations smooth and highlight areas for development. They can alert you when inventory is running low, notify you, ensure you’re keeping on top of compliance-related payment regulations, and help your business avoid fines and other administrative costs (such as chargeback fraud), all while offering advanced security features that protect from data theft and cyber breaches.

Point of sale systems are sometimes used to refer to the cash register, or even called a POS cash register. The reality is that they’re much more than the old fashioned cash register. In today’s world, modern digital POS systems give your business an edge, and let you check out customers from wherever your business is based.

What is a POS system and how does a POS system work? 

As mentioned above, a POS system is made up of hardware and software elements that work together to process sales and payment transactions at the point of purchase. Example POS hardware includes a card machine reader or order management screen, while POS software provides cloud-based solutions for secure payments. 

It performs all the basic cash registers functions like ringing up items by department. Beyond tracking sales, adding taxes and creating receipts let’s dive in to the other many benefits of modern POS systems.

Find out more about how a POS system works.

Benefits of a POS system

POS-enabled tablets are ideal for restaurants as they can display menu items and be used to take orders (Image credit: Getty Images)

Smother customer experience overall
Better customer satisfaction and loyalty
Accurate inventory database management and counting
Superior payment processing service and security
Efficient purchasing/supplier order management
Faster customer order management
Quicker payment transactions
Improved, easier invoicing
Fewer human counting and recording errors to save time
Automated employee IDs and reporting
Advanced reporting tools or integrations available
Multi-store functionality
Modernises your business for today’s payment standards

One of the big advantages to a POS system is the amount of time that you and your employees will get back by opting for a system that has time management options. 

Other benefits to having a POS system include increasing employee productivity , thanks to POS software doing a lot of the operational calculations, costing and thinking for you. Typically streamlining operations with a POS system leads to reduced business costs too. Not to mention less human errors; detailed sales reports at your disposal and offering customers current options to pay however they please. 

To get started with choosing a POS system, you will need to consider which specific features and customization options your business needs. Example scenarios:

Retail business owner

Retailers that sell electronic goods will need their products to contain serial numbers to identify models, makes, and specific items in stores. 

Online fashion business owner

Clothes retailers, on the other hand, will need their products to have separate brand-specific SKUs. Due to the high associated costs of items, jewellery stores will need to search for POS systems that issue alerts for incorrect billing attempts. 

Convenience corner store owner

And for groceries, point of sale systems require goods to contain both sell-by dates and a unit of measurement in order to allow companies to sell items at a discount once.

Types of POS system

Multichannel POS

Multichannel POS systems enable integration with your website, third-party and partner online market places, plus social media outlets to keep your offers relevant.

Best for: Multichannel ecommerce brands.  

Desktop POS, Mobile POS (mPOS) and Tablet POS

One of the great benefit of POS systems is the flexibility they offer. Most POS software has an application that can be opened across any device. While this might typically be a dedicated desktop for your company, mobile and tablet POS systems afford you flexibility as you expand your business or introduce pop-up sales locations. 

Best for: Travelling and expanding businesses

POS applications 

Most brands have an app these days, and POS companies are no different. A POS app can work as a extension of your POS hardware system, or as the main software dashboard for overseeing all sales and transactions. 

Best for: mobile businesses that move across sites

Open-source POS software

This type of point of sale system allows you to directly edit the creator’s source code to create a custom POS solution for your business. 

Best for: If you’re an enterprise with very bespoke technology needs and multiple integrations, open-source POS software might be for your business. 

Components of a POS system 

Today’s POS systems have evolved from simple cash registers and can do much more than simple transactions. They are ubiquitous in many sectors—hospitality, retail, and leisure—and come in different shapes and sizes depending on the needs of the business. 

Some POS systems combine hardware (such as a server computer) and software in a single unit, whereas others separate the two by connecting a ‘dumb’ terminal to a server located either on-premise or in another building. 

Combination POS systems

Some POS systems combine hardware (such as a server computer) and software in a single unit, whereas others separate the two by connecting a ‘dumb’ terminal to a server located either on-premise or in another building. For cloud-based POS systems, terminals connect directly to the internet to run software that updates automatically. 

Modular POS systems

Many are modular, allowing additional hardware units to be connected for displaying metrics such as order total and product weight. Others can scan barcodes, print receipts and handle security needs – for example, credit card processing systems designed for taking credit or debit card payments.

POS systems are also customizable on the software side, allowing businesses to manage membership programs and loyalty schemes to grant customers discounts on future purchases. Here, UX and design become critical to their effectiveness. 

Terminals in restaurants, for example, will prioritize usability and speed by featuring enlarged buttons on big and bright monitors to make it quick and easy for staff to book tables for customers in dark environments. 

Handheld POS systems

Conversely, a handheld EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) terminal on a market stand will be barely bigger than a credit card while featuring the ability to house a 4G SIM card for connecting directly to the internet to process payments online.

Find out how much a POS system costs.

Modular POS systems are ideal for food stores, as they can measure the weight of an item. (Image credit: Future)

POS systems: beyond transactions 

A POS system can reduce reliance on manual processes, making it a vital tool in helping businesses to digitize their processes and reduce reliance on spreadsheets. Powerful POS solutions excel in providing real-time, actionable data that enables tasks to be undertaken efficiently and quickly.

✔ POS systems are perfect for getting to know customers better

This includes the ability to store information and build customer profiles to understand more about customers. This in turn leads to better marketing capabilities such as the ability to create customer groups – for example VIP shoppers – that can be targeted through direct marketing campaigns. 

✔ Monitor employee performance

At same time, POS systems allow you to find out about your own employees’ performance by letting customers tip your workers using pre-set percentages, which is especially useful for companies in the service industry. 

✔ Track product and sales reports with ease

And when it comes to reporting, POS systems can tell you when certain items are becoming more popular while helping you to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of them in your inventory. It can be achieved through digitised product catalogues in systems that track inventory and automatically updating quantities as buyers purchase them.

Whatever your reason for wanting a POS system, you should consider what your business requirements are before deciding what kind of solution fits your needs. 

To help you make an informed decision, our experts have prepared the following articles: How to choose a POS system for a retail store, How to choose a POS for a small business, and How to choose a POS for a restaurant or bar or a POS for a food truck.

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