Lyft will have to tell drivers how much they can truly earn, with evidence

Lyft has agreed to to tell its drivers how much they can truly earn on the ride-hailing platform — and back it up with evidence — as part of its settlement for a lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission. The lawsuit accused the company of making "numerous false and misleading claims" in the advertisements it released in 2021 and 2022, when the demand for rides recovered following COVID-19 lockdowns in the previous years. Lyft promised drivers up to $43 an hour in some locations, the FTC said, without revealing that those numbers were based on the earnings of its top drivers. 

The rates it published allegedly didn't represent drivers' average earnings and inflated actual earnings by up to 30 percent. Further, the FTC said that Lyft "failed to disclose" that information, as well as the fact that the amounts it published included passengers' tips. The company also promised in its ads that drivers will get paid a set amount if they complete a certain number of rides within a specific timeframe. A driver is supposed to make $975, for instance, if they complete 45 rides over a weekend. 

Lyft allegedly didn't clarify that it will only pay the difference between the what the drivers' earn and its promised guaranteed earnings. Drivers thought they were getting those guaranteed payments on top of their ride payments as a bonus for completing a specific number of rides. The FTC accused Lyft of continuing to make "deceptive earnings claims" even after it sent the company a notice of its concerns in October 2021, as well. 

Earlier this month, the company launched an earnings dashboard that showed the estimated hourly rate for each ride, along with the driver's daily, weekly and yearly earnings. But under the settlement, Lyft will have to explicitly tell drivers how much their potential take-home pay is based on typical, instead of inflated, earnings. It has to take tips out of the equation, and it has to to clarify that it will only pay the difference between what the drivers get from rides and its guaranteed earnings promise. Finally, it will have to pay a $2.1 million civil penalty. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lyft-will-have-to-tell-drivers-how-much-they-can-truly-earn-with-evidence-120011572.html?src=rss

Top 5 Tools To Transform Your Mindfulness Practice & Enhance Your Mental Well-Being

It is easy to get stressed in today’s fast-paced and hectic world. Taking care of our mental health, and maintaining mental well-being has never been more critical. One way to better deal with stress is by incorporating calming practices into your daily routine. These practices will improve focus, and elevate our overall mental health. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or someone dipping their toes into mindfulness, these tools will make a significant difference. Each product provides unique benefits that help you relax and focus – whether through meditation, exercise, or aromatherapy. By engaging in mindful practices and building a relaxing environment, you can better manage your stress and enjoy a more balanced life.

1. The Float Meditation Cushion

If you’re looking to instill some peace and relaxation into your life, then you may want to get your hands on the Float Meditation Cushion. It features a unique form that is inspired by human ergonomics. Its design is purpose-driven, allowing you to sit comfortably in yoga positions like the easy lotus pose or the kneeling asana. The cushion has a molded design and foam construction which offers the right mix of comfort and rigidity.

Why is it noteworthy?

The cushion helps you meditate for long periods without hurting your ankles and knees. It doesn’t simply provide comfort, it improves and enhances your overall meditation experience, by offering the right support and helping you maintain the proper posture. The ergonomic design also encourages natural alignment and reduces strain.

What we like

  • It is a boon for those who struggle with sitting for long hours and meditating
  • Supports different meditation styles and positions

What we dislike

  • It is a bulky design, not well-suited for homes with limited space

2. Japanese Lantern Candle

This lovely little Japanese lantern candle resembles a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern. It has a lovely pillar shape and is a great addition to your bedroom or bathroom when you need to unwind and relax. If you’re in the mood to meditate, you can light this candle, allowing its relaxing glow to help you feel at ease, and go inwards. It creates the perfect environment to practice some yoga and meditate.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

The candle provides a contemporary take on an age-old Japanese design. It provides a relaxing glow, while also incorporating a minimal design that enables it to seamlessly merge with any modern living space. The candle is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and is an example of excellent craftsmanship.

What we like

  • Since the wax is non-melting, it forms a lovely clarity on the candle

What we dislike

  • It is a fire hazard and must be used with care around kids and pets

3. Solelp

Say hello to Solelp – a revolutionary yoga mat-like device that makes stretching an interactive activity, rather than a total bore. It is created for home gyms, and it merges traditional stretching exercises with unique gamified elements to make the experience engaging and fun. It is equipped with a smart mat, interactive handles, a mobile app, and a camera-laden bar. It offers a rewarding and connected environment where users can feel motivated, and practice their stretches with interest.

Why is it noteworthy?

Solelp encourages users to stretch daily by setting interesting missions, goals, and points. This intriguing approach improves your body posture and health, helping you feel more at ease, and promoting better mental health. You’ll feel like stretching over and over again, as Solelp makes it fun!

What we like

  • Equipped with a LiDAR camera sensor that offers precise posture analysis
  • The connected app allows you to customize your workouts, tailoring your stretching routines

What we dislike

  • It needs a stable internet connection to offer access to the features
  • Users may take some time to get used to the tech and gamified elements

4. Stress-Free Aroma Diffuser

Meet the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser – your companion in relaxation and tranquility. It is designed to bathe your space in a lovely blend of carefully selected aromatic oils, that help calm your mind, and make you feel relaxed. If you’re practicing stretching or simply meditating after a long day, this aroma diffuser will help create a soothing environment that instantly helps you unwind and relax.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The diffuser has a gentle and self-generated breeze which allows the aroma to softly spread around your home. It uses a premium-quality porcelain filter, which absorbs all the essential oils, releasing their fragrances gradually, ensuring they last longer in the air.

What we like

  • The polished base and organic-looking porcelain disc create a lovely contrast, adding aesthetic value to the product

What we dislike

  • Seems quite fragile, so must be handled with care for fear of breaking

5. Medispace

Named Medispace, this device merges the relaxing effects of traditional Tibetan bowls with modern technology. It is designed to create a unique meditative experience for you. It is compact enough to hold in your hand, allowing you to create soothing sounds with a simple touch. It is paired with noise-canceling earbuds to help you fully immerse in your meditation practice. It is intended to be a gateway to inner peace, encouraging you to reconnect with yourself.

Why is it noteworthy?

Medispace can create over ten different singing bowl sounds, providing you with an authentic and interesting meditative experience. It supports users in their journey to connect with their inner selves, creating varied meditative experiences depending on the sound you select. The aforementioned compact size makes it quite easy to carry, allowing you to meditate wherever you please.

What we like

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use design that requires no learning curve
  • Functions as both a meditation device and a charging case for the included earbuds

What we dislike

  • It features a compact and delicate design, which must be handled with care
  • It is a conceptual design, so it isn’t available to potential buyers at the moment

The post Top 5 Tools To Transform Your Mindfulness Practice & Enhance Your Mental Well-Being first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s M4 Mac Event is NEXT WEEK! Here’s What’s Coming!

M4 Mac

Apple is gearing up for a week-long M4 Mac event starting Monday, October 28, where they will unveil a series of highly anticipated product announcements. Each day of the event promises to bring new revelations, keeping technology enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. As you prepare for this exciting week, AppleTrack gives us more details […]

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How to Run AI Large Language Models (LLM) on Your Laptop

large language models on laptop

Imagine having the power of advanced artificial intelligence right at your fingertips, without needing a supercomputer or a hefty budget. For many of us, the idea of running sophisticated language models on our personal laptops seemed like a distant dream, reserved for tech giants and research labs. But now, with LM Studio, that dream of […]

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You Won’t BELIEVE What These Dynamic Island Apps Can Do (iOS 18)

Dynamic Island

Apple’s Dynamic Island has transformed the way people interact with their iPhones. This innovative feature has opened up a world of possibilities for app developers, who are now creating a variety of apps that enhance and customize the Dynamic Island experience. These apps are designed to unlock your device’s full potential, offering utilities and customization […]

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Ultimate Guide to iPhone External Storage Solutions

best SSD for iPhone video recording

Managing storage on your iPhone can sometimes feel like an endless juggling act. With the introduction of USB-C ports, iPhones have unlocked new possibilities for external storage solutions, yet navigating this landscape can be challenging. Whether you’re grappling with limited internal storage, transferring files between devices, or aiming to record videos directly to an external […]

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iOS 18.2 Beta 1: You Won’t Believe What’s Inside!

iOS 18.2 Beta 1

The highly anticipated release of iOS 18.2 Beta 1 marks a significant milestone in Apple’s ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless, personalized, and secure user experience. This update introduces a wealth of new features and improvements that empower users to take control of their devices like never before. From enhanced customization options to advanced safety […]

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Unlock LinkedIn Success with This No-Code AI Hack

automated LinkedIn content creation

Navigating LinkedIn’s ever-evolving landscape can often feel like a full-time job. Between crafting engaging posts, staying updated on industry trends, and maintaining consistent audience interaction, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if you could streamline this process and reclaim your time without complex coding? Imagine having a virtual assistant that not only understands your […]

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Unlock Your iPhone’s Hidden Vibration Settings

iPhone Vibration Settings

To truly enhance your iPhone experience and make it uniquely yours, dive into the device’s vibration settings. Located under the “Sounds & Haptics” menu, these settings provide a wealth of options to customize how and when your iPhone vibrates in response to various alerts and notifications. By taking the time to explore and adjust these […]

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