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Supermarket freezers and other food storage could have been hacked following flaws discovery

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:14
Security researchers found 10 flaws in popular electronic control systems and collectively named them Frostbyte10.
Categories: Technology

I tested Insightly CRM and it’s one of the easiest I’ve ever used

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:05

Insightly is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that helps businesses manage contacts, sales pipelines, and projects. Founded in 2009, it is well established as one of the best CRM platforms and serves over 1.5 million users in more than 25,000 organizations worldwide. Insightly targets small to mid-sized businesses and emphasizes affordability.

During my review, I found that Insightly provides a strong set of features, including lead and pipeline management, project tracking, and workflow automation. It aims to give a unified view for handling customer interactions, enhancing team collaboration in sales and marketing.

What distinguishes Insightly is its focus on usability. The company asserts that its interface is easy for beginners while still offering essential features for growing businesses. In this review, I will assess how well Insightly fulfills its promises and analyze its strengths and weaknesses as a CRM.

Insightly CRM core capabilities

Insightly's dashboard is super easy to navigate (Image credit: Insightly)

Insightly enables users to create comprehensive contact records, featuring custom fields, tags, and connections between contacts and organizations. Importing existing contacts and organizing them into categories was straightforward.

The platform includes a flexible pipeline system that can be tailored to various sales processes. I set up multiple pipelines for different products or services, each with unique stages. The drag-and-drop feature for moving opportunities between stages offered an intuitive visual representation of deal progress.

Real-time visibility into the sales pipeline allowed me to quickly evaluate the health of my sales funnel. I could filter and sort opportunities by criteria like value, probability, or expected close date. Insightly also provides pre-built reports and the option to create custom ones. The dashboard was particularly beneficial, enabling me to visualize key metrics at a glance.

The mobile app, compatible with iOS and Android, grants access to most core features. During CRM testing, I updated contact details, managed tasks, and captured business cards using my smartphone. However, some advanced features were missing, which might restrict field users who depend on mobile access, such as sales reps who spend a lot of time on the road - something that's more and more common with the rise of hybrid work.

In addition to its CRM capabilities, Insightly serves as a project management tool. This allows for a smooth transition from opportunity to project after a deal closes. The platform offers plugins for popular email clients like Gmail and Outlook, enabling users to sync emails and calendar events. Insightly’s workflow tools automate repetitive tasks, send notifications, and update records based on set triggers. Although creating complex workflows required initial effort, they significantly enhanced efficiency once in place.

Nonetheless, Insightly’s social media integration features need enhancement. While it provides basic social profile linking, it lacks advanced social listening and engagement tools found in some other CRMs. Additionally, the useful workflow automation is only included in higher-priced plans. Although there is a built-in dialer and call routing for phone-based sales teams, these features are only available as paid add-ons.

How easy is Insightly CRM to use?

Insightly has carefully considered how best to present essential sales data to its users (Image credit: Insightly)

Insightly is a standout in the CRM world for its user-friendly design. As soon as I logged in, the clean interface made me feel at ease. The customizable dashboard lets me arrange widgets and data visualizations to prioritize the most important information for my workflow.

Navigating modules is simple thanks to a clear menu structure that helps me quickly locate what I need. The consistent layout across sections lessened the learning curve as I explored features beyond the main dashboard. I especially valued the quick access to recent items and favorites, which made my daily tasks much smoother.

Beyond the customizable dashboard, creating custom fields, pipelines, and workflows is quick and easy. This level of flexibility means Insightly can evolve with my business, which is vital for long-term use.

The onboarding process is well-organized, featuring guided tours and tooltips that introduce key features while I explore the platform. Insightly also has a thorough knowledge base, video tutorials, and webinars covering everything from basic functions to advanced features. I found these resources to be informative, straightforward, and easy to navigate.

Within a few hours, I felt at ease managing contacts, tracking opportunities, and generating basic reports. More complex tasks, like setting up automated workflows or customizing advanced reports, took longer to learn but were still manageable without extensive training.

But while it is generally user-friendly, some users may find certain advanced features less intuitive. For instance, the relationship mapping feature, although powerful, required some trial and error. Setting up complex automation rules also needed a closer look at the documentation. Nonetheless, my overall experience regarding ease of use remained positive.

Insightly CRM integrations

Insightly makes it simple to connect your CRM with all the other business tools you use (Image credit: Insightly)

Insightly features the AppConnect hub for third-party integrations, providing numerous pre-built connectors for popular business tools. Users can link Insightly with finance, ERP, marketing, HR, and other vital applications. Setting up integrations with Slack, Google Apps, and Microsoft Outlook was straightforward.

The platform offers plugins for both Gmail and Outlook, enabling direct syncing of emails and calendar events with the CRM. It also works with sales and marketing automation tools like MailChimp, Gong, Drift, and ZoomInfo. For ecommerce, connections are available with Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. These integrations use an intuitive no-code platform, allowing easy setup of custom workflows without technical expertise.

For businesses needing complex integrations, Insightly offers access to its REST API. This open API supports custom integrations with nearly any system, providing flexibility for unique workflows or proprietary software. Advanced use cases become possible, such as connecting Power BI to Insightly via the API for detailed analyses and visualizations of CRM data.

Larger organizations benefit from Insightly's integration with single sign-on (SSO) tools like the identity management solutions OneLogin, AuthO, and Okta Identity Management. This feature enhances security, data protection, and identity management while linking to preferred third-party applications, boosting productivity. This advantage is not fully utilized by many other CRMs.

One area for improvement is social media integration. While the platform allows basic social profile linking, it lacks advanced social listening and engagement features found in some competing CRMs. However, Insightly can connect with an iPaaS vendor like Zapier for more advanced social media integrations.

How good is Insightly's customer support?

When it comes to customer support, Insightly offers a mix of self-service resources and direct assistance channels. But during my evaluation, I found lots of room for improvement in the support system, especially when it comes to the live communication options available to entry-level users. Issues like long wait times, insufficient product knowledge, and inactive community forums further accentuate this problem.

In the absence of 24/7 live support, Insightly’s primary customer service channel is by email. However, its response times can vary, which makes it unreliable during a busy workday. Thankfully, phone support is available between 9 AM - 4 PM PT on weekdays for regular users. On the other hand, the self-service knowledge base covers a wide range of topics, from basic setup instructions to more advanced features and troubleshooting guides. I found the articles to be clear and easy to follow, often accompanied by screenshots or video tutorials.

For users willing to pay extra for premium live support, Insightly offers the Guided Onboarding Program and the Premier Support and Success Plan. While the former costs $1,500 one-time, the latter is priced upwards of $3,000/year. User testimonials reveal the quality of support received to be quite good, but it’s unfortunate to have to pay thousands of additional dollars each year for some features that competitors are offering free of cost, such as integration and developer support.

Insightly CRM pricing and plans

Plan

Plus

Professional

Enterprise

Price

$29/user/month

$49/user/month

$99/user/month

Best for

Small businesses needing basic CRM functionality

Growing companies requiring automation and advanced permissions

Large organizations needing unlimited storage and customization

Features

Custom email templates; Lead management; Basic reporting

Workflow automation; Role-based permissions; Lead assignment rules

Unlimited records; Unlimited storage; Custom objects

Limitations

Limited automation capabilities and storage

Some advanced features only available at higher tiers

Higher cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses

Insightly CRM's pricing is clear and structured, accommodating different business sizes and requirements. Currently, there are three main pricing tiers: Plus, Professional, and Enterprise, all billed monthly per user. The platform also used to offer one of the best free CRM plans, but this is no longer available.

The Plus plan costs $29 per user per month when billed annually. This plan is suitable for small teams or new businesses using CRM. It includes essential features like lead and pipeline management, custom email templates, and basic reporting. However, it lacks advanced features like workflow automation and lead assignment rules.

The Professional plan costs $49 per user per month, offering more advanced features. This tier includes workflow automation, lead assignment rules, and configurable dashboards. For businesses with complex sales processes or those looking to grow, this plan balances features and cost well.

The Enterprise plan at $99 per user per month when billed annually is Insightly's most comprehensive choice. It offers advanced features like advanced permissions, custom objects, and API access. While it may be too much for smaller organizations, it provides the scalability and customization that larger enterprises or rapidly growing businesses may require.

Insightly offers a 14-day free trial for all plans but does not provide a money-back guarantee. For users needing more than a CRM, Insightly All-in-One combines CRM, Marketing, Service, and AppConnect, with a 30% discount compared to separate purchases. Although I did not find specific discount codes, choosing annual billing results in a slight discount compared to monthly billing.

Insightly CRM FAQWould Insightly CRM be better for a small business or a larger one?

Insightly is generally best suited for small to mid-sized businesses. While it offers robust features, some users have reported that it may be less ideal for large enterprises with very complex workflows or a need for deep customization.

For instance, larger enterprises often make use of a massive volume of data, and Insightly's plans have specific limits on records, storage, and API calls. While the Enterprise plan offers a higher capacity, it may still not be sufficient for companies with hundreds of thousands or even millions of records. These limitations can hinder growth and require significant data management.

Does Insightly CRM have a mobile app?

Well aware of the hybrid work trend, Insightly does have a mobile app for both iOS and Android. This allows users to access and manage their CRM data on the go. However, some users note that the app may not have offline access.

What are Insightly's security credentials like?

Insightly is SOC 2 Type II certified and offers security features such as data encryption, single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication, and role-based permissions. It is also GDPR-compliant.

What is the onboarding like for Insightly CRM?

Insightly offers a structured and comprehensive onboarding process designed to help new users and teams get up and running quickly. The approach is a mix of self-service resources and paid, hands-on guidance, catering to different needs and budgets.

For new users who prefer to learn at their own pace, Insightly provides a wealth of self-service resources. This is typically the first point of contact after signing up for a trial or a new account. Alternatively, businesses that require a more personalized and hands-on approach can opt for Insightly's "Guided Onboarding Plan" in exchange for a one-time fee. This is a collaborative process where you work directly with an Insightly specialist.

Insightly CRM review: Summary

From my experience with Insightly, it is a reliable choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a user-friendly and feature-rich CRM. The platform offers strong core capabilities, with a quick interface that creates a seamless experience.

Insightly's easy-to-use interface and customization options enhance its attractiveness, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. While customer support is adequate, there is room for improvement, especially in response times. Additionally, the lack of advanced social media integrations without using Make or Zapier is a notable drawback.

Overall, Insightly is a capable CRM dedicated to providing a good user experience. It may not match enterprise-level solutions like HubSpot CRM or Salesforce, but it certainly earns a spot as one of the best small business CRM platforms on the market.

Categories: Reviews

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is one of the series' better entries, even if its characters are a tad annoying

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is the latest entry in the beloved casual sports franchise. Developer Hyde (Digimon Survive) is taking over from stalwart Clap Hanz here, but it nonetheless retains the series' captivating charm.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: September 5, 2025

If you've felt let down by the recent run of Mario Golf entries and aren't keen on more sim-like titles such as PGA Tour 2K25, then Everybody's Golf Hot Shots occupies a satisfying middle ground. It's a more fulfilling and content-rich outing than, say, Mario Golf: Super Rush, but also has plenty of shotcraft depth. Wrapped in a pleasingly colorful art style, it's almost a best of both worlds situation.

Right out of the box, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots packs tens - if not hundreds - of hours of content. There's a boatload of characters to unlock, courses to play on, and a variety of balls, clubs, costumes, and caddies to gradually add to your roster. Throw in some party-esque modes like Wacky Golf, and you have a game that's suitable for both solo and social play. And yes, both offline and online multiplayer are supported here.

That's not to say there aren't a few bogeys to contend with, however, particularly when it comes to progression. There are around 30 characters to play as in Hot Shots, with just two playable at the start. You'll have to unlock the rest, and while that's no bad thing in isolation, you'll also need to level up each character individually to gain access to their skills, costumes, and ancillary items. When you're only getting one or two levels per 9 or 18-hole run, you'll realize that progression feels like it's stuck in the rough.

Characters, despite having plenty of charming and high-quality animations associated with them, can also be very annoying. Voice lines are at a premium here, so you'll be hearing the same four to five quips on every single hole. At least you can turn voices off in the options menu.

Tee time

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

There are two big single-player modes in Everybody's Golf Hot Shots. Challenge Mode is broken down into ascending ranks, with each offering 9-18 hole events under a variety of conditions. These can include differing times of day and specific rule sets.

These special rules can be quite fun, and range from casual-friendly modifiers like 'tornado' cups, which magnetize the ball towards it, to rather devilish ones like increasing stroke penalties for hitting hazards like the rough or bunkers. But my favorite has to be the 'impossible pin' rule, which ups the challenge by placing the pin in deliberately awkward spots on the green.

Completing these events increases your rank gauge, and when it's full, you can progress to the next tier and face off against an unlockable golfer.

Challenge Mode should be your first port of call, as it will aid in unlocking scenarios for the other main single-player mode: World Tour. This is a more story-focused mode, presenting simple cutscenes and challenges for the game's cast of golfers. This is also where you'll be able to unlock them as permanent additions to the roster - and thankfully, you typically only have to clear a golfer's first challenge to get them.

You've also got traditional and highly customizable match and stroke play modes, where you get full freedom in choosing course, time of day, weather conditions, and those aforementioned special rules. Then, there's solo play if you just fancy practicing your drive alone.

Wacky Golf is another great, party-centric addition that throws traditional golf rules out of the window. During Wacky Golf, you'll witness things like clubs swapping between opponents, randomized rule sets, and full-on explosives that'll send your ball unpredictably flying. It's great fun, and a suitably Mario Party-esque take on the standard golf formula.

Call me Albert Ross

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Of course, heaps of content would mean nothing if the act of golfing wasn't fun to engage with. And thankfully, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots offers some of the series' most satisfying play. The three-button-press system returns here, and is very casual-friendly. Simply hit the button once to begin charging shot power, again to lock that power in, and then one more time to hit the ball.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots really nails the feeling of a perfect drive. Animation and sound design come together to create the perfect feedback here, meaning your best shots always feel incredibly satisfying. The same goes for chip-ins and hole-in-ones, which the game celebrates appropriately with awesome replays.

There are nuances within, though. You'll need to time the hit carefully in order to ensure the ball doesn't veer off course in the air. On top of that, you'll have wind to contend with, and you can add top, back, and side spin to further influence the ball's travel and carry. The ball's lie (or how sloped the surface it's resting on is) will also impact its trajectory, so accounting for this is crucial, especially on the trickier courses.

Putting can also be tricky, albeit in a satisfyingly challenging way. You do get some friendly assistance here via a grid on the green that highlights whether your shot will be uphill, downhill, or flat, as well as if it'll veer off to the left or right. Once again, accounting for this can be all the difference between birdie, par, or the dreaded bogey.

You will find that most of the game's initial characters feel quite weak in terms of their drive distance and stats like impact and spin effectiveness. This is by design, and you may even struggle to get birdies on a par 4 hole. But in theory, I like the style of progression here. These 'weaker' characters are a bit easier to handle, more predictable, thus allowing the player to get a better grasp on golfing as a whole.

You can also permanently improve a golfer's stats by purchasing food items from the main menu's shop. Food, as well as club and ball selection, will influence your stats and means that you can eventually make a beast out of your favorite golfer and caddy pairing.

Stuck in the sand

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

I say 'in theory' earlier in regards to progression because while I like the general structure, improving any given character's capabilities is a frustratingly glacial process. Characters and caddies will have their loyalty levels improve as you complete courses and challenges with them. However, you'll mostly be getting just one or two levels at a time. And with full courses taking anywhere from 15-30 minutes to complete, the pace of improvement slows to a crawl.

It sucks because said progression is the most efficient way of unlocking new items in the shop, including costumes, clubs, balls, perk-like stickers for your caddy, and so on. You'll need to be in it for the long haul and have some patience with Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, then. Thankfully, the core game always feels excellent to play, but it's an experience best played in short bursts, in my experience.

Although the experience is somewhat tarnished by grating voice lines, and game performance isn't always up to par. For example, hitting a perfect shot can awkwardly freeze the game for a moment before connecting with the ball. Furthermore, the frame rate can dip to as low as 30fps while you watch the ball travel to its destination.

These small blemishes aside, as well as a rather big bugbear in the slow progression, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is an easy game to love. While the usual series developer isn't behind this one, Hyde seems to fully understand its loveable fundamentals and has created a fulfilling and long-lasting golfing experience, so long as you're the patient type.

Should you play Everybody's Golf Hot Shots?Play it if...

You want the best casual golf game in years
Handily putting Mario Golf in its place and giving sim-heavy titles something to think about, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots marries a charming visual style with in-depth golfing gameplay.

You want a metric ton of content
There are plenty of courses, characters, costumes, and more to unlock in Everybody's Golf Hot Shots. It's a game that could potentially last you years if you're after an all-in-one golf game.

Don't buy it if...

You prefer much faster progression
If you can't get used to the slow rate at which you unlock things in Hot Shots, then this may be one to miss. Especially as you'll spend your first 10-20 hours with incredibly basic characters and gear.

Accessibility

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is light in the accessibility department, but there are some handy options to make note of. The 'gimme putt' setting will automatically putt the ball past bogey if it's close enough to the hole. Plus, there are various styles of shot gauge if you're having trouble with the default three-point button system.

How I reviewed Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

I played Everybody's Golf Hot Shots for 12 hours for this review. I played on PlayStation 5, primarily using the DualSense Wireless Controller. During play, I mainly tackled Challenge Mode and World Tour to rank up and unlock various things such as characters, courses, and costumes.

I also spent some time in standard stroke and match play, as well as Wacky Golf, to get a general feel of all modes and the game's performance across its many courses.

First reviewed August 2025

Categories: Reviews

I time-travelled to save the world in Cronos: The New Dawn and it felt like going back two decades to play Dead Space again

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00

A few hours into Cronos: The New Dawn, I saw it. A corpse slumped against the wall, a message scrawled in blood above him: “Don’t let them merge”. If it wasn’t already clear that the latest survival horror game from Bloober Team was drawing from some of the genre's greats, that warning, a nod to “cut off their limbs” seen in equally foreboding lines of jagged crimson in Dead Space, hammered the point home as subtly as a boot stomp to the skull.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac
Release date: September 5, 2025

A feeling of déjà vu was a running theme in my time playing through Cronos. Here’s the main character, gun hoisted high in Leon S. Kennedy’s iconic pose from Resident Evil 4. Here are my limited crafting resources straight out of The Last of Us, ones I must choose to make either ammo or health items. Here are my gravity boots, pinched from Isaac Clarke’s locker on the USG Ishimura.

It’s perfectly fine to be influenced by other works, especially when they are as iconic and genre-defining as the ones I’ve listed above. But when it just feels like you’re retreading the same path with less confidence and not bringing enough new ideas, what’s really the point of it all?

Following in their footsteps

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

Now, that opening may read like I came away massively disappointed by Cronos: The New Dawn. In some aspects, I certainly did. It is painfully derivative in many areas, to the point where it made me question if anything has changed in sci-fi survival horror games in the last 20 years.

But, unsurprisingly, given its influences, it’s also a game that plays well. Combat is tense, shooting is solid, resource management is challenging, exploration is unsettling, and the environments drip with atmosphere. And there are kernels of ideas that, if only they were more fully realised or executed better, could have elevated the game beyond a decent – if standard – survival horror.

Let’s start with the premise: you play as the Traveler, an undefined being encased in a cross between a spacesuit and a diving suit. The game starts as you're activated by a mysterious organisation known as The Collective and told to travel through time to extract important survivors after an apocalyptic infection dubbed the ‘Change’ turns most people on Earth into grotesque and amalgamated monstrosities.

The nexus point of the disaster is Poland in the 1980s, which at least makes for a unique setting that’s far from the spaceships and abandoned mining planets we usually find ourselves stomping around. There’s an inventiveness to the world design, too, which not only sees the infestation overrun dilapidated buildings, roads, and subways with a gloopy and pulsating biomass, but also fractures entire structures to create floating, twisted, and mind-bending new forms.

Add to that violent sandstorms and heavy snowfall, and safe to say, it’s not a pleasant stroll. I had to seriously pluck up some courage to carefully inch forward in many locations, especially towards the latter half of the game, when everything is so consumed by the effects of the infection and dotted with poisonous pustules that you feel suffocated by it – even if this trap is overplayed a dozen too many times.

Skin-crawling

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

Visually, it is disgusting (in all the right ways), but huge credit has to go to the audio. It masterfully ramps up that oppressive and stomach-churning atmosphere with all sorts of sloshing and wheezing and bubbling that gives a terrifying sense of life to the coagulated mass that surrounds you. One of the best gaming headsets is recommended.

If Cronos was all just trudging through fleshy corridors, then Bloober Team would have smashed it. Unfortunately, other parts of the game don’t excel in the same way and are merely fine or disappointing in comparison.

Combat is one. The gimmick here is that dead enemies remain on the ground and can be assimilated by other creatures to become larger and stronger foes – hence the bloody message of “don’t let them merge”. Fortunately, you come equipped with a torch. Nope, it’s not a bright light, but a burst of flames that can incinerate corpses and stop this merging from taking place.

Best bit

(Image credit: Future)

Cronos: The New Dawn finds its identity more as the game progresses and the section in the Unity Hospital is when the game hits its stride. It’s one of the scariest and creepiest places to explore, as you descend further into the bowels of the building, where the infection has taken even greater hold and you uncover some horrifying secrets about the impact of the Change.

That leads to the main flow of combat. Take down targets with your weapons, then prevent any survivors from merging by setting the bodies ablaze. It’s a setup that can create some tense encounters – ones where you’re busy dealing with one target, only to hear the awful sounds of two bodies smushing together in the distance (shoutout to the audio design again), and knowing there’ll be an even greater threat if you don’t introduce them to the cleansing flames immediately.

The problem is that I could count on one hand the number of times I felt seriously threatened by the risk of enemies merging. Too many encounters had too few enemies, were in too small spaces, or were littered with too many (respawning) explosive barrels, that I could comfortably handle the situation. It was only towards the end of the game when I felt overwhelmed in some encounters, needing to more strategically pick my targets, hurriedly craft ammo on the fly, and regularly reposition to burn dead enemies so they couldn’t merge.

Burn, baby, burn

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

It isn’t a disaster, just a shame that Cronos doesn’t really make the most of its main idea. Instead, the overwhelming feeling I had was that I was just playing Dead Space again, swapping between the limited ammo in my pistol, shotgun, and rifle to blast away everything. Outside of rare encounters, the mechanics of merging and burning feel like massively underused and unimpactful parts of the game.

It’s a common feeling. Take your main objective of ‘rescuing’ the specific survivors. I use quotation marks there because the actual process of saving them is kept ominously vague, and is instead best described as extracting and absorbing their soul to gain the knowledge needed to save humanity.

It’s here when I thought Cronos might step up from its clear inspirations with some fresh ideas. Not only is there a morbid mirroring at play (wait, are we the baddies?), but those other lives bouncing around inside your head lead to all sorts of different visions and hallucinations, depending on the characters you choose to save.

In its cleverest moments, who’s knocking about in your noggin can influence the environment or completely change how you perceive things in the world to create some genuinely spooky moments. Once again, though, outside of less than a handful of instances, this idea isn’t explored any further when it’s rife for some really interesting, exciting, and unique possibilities.

It frustrates and disappoints me more than anything. I really want to be clear that Cronos: The New Dawn isn’t a bad game: it plays fine, looks good enough, and runs well. Although I’d stick to performance mode on consoles if you can to get a smooth 60fps, as the quality mode feels far too jittery.

I just can’t help but feel that with the way it relies so heavily on what worked in classic survival horror games from yesteryear, I may have travelled back two decades myself to play it.

Should I play Cronos: The New Dawn?

(Image credit: Bloober Team)Play it if…

You’re looking for your next survival horror fix
Survival horror fans who are craving a new game will find enough to enjoy here, even if it’s mostly just playing the hits.

You want a different setting and an intriguing story
Signalis this ain’t, but the setting, story, and commentary in Cronos does tickle the brain in new ways, even if some aspects are too enigmatic

Don’t play it if…

You want an action game
This isn’t the bombastic and set-piece rollercoaster of a modern Resident Evil. Cronos is tense, slow, full of dread, and light on ammunition.

You have any aversion to body horror
Cronos relies heavily on body horror for its story, enemy design, and environments, so if you find this overly unsettling, then it’s best to avoid.

Accessibility

Cronos offers a range of standard accessibility options, including three color blind modes for green, red, and blue color blindness, as well as the option to add clear interaction indicators and subtitles in multiple languages that can be fully customised in terms of size and color.

The game has one Normal difficulty setting, with a Hard mode unlocked after you finish the game once. To customise the difficulty, though, you can adjust settings to get a more generous aim assist and alter whether you hold or tap for quick time events.

A center dot can be added to help alleviate motion sickness, while the game also provides options to reduce or turn off camera shake and sway.

How I reviewed Cronos: The New Dawn

I played Cronos: The New Dawn for around 16 hours on a PlayStation 5 Pro on a Samsung S90C OLED TV using a DualSense Wireless Controller. I mainly played in Performance mode, but I also tried Quality mode for a brief time and found the graphical improvements minimal compared to the benefits of a smoother frame rate.

I swapped between playing audio through a Samsung HW-Q930C soundbar and a SteelSeries Arctic Nova 7, and I definitely suggest headphones for the best experience.

I completed the main game and spent a lot of time exploring the environment to uncover as much of the story and as many hidden extras as I could find.

Categories: Reviews

NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, September 4 (game #550)

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
Looking for NYT Strands answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, including the spangram.
Categories: Technology

Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, September 4 (game #1319)

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
Looking for Quordle clues? We can help. Plus get the answers to Quordle today and past solutions.
Categories: Technology

NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, September 4 (game #816)

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.
Categories: Technology

Thrustmaster reveals the T248R racing wheel, featuring three adjustable levels of force feedback and customizable LCD screen

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
The Thrustmaster T248R is a mid-range PS5 racing wheel designed 'with all types of drivers in mind'.
Categories: Technology

I time-travelled to save the world in Cronos: The New Dawn and it felt like going back two decades to play Dead Space again

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
Cronos: The New Dawn is a solid and well-made survival horror game, but in its reverence for the classics, it doesn't distinguish itself from games that are decades old.
Categories: Technology

32GB of RAM for gaming is more important than you think, and Valve's new Steam Hardware survey highlights that

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
32GB of RAM for PC gaming is gradually becoming more common, and Valve's latest Steam survey is a strong indication.
Categories: Technology

What is Dirac Live, and how do you get it?

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:00
Just upgraded your audio system, but still not happy with how it sounds? The problem might be your room, not your gear.
Categories: Technology

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is one of the series' better entries, even if its characters are a tad annoying

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Everybody's Golf Hot Shots packs potentially hundreds of hours of golfing fun, provided you can deal with some slow progression.
Categories: Technology

Here’s why synthetic data is bound to cause more issues than solve problems

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:59
Synthetic data promises progress, but in real-world settings, it can create more problems than solutions.
Categories: Technology

An ancient disease makes yet another comeback

NPR News Headlines - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:56

Why cholera is striking in Africa. It's a disease that's easy to control with proper treatment. But without medical care, patients can perish quickly.

(Image credit: Giles Clarke)

Categories: News

Apptivo CRM review 2025

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:54

Apptivo CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management platform that aims to provide an all-in-one solution for managing sales, marketing, and customer service.

With a suite of over 65 integrated apps, Apptivo is one of the best CRM platforms on the market and offers a high degree of customization, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. It also features very competitive pricing compared to other major CRM providers, with plans starting at just $15/user/month - making it a great CRM for small businesses and startups.

In this in-depth Apptivo review, I'll take a closer look at the platform's features, ease of use, customer support, and overall value to help you determine if it's the right CRM solution for your business. Let's dive in and see how Apptivo stacks up.

Apptivo core capabilities

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Just like any CRM, Apptivo provides contact and account management tools that allow me to store and organize all my customer data in one centralized location. During my first few minutes with the platform, I found it easy to import my existing contacts via CSV file.

Once contacts are in the system, Apptivo makes it simple to track all interactions and communication history. You can log emails, calls, meetings, and notes for each contact. I like how Apptivo pulls in email conversations automatically when synced with Gmail or Outlook, saving the manual work of logging those touchpoints.

I can also automate lead assignment based on predefined rules, ensuring my sales reps are always working the most promising opportunities. The software offers lead scoring, which helps me prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert.

A visual sales pipeline provides a clear overview of all my deals, allowing me to quickly identify any bottlenecks or at-risk opportunities. I can drag-and-drop opportunities through each stage. Deal values and probability are clearly displayed. I can also create customized sales stages that align with my unique sales process. Apptivo's forecasting tools use predictive analytics to provide accurate revenue projections, giving me valuable insights to guide my decision-making.

For analytics, Apptivo comes with a wide range of pre-built reports covering sales, marketing, and customer service metrics. I can also easily create custom reports and dashboards to track the KPIs that matter most to my business. For example, I can filter data, change chart types, add custom fields, and save custom views. The ability to schedule reports and have them automatically delivered to my inbox is a nice time-saver.

Beyond the core CRM capabilities, Apptivo offers a suite of integrated business apps that cover everything from project management to billing and invoicing. While I primarily use the CRM features, it's great to know I can easily expand my usage as my business needs evolve. In terms of third-party integrations, Apptivo's app marketplace also offers a variety of third-party integrations to further extend the platform's functionality.

Unlike competitors with limited on-the-go capabilities, Apptivo offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that provide full access to the CRM's features. Whether heading into a client meeting or dabbling in a bit of hybrid work, I always have the most up-to-date customer information at my fingertips. Plus, the mobile app's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

While Apptivo checks the boxes for core CRM functionality, the depth of features in certain areas leaves something to be desired compared to more mature CRM systems such as Salesforce and Hubspot. For example, Apptivo lacks some of the advanced lead scoring and routing options found in enterprise platforms like Salesforce. Additionally, while the reporting and analytics are solid overall, some of the pre-built reports lack flexibility and the custom report builder has a bit of a learning curve. Apptivo also currently does not offer a sales assistant in the form of an AI tool or forecasting, like some of the leading CRM players.

How easy is Apptivo to use?

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Apptivo features a clean and clear — if slightly dated — user interface. It starts you off on your agenda page, which functions similarly to a calendar view of your upcoming tasks and appointments. I like how you can quickly switch between different views to filter for just upcoming or overdue tasks. The left sidebar contains several useful project management links for tasks, emails, notes, follow-ups, and more.

The top navigation menu is where Apptivo organizes the various apps you have installed, grouped by functions like CRM, marketing, financials, etc. It’s highly customizable and modular, but it does mean the top menu can get crowded if you activate a lot of apps.

Diving into the core CRM features, I found adding new records like contacts, accounts and opportunities to be straightforward. The data entry forms are clean and support custom fields. However, this is where the dated nature of the interface starts to show itself. For example, the save button is at the top of the record, requiring lots of scrolling on longer forms.

Apptivo's interface is very customizable, which is a double-edged sword when it comes to ease of use. On one hand, you can tailor the account to your preferences, like reordering the top nav apps, adjusting page layouts, and creating custom fields and views. On the flip side, the initial setup and customization process has a bit of a learning curve. You'll likely need to invest some time upfront to optimize your account.

Luckily, Apptivo provides a variety of onboarding and training resources. There's a comprehensive knowledge base with articles and videos covering the main features. But for a guided walkthrough, Apptivo offers paid training packages and professional services to help with implementation, data migration, and one-on-one training. These services typically cost extra, but can be helpful for those struggling with the interface.

Despite its datedness, Apptivo’s web-based CRM is usually quite responsive, even when dealing with a large database. When tested, the interface scored an impressive 91/100 for desktop speed on Google PageSpeed Insights. The mobile apps for iOS and Android are also well-designed and offer access to most key CRM functions on the go.

Despite a few shortcomings, I've found Apptivo to be a user-friendly CRM overall, especially considering its extensive feature set and customization options. The modular app structure and customizable interface do require an initial time investment to set up and learn. But once configured to your liking, Apptivo is intuitive to navigate and the core CRM features are straightforward to use.

Apptivo integrations

Out of the box, Apptivo provides integrations with a limited number of popular business apps and services. The most notable of these are the Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrations, which allow for the smooth syncing of contacts, calendar events, and emails. Apptivo also offers pre-built integrations with a few other business tools like Quickbooks for accounting, Mailchimp for email marketing, and RingCentral for phone systems.

For situations where a pre-built integration isn't available, Apptivo provides an open API that allows for custom integrations with other software. The API documentation is comprehensive and the platform supports industry-standard REST and SOAP protocols. However, building custom integrations does require significant technical expertise, so most businesses will likely need to engage a developer for help.

Compared to some other CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot, Apptivo has a much more limited selection of third-party app integrations available. While the core bases are covered, businesses that rely heavily on niche software may find they need to build custom integrations more often with Apptivo.

I was also a bit disappointed to discover that Apptivo does not yet offer a direct data sync with any major social media platforms. The ability to automatically pull in lead and customer interactions from social channels can be very valuable for sales and service teams. While you can manually import social data or build a custom integration, a pre-built option would be a welcome addition.

That said, for the integrations it does offer, I've found the data syncing to be generally reliable and performant. When configured properly, data flows seamlessly between systems without any noticeable lag or errors. Apptivo also provides detailed logs that allow you to monitor the status of integrations and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Unlike most other CRMs, however, you can also set up automated workflows that span multiple apps. For example, you can configure a workflow that automatically creates a task in Apptivo when a lead fills out a form on your website, then sends a personalized email follow-up via Mailchimp, and finally alerts the assigned sales rep in Slack. These cross-app workflows can significantly boost productivity and ensure no leads slip through the cracks.

For most small to midsize companies, Apptivo's integration capabilities should be more than sufficient to streamline data flow and processes across their key software tools. However, enterprise customers with strong data centralization needs may want to look elsewhere.

How good is Apptivo's customer support?

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Apptivo provides multiple channels for customer support, including live chat, email, and phone. The live chat is available 24/7 for all paid plans, which is a huge plus for businesses operating across different time zones or outside of regular business hours. For more complex issues or detailed inquiries, Apptivo offers email support. User reviews from around the internet mention fast response times, friendly support agents, and quick resolutions.

Apptivo also offers an extensive self-service knowledge base called "Apptivo Answers" that includes detailed user guides, video tutorials, and FAQs covering all aspects of the platform. I've found this resource to be well-organized and easy to search, with most of the usual questions answered without contacting support. The articles are clear and include helpful screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

For users who prefer a more hands-on approach, Apptivo provides live webinars you can attend on a regular basis. These cover topics ranging from getting started with Apptivo to advanced features and best practices in the CRM. If you’d prefer one-on-one training, Apptivo offers 60-minute paid sessions starting at $125 USD covering different modules and use cases. You can also enlist company professionals to migrate your existing data or implement the entire system for you for an additional fee.

While Apptivo doesn't publicly disclose its average resolution times or customer satisfaction scores, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and ratings from users speak to the effectiveness of its support. On customer review sites like Capterra and G2, many users praise Apptivo's customer service as one of its strongest assets, frequently citing the responsiveness, expertise, and friendliness of the support team.

Apptivo pricing and plans

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Plan

Lite

Premium

Ultimate

Enterprise

Price

$15/user/month

$25/user/month

$40/user/month

Custom pricing

Best for

Small sales teams managing deals and quotes

Fast-growing teams needing an all-in-one CRM

Large teams requiring automation and integrations

Enterprise organizations with complex integration needs

Features

18 apps; 100 custom fields per app; 24/7 support

46 apps; 250 custom fields per app; 3rd party integrations

57 apps; 350 custom fields per app; Advanced automation

65 apps; 500 custom fields per app; Dedicated account manager

Limitations

Lacks some advanced features and integrations.

Higher price than Lite plan but fewer features than Ultimate.

Significantly more expensive than lower tier plans.

Requires custom price quote and implementation.

Apptivo offers four pricing tiers — Lite, Premium, Ultimate, and Enterprise — which allows businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budget. Apptivo does offer a free starter plan, but it's important to note that this plan is very limited in terms of features and functionality. It's really more of an extended trial than a viable long-term solution for most businesses. That said, Apptivo's 30-day free trial for paid plans is on par with the industry standard, with ample time to test the system before committing.

As for the paid plans, the Lite plan starts at just $15 per user per month when billed annually, making it one of the most cost-effective options on the market for a fully functional CRM. Even at the Lite tier, Apptivo includes essential CRM capabilities like contact management, opportunity tracking, and customizable dashboards. As you move up to the higher-priced plans, you gain access to more advanced features and a greater number of integrated apps.

For businesses that need more advanced features, Apptivo's Premium plan at $25 per user per month (billed annually) offers a significant step up in functionality. This tier includes additional apps for project management, invoicing, and email marketing, as well as more advanced customization options and integrations. This is followed by the Unlimited plan at $40 per user per month, which also includes relationship management and inventory tracking. But in my opinion, the Premium plan provides the best balance of features and value for most small to medium-sized businesses using Apptivo.

Compared to other popular CRM platforms, Apptivo's pricing is highly competitive. For example, Salesforce's Sales Cloud starts at $25 per user per month for the Essentials plan but includes fewer features than Apptivo's Premium tier at the same price point. Similarly, Zoho CRM's Standard plan is priced at $20 per user per month, while Apptivo offers more advanced features for just $5 more.

I also appreciate that Apptivo doesn't lock you into a long-term contract, unlike some enterprise-grade CRMs. All plans are available on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to adjust as your business needs change. But opting for annual billing does provide a significant discount of 20% compared to the monthly rates.

Still, I think Apptivo could improve its pricing by offering more bundled discounts or add-on packages. While the pricing for individual plans is competitive, there are fewer options for bundling multiple apps or features compared to some other CRM providers. However, it does offer custom enterprise pricing for larger organizations with more complex needs.

Apptivo CRM FAQWhat are Apptivo CRM's core features?

Apptivo is a cloud-based business management platform that offers a suite of over 65 integrated apps. As such it offers a wide range of features - both in the core platform and through these integrations.

The core features include tools for managing contacts, leads, and sales pipelines. It also offers features like email marketing, customer segmentation, lead scoring, and automated lead assignment.

Does Apptivo CRM have a mobile app?

Yes, Apptivo is accessible through all mobile phones, including dedicated apps for iOS and Android.

Aide from the costs, what are the differences between Apptivo's plans?

Apptivo's different pricing tiers vary significantly in terms of the number of available apps, custom fields, workflows, and storage space. Higher-tier plans also offer advanced features like email sequencing, notification builders, and custom applications. Annual billing offers a discount compared to monthly payments.

How do I integrate Apptivo with other tools?

Apptivo offers integrations with a number of third-party business tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, PayPal, and Slack. It also provides an open API for building custom integrations, which may require technical expertise

How secure is the data stored in Apptivo?

Apptivo employs several layers of security to protect user data, including 256-bit encrypted SSL connections for data transfer and encryption of sensitive information stored in the database.

Apptivo review: Final verdict

Apptivo delivers a robust set of core CRM features, including contact management, lead tracking, opportunity management, and sales forecasting. While some advanced features may be lacking compared to enterprise CRMs, Apptivo covers all the essentials for small to midsize businesses.

24/7 live chat, responsive email support, extensive knowledge base, and regular training webinars ensure that users can get help whenever they need it. The support team is knowledgeable, friendly, and consistently goes above and beyond to resolve issues and answer questions. While there are some areas for improvement, such as expanding the third-party app marketplace and simplifying the setup process for non-technical users, Apptivo's overall impression is a promising one.

For small to midsize businesses seeking an affordable, customizable, and user-friendly CRM with excellent support, Apptivo is a strong choice.

Categories: Reviews

I Had ChatGPT Order Me a Pizza. This Could Change Everything

CNET News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:52
The chatbot's agent has the computer do things for you. Paying for the pizza, however, is all on you.
Categories: Technology

Less Annoying CRM review 2025

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:46

Less Annoying CRM is a straightforward platform designed with simplicity in mind, making it one of the best CRM platforms for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. It was founded in 2009 by two brothers, who focused on making it as easy to use as possible - or in other words ‘less annoying’ than other platforms on the market.

The platform keeps things simple with a single-tier pricing plan: $15 per user, per month. You get all the features, no surprises or extras to buy. You'll find essentials like contact management, task tracking, and sales pipeline visualization — just the basics without overloading you.

It's not the most advanced CRM out there, but a user-friendly interface and great customer support make up for it. The company clearly prioritizes small businesses, from its product design to its business practices, making it a great fit for those seeking a hassle-free CRM.

Less Annoying CRM: Core capabilities

Less Annoying CRM provides a straightforward approach to customer relationship management, emphasizing essential features without adding unnecessary complexity. The contact management interface is user-friendly, making it easy to add custom fields to meet specific business needs.

The platform integrates leads within its pipeline management feature, helping users track them from initial contact to final sale, offering a visual representation of the sales process. During my testing, I found the pipeline view clear and easy to understand. However, the customization options for the pipeline are limited compared to more advanced CRM solutions, which may be a drawback for businesses with complex sales processes. If advanced features are what you need, I recommend checking out our Salesforce CRM review for a complete CRM platform, or our HubSpot CRM review for a free option.

Less Annoying CRM also includes basic sales forecasting and reporting tools. Users can create simple reports on pipeline status and sales performance, but it lacks the advanced analytics and predictive features present in some enterprise CRMs. For small businesses and solopreneurs, this level of reporting might suffice, but those needing deeper data analysis may find it lacking.

Less Annoying CRM's cloud-based platform is accessible from any device with internet access, removing the need for separate mobile apps. I found the mobile interface responsive and easy to navigate, allowing quick updates and access to customer information while on the go. However, there are no downloadable apps for iOS or Android.

I liked how Less Annoying CRM handles task management and calendar integration. It sends daily email digests with upcoming tasks and events, but syncing with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook turns the CRM into a central hub for managing customer interactions and personal schedules.

Email integration is another core capability that Less Annoying CRM manages well. Users can BCC a unique email address to automatically log correspondence with contacts in the CRM. This simplifies keeping communication records current without needing manual data entry after each interaction.

While it covers the basics of contact management, lead tracking, and simple reporting, Less Annoying CRM lacks some advanced features of larger CRM systems. For example, it does not have built-in marketing automation tools or extensive third-party integrations.

The platform balances flexibility and simplicity in customization. Users can add custom fields and adjust pipelines to some degree, but the options are not as extensive as those of more complex systems. This level of customization is likely adequate for many small businesses, but those with specific or evolving needs might feel restricted.

For security-conscious users, Less Annoying CRM offers 256-bit encryption following industry best practices. While this provides a solid data protection foundation, businesses in regulated industries should further evaluate whether these security measures meet their compliance requirements.

How easy it Less Annoying CRM to use?

Less Annoying CRM lives up to its name with a user interface focused on simplicity and easy navigation, making a one of the best CRM for small businesses. Upon logging in, I noticed the clean design that presents key information without overwhelming users. The main dashboard gives a quick view of upcoming tasks, recent activities, and pipeline status, allowing easy access to essential data without sifting through multiple menus.

The interface has a logical layout, with clearly labeled tabs for contacts, calendar, tasks, and settings. During my testing, I found most features within a few clicks, showcasing the thoughtful design. The muted yet professional color scheme creates a distraction-free environment for users to concentrate on their work.

Less Annoying CRM 's web-based platform adapts well to different screen sizes and devices, allowing users to access data from desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. However, I noticed that advanced accessibility features like screen reader optimization or high-contrast modes are not present, suggesting room for improvement.

Customization options in Less Annoying CRM balance flexibility with simplicity. Users can add custom fields to contacts and companies for tailored data collection. Creating custom pipelines is also straightforward, easier than in some complex CRM systems. While this level of customization suits many small businesses, those needing specialized workflows might find options somewhat limited.

Onboarding resources are a strong point for Less Annoying CRM. The platform offers a comprehensive help center with detailed articles and video tutorials on various system aspects. These resources are well-organized and easy to follow. The company provides free phone and email support to all users, including trial users, which is helpful for small businesses without dedicated tech support.

An intuitive design and focused features contribute to a fast learning process. In fact, I was able to navigate core functions of the CRM comfortably within a couple of hours. For most small business users, I estimate full proficiency can be achieved within a few days to a week of regular use, depending on specific needs.

But while the simplicity of Less Annoying CRM is a strength for many, some users may see it as a limitation. Those used to more feature-rich CRM systems might find the streamlined interface lacking advanced functionalities. However, this simplicity is intentional and aligns with the platform’s goal of providing an easy-to-use solution for small businesses.

Less Annoying CRM integrations

Less Annoying CRM offers a small number of integrations, however through Zapier you can unlock many more. (Image credit: Less Annoying CRM )

Less Annoying CRM provides a limited selection of integrations to meet essential business needs, falling short of larger CRM platforms. It offers a few pre-built integrations focusing on key functionalities like email syncing, calendar management, and data import/export. But my evaluation showed that these native integrations cover basic requirements for most SMBs.

But, Less Annoying CRM's integration with Zapier significantly enhances possibilities, allowing users to link it with thousands of other applications. I found creating Zaps to be easy, enabling automated workflows with tools I frequently use.

For advanced users and developers, Less Annoying CRM offers an API for custom integration and data synchronization with third-party applications. API documentation is thorough and well-structured, providing detailed explanations and examples for different endpoints. I appreciated the inclusion of OAuth 2.0 support, which improves security for API integrations.

In terms of reliability and performance, Less Annoying CRM shows a commitment to high data management standards. During my testing, I found data synchronization to be consistent and timely, with no noticeable delays or discrepancies. The company also utilizes "Uptime Robot" to monitor their site and quickly resolve downtime issues.

Less Annoying CRM’s integration options are adequate for many small businesses, but those seeking a broader range of pre-built connectors might find the selection limited. Ironically, the focus may lead some users to rely more on Zapier or custom API integrations to connect with their complete suite of business tools, increasing complexity.

While the help center provides basic information, I also found myself wanting more detailed guides and best practices for setting up and maintaining connections with other software. Some additional information could be particularly useful for users new to integrating various business applications.

Less Annoying CRM AI functionality

Unsurprisingly for a platform that values simplicity, Less Annoying CRM does not have native, built-in AI capabilities. Its core philosophy is to provide a simple, straightforward, and affordable CRM solution without the complex features found in enterprise-level software. This focus on simplicity means it deliberately omits advanced functionalities like AI-powered lead scoring, sales forecasting, or contact enrichment.

Even so, Less Annoying CRM can't completely avoid AI tidal wave. It can be integrated with third-party AI services and automation platforms to add some of these functionalities. The primary way to achieve this is by using platforms like Zapier.

How good is Less Annoying CRM customer support?

Less Annoying CRM is known for its strong customer support. The company provides two main support channels: email and phone, available from 9 am to 4:30 pm US Central Time, Monday to Friday. While this schedule may not suit all time zones or after-hours needs, it covers standard business hours for many small business clients.

I personally found email support to be prompt and helpful. Phone support offers immediate help for urgent matters. However, Less Annoying CRM currently does not provide live chat support, which could be a drawback for those who prefer instant messaging for quick questions.

Self-service resources include a help center, which is thorough and well-organized, with numerous articles and guides on various platform features. During my search, I found the search function effective, quickly guiding me to information. There are also video tutorials, which are especially beneficial for visual learners or those who like step-by-step instructions.

I liked that customer support is entirely free, even for trial users. Less Annoying CRM's commitment to accessible assistance aligns well with the company's goal of being user-friendly. It's a refreshing change in an industry where premium support usually incurs extra costs.

While it does not publicly share specific response and resolution times, user testimonials suggest that email responses are generally quick, often within a few hours. Resolution times may vary based on issue complexity, but the support team appears focused on providing timely solutions.

A key limitation is that customer support is currently available only in English during CST working hours. This could be a significant issue for users from different locations and cultures. As the company grows, addressing this gap would be a big help when expanding to international markets.

Less Annoying CRM plans and pricing

Less Annoying CRM offers one price, making a picking a plan incredibly simple. (Image credit: Less Annoying CRM )

Plan

All inclusive

Price

$15/user/month

Best for

Small businesses and solopreneurs seeking a simple and affordable CRM solution

Key features

Unlimited contacts and companies; Custom fields and pipelines; Integrated calendar and tasks

Limitations

Limited to 10 users; larger teams need to contact for enterprise pricing.

Less Annoying CRM FAQHow much does Less Annoying CRM cost and is there a free trial?

Staying true to its name, the pricing of this CRM is straightforward and "less annoying." Eschewing the complexity of the pricing plans offered by other CRMs, here there is a flat rate of $15 per user per month, with no additional fees, tiers, or contracts. There is also a 30-day free trial with full access to all features. You don't need to provide payment information until the trial is over.

What are its core features of Less Annoying CRM?

Less Annoying CRM provides many of the essential CRM functionalities small businesses require. For instance, the platform comes with contact and company management so users can store and organize all their contact information, notes, files, and interactions in one place. It's also possible to create and manage customized workflows to track leads, sales processes, and projects.

It also becomes easier to manage communications. Users can schedule and track events and tasks, with the ability to share calendars with their team. Email logging is also straightforward, with individuals able to automatically log emails from their connected email accounts, such as Gmail or Outlook, to their contact records.

Does Less Annoying CRM have a mobile app

No, Less Annoying CRM does not have a native mobile app - which is a little disappointing. Many of the other CRM platforms we've reviewed do have one. However, the web application is designed to be mobile-friendly and can be accessed from any device with a web browser.

What features would many users complain are missing?

While it excels at simplicity, Less Annoying CRM is not a full-featured enterprise solution. As such, it may not be suitable for larger companies that require advanced functionalities, such as complex sales analytics or forecasting, extensive workflow automations, or role-based permissions beyond basic levels. It's a balance between simplicity and complexity. Less Annoying leans heavily towards the former, which will be fine for some businesses but insufficient for others.

Less Annoying CRM: Verdict

Less Annoying CRM truly lives up to its name by providing a simple and user-friendly solution designed for small businesses. I found its simplicity to be its strongest asset, offering essential features without the complications of larger systems.

The platform features an easy-to-navigate interface, clear pricing, and responsive customer support, making it appealing for businesses wanting a straightforward approach to customer relationship management. While it may not include some advanced functions typical of enterprise CRMs, Less Annoying CRM delivers core features in an easy-to-understand way.

I think Less Annoying CRM is ideal for small businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs who value ease of use and cost over extensive customization and detailed analytics. Its clear approach to contact management, pipeline tracking, and task organization allows users to quickly adopt a CRM system without a difficult learning curve or hefty financial commitment.

Categories: Reviews

Nvidia has never been more dominant with GPUs – and that suggests AMD's RX 9000 models have a pricing problem

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:43
Nvidia now has a 94% share of the GPU market, while AMD languishes at an all-time low. So, what can Team Red do?
Categories: Technology

I’m already gripped by 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple after seeing the trailer – here’s the one big question I hope the movie answers

TechRadar News - Wed, 09/03/2025 - 08:36
The trailer for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the sequel to Danny Boyle's zombie franchise, is here but there's loose ends to tie up.
Categories: Technology

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