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X retires revenue sharing for new Original Content Rewards program

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:26:38 +0000

X is overhauling how it pays creators, phasing out its long-running Revenue Sharing program in favor of a new system called the Original Content Rewards Program.

The platform's Creators account announced the change in a post, saying the program is meant to "reward creators who bring original ideas, expertise, reporting, creativity, and commentary to X."

According to the announcement, X stopped accepting new Revenue Sharing enrollments immediately and will wind the program down entirely after Sept. 7. Creators currently enrolled will receive three final payouts — two on the standard schedule in mid- and late August, and a final payment around Sept. 11 covering earnings through the cutoff date. Starting Sept. 8, existing Revenue Sharing members can apply for the new program if they meet its eligibility requirements, the company said.

Per X's announcement, the new program ties earnings to "qualified impressions" a creator's original content receives, rather than the advertising-revenue split that defined the old system. Qualified impressions must come from unique, verified Premium subscribers viewing at least half of a post on the Home Timeline; impressions that are duplicated, paid, promoted, or fraudulent don't count.

To qualify, X says creators must be at least 18, live in an eligible country, hold a Personal or Business account in good standing, subscribe to a paid X tier, and have at least 500 verified followers, along with 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users over the prior 90 days. Those requirements must be maintained continuously to keep receiving payouts, according to the announcement.

X's guidelines lean heavily on defining what counts as "original." Per the company's post, content that is copied, reuploaded without authorship, generated through automated means, or reposted with only minor edits — such as captions, watermarks, or basic text overlays — won't qualify. Users can earn from reposting others' material only if they add substantive commentary, analysis, or creative editing. So, simply describing what's already happening in a post doesn't meet the bar.

As noted in Engadget's report on the news, X adjusted its Revenue Sharing formula in March to weight engagement more heavily toward a creator's home region. That shift, they wrote, likely followed revelations that a number of popular accounts posting pro-Trump content and US-focused commentary were not actually based in the United States.

Whether the new Original Content Rewards Program carries over a similar regional weighting is not yet clear.

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When I moved to Paris 9 years ago, I shouldn't have worried so much about dressing 'wrong' and knowing French

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:47:22 +0000

When I moved to Paris nearly a decade ago, some things were easier than I expected, but I encountered challenges I hadn't even imagined.

Jodie Hughes

I moved to Paris from the UK nearly a decade ago, and it's come with surprising challenges.
The language barrier was both more and less of a challenge than I expected.
Sundays and summers here look very different and a lot quieter than what I was used to.

I moved to Paris from the United Kingdom in 2017, and while I expected some challenges along the way, I was surprised to discover that many of the things I'd been worrying about turned out not to be issues at all.

However, in their place were several other unforeseen obstacles that I wished I'd been aware of before I relocated.

The language barrier wasn't an issue in the way I expected it to be

It took me a while to find ways to actually practice my French.

Jodie Hughes

I'd spoken French fluently-ish as a teen, but I'd barely used so much as a "bonjour" in the four years prior to my relocation. I was worried about the rustiness of my speaking skills, envisioning it causing real difficulties in day-to-day life.

However, I also assumed that, since I would be totally immersed in the language, my French would come back in no time. I was wrong on both counts.

Since practically everyone I encountered in Paris spoke English, my subpar French proved no obstacle at all. In fact, no matter how much I tried to speak French, in restaurants, in shops, on the metro, at the bank, you name it … most people simply replied to me in English.

It was a blessing and a curse; simultaneously very convenient for going about my life, and very inconvenient for improving my French.

Since I worked in English, and the first friends I made were all other international expats (who spoke English together), my opportunities to hone my language skills were virtually nonexistent.

Eventually, getting on dating apps is what brought my French conversation skills back up to snuff.

My takeaway: If you're not fluent in French before you move here, you will likely manage just fine. However, you may need to be proactive about finding opportunities to improve your speaking skills — and doing so should be a priority.

Becoming comfortable with French isn't essential to getting by here, but it will vastly improve your experience as an expatriate. And, y'know, it's just … good manners.

I should've been prepared for all of the bureaucracy battles and paperwork

Before I moved, I spent a lot of time researching the requirements I'd have to fulfill to live and work in France.

As an EU citizen, I faced minimal red tape — but for the processes I needed to go through to get up and running as a resident, the message from forums, blogs, and articles alike was clear: French admin can be a nightmare.

Naively optimistic as I was, I dismissed the repeated complaints as hyperbole. "How bad could it be?" I thought to myself, with completely unfounded confidence.

The internet tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. Most essential tasks, like getting a social-security number and a health card, took way longer and required more effort than I expected.

I imagine this may be the case when relocating to any new country. However, even after nearly a decade of living here, I still dread dealing with French bureaucratic systems (and all the paperwork they require).

My takeaway: Be patient, set aside dedicated time to tackle essential relocation tasks, and take a lot of deep breaths. Getting a French phone number as soon as possible will also make administrative tasks (and life in Paris) a lot easier.

Paris lives up to its chic reputation, but I didn't have to worry so much about my style

I feel comfortable wearing what I want in Paris these days.

Jodie Hughes

Pre-Paris, I worried I'd look out of place or underdressed because of this city's reputation for being ultra-chic. (I'm no fashionista.)

However, I quickly discovered that it's very difficult to be either underdressed or overdressed in Paris.

Something I found very refreshing when I moved to France was how much less "uniform" the clothing felt compared to the UK.

Very extravagant or outlandish ensembles would raise more of an eyebrow here than in, say, London or New York, but as a general rule, at any given activity, occasion, or gathering, you'll see a real range of styles and levels of "dressiness."

Within a year of moving to Paris, I felt able to dress in a way that was much truer to my personal tastes than I'd ever felt comfortable doing in England.

My takeaway: Wear whatever you want. Style here feels generally understated, but there's no Paris "uniform."

Sundays are way sleepier than I'm used to

Around the time I moved, Galeries Lafayette was advertising that they would "now" be opening on Sundays, and it really confused me.

I couldn't believe a world-famous department store in a capital city like Paris wasn't open on Sundays before.

Turns out, a lot of places in France are closed on Sundays, which local labor laws have helped designate as a day of rest.

There are exceptions, and I've seen more stores extend their hours over the past nine years. However, I've found it's still very hit-and-miss whether (and, if so, when) I'll be able to shop on the Day of Rest.

I'd say roughly half the shops I frequent are open on Sundays, and a lot of supermarkets operate on a sort of "compromise" model.

Some only open in the mornings, and others are open all day but have security staff only, meaning there are limitations on how you pay, and you can't buy alcohol.

I've seen shops advertise their Sunday opening time but not their closing time. Which, as far as I can tell, means they close whenever they feel like it.

I've been caught out more than once when I've gone to grab dinner ingredients, only to find the shop closed an hour earlier than it had the previous week.

My takeaway: Don't rely on buying your groceries (or anything else important) on Sundays. If you need to purchase alcohol, say for a Sunday lunch or soirée, make sure you do it the day before.

My expectations around vacation have completely shifted

In Paris, a lot of businesses closed on Sunday or have adjusted hours.

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

About half the country packs up and goes on vacation for the whole of July … and the other half, for the whole of August. This includes the people running shops, restaurants, offices, and all kinds of other services.

I wish I'd known about this before I was in the middle of experiencing it. That first summer I spent in Paris was very long, very hot, and very quiet.

Everything had kind of ground to a halt at work, my friends were gone for huge swaths of time, and most of my go-to spots for eating or drinking out were closed for a month or more.

These days, I really enjoy the tranquility of Paris when half the residents have migrated south for the summer, but it was a bizarre experience to be unprepared for.

I definitely wished I could have taken advantage of the French norm of booking multiple consecutive weeks off to get away from the stifling city.

My takeaway: Make the most of the expectation that you'll take a long summer vacation — even if it's just to enjoy the peace of Paris sans (half the) Parisians.

Also, expect more shops, restaurants, and other businesses to be closed in July and August. Even getting a medical appointment can be trickier during these summer months.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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The best SSD deals at Amazon this weekend: Live deals on Samsung, Lexar, Kingston, and more

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:26:23 +0000

The best SSD deals at a glance:

Best internal SSD deal

Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 2TB

$399.99 (save $280)

Best external SSD deal

Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD, 2TB

$269.99 (save $130)

Cheapest SSD deal

Kingston NV3 SSD, 500GB

$99.99 (save $38)

Everyone's talking about RAMageddon, A.K.A. the global memory crisis driven by the growing demand of AI. Tech prices are on the rise, and now there's an even bigger demand for SSDs.

Even with the rising prices, there are still deals to shop. As of Aug. 7, we rounded up the best SSD deals to shop right now. Both internal and external SSDs are on sale from Samsung, Lexar, Kingston, and more.

So if you're on the hunt for SSDs, these are the best deals to shop now, saving you up to $280.

Best internal SSD deal

Credit: Amazon

Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 2TB

$399.99 at Amazon
$679.99 Save $280

Whether you're building your own PC or just looking for an SSD upgrade, the best internal SSD deal right now is on the Samsung 9100 Pro. Designed for heavy-duty computing, whether that be for AI, gaming, or running graphics, the Samsung 9100 Pro with 2TB is there to handle it. It's power-efficient too, running faster while staying cool.

Right now, you can grab it for 41% off at Amazon. Normally $679.99, the Samsung 9100 Pro is marked down to $399.99, saving you $280. That's huge savings, especially in the midst of RAMageddon.

More internal SSD deals

Kingston NV3 SSD, 500GB — $99.99 ~~$137.99~~ (save $38)
Kingston A400 SATA3 SSD, 960GB — $129.99 ~~$215.99~~ (save $86)
Kingston NV3 SSD, 1TB — $162 ~~$215.99~~ (save $53.99)
Samsung 990 SSD, 1TB — $229.99 ~~$269.99~~ (save $40)
Samsung 9100 Pro SSD, 1TB — $249.99 ~~$339.99~~ (save $90)
Samsung 990 SSD, 2TB — $369.99 ~~$529.99~~ (save $160)

Best external SSD deal

Credit: Lexar

Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD, 2TB

$269.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $130

In need of an external SSD? Lexar has the best deal on its ES5 Magnetic portable SSD. Normally, $399.99, it's down to $269.99 at Amazon. That saves you $130, for 33% off.

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD has 2TB of storage, but the real draw is its convenience. It's MagSafe compliant, so it attaches to your devices, so it's always on hand when you're on the go.

More external and portable SSD deals

Lexar D50E SSD, 512GB — $116.99 ~~$139.99~~ (save $23)
SSK Portable SSD, 1TB — $143.99 ~~$159.99~~ (save $16)
Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD, 1TB — $224.13 ~~$256.23~~ (save $32.10)
Kingston Dual Portable SSD, 2TB — $329.99 ~~$379.99~~ (save $50)
SSK Portable SSD, 4TB — $377.99 ~~$419.99~~ (save $42)

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Best weight loss food for cats, with nutrition recommendations from veterinarians

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:47:26 +0000

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The best weight loss cat foods are packed with nutritious ingredients to support a healthy weight.

Royal Canin; Hill's; Iams; Purina; Farmina/Business Insider

The best weight loss foods for cats are typically lower in calories and fat than regular formulas and deliver more nutrients per serving. In addition, these foods often contain extra fiber to help cats feel full even when they're eating fewer calories.

To select weight-management foods for this guide, we asked veterinarians what to look for in foods for overweight cats. Based on their insights, our top picks include Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Medley wet food and Royal Canin Weight Care dry food. Both are formulated with ingredients that support fat metabolism and help cats feel fuller for longer.

All of the foods featured below meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These benchmarks are consistently endorsed by the veterinarians we consult and are essential to our recommendations. Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best weight loss food for cats

Best overall wet: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Medley, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $52 at Chewy

Best overall dry: Royal Canin Weight Care Adult Dry Cat Food, 6 lb. bag - $43 at Chewy

Best budget wet: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Weight Control Chicken Recipe, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $36 at Chewy

Best budget dry: Purina One +Plus High Protein Chicken, 7 lb. bag - $18 at Chewy

Best for seniors: Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Chicken Recipe, 7 lb. bag - $17 at Chewy

How weight loss food for cats works

The best weight loss foods for cats are specially formulated and labeled as "weight management," "weight loss," or "healthy weight" cat food. There's no one-size-fits-all food for overweight cats. Your cat's ideal diet depends on factors like their individual needs, age, ideal weight, and overall health. That's why consulting your veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet is essential. They can recommend appropriate food and help you create a safe, effective weight loss plan tailored to your cat.

It's also helpful to understand factors that cause cats to gain weight, such as aging, decreased mobility, excessive calorie consumption, and limited mental and physical activity. Spaying or neutering is critical for overall health, but it can also lead to gradual weight gain.

If your cat is overweight, your veterinarian can determine their daily calorie requirements and recommend an appropriate weight management diet. Proper portion control is key for weight loss and maintenance, but simply feeding your cat less can be dangerous. Smaller portions may not provide all the nutrients your cat needs, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

How we recommend the best weight loss food for cats

To pick the best weight loss foods for cats, we consulted four veterinarians, including three who specialize in animal nutrition. They didn't recommend specific foods, but they helped us determine what makes for an effective weight loss food and how to ensure your cat loses weight safely and healthily.

We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and other publications and organizations linked in this guide.

Best wet overall

These wet foods from Hill's, Purina, and Royal Canin contain beneficial ingredients you'll find in the best weight loss food for cats.

Chewy; Purina/Business Insider

Wet food contains 75% to 78% moisture, compared with just 10% to 12% in dry food. This difference is significant because cats tend to get most of their hydration from what they eat rather than from drinking water, says Dr. Debra Zoran, a small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. What's more, the higher water content in canned food can also help cats feel fuller, even when they're consuming fewer calories.

Since wet and dry cat foods differ so much in moisture content, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis when comparing their nutritional content. This means removing all moisture from the wet food and calculating nutritional values based on the remaining solids. For our picks, we contacted manufacturers directly to obtain nutritional information on a dry matter basis. If you want to compare other dry and wet foods, you can use the instructions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, reach out to the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for guidance.

Our recommendations for the best wet cat food for weight loss include added fiber from ingredients like powdered cellulose. This extra fiber can help your cat feel satisfied longer, which may cut down on begging between meals. These recipes also include L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps the body burn fat for energy and may support weight loss.

Best dry overall

Royal Canin and Farmina make excellent dry weight loss foods for cats.

Chewy; Amazon/Business Insider

Your veterinarian might recommend dry food with added salt as part of a weight management plan. Although salt may seem like an unusual ingredient, Freeman says pet food manufacturers include salt to encourage cats to drink more water. "It's another mechanism to help pets feel full and reduce food consumption," he says.

Managing calorie intake is also key to helping cats lose weight. That doesn't mean cat treats are forbidden, however. They're important for bonding with your cat and rewarding them, says Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. That said, she recommends setting aside a portion of your cat's kibble for treats. This way, you can give your cat a few small pieces of a complete and balanced food without disrupting their diet.

Our picks for the best dry cat food for weight loss include both soluble and insoluble fiber sources, such as beet pulp, oats, psyllium seed husk, and inulin derived from chicory root or Jerusalem artichoke. Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel in the stomach, which slows digestion and increases a cat's feeling of fullness. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and supports a healthy digestive system. These formulas also contain fish oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. This may help ease joint pain caused by the added stress of carrying excess weight.

Best budget wet

Purina and Blue Buffalo make the best budget-friendly wet cat foods for weight loss.

Purina; Chewy/Business Insider

Along with added moisture, many wet cat foods contain carbohydrate sources that can help your cat lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. For instance, Tufts University says complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole corn are more fiber-rich than other carbohydrates. They can help your cat feel full for longer. Our experts recommend whole, complex carbohydrates over processed carbohydrates such as flour and meals. This is because cats use more energy to break whole carbs down, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a retired veterinary nutritionist who was associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our budget picks for the best affordable cat food for weight loss include fiber to help your cat feel full and L-carnitine to help them burn fat. If wet food still feels too pricey (it tends to be more expensive per serving than dry food), you can ask your vet for help creating a meal plan that mixes wet and dry food. Zoran says she offers her cats wet food to keep them hydrated, but also incorporates a small amount of dry food in feeder puzzles. This helps slow her cats' eating by making them work for their food, which can help them feel more satisfied and promote weight loss. You can learn more about the differences between canned food and kibble in our wet vs. dry cat food explainer.

Best budget dry

For healthy weight loss dry cat food, we like these recipes from Purina and Iams.

Purina; Iams/Business Insider

Budget dry food is a good option for cat owners looking for an affordable way to help their cat lose weight. Both budget and premium weight loss cat foods may contain cost-effective protein sources like meat byproducts and byproduct meals. These are secondary ingredients from the human food industry, but they meet the nutritional requirements for pets set by the AAFCO. Our experts agree that byproducts and meals make good protein sources for cats.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins for essential amino acids like taurine. Budget dry cat foods can meet your cat's dietary needs as long as proteins in the form of whole meat, meat meal, or byproducts come first on the ingredient list.

Our budget picks for the best weight loss foods for cats are low in calories and fat, like our other recommendations in this guide. They contain proteins such as chicken, chicken byproduct meal, and turkey meal. Our pick from Purina also contains L-lysine, an amino acid that supports the immune system and may boost a cat's resistance to certain viruses.

Best for seniors

Iams, Royal Canin, and Blackwood make specially formulated food that can help senior cats lose weight.

Iams; Royal Canin; Blackwood/Business Insider

Senior cats are more likely to develop health problems, especially if they are overweight. Churchill says maintaining a healthy weight can add years to a pet's life, improve their quality of life, and delay many chronic diseases that occur with aging.

When choosing among the best senior cat foods, it's important to work with your veterinarian to determine your pet's specific needs. Some cats may require a diet with lower levels of phosphorus, sodium, or protein, while others may benefit from a high-protein diet. Many senior cat foods, such as the ones below, also contain ingredients like fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin that can help improve mobility and reduce inflammation. Our senior picks also contain cranberries and blueberries. These ingredients provide antioxidants, which can help keep a cat's liver, kidneys, and brain healthy.

Our top picks compared

Product name	Type	Average price	Top protein sources	Calories	Protein (dry matter)	Fat (dry matter)	Fiber (dry matter)
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Medley	Wet	$2.20/can	Pork liver, chicken	62 kcal/2.9 oz. can	38.8%	11.9%	9.2%
Purina Pro Plan Healthy Metabolism Chicken Entree in Gravy	Wet	$2/can	Chicken, liver, meat byproducts	73 kcal/3 oz. can	60%	16%	0.5%
Royal Canin Weight Care Thin Slices in Gravy	Wet	$2.40/can	Pork byproducts, chicken, chicken liver, pork liver, pork plasma	55 kcal/3 oz. can	59.8%	15.7%	11.3%
Royal Canin Weight Care Adult Dry Cat Food	Dry	$5.70-$9.70/lb.	Chicken meal	254 kcal/cup	34%	8.4%	11.2%
Farmina N&D Weight Management Lamb, Quinoa, Broccoli, Asparagus Recipe	Dry	$11.40/lb.	Lamb, dehydrated lamb, dehydrated pork, and dried whole eggs. I	318 kcal/cup	40%	9%	10%
Purina One Ideal Weight White Meat Chicken Recipe in Sauce	Wet	$1.40/can	Chicken, liver, pork lungs, ocean whitefish	69 kcal/ 3 oz. can	47.1%	11.7%	4.4%
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Weight Control Chicken Recipe	Wet	$1.50/can	Chicken, chicken liver, whitefish	86 kcal/3 oz. can	38.8%	11.9%	9.2%
Purina One +Plus High Protein Chicken	Dry	$2.10-$2.60/lb.	Chicken, chicken byproduct meal	385 kcal/cup	41%	8.5%	6%
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe	Dry	$1.80-$2.80/lb.	Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, chicken meal, dried egg product	319 kcal/cup	35%	13%	8.5%
Blackwood Lean/Senior Cat Food Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Recipe	Dry	$3-$4.30/lb.	Chicken meal, egg product, menhaden fish meal	366 kcal/cup	30%	8%	3.2%
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Chicken Recipe	Dry	$2.10-$3.10/lb.	Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, dried egg product	399 kcal/cup	34%	17%	3%
Royal Canin Indoor 7+ Morsels in Gravy	Wet	$2.30/can	Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, pork liver, chicken, pork digest, pork plasma	65 kcal/3 oz. can	57.12%	15.36%	4.38%

How to choose a weight loss food for your cat

When shopping for the best cat foods for weight loss, you'll want to consider the following criteria:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for adult maintenance or all life stages: The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that provides nutritional guidelines for pet food. An AAFCO statement indicates that a food meets the nutritional needs of cats based on their life stage. You can confirm a cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced for "adult maintenance" or "all life stages" if it has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label.

Keep in mind that cat food will only meet your cat's nutritional needs when served in the right portions. Giving your cat a smaller portion could lead to a nutritional deficiency, while overfeeding them may lead to weight gain, especially if they don't get much activity.

Growing kittens need more calories and nutrients than adult cats so we recommend the best kitten foods for young felines. Therefore, weight management foods don't make a good choice for kittens, even if the food is labeled for "all life stages." If you have any concerns about your kitten's weight, consult a vet before you change their diet or feed them smaller portions. As your cat nears their first birthday, your vet can evaluate their weight and how many calories they should consume daily.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Food for adult cats, including seniors, must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat. Our experts say it's important to carefully examine the guaranteed analysis of protein, fat, and fiber percentages to ensure the recipe meets your cat's needs. The best weight loss foods for cats generally contain low to moderate fat and high fiber.

Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. As obligate carnivores, cats must eat diets made up of animal-based proteins. So, animal proteins in the form of whole meat, meat meal, or animal byproducts should appear first on the ingredients list of any cat food. To add fiber to your cat's diet and keep them feeling full between meals, opt for recipes with whole complex carbohydrates such as whole corn, whole brown rice, oats, and inulin. Sources of inulin you may notice on cat food labels include chicory root and, less commonly, Jerusalem artichoke.

Expert formulations: Expert formulation is even more important when it comes to weight loss diets since the best weight loss foods for cats are developed to provide more nutrients per serving, with fewer calories. We only recommend food from brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist. This helps ensure your cat's food meets nutritional recommendations and includes the right ingredients for cats. It also aligns with the WSAVA guidelines and our experts' guidance.

Manufacturing standards: We expect commercial cat food brands to be transparent about their quality control measures. This means providing information about the types of tests they conduct, how often they test, and the results of those tests. If this information doesn't appear on a pet food company's website, brand representatives should provide the information upon request.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). Weight management foods generally have fewer calories per serving but are nutrient-dense to meet nutritional needs. However, the calorie needs of adult cats can vary depending on their age, ideal weight, and overall health. Our experts emphasize the importance of switching to a weight management diet instead of just giving your cat less food. Your vet can recommend the best weight loss cat foods and the right portion size for your cat. When a pet is only a little overweight — 10% to 15% — a successful approach to weight loss may involve switching to a lower-calorie food and adjusting treats and snacks, combined with increased exercise, Churchill says. Pets more than 15% heavier than their ideal weight are considered obese and may benefit from a prescription weight loss diet.

Vets can use a scale and the body condition scoring (BCS) system to assess your cat's weight and body fat. Your vet will consider your cat's lifestyle, ideal weight, and overall health to recommend the ideal number of daily calories your cat should eat. You can ask your vet to teach you how to use the BCS system to check your cat's body fat at home between wellness visits. Churchill says that frequent monitoring of your cat's weight is important since it allows veterinarians to fine-tune caloric intake and ensure that weight loss stays safe and healthy. She adds that cats should lose weight gradually, at a rate of 1% to 2% of their body weight per week.

Meet the experts behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, pet nutrition reporter: I've covered feline health and nutrition for Reviews since 2023, combining in-depth research with expert insight to help cat guardians make informed decisions. For this guide, I reviewed scientific literature on feline obesity and weight management, interviewed veterinarians about what makes a diet effective for weight management, compared the nutrient profiles and ingredient lists of more than 40 formulas, and applied rigorous, vet-informed criteria to every recommendation. My reporting is rooted in credible sources, objective comparisons, and a passion for helping cats thrive.

Our expert sources: Dr. Debra Zoran is a small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor of small animal clinical sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

Dr. Korinn Saker is a board-certified veterinarian and a retired professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University.

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Weight loss cat food FAQs

Is wet or dry cat food better for weight loss?

Both wet and dry cat foods can help your cat lose weight, but wet food is generally better for weight loss than dry food. It's lower in calories per bite, higher in moisture to help cats feel satiated, and often includes complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and whole grain corn, which take longer to digest.

Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, says dry food is typically more calorie-dense, making it easier for cats to overeat, especially when they're free-fed. The carbohydrates in kibble tend to come from processed flours and meals, which usually don't keep cats feeling full for long. However, a lower-calorie, high-fiber dry food can support weight loss when portions are measured carefully. Regardless of the type of food you choose, regular exercise through play and enrichment is essential for effective weight management.

What is the best way for an indoor cat to lose weight?

Successful feline weight loss relies on three pillars: a balanced diet, portion control, and regular exercise. A weight management food plays an important role, but how much you feed matters just as much. Freeman emphasizes the importance of portion control. He and his team provide pet parents with a carefully calibrated measuring cup for portioning food. Churchill recommends using a kitchen scale to measure portions accurately. Remember that treats also count toward your cat's daily calorie intake. Because treats are typically empty calories, which means they're not complete and balanced, Churchill recommends giving your cat a small portion of their meal as a reward instead. Exercise is especially important for indoor cats. It burns calories and prevents boredom. Churchill recommends using puzzle feeders, and all of our experts agree that cat trees and perches can help encourage activity.

How much should I feed a cat that needs to lose weight?

Your veterinarian can calculate the appropriate amount of calories your cat should eat based on their age, health, and body condition. As a starting point, you can use the Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator to estimate your cat's daily calorie needs based on their current and ideal weight. For obese cats (those 15% to 20% over their ideal weight), Churchill says simply feeding less of their regular diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Instead, your vet may recommend a therapeutic weight loss diet.

How long should it take a cat to lose weight?

Cats should lose weight slowly, about 1% to 2% of their body weight per week, Churchill says. This gradual weight loss helps avoid health issues such as muscle loss and hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal condition. Hepatic lipidosis, also called fatty liver disease, can occur when a cat's food intake decreases so rapidly that they are in a state of anorexia. The body responds by sending fat stores to the liver. However, the liver can't process such large amounts of fat, so it builds up in liver cells, causing irreversible damage. While roughly 90% of cases stem from underlying conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes, rapid calorie restriction for weight loss can also cause fatty liver disease, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. However, obesity also puts cats at greater risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Do slow feeders help cats lose weight?

Yes, slow feeders can help cats lose weight. Slow feeders and puzzles allow cats to mimic natural hunting and foraging behaviors, providing mental stimulation and reducing boredom, which can lead to extra eating or begging. Some slow feeders and puzzles, such as the Catit Senses Food Tree, encourage physical activity by requiring cats to sit up, reach, or circle the feeder to get food. Others, like kibble-dispensing balls, motivate cats to push the toy to release food. Even when using slow feeders and puzzles, portion control remains essential, so you should still carefully measure your cat's food.

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Bogg just gave its iconic bags a New York City makeover — grab yours from $60

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:26:40 +0000

TL;DR: Bogg launched its first-ever NYC-inspired collection today. The Checker Out Collection features checkered totes, crossbodies, pouches, and playful charms inspired by New York staples like pizza, coffee cups, taxis, hot dogs, MetroCards, and the iconic "Have a Nice Day" bodega bag.

Bogg is bringing a little New York energy to its latest collection. The brand's first-ever NYC-themed drop celebrates the city’s most recognizable symbols with playful accessories, including checkered bags and charms. The Checker Out Collection pairs Bogg’s signature checkered bags with a playful lineup of charms that are inspired by the city's staples.

Here's a breakdown of some of the standouts from the collection:

Checkered Out Bags

Credit: Bogg

Original Bogg Bag

$100 at Bogg

The centerpiece of the collection, Bogg’s signature tote gets a New York-inspired checkered makeover while keeping the features fans already love. The washable, durable bag is built for beach days, travel, and everyday errands, with a tip-proof design that helps it stay upright and two clear insert bags for keeping smaller essentials organized.

It comes in three sizes, OG ($100), Baby ($80), and Bitty ($60), with colorways including Camel/Hot Cocoa and Coconut/In the Forest.

Credit: Bogg

Bodega Charm Collection

Credit: Bogg

Bodega Charm Collection

Starting from $15

This is where the NYC theme really shines. You can customize your bag with charms inspired by everyday city staples, including a pizza box, Bogg Bodega bag, “Have a Nice Day” bag, hot dog, taxi, Big Apple, Cord Bow, Cord Ball, and NY Coffee Cup Bevy.

For New Yorkers, former New Yorkers, and anyone who loves the city’s little details, it’s a fun way to bring some NYC personality along. Shop the Bogg Checker Out Collection for a little bodega-inspired twist.

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An economist says there a 3 reasons Kevin Warsh is right to nix Fed guidance, and flags one thing he can do to calm markets

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:47:18 +0000

Photo 1 by Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Photo 2 by Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Apollo economist Torsten Sløk said Kevin Warsh is right to nix forward guidance from the Fed.
He said it gives the Fed flexibility, though at the cost of greater volatility in markets.
Sløk says there's one thing Warsh can do to help quell bouts of volatility in reaction to Fed decisions.

The market may have freaked out after the last Fed meeting, but a top economist says chairman Kevin Warsh is getting it right when it comes to how the central bank communicates.

Warsh's decision to end forward guidance from the Fed has been met with criticism, but Apollo's chief economist Torsten Sløk praised the new chairman's call, even if markets don't appear to like it.

Sløk wrote in a blog post that he supports Warsh's call, and that there are three reasons it's way for the central bank to go about conducting monetary policy.

"Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has been unfairly criticized," he wrote. "The decision to eliminate forward guidance isn't reckless. It's pragmatic."

Here's why Sløk is onboard:

It can prevent policy inertia by not locking the central bank into rate paths.
It can improve real market signals by letting prices adjust as new data comes available.
It can stop false certainty by ending predictability and forcing investors not to treat a rate path as a certainty.

In Sløk's view, the central bank should prioritize flexibility and market accuracy over the old forward guidance framework. However, he does see one change Warsh could make that that would soothe jittery markets ahead of future policy decisions.

"Warsh could dampen this newly introduced volatility by providing clearer framework guidance," he said. "Without it, markets struggle to understand how the Fed will reach 2% inflation. Is it through higher rates, a smaller balance sheet or tighter financial conditions? This uncertainty has steepened the yield curve and pushed up risk premiums."

When Sløk responded to Warsh's July press conference, he noted that a critical component of the Fed's credibility depends not just on stating its goals for the economy, but making it clear how they intend to accomplish them.

Warsh's announcement that they would continue withholding forward guidance triggered a selloff in markets, making it clear that investors were not happy with the new communications style. But Sløk maintains that if the Fed prioritizes clearer framework, eliminating guidance can end up benefiting markets.

"By eliminating forward guidance, the Fed gets more flexibility," he said. "But higher volatility is the cost, and the cost can be minimized by providing clearer framework guidance."

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Apparel retailers are turning to AI as supply chain regulations tighten in the US and Europe

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:47:26 +0000

Getty Images; BI

AI is helping brands like ASOS, H&M, and Gap spot supply chain risks early.
Retailers use AI for transparency into human rights and environmental risks in apparel supply chains.
New laws require accurate compliance documentation; AI reduces manual work to save significant time.

As the US and Europe tighten their supply chain regulations, apparel retailers face an urgent task: map and trace the many layers of their supply chains to gain full visibility into what's happening — not only at their direct suppliers, but also at their suppliers' suppliers.

Extended producer responsibility in the US and digital product passports in Europe — both of which are being implemented in phases over the coming months — require businesses to submit accurate documents to prove compliance with regulations, said Mark Burstein, the senior vice president for Americas at the software company Inspectorio, which provides an AI-powered supply chain management platform for retailers such as Gap and Mango.

Documentation could include factory audits, purchase orders, or records of water usage or carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, Burstein added.

"Everybody is fully loaded into moving forward with all of this traceability, because the regulations are coming up," Burstein said.

It's a key reason Burstein sees growing interest in AI within apparel supply chains, especially this year, he said. Manually providing documentation could take days or longer; AI is helping to shrink the process time to an hour.

Another reason, Burstein said, is that risk events such as the pandemic, sudden tariff increases, and geopolitical conflicts are becoming more frequent.

Brands like ASOS, H&M, and Gap are turning to AI platforms to unearth the complex layers of their supply chains, where sourcing, tariffs, water use, regulations, weather, and other factors impact how apparel is made and shipped.

"AI helps them bring the hidden risk to the surface a lot faster, before the disruption issue becomes a larger operational problem," Kenchen Bharwani, a fashion consultant at Empire Apparel LLC, a wholesale company specializing in sourcing and managing off-price apparel, told Business Insider.

Spotting risks and delays with AI

Apparel supply chains can be challenging to trace because a single product may have dozens of components from around the world, Burstein said. For a seemingly simple shirt, cotton might be picked in Turkey, sent to China for milling, and cut and sewn in Vietnam before the final product is shipped to the US for sale — not to mention that tags, packaging, and buttons may all be sourced from different locations.

OMJ Clothing, a custom suit maker in Charlotte, North Carolina, sometimes sources from 10 factories at a time and often struggles to keep up with the complex process, said its CEO and cofounder, Brad Rhyne.

In March, Rhyne used the AI model Claude to develop a custom dashboard to trace factory orders and view their current status, creating "a single source of truth CRM," he said.

Before the dashboard, a customer would contact the business to ask about the order status. Only then would OMJ dig in and realize something up the supply chain was delayed, said Rhyne. Now, the CRM pulls factory data into the dashboard so OMJ can proactively see delays before a customer reaches out, and either pivot to find a replacement or update the customer.

"We're able to dig into it before it even becomes an issue," Rhyne said.

Large brands are also using AI traceability tools to spot problems like human rights violations and environmental risks and take "corrective action sooner rather than later," Bharwani said. Vera Bradley uses TrusTrace's AI to monitor Customs and Border Protection's risk databases and screen for forced labor, and Adidas uses the platform alongside the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct tool to identify mills in flood-prone regions, she said.

H&M has reported using AI to identify flood risks and factory closures in Bangladesh and scale back some production in the country. A press contact for H&M told Business Insider that the retailer uses AI to improve supply chain visibility, reduce waste, and help meet its sustainability goals.

Some of the biggest retailers are committed to transparency, Bharwani added. She works with liquidated merchandise and has clients like Target, which publishes its global factory list.

"It's thousands of suppliers that they work with, and it's so detailed," she said, adding that global fashion retailer ASOS, which she doesn't work directly with, has traced its supply chain with AI all the way to the farm level.

Still, this process is an outlier. "ASOS is just the one in a million that manages to get as far as that," Bharwani said. "I don't think a lot of other brands have yet."

Manual work gets automated

Forthcoming regulations will make it essential for apparel retailers to keep tabs on their supply chain to comply with new laws, said Bharwani. US states are implementing extended producer responsibility policies, which hold apparel brands accountable for their products' lifecycle, from production through to after the garment is worn. The challenge: each state's exact policies and deadlines differ.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which came into force in the US in 2022, requires importers to provide documented proof that no forced labor was used. Burstein said retailers previously had their suppliers fill in spreadsheets to manage compliance, but brands have since realized it's "almost impossible to manage this manually," Burstein said.

For retailers selling in Europe, Digital Product Passport rules mandate that brands include a QR code-linked digital record that discloses a product's materials, sustainability data, and traceability information. Textiles are among the priority product groups listed in the organization's rulebook.

In a manual workflow, a brand would need to identify the individual regulations that apply to its product, organize data it's collected on the product, ask suppliers for anything that's missing, review the data for accuracy, and submit reports to regulatory agencies, Burstein said. That process can take at least 30 hours per purchase order.

With AI, agents build the chain of custody, collect documents, and create compliance reports for specific regulations — shrinking the process to about one hour, including human review, he added.

"It's literally manual work, hours and hours and hours, that we're eliminating here," Burstein said.

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The Owala FreeSip water bottle is back down to the lowest price ever

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:26:33 +0000

SAVE $6: The 24-ounce Owala FreeSip is on sale at Amazon for $23.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $29.99. That's a 20% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Credit: Owala

Owala FreeSip (24 ounce)

$23.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6

Every day is a new struggle to stay hydrated. We all know we should stay hydrated for health, but for some reason, it's a challenge for most of us. While we can't help you physically chug down the ounces, we can recommend a Mashable-favorite water bottle that might make things a bit easier.

As of Aug. 3, the 24-ounce Owala FreeSip is on sale at Amazon for $23.99 in select colorways, marked down from the original price of $29.99. That's a 20% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino put the Owala FreeSip bottle to the test, and decided it's the best water bottle she's ever used. "The Owala FreeSip lives up to its promise of both a sippable and chuggable water bottle," she wrote in her review of the FreeSip. "The best part to me is that, unlike other bottles with a straw that I've used, the FreeSip has a cover for the spout. That way, when you're out and about in the world, it's safe from germs and bacteria."

Today's $23.99 deal applies to the 24-ounce version of the bottle, and you have a wide range of colorway options sitting at this low price. Mangino says the 24-ounce version is ideal if you're looking for something that'll fit in most cup holders. Owala mentions the FreeSip is capable of keeping drinks cool for up to 24 hours, and Mangino's testing proved this to be true.

The FreeSip is made of materials that don't contain BPA, lead, or phthalates. You're free to wash the lid and straw in the dishwasher, but Owala recommends hand-washing the bottle itself. But full disclosure, Mangino often tosses her bottle in the dishwasher and says the installation has weakened by doing so, but only slightly.

Since hydration is a key part of life, you might as well own a water bottle you love. Go with the Mashable staff favorite, the Owala FreeSip, while it's on sale for under $24.

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My rent-stabilized NYC apartment doesn't even have a bathroom sink, but I can never leave the 380-square-foot gem

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 17:47:28 +0000

I feel lucky to have grown up in the West Village, living in a rent-stabilized apartment that feels like a New York City gem despite its many drawbacks.

Isis O'Flynn-Shahaf

I live in a rent-stabilized one-bedroom apartment in the West Village that's about $2,000 a month.
It's small, with no built-in closets or a sink in the bathroom, and it is above noisy restaurants.
This apartment is still a gem despite the drawbacks, though, and I don't want to ever give it up.

My three-story walk-up apartment in the West Village has some dreamy qualities: original exposed brick walls, classic crown molding, and a claw-foot tub.

Perhaps best of all, it's rent-stabilized, meaning annual rent increases are capped, and tenants retain the right to renew the lease each year.

Rent for the one-bedroom, 380-square-foot space is about $2,000 a month. It feels like a steal considering it's rare to find even a studio apartment in this desirable neighborhood for under $3,000 a month.

I've been here most of my life, as this apartment is where I was raised with my dad and stepmother. When I tell people this, they often look at me with one eyebrow raised and ask, "How did you all fit in here?" to which I respond, "Tightly."

Growing up having no personal space and sharing one tiny bathroom was challenging, to say the least. I still sleep in my childhood "bedroom," which is really just part of the living room sectioned off by a curtain.

In high school, if I wanted to have my boyfriend over, I had to warn him that anything he said would be used against him, since my father was most definitely listening from his bedroom less than 5 feet away from mine.

Now that I'm in my 20s and my dad doesn't plan to stay in the city forever, I'm hoping to take over the lease. The apartment is small with many quirks and drawbacks, but it's basically a dream come true for any native New Yorker.

I can't imagine giving up such a gem in the competitive, pricey market.

Living here has come with some challenges

Considering the direction the housing market has been moving in NYC, I've become fine with dealing with the apartment's drawbacks.

Isis O'Flynn-Shahaf

When I was younger, I always felt so grateful to live in the West Village that I was ignorant of many of the apartment's flaws, including its lack of built-in closets.

Quite literally, all the storage space I have had has come from Ikea dressers and wardrobes I built with my dad. Everything I own has to fit inside them, so I've learned to be extremely selective about what I keep in my life.

Still, the small space feels unnecessarily cluttered almost all the time.

Because of the apartment's tight dimensions and strange layout, I have also become skilled at playing Tetris while furnishing and redecorating.

The bathroom is directly adjacent to the front door, with the kitchen counter jutting out and blocking a significant portion of the already tiny walkway into the apartment. If the bathroom door is even halfway open, no one can get into or out of the apartment.

Making a small space work can be challenging.

Isis O'Flynn-Shahaf

This layout also means that trying to lug a massive couch, mattress, or chairs into the living room requires multiple shifts of the object to find the pesky angles of the entranceway.

Unfortunately, I've had to return a couch because, although it fit the dimensions of the apartment, it could not pass the bathroom-door-and-kitchen-countertop test.

The apartment's location and amenities aren't perfect, but the perks outweigh any drawbacks

I don't have any built-in closets, which regularly pushes me to be a minimalist.

Isis O'Flynn-Shahaf

As I open the curtains in the morning, I am greeted by a view of the walls of another apartment building and the trash. In the wintertime, sunlight is especially hard to come by in the space.

Speaking of winter — when it's cold outside, the radiator makes more noise than a dramatic soprano warming up in her dressing room.

It hisses and clangs so aggressively that when someone new is over, they'll ask if someone is breaking into the apartment. These sounds make it hard to fall asleep in the winter.

Also, the radiator is scorching hot to the touch. If I accidentally bump into it, I'm walking away with a minor welt on my leg. But hey, at least I have heat, right?

Some parts of the apartment have been redecorated over time.

Isis O'Flynn-Shahaf

The lack of laundry in the building and the fact that the only sink is in the kitchen — there isn't one in the bathroom — isn't great, either.

For me, though, the true struggle is having two restaurants located under me on either side of the building. There's constant chatter and the slamming of doors that lead from the back of the restaurants to the trash chutes.

On the bright side, it helps me never feel alone, which can be nice in a city that can feel isolating at times.

I also tend to put these qualms aside when I remember that I'm about a five-minute stroll from the Hudson River piers and a 10-minute walk to several subway lines. Plus, one of the apartments above me recently got rented for more than double my rent, over $4,000 a month.

I can't imagine giving up the community and security of this place

The West Village is a dream neighborhood for many.

Ondrej Bucek/Getty Images

In all honesty, though, I feel like I have Monica Geller's "Friends" apartment, but much smaller. (I even live a few blocks away from the building that was used as the exterior shot for it on the show.)

It has quirks, but that makes it feel very New York. It's also got history and character, as it hasn't been renovated or touched by modern architects in a long time.

I may always complain about the noise from the restaurants below or about having to constantly get rid of things to declutter my tiny space, but I love my home and my neighbors.

I'm friends with the owner of the deli across the street, who used to hand me a breakfast sandwich and an orange juice every morning before school. (Later, I learned my dad had set up a weekly payment system with him.)

A family friend runs a liquor store nearby, and the restaurant under me used to be owned by my father. The new owner always invites me to have dinner for free.

I have security, I have community, and I have memories here.

My apartment is far from perfect, but that's what makes it home. I wouldn't trade my home for anything … even if I was offered a bigger place with a sink in the bathroom.

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Sony Bravia Theater Trio speakers review: Immersive sound for big screens

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:47:15 +0000

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The Sony Bravia Theater Trio features three speakers to create a wider front soundstage for large screens.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

Sony has been building out its Bravia Theater audio lineup for years now, creating a diverse array of options with minimalist designs and simplified control. From stripped-down soundbars like the Bravia 5 to unique configurations like the wireless Quad system, there's something for nearly any use case.

The new Bravia Theater Trio is built with larger TV screens in mind. Rather than a single-bar design, it features a center speaker for dialogue and two wireless, column-shaped side speakers that can be placed on either side of your screen. This enables a wider left-to-right soundstage than most traditional soundbars, which can't stretch to the sides of a massive screen. The side speakers also have upfiring drivers to provide height effects for 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

The Bravia Theater Trio delivers great performance for a one-box setup, with clear detail, immersive sound, and simplified control. But at $2,200, it's also incredibly expensive for a system without a subwoofer or rear surround speakers. Sony lets you add them, including up to two subwoofers, but that pushes the cost to nearly $4,000 or $5,000. That's more than enough for a quality wired surround sound system. You can also get a top-tier soundbar setup like the fantastic Sonos Arc Ultra with a sub and Era 300 surrounds for less. While the Trio is an intriguing and capable new option for people with big-screen TVs, from a value standpoint, it's a tough ask.

The Trio offers a minimalist and professional aesthetic

The system includes two side speakers and a center bar.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

The Trio's design is unlike any competing soundbar system I've tested. Where Sony's similarly unique Quad speakers aim to virtually disappear in your room, the Trio's tubular side speakers make a statement, looking like futuristic towers on speaker stands or a pro cinema system when wall-mounted. The center bar is adorably small, with a uniform plastic cabinet wrapped in soft acoustic fabric, and only two LEDs out front as a visual display.

The 3.0.2-channel setup comprises nine individually powered drivers, starting with dual rectangular drivers flanking a single tweeter in the center speaker. Each side speaker hosts a traditional woofer-and-tweeter combo out front, and a topside driver to bounce sound off your ceiling for the height effects in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound mixes. The build quality feels stout enough, though Sony's liberal use of plastic leans more toward cheaper soundbars than traditional speaker cabinets.

Newer Bravia Theater models have been light on inputs, and the Bravia Trio is no exception. At the back of the center speaker are just two inputs: an HDMI eARC/ARC port for connecting to your TV and a spare HDMI input for a Blu-ray player or game console. You'll find no digital or analog inputs for connecting other audio gear, or even an Ethernet port for your network.

The center speaker is like a mini soundbar unit.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

Input envy is becoming the norm for modern soundbars, with Bose and Sonos offering similarly austere designs, but the Trio's options are a letdown, especially since Samsung's cheaper HW-Q990 series bars offer more, including an additional HDMI input and an optical port. On the plus side, the Trio's HDMI input provides high-bandwidth passthrough for gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low-latency Mode), and 4K video at up to 120Hz.

Streaming options include Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, along with Bluetooth 6.0, but I'd still like to see more options. Missing here are Tidal Connect and Amazon Music Unlimited for Dolby Atmos Music streaming, with Sony instead opting to virtualize stereo music for a 3D audio effect (more on that later).

Blu-ray fans will be pleased to find extensive support for both Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD for hi-res Dolby Atmos and DTS counterparts such as DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X spatial audio. Sony's advanced 360 Spatial Sound mapping aims to create "up to 24 phantom speakers" for Atmos and DTS:X, as well as effective expansion for traditional 5.1- and 7.1-channel surround.

Accessories include a stubby remote with basic controls like volume and bass, mounting brackets, an HDMI cable, and a wand-like USB-C microphone that connects to your phone to calibrate the Trio's sound to your listening room.

Setting up the Bravia Theater Trio is as easy as it gets

Ports are limited, but they're conveniently labeled for easy setup.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

One of the primary reasons to choose a wireless system like the Bravia Theater Trio over a traditional receiver and wired speakers is its crazy-simple setup. Sony provides foolproof step-by-step instructions, right down to a sticker over the spare HDMI port, so you don't connect the wrong one from the center speaker to your TV. The three units connect wirelessly (and quickly) to each other, though each must be plugged into the wall for power.

The Bravia Connect app does the heavy lifting, walking you through the process from physical connection to sound optimization for your environment with the included USB-C mic. Tapping through the steps, I had my Trio review model up and running in minutes.

Audio newbies will appreciate touches like ensuring the side speakers are on the correct sides and properly aligned with the center bar, as well as multiple configuration options to fit your setup. There are additional steps if you're adding surround speakers or a subwoofer, but the app and calibration system ensure proper placement for each component.

The Trio offers impressive immersion, but you'll need more speakers for the full effect

The Bravia Theater Trio delivers immersive front and height effects, but it lacks surrounds.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

I started testing the Bravia Theater Trio directly after using Klipsch's latest powered speakers, The Sevens II. Those speakers cost $200 less and deliver a more traditional, stereo-only setup. Frankly, the Trio was a bit of a letdown at first. Not only does Klipsch's system provide connection options for virtually everything in your home, but it also provides a wide and brilliantly detailed soundstage that feels superbly natural and realistic

I had to adjust expectations for the Bravia Trio, but once I settled in, I was treated to impressive detail in basic fare like sitcoms and dramas, with effortlessly clear dialogue even in complicated scenes. But it's when playing content in 3D audio formats, like Dolby Atmos, where the Trio really shines over traditional stereo setups. The system's upfiring drivers deliver more immersive effects than Klipsch's speakers, which rely on virtual Atmos.

The Bravia Theater Trio revealed a deft touch while tackling my Dolby Atmos demo disc. At the start of Dolby's "Amaze" sequence, the speakers scattered fluttering insects around the front of my room in all directions. In the "Horizon" scene, the spaceships floating overhead were captured with impressive accuracy, seeming to strafe directly above me and firing their rockets with more bass than expected, even without a subwoofer.

Moving on to Atmos films like "Ant-Man," the Trio made sweeping work of the tsunami of bathtub water in Scott's first shrink experience, and a later scene with a flying ant pulled me deep into the San Francisco skyline. Nature shows like Netflix's "Our Planet" fully immersed me in splashy ocean scenes, while the Trio handled HBO's "House of the Dragon" with a brilliant mix of smooth detail and depth, bringing the fantasy world to life.

The side speakers have an upfiring audio driver to bounce effects off your ceiling.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

Just as impressive is how well the system expands traditional surround formats with Sony's Sound Field mode, making them sound more like spatial audio. Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" had me hooked from the crisp pop of glass at the intro as the hooligans descend on the bank. The speakers did well with the soundtrack's ambient urgency, and various effects, like machine-gun clatter inside a bank, seemed to pop up over the 75-inch LG Micro RGB I used for testing.

My favorite experience was replaying "Red Dead Redemption II," which, even with just a 7.1 soundtrack, sounds starkly realistic, largely thanks to the Trio's seamless transition between the bar and side speakers.

Still, throughout my testing, the sound was mostly stuck at the front of the room, with a few exceptions like a virtual bullet sweeping past my cheek or a rushing creek flowing out of the wall. Part of that is because, unlike some flagship soundbars, the Trio's center speaker lacks dedicated side-firing drivers to bounce sound off your wall, so effects like a bird swirling behind you fail to complete their cycle.

Even with side-firing drivers, though, it's rare for effects to get fully behind you without actual rear speakers. While the Trio is a solid start, to really feel the "dome" of the best Dolby Atmos or DTS:X films and TV shows, you'll need to add physical rear speakers like the Bravia Rear 8 or (preferably) the Rear 9, which have their own upfiring drivers to match the Trio's front speakers.

Similarly, while mid-bass is hearty for speakers this size (sometimes buzzing my floor), they don't hit as hard as larger speakers, let alone dedicated subwoofers. Without those elements, the Trio's performance sometimes feels like an unfinished sentence.

Music sounds clear and balanced, but stick to stereo playback

The Trio can create virtualized 3D audio, but music sounds best in basic stereo mode.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

The Trio delivers excellent balance between its side and center speakers while streaming music via Spotify Connect and AirPlay. Vocals are crisp and present, instruments bloom with textural detail, and the wider soundstage makes for a pleasant presentation of complex tracks, from the Beach Boys surf ballads to Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place."

The one exception was listening with the Sound Field mode on, which jumped out right away. This setting is supposed to provide a more open and engulfing soundstage, but instead, it amplifies the Trio's worst tendencies. Instruments sound overly synthetic, and dense mixes feel oddly hollow compared to regular stereo playback. While Sony's Sound Mapping feature has impressive 3D virtualization for movies and TV shows, stereo music sounds much better in its natural format.

The app is your lifeline, for better and for worse

It's simple to set up the system with the Bravia Connect app, and the included microphone attachment optimizes the speakers' sound for your room.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

The Trio's incredibly simple setup and control are largely thanks to the Bravia Connect app. The app makes it easy to connect, control playback, switch inputs, and check your current audio format and resolution, among other features.

That's great when it works, but during the first few days of testing, I had issues connecting to the app and streaming via Spotify Connect, resulting in multiple stallouts. After re-pairing the app and going through the setup process again, the system has now been stable for multiple days.

I test tons of WiFi speakers and TVs, and while the vast majority of them work without issue, my network can be finicky with some products. That's actually why I haven't changed it — consider me a quirky network testing ground. I'd expect smooth sailing for most folks, but since the Trio doesn't offer an Ethernet backup, WiFi stability is very important.

The app can also be simple to a fault, with no options for basic EQ adjustments, only three bass modes, and no way to adjust individual channel levels. Sony's calibration/optimization system is effective enough that I rarely felt the need to adjust settings, but those are options I'd expect at this price and scale.

Should you buy the Sony Bravia Theater Trio?

The Bravia Theater Trio is an interesting audio solution for big-screen TVs, but it's pricey for what you get.

Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

The Sony Bravia Theater Trio is a powerful 3.0.2-channel system that's bound to be divisive on cost alone. It offers very good performance for a three-speaker system, and its mix of minimalism, simplicity, and modular configuration gives it room to grow with the size of your room and screen. While I wasn't able to test it with Sony's surround speakers and subwoofers, I've demoed the flagship Rear 9 and Theater Sub 9, so I'm confident the full setup will rival similar multi-speaker soundbar options from any major competitor.

But value is definitely a sticking point here. For example, you can find the older Samsung 11.1.4-channel Q990D, one of the best one-box sound systems you can buy, for half the price of the Bravia Theater Trio. And that system includes rear speakers and a subwoofer. Alternatively, buying a Sonos Arc Ultra with two Era 300s costs about the same as the Trio while offering much better immersion. Ultimately, you're paying an awful lot for Sony's sound-mapping and speaker design, without getting extras like Sonos' multi-room compatibility, which lets you build a system throughout your home. Not to mention the app issues I had early on (though Sonos has its own well-documented app troubles).

That's not to say the Bravia Theater Trio doesn't have its audience. If you have a massive screen, a flush budget, and an affinity for Sony's simplified take on spatial audio, it's worth consideration. But otherwise, you can get more for less.

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Google rolls back AI Google Earth feature a day after launch

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:26:33 +0000

After Google added its AI image generator, Nano Banana, to Google Earth on Thursday, it reversed its decision a day later.

Google announced the addition of Nano Banana 2 into its mapping platform, presumably to help users generate infographics about a site, see what it looked like historically, generate real estate ideas, and other use cases. Instead, as 404 Media observed, it made it very easy to inject misinformation into Google Earth, including making it appear like a nuclear strike had hit a location or that protests had taken over Google's offices.

On Thursday, Google seemed to try to smooth out the kinks, sharing on Thursday night on X that "every image created with Nano Banana in Google Earth includes the SynthID digital watermark, so if someone is unsure about an image, they can ask the Gemini app or use Lens in Search to see if the image was AI-generated." It also stated that it prevents image creation on "harmful topics."

However, come Friday afternoon, Google announced on X that it was removing the feature:

We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for a reliable view of the world. We've seen geospatial professionals using this feature for a range of useful purposes, however we've also seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate our policies. So we're rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails. It's important to note that generated images didn’t appear in the main Google Earth experience for others to see and were watermarked as AI generated.

The backlash to the initial decision was quick. Replies to the rollback post on X include Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch saying, "You guys are living in a complete bubble. Step outside Silicon Valley for two seconds and you'll realize no actual human wants AI sludge crammed into every corner of every product. Touch grass. Talk to actual people."

Another top reply read, "There is 0 chance that no one on your development team didn't raise exactly this concern."

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How to watch the DC Open: Plus a free Eala vs. Osaka live stream from anywhere

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:47:46 +0000

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Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The weekend will see a pair of new champions crowned at the DC Open, and there's still plenty of action to be had with all four semi-finals across the men's and women's draws taking place today. All in the same stadium, so there's no overlap, so you don't have to miss a single serve. We've rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch the DC Open, including live streaming options for those without cable.

There's also a free DC Open live stream option we can help you enjoy for Alex Eala vs. Naomi Osaka via the Philippines on BlastTV, and we'll help you watch that from any country in the world via a VPN.

You can also live stream the tournament through the Tennis Channel in the US and Sky Sports in the UK, among other options. Keep reading to learn more about the Washington DC Open live streams.

How to watch the DC Open from anywhere

If you're traveling away from home, you can still keep up with your usual watch options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are easy-to-use tech tools that allow people to temporarily alter their device's virtual location. This way, their favorite websites and apps work from anywhere in the world, just like they would back home. Since the services we've recommended require country-specific payment methods, this option will work best for those who are simply traveling abroad and hoping to access their usual watch options.

If you're an Alex Eala fan hoping to tune into free coverage from outside the Philippines on BlastTV, you'll need a VPN to access that free DC Open live stream.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, user-friendly, and offers impressive cybersecurity perks. The service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's no sweat if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

How to watch the DC Open in the US

DC Open coverage is available through the Tennis Channel in the US. Select match coverage will also be shown through Tennis Channel 2 (T2). There are several ways to live stream the Tennis Channel, including directly with a paid subscription through the Tennis Channel website. You can also get it as part of a live TV streaming service, which lets you watch other popular channels, like ESPN (which you'll need for the US Open next month).

Fubo is one of the best live TV streaming services we've tested. The Tennis Channel and T2 are both available through all of Fubo's main plans, including the budget-friendly Sports + News package. Subscriptions start at $65 a month, but new users can get at least $10 off their first month after a free trial.

YouTube TV is another popular live TV service. To access the Tennis Channel, you'll need the NFL RedZone with Sports Plus add-on, which costs an additional $11 a month. You can add it to either of YouTube TV's plans. YouTube TV's main plan costs $83 a month, but first-time customers can get $15 a month off their first five months after a free trial. YouTube TV's sports plan costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months of service.

How to watch the DC Open in the UK

The DC Open will air across Sky Sports Tennis, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports+ in the UK. Tennis fans can watch through one of the many Sky TV plans that carry Sky Sports. You can learn more about your options in our guide to the best Sky TV deals and plans, or try a more flexible streaming option through Now Sports.

Where does the DC Open take place?

In case the name didn't already give it away, the Mubadala DC Open takes place in Washington, DC. The event is held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.

Note: VPN use is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may constitute a breach of the terms of use for some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

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Phoebe Gates' shopping app Phia is in damage control mode and offering refunds after a payment scandal

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:47:21 +0000

Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni cofounded the shopping app Phia.

Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch

Phia is issuing refunds to some parties affected by its attribution problems.
The shopping startup cofounded by Phoebe Gates acknowledged it earned commissions from sales it didn't drive.
Phia's web extension has been temporarily suspended from Impact.com, a major affiliate network.

Clean up on aisle Phia.

The shopping startup cofounded by Bill Gates' 23-year-old daughter, Phoebe, is doing damage control after a bombshell Bloomberg report revealed it had been earning commissions on sales it didn't help drive.

Phia is working with at least one affiliate network, Impact.com, to refund affected parties and correct attributions, an email viewed by Business Insider shows.

A Phia spokesperson confirmed that the company has offered transaction reversals to brands.

Phia's basic premise is that it can help shoppers find discounts on clothes and other items. The startup makes money by taking a cut of the sales it drives to brands, processed through affiliate networks that act as intermediaries by tracking commissions and facilitating payments. Phia publicly acknowledged this month that its browser extension had also been claiming credit for sales it had no part in, an issue it blamed on a software update and said that its team had resolved.

That revelation sent a shock wave through the e-commerce world, as brands and agencies scrambled to determine whether they had been affected and potentially lost money.

Impact said in an email to an affiliate agency on Wednesday that, as a result of its review, it was "working with Phia to determine solutions for you, and our publishers & creators that may have had an inequitable result due to Phia's products and services."

"We're reprocessing all actions credited to Phia between June 20 and July 29 that had not yet been paid out," Impact said in a statement to Business Insider. "These actions are being reattributed to the appropriate publisher, or refunded to the advertisers, depending on each situation. The June 20 to July 29 window represents the period when Phia's activity was under review but the associated commissions hadn't yet been disbursed."

Impact didn't address what would happen with payments made to Phia before June 20. Ben Edelman, an independent researcher who studied Phia's code and helped surface the problem, told Business Insider he'd observed the attribution issue occurring for months.

Phia has been temporarily suspended from Impact's marketplace and will need to show a period of compliance before it can be reinstated.

Rakuten Advertising, another major affiliate network, told Business Insider it is actively investigating the situation.

The network CJ Affiliate told publishers and partners last week that it was providing "reconciliation payments" to correct tracking mistakes, according to an email viewed by Business Insider. The email did not name Phia, and CJ Affiliate did not respond to requests for comment.

Correct attribution is a core issue in affiliate marketing, and this incident is a major blow to high-flying Phia, which launched its app in 2025 and has raised $43.5 million from investors ranging from VC heavyweights like Kleiner Perkins and Khosla Ventures to celebrities including Hailey Bieber.

"It could greatly damage their trust and reputation in the industry," Jordan Williams, the CEO of attribution fraud prevention company Veeper, told Business Insider. He added that he's received an influx of outreach from brands and agencies since Phia's attribution problems became public.

Gates and her cofounder, Sophia Kianni, who use their social platforms to promote Phia — and have a popular podcast called "The Burnouts" — have not publicly addressed the issue.

Cristin Culver, a tech startup communications consultant, said that was a strategic misstep.

"They have these avenues in which they are very out there, and very vocal and very willing to speak," she told Business Insider. "But then, when it comes to the core of their business and whether or not people can trust them, they're not speaking."

Do you have a story to share or a tip about Phia? Contact these reporters at mberg@businessinsider.com or sbradley@businessinsider.com, or on Signal @MadelineBerg.44 or @sydneykbradley.123.

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Beat RAMageddon with $353 off the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 SSD

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:26:38 +0000

SAVE 48%: As of July 31, you can get the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 SSD (2048GB) for $379.99 at Amazon. That's a 48% discount or $353 in savings.

Kingston Fury Renegade G5 SSD (2048GB)

$379.99 at Amazon
$732.99 Save $353

If you're tired of deleting old games just to make room for a single new update, it might be time to look into upgrading your internal storage.

Right now, you can get the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 SSD (2048GB) for $379.99 at Amazon, down from $732.99. That's a 48% discount or $353 in savings.

It’s still a spendy upgrade, but this is one of the fastest drives on the market. It delivers read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000 MB/s, so game load times and large file transfers happen almost instantly. And because Gen 5 drives are known for running hot when pushed, Kingston designed this one with a specialized thermal layout (a 6nm controller and a 12-layer PCB) to help manage heat and prevent the drive from throttling under heavy workloads.

That said, there is one thing you should know before buying: it uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor and works with older Gen 3 and Gen 4 systems, but you need a motherboard that supports PCIe 5.0 to reach the advertised 14,000 MB/s speeds.

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I've been to all 63 major US national parks. There are 5 I always tell people to visit in the summer.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:47:23 +0000

I think Denali is one of the best US national parks to visit in the summer months.

Emily Hart

After visiting all 63 major US national parks, I think some are best experienced in the summer.
Although certain parks are more crowded in the summer months, many are also much more accessible.
Without snow coverage, parks like Kenai Fjords, Glacier, and Grand Teton are easier to explore.

I would argue that there is no bad time of year to visit the US national parks. But after visiting all 63 of them, I've found that some particularly shine in the summer months.

Although summer is peak vacation and road trip season — which can lead to crowding at some iconic landmarks within the national park system — there are plenty of reasons to explore the parks at this time of year, from better weather to more active wildlife.

Here are the five I always recommend.

Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is easier to explore in the summer.

Emily Hart

In my opinion, Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking and dramatic scenery in the country.

However, if you're driving there, you'll only be able to enter through Exit Glacier Road, which typically closes from late-October to Mid-May due to snow. Better accessibility, combined with warmer weather and longer days, make summer the best time to travel to this bucket-list park.

Because most of Kenai Fjords is only accessible by water, I suggest taking a boat tour or kayaking with one of the many local vendors.

Isle Royale National Park in Michigan is only open seasonally.

Emily Hart

Due to harsh weather conditions and its remote location in the middle of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is only open from April 16 through October 31 each year.

The park is also only accessible via seaplane or ferry, and service on the latter is sporadic after early September. That's why the summer months are the perfect time to visit the island.

While there, I recommend hiking to the Minong Ridge and Grace Creek Overlooks.

Summer is a great time to explore Denali National Park in Alaska.

Emily Hart

There are many sights in the national parks that are considered bucket-list worthy, and in my opinion, seeing Mount McKinley firsthand is absolutely one of them.

The 20,310-foot peak is the highest in North America, and on a clear day, it can be seen from miles away.

Although the park is technically open year-round, some of the roads, visitor centers, campgrounds, and transportation services shut down after the summer months.

For the best experience, I recommend taking a summer bus tour on Denali Park Road for incredible views of the park and its wildlife.

Montana's Glacier National Park is spectacular in the summer.

Emily Hart

If you've ever seen a photo or video of a dramatic mountain road on social media, there is a high likelihood that it was the iconic Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

The roughly 50-mile road makes its way through some of the most photographed spots in the park. However, due to heavy snow, parts of the road are typically closed until at least late-June. So, for the best experience, I suggest visiting in the summer.

Plus, the warmer weather means the chance to take a dip in one of the beautiful mountain lakes, and longer days give visitors plenty of time to explore.

Grand Teton in Wyoming is my favorite national park.

Emily Hart

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is my favorite national park in any season, but I think summer is the best time to visit.

The park is known for its jagged peaks and ample lakes, which become perfect for hiking, boating, and even swimming in the warmer summer months.

I love taking a scenic boat ride on Jenny Lake, hiking the Taggart Lake trail (parts of which are currently under construction), and swimming or picnicking at Colter Bay Swim Beach.

Like others on this list, the park is open year-round, but the incredibly scenic Teton Park Road, which leads to many of the park's most well-known areas, is only open seasonally from May 1 to October 31.

This story was originally published on June 10, 2026, and most recently updated on July 30, 2026.

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Google has added Nano Banana to Google Earth for some reason

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:26:38 +0000

Have you ever explored around Google Earth and thought to yourself, "I wish there were some generative AI features in here?" No? Well, you're getting it anyway.

Google announced that it's integrating Nano Banana, the company's generative AI image creator, directly into Google Earth.

To be more specific, Google has added its latest AI image generation model, Nano Banana 2, to its mapping platform and has rolled out a number of ways that users can utilize AI in Google Earth as well. Nano Banana has proven to be very popular, and Google previously integrated the tool with Chrome, Photos, Search, Gemini Notebook (previously Notebook LM), and Google Messages.

According to Google, Nano Banana in Google Earth can be used for a variety of purposes. Users can ask Nano Banana to:

Generate infographics based on specific locations or landmarks
View what a location looked like during a certain historical period
Generate real estate plans for a lot of land
Visualize a project before any construction starts
Give a location or even a specific building a makeover

However, our friends at ZDNet received early access to the feature before it launched today and found that the Nano Banana implementation in Google Earth isn't really all that useful. At least not yet.

For example, according to ZDNet, the Create Image button, which deploys Nano Banana in the Google Earth toolbar, isn't provided when in Street View. ZDNet found it was easier to just take a Street View screenshot and paste the image into Gemini for AI image generation.

Furthermore, one of Google's own recommended use cases, "Bring history to life," doesn't appear to be historically accurate. ZDNet had Nano Banana generate the area around Philadelphia's Independence Hall in different time periods. While Nano Banana generated an image with the general look and feel of the time, it didn't seem to pull from any data that would show which buildings were actually around Independence Hall at the time.

The Infographic suggested use case also didn't pan out in ZDNet's tests, either. Generated infographics changed the actual layout of a location in the image and included nonsensical, garbled AI text as well.

The real estate industry has been a fairly big adopter of generative AI imagery, as they can show prospective buyers visualizations of what can be done with a home or plot of land. Google clearly had this in mind for at least some of its suggested use cases. However, Nano Banana in Google Earth seems very much like an early experimental feature at this point.

(Disclosure: Mashable and ZDNet are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

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I tested the celeb-loved Freja bags for over 2 years to see if the vegan leather actually holds up

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:47:19 +0000

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Samantha Crozier/Business Insider

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, then you've seen these bags from Freja everywhere. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Katie Holmes, and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted with purses from the brand. And the tempting ads are all over instagram.

The bags hit on all the current trends with staying power — their work totes are described everywhere as the epitome of the oft-overused "quiet luxury" aesthetic. And their handbags borrow from the silhouettes of the '90s with their elongated shapes and baguette-like clean lines.

During this year's New York Fashion Week, it was absolutely clear that the East-West silhouette — epitomized by the Freja's Caroline Bag and Mini Chrystie Bag — was the hottest handbag type. The long, pencil-case-looking purses were everywhere. You can get versions that cost over a thousand dollars from Miu Miu or Khaite, but our favorites are from Freja.

Freja's vegan leather quality

It's fair to be skeptical of vegan leather. After all, this is essentially the material we used to call pleather, and a more appealing name doesn't automatically solve the peeling, cracking, and plasticky feel that cheaper faux leather can develop.

Freja's material is better than most I've tried, but I wouldn't say it feels exactly like the real thing. It's noticeably stiffer, doesn't have quite the same buttery feel, and won't develop the rich patina that makes a full-grain leather bag look even better with age.

The illusion also seems more convincing in darker shades. My most-used bag is the Mini Chrystie in Espresso, and I'd personally recommend one of Freja's deeper colors; I've seen complaints about color transfer on the white bags, and the lighter material tends to look a little less leather-like.

Here are my thoughts on three of Freja's most popular styles. And if you're interested in more of our bag coverage, check out our articles on the best purse brands, the best work bags for women, and the best tote bags.

Two-year testing update

Samantha Crozier/Business Insider

I first tested these bags two years ago, and they've held up remarkably well. I've continued using them ever since, especially the Mini Chrystie, and they still look great with no peeling or major deterioration.

As you can see, the vegan leather looks great two years later — no peeling, discoloration, or excessive wear. I wouldn't say that I use this bag every day, so I haven't put it through extreme conditions like getting soaked with rain, but I do use it a fair amount. It's a go-to going-out purse for me on nights when I only need a wallet, my phone, my keys, and a few small cosmetics.

The strap did get a little wonky, but I didn't expect it to stay bolt upright like in the first picture. You can probably avoid this by storing it super carefully, but that's not always feasible.

Freja's material may not fully replicate leather, but its durability has impressed me much more than I expected.

Freja Caroline bag review

Samantha Crozier

Of all of Freja's bags, this was the one that I was most excited to try. There have been tons of celebrities spotted with it, including Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes. Plus, I was particularly attracted to the elongated shape of the Caroline bag since East-West bags are both super trendy right now and notoriously roomy.

Here is the Caroline bag filled with everything I usually need and more. It fits a sunglasses case, wallet, mini perfume, claw clip, blush, and lipstick.

Samantha Crozier

Some of the features of the Caroline Bag that I love are:

The material feels just like leather even though it's vegan. It's also easy to spot clean — I got makeup on it and wiped it away easily with a little water and a touch of dish soap.
The two long handles make it easy to sling the bag on your shoulder and there's a snap to keep them together so one handle isn't constantly slipping off.
It's so versatile that I can wear it to work or out at night. Seriously, you can fit a ton in this, and it works with nearly every outfit, from a long beachy maxi dress to a tailored suit.

The only issue I have with this bag is that it doesn't have a magnetic closure. The flap isn't secured, so it won't close if it's even slightly overstuffed. This usually isn't an issue for me since the bag holds so much that I rarely need to overstuff it. But the gaps can pose a security risk, so it's something that you should consider before buying.

Freja Mini Chrystie bag review

The Mini Chrystie is a true East-West bag with an elongated shape and a '90s-inspired look.

Samantha Crozier

The Mini Chrystie bag is a whimsically-shaped purse that makes a fantastic evening bag.

Like all of Freja's bags, it is made of a vegan material that feels remarkably similar to buttery pebbled leather. Seriously, you wouldn't know the difference by touch.
For how small it looks, it holds a ton. I took this bag on an evening out and had room for everything I needed and more. I put my phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick in it — plus, I had enough room to fit a few more lipsticks and even a granola bar — all the essentials for a night out.
It's a surprisingly versatile size. At first, I thought this bag would be only an evening bag because of it's capacity. But I've started taking it on day outings that require a few more essentials (sunscreen, sunglasses), and it fits everything I need.

Like the other two bags, I also think my only issue with these is security. There are gaps along the edges that I'd be nervous my keys might slip through if the bag didn't have an inner snap to keep your keys secured.

Freja Paloma Tote review

I got the Paloma Tote in Latte, but they have other coffe-themed colors like Espresso and Cappuccino.

Samantha Crozier

Freja's Paloma Tote won the hard-earned top spot for best vegan leather work bag overall in our guide to the best work bags. Some of the reasons why we are obsessed with this bag are:

The classic yet unique silhouette gives a little flair to your typical work bag. Freja has other work totes on their website, like the sleek Linea Tote, but they all have a chic but typical tote bag shape. The petal-like folds on this are stunning and make the bag a little roomier.
It can fit a 16-inch laptop, so your MacBook Pro will absolutely fit in this.
The hardware and lining are telltale signs of a high-quality bag. I absolutely love the marigold yellow lining, which feels exactly like suede but is really made from a vegan alternative. The gold hardware is also stunning, with a smooth zipper and strong magnetic closures on the outer slots.
There are five inner pockets for your phone, chargers, pens, or anything small enough to tuck away. Of these, one has a zipper.
The straps are thick enough not to dig into your shoulders even if you're toting a lot.

Though we love the Paloma Tote bag overall, there are a few drawbacks. First, this wouldn't be the best bag to double as a travel tote since the zipper doesn't go all the way across the bag. So if you stick it under the seat, you might run the risk of small items slipping out.

Second, this bag doesn't have metal feet on it, so I'm a little worried about the wear it may take after being placed on subway floors for too long. The Linea Tote does have feet, so you should check that one out if feet are important to you.

FAQs

Is Freja worth it?

Freja feels worth considering if you want a polished, minimalist bag that is trendy and recognizable. In my experience, the brand stands out most for its sleek design, structured shape, and versatility. The vegan leather is great for synthetic materials, but nothing beats the durability of real leather.

Who might want to skip it?

If you strongly prefer the feel and longevity of real leather, this bag may not be for you. The material feels good for vegan leather and looks polished, but it doesn't have quite the same richness, softness, or long-term appeal as genuine leather. You may also want to skip it if you need a large carryall, prefer a very slouchy shape, or want lots of interior organization.

Does the bag look as good in person as it does online?

In my opinion, yes. The shape and finish looked chic in person, and the design had the same clean, understated feel as it does in photos.

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My 'Odyssey' premiere will be in six months on my couch while my kids bug me for snacks

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:47:21 +0000

Melinda Sue Gordon, Universal Pictures/Reuters

"The Odyssey" is all anyone can talk about these days.
I'd love to see it in theaters, but I'll likely have to wait until it's available on demand.
Such is life as a parent to young kids.

I want you to know that I will definitely have some thoughts on "The Odyssey." Just please check back with me in about six months when I can watch it at home.

In the meantime, I am happy to discuss "One Battle After Another." I just got around to watching this year's Academy Award winner for Best Picture, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

It took me three days, and I had to rewind it a few times because I kept falling asleep, which I'm sure is exactly how director Paul Thomas Anderson envisioned his film being consumed. Highly recommend, though.

To be fair, I think this is an improvement over how I first saw "F1" earlier this year: On my iPad during a transatlantic flight home from a work trip.

It's not that I want to watch movies piecemeal or on tiny screens. I'd love to tuck into a big box of popcorn and some peanut M&Ms while enjoying Christopher Nolan's latest epic on the big screen, completely uninterrupted.

My colleague Katie Notopoulos' recent story about the fully immersive 4DX version got me thinking about how cool an experience that'd be.

Almost.

But as a working parent with two kids, it doesn't feel like it's in the cards. And I think I'm OK with that.

For the "No one forced you to have kids" crowd, I'm not looking for sympathy or feeling regret. I wouldn't sacrifice my children for the chance to watch summer blockbusters. At least, not my firstborn.

It wasn't always this way. I used to go to the movies a lot! Sometimes two in one day. Then COVID happened. And just as we were getting out of that, the little ones came along. The rest is history.

So for now, I'm trying to avoid spoilers for a 3,000-year-old poem. (Not everyone paid attention during English class.)

I realize that thousands of people with young kids have figured out how to see "The Odyssey." And I will shamefully admit there are two IMAX theaters less than 10 miles from my home.

But a runtime of just under three hours means a lengthy (and expensive) stay for a babysitter. There's always my parents or in-laws, but that's also a big ask. (I can already see the text from my mom after she reads this: 'We're always happy to watch the girls!!')

And, depending on what time the movie starts, there's a non-zero chance I end up passing out in the theater.

You're right: If I really wanted to, I could go see the movie. And maybe that's why this hurts so much: It's less about missing the biggest movie of the year and more about feeling fine with sitting this one out. (Is this what getting old is like?)

I might not be entirely on my own on this. BI's Peter Kafka wrote about how moviegoing has been on the decline for the past two decades. Of course, as Peter explains, "The Odyssey" is a major outlier of this trend. It's exactly the type of movie people do make it out to theaters to see. So much for making me feel better about my choices.

Still, there have to be more of us out there. For everyone punting on seeing "The Odyssey" in theaters, maybe we can organize a collective discussion when we all get around to watching it.

After all, it took Odysseus 10 years to get home. (I think? I told you I wasn't paying attention in class.) I think we're entitled to take a few months.

But if you're interested in chatting about "Sinners," I'm your man.

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My husband and I planned completely different activities on our trip. No one had to compromise, and it brought us closer.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:47:46 +0000

My husband and I found that doing separate activities on a trip with just the two of us really paid off.

Lexi Marshall

My husband and I have different vacation styles: He prefers hikes, but I'd rather have a spa day.
On a recent trip, we planned parts of our days apart instead of compromising on shared activities.
Splitting up gave us stories to share and made the time we did spend together feel more intentional.

Travel has a way of exposing the tiny negotiations that make up a relationship. Where should we eat? Beach or mountains? Spa or hike? Early morning or sleep in?

My husband and I have similar travel styles in a lot of ways. We both love wandering through new towns and staying somewhere that feels special rather than generic. But when it comes to how we actually want to spend our days, we're complete opposites.

He's happiest when he's climbing a mountain or squeezing in one more hike before sunset. I can appreciate a beautiful trail, but my idea of a perfect vacation usually includes a good book, a spa appointment, and no place I have to be.

For years, I assumed one of us had to compromise. Then, during a recent trip to Lake Tahoe, we tried something different.

Instead of trying to find activities we'd both enjoy equally, we intentionally planned parts of the trip apart. It ended up being one of the best decisions we made.

We stopped treating every vacation activity like a team sport

Although I enjoy a good hike, my husband is more into exploring nature than I am when we go on vacations.

Lexi Marshall

We booked a room at Desolation Hotel, an eco-conscious micro-resort tucked into the heart of South Lake Tahoe.

Despite being just steps from restaurants, shops, and the Heavenly Gondola, it felt like a quiet retreat, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the soaking tub on the private balcony.

One afternoon, instead of debating whether to book a massage or tackle another trail, we each chose exactly what we desired. I caught a ride from the hotel and headed to Tahoe Beach Club for a massage while my husband set off for an afternoon outdoors.

For a few hours, we each had the vacation we actually wanted.

When we reunited later that afternoon, something unexpected happened: We had stories to tell each other. Instead of saying, "Remember when we..." all day, we swapped experiences.

He showed me photos of sweeping lake views and told me about spotting wildlife, while I described the tranquil treatment room, the sound of the water outside, and how relaxed I felt afterward.

A little time apart gave us something new to bring back into the relationship.

Spending time apart made our time together feel more intentional

The next morning, I woke up feeling surprisingly energized after my itinerary of solitude.

Instead of lingering in bed, I headed to the hotel's completely aesthetic gym for a workout (and even threw in a sauna sesh) while my husband enjoyed a slower start to the day, sleeping in.

It wasn't a grand gesture, but it reinforced that we didn't have to follow the same schedule to enjoy the same vacation.

Later that morning, we met up and hiked to Eagle Lake, a turquoise alpine oasis tucked into the Desolation Wilderness. The moderate trail climbed past Eagle Falls before opening up to still water framed by granite peaks and towering pines. It was exactly the kind of hike we both could appreciate: enough adventure for my husband, plenty of beautiful scenery for me.

Come evening, we boarded a sunset boat tour of Emerald Bay. Cruising across the impossibly blue water as the sun dipped lower in the sky, we admired the cliffs and forested shorelines.

After carving out space for our individual interests, sharing one of Lake Tahoe's most iconic experiences together felt even more meaningful.

The rest of the trip felt lighter. We wandered downtown, ducking into local shops and taking our time without an agenda. Dinner at the hotel's on-site Maggie's restaurant turned into one of those meals that stretches well past dessert because you're simply enjoying the conversation.

On our final morning, we had brunch at Edgewood Tahoe Resort and wandered down to the resort's waterfront beach. Sitting by the lake and watching paddleboarders glide across the crystal-clear water, I realized neither of us was wishing we'd spent the previous days differently. We were simply enjoying being there together.

In everyday life, couples naturally separate for work, hobbies, workouts, or time with friends. Yet on vacation, there's often an unspoken expectation that every experience should be shared.

That pressure can turn even small decisions into unnecessary compromises. By giving each other permission to spend a few hours apart, we removed that tension entirely.

We'll be planning future trips this way

We're planning future trips the same way we did this one.

Lexi Marshall

Our time apart didn't make the vacation feel less romantic. If anything, it made it better.

We both returned feeling fulfilled rather than resentful that we'd sacrificed something we'd been excited about, which made the time we spent together afterward feel more present and connected.

I still want shared experiences when we travel. Some of my favorite memories are the ones we've created side by side. But I've stopped believing that togetherness has to look like doing everything together.

Sometimes the healthiest compromise isn't meeting in the middle at all. It's trusting your partner enough to let them spend an afternoon — or even a morning — exactly where they want to be, while you do the same.

In the end, we didn't come home talking about the hours we spent apart. We came home talking about how surprisingly close we felt because of them.

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Comic-Con 2026: All the movie and TV announcements you need to know

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:26:35 +0000

Comic-Con International: San Diego has always been a barometer for where the entertainment industry is placing its biggest bets, and this year's lineup made that clearer than ever. Over the course of a single weekend, Marvel Studios, Prime Video, Apple TV, and AMC all used the convention floor to unveil casting reveals and first-look footage for some of their most closely watched projects, spanning superhero blockbusters, prestige sci-fi, and small-screen horror alike.

Long-simmering rumors finally became official announcements, decades-old franchises got new leads and new timelines, and fans packed into panels for a glimpse of what's coming to theaters and streaming over the next two years.

Here's a rundown of the biggest reveals to come out of Comic-Con 2026.

MCU's Ghost Rider

Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Ryan Gosling was confirmed as Johnny Blaze in a new Ghost Rider film directed by Shawn Levy, ending years of speculation about the actor joining the MCU. This film is set to release in 2028.

Black Panther 3 release date reveal

Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

The same Marvel panel brought news of another long-rumored casting: David Jonsson was announced as the new Black Panther, playing the son of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, in a film directed by Ryan Coogler and set for release on December 15, 2028.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Season 3's trailer teased Sauron's completion of the One Ring and the outbreak of full-scale war across Middle-earth. New cast additions include Simon Pegg voicing the Balrog, Eddie Marsan as Dwarven royal Thrain, and Andrew Richardson as the future King of Gondor, Anárion. Season 3 premieres November 11.

Blade Runner 2099

Prime Video debuted the first trailer for its Blade Runner series, set decades after Blade Runner 2049. Michelle Yeoh stars as Olwen, a replicant confronting the end of her life, opposite Hunter Schafer as a human fugitive on the run from Blade Runners. Ridley Scott executive produces, with Silka Luisa serving as showrunner. The series arrives November 25.

Carrie

Mike Flanagan's Carrie series got its first trailer, dragging Stephen King's telekinetic teen into the smartphone era ahead of an October 7 premiere on Prime Video. The eight-episode miniseries follows Carrie White as she endures bullying at school and abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother, Margaret — all while discovering she has telekinetic powers.

Summer H. Howell leads the new cast as Carrie White, alongside Samantha Sloyan as Margaret, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle, with Alison Thornton, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, and Joel Oulette rounding out the ensemble.

Yaga

AMC+ and Crave released a teaser for this Canadian supernatural mystery series, starring Noah Reid as a detective investigating the disappearance of Henry Park, an heir to a commercial fishery, in a small coastal town. Park is played by Hudson Williams, known to fans of the queer romance series Heated Rivalry.

The cast also includes Carrie-Anne Moss and Clark Backo, with the series created by Kat Sandler based on her own 2019 stage play of the same name.

Neuromancer

Apple TV entered the fray outside Marvel and Prime's orbit, releasing its first trailer for an adaptation of William Gibson's cyberpunk classic, starring Callum Turner as hacker Case.

This article will continue to be updated....

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/SL2NXTM

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Xtra suddenly cancels preorders for its clone of banned DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:26:10 +0000

Xtra, the camera company that suddenly popped up last year, is canceling preorders and issuing refunds for its upcoming Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera.

"After reviewing our product and launch readiness, XTRA has decided to pause the current Early Bird program," the company said in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. "Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers' funds should remain on hold."

Xtra customers had put down a $20 reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of $60 off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.

Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.

Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?

Xtra says the refunds were due to "product and launch readiness" and didn't provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.

DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump's FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can't be imported into the country.

Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI's line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a "DJI front company," or a company explicitly set up to import DJI's banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra's potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra's Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI's new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations.

In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra's products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.

The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a $25,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.

The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra's previously approved products as well.

At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/ShMqvCQ

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The day my dad died, I took my daughter to the movies. It was exactly what I needed.

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 17:47:19 +0000

The author is still grieving for her father.

Courtesy of the author

I lost my father after months of illness.
Taking my daughter to the movies became my way of surviving the first day.
Three months later, I'm still learning what grief actually looks like.

The day my father died, it was a Monday, early morning. Normally, I would have been driving my daughter to school, but she was home with a badly injured foot. My uncle called and said, "Now I have to tell you that your father crossed over earlier this morning."

This was a call I expected. Dad had been sick, in and out of the hospital, for eight months. It started with simple heart stent surgery and progressed to his major organs shutting down. He was 87.

I was very close to my Dad. Probably closer than most fathers and daughters. And although we lived on opposite sides of the country, we talked a lot and texted often, and I always felt the strength of our connection, whether near or far.

I took my daughter to the movies

After receiving the news, all I wanted to do was sit in a dark room and emotionally eat. But I had to parent; my daughter was home. So I said to her, "Let's go to the movies." Dark room? Check. Emotionally eating popcorn with extra butter and a whole bag of Sour Patch Kids? Check. Plus, I got to sit quietly and process while my daughter enjoyed a movie.

It seemed like the perfect solution. Even my Dad would've been pleased. He was quite the gregarious trickster who loved celebrating life and being loud. To some, a movie might have seemed like disrespect or avoidance, but it got me through that horrible day.

It's been three months since my Dad passed, and during that time my husband and I have bought and sold a house, moved across town, continued parenting our 9-year-old, and I've been caring for my special needs brother from afar. Needless to say, that's a lot, and I feel I haven't actually grieved yet. I've shed tears, yes, and taken photographs to honor the photographer in him, but I honestly have not had the time to dedicate to a grieving process like I think I should.

Grief makes me tired

I also had no idea how physically tired grief can make you. I was knocked out, lying on the couch or in bed, when I should've been packing. I become even more forgetful than my menopausal brain already allows, and I could not take care of the simplest tasks. It felt daunting. I couldn't even muster the energy to send a quick email.

I've since joined a grief group and learned that, indeed, grieving commonly includes fatigue, a scattered brain, lack of sleep, lashing out, confusion, the inability to do things as well as you used to, and lack of appetite. My fuse definitely shortened. I felt resentful that I had to continue helping my family get things done, but I couldn't complete my own. And all I could eat was Saag Paneer, an Indian dish of spinach and cheese, that I've since named "Sad Paneer."

I find myself saying things he would say

I'm aching to have a piece of my Dad nearby, and I hope to get a piece of jewelry made with some of his ashes incorporated into it. That might sound macabre, but it would comfort me.

This first brush with major grief is not what I expected. My grieving feels strange because I don't have any immediate family to reminisce with: my mother has Dementia and does not remember him, and my brother has mental health issues and did not have a similar relationship to Dad as I did.

I wondered how my Dad would visit me from the beyond. Would he appear in rainbows or butterflies or dimes on the ground? The answer took me by surprise: he has come to me in song. That week he died, I heard so many of his obscure favorite songs pop up in the car or a cafe.

He's also visited me through my own mouth: I find myself saying things he always used to say that only I know and haven't thought about in decades. Things like, "Pig for sale!" when he was playing and carrying me around the house on his shoulder, or "Shake it, don't break it!" when dancing, or "Are you cruisin' for a bruisin'?" when teasing each other.

In fact, my Dad picked the song we danced to at my wedding 18 years ago. My uncle sent me a framed photograph that I had given my Dad as a present of that moment. It shows us dancing, smiles overflowing. I'd had the frame engraved with the song he chose, "I Hope You Dance," and when I saw that, I lost it. It was as if he were sending me a message in the most poignant way. I will always dance, Poppa, I promise.

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Apple launching its first water-resistant iPad soon

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:26:31 +0000

For years, iPhones have had various levels of water resistance. However, if you've previously submerged your iPad in water, you'll know that Apple's tablets, however, are not water-resistant.

That will soon change.

Apple's first water-resistant iPad is currently planned to launch by the end of this year, according to a new report. The water-resistant model is expected to be the new, redesigned iPad mini.

The report says that Apple's approach to water resistance in the iPad differs from the iPhone. According to the report, Apple designed a "vibration-based speaker system," where sound transmits from the surface of the tablet's chassis. This means that the new iPad mini will not need physical speaker holes, which will greatly limit points of entry for water, dust, and other unwanted particles.

MacRumors points out that Apple described such a technology in a 2014 patent, which means the company has been working on this for some time.

The new iPad mini's IP rating, which measures a device's resistance to dust and liquids like water, is currently unknown. The iPhone 17 has an IP68 rating, which means it could be submerged in a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

The iPad mini line last had a refresh when it received the A17 Pro chipset in 2024. However, other than that, the device remained the same. The iPad mini was last redesigned in 2021.

Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman has previously reported that the iPad mini was set to get some big upgrades, including an OLED display, which would be a first for the device.

A release before this summer's beach trips and pool parties would've certainly been ideal. But you could always start planning for next summer. The new iPad mini is expected to launch by October.

Apple currently sells the base model iPad mini for $599 after the company hiked prices across its products earlier this year. However, according to Gurman, the addition of an OLED display could result in even higher prices for the new iPad mini.

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/cpE9aN8

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The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases for the new passport-shaped smartphone

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:47:30 +0000

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Amazon; Pitaka; Otterbox; Dbrand; Samsung

Even as manufacturers improve smartphone durability, going without a case remains a risky endeavor. It only takes one drop to shatter your screen or dent your device's structure, ruining it and racking up a hefty repair bill. That's why I always recommend using a case for your smartphone, no matter how careful you are. With the release of Samsung's new foldables, I've gathered the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases available now below.

Pickings are slim for foldables, especially new ones. The phones are just more complicated, with hinges, external screens, and other hardware to account for, so the market isn't saturated with many options upon release. That said, you can still find protective options from Samsung, Spigen, Otterbox, and more.

The best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Cases

Browse more cases at Amazon | Otterbox | Dbrand

What is the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 case?

As with most any product recommendation, the best one to buy depends on your needs. For clumsy users with unstable grips, a protective case like the Otterbox or Fntcase. Aesthetically inclined shoppers might prefer the abstract design of Pitaka cases or the vast library of Dbrand. Samsung loyalists will love Samsung's carbon case.

Do Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases fit the Galaxy Z Fold 8?

Previous-generation Z Fold cases will definitely not fit the Galaxy Z Fold 8. With its new, shorter, and wider design, Samsung has created a phone unlike any of its previous foldables.

What screen protector should I get?

If you're also shopping for a screen protector, I applaud you. Not only is protecting your phone's body important, but shielding its display is also paramount. You can find a handful of no-name options on Amazon, but I recommend this Spigen option since it's a brand we've tried and trusted before.

Haven't ordered your device yet? Check out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals in our guide.

Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for the latest deals, reviews, and buying guides.

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Paramount agrees to delay merger with Warner Bros. after legal challenge

noreply@blogger.com (mimisabreena) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:26:28 +0000

The prospective merger between entertainment giants Paramount and Warner Bros. has been officially delayed, prolonging the drama over what is proving to be an extremely controversial business decision.

Twelve states, led by California, and the Writers' Guild of America have filed a lawsuit to block the $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. by Paramount Skydance, citing antitrust concerns, and a recent court order, voluntarily agreed to by Paramount, will see the merger delayed until either June 2027 or five days after the judge's ruling, whichever comes first.

Amusingly, though, both sides of the case are claiming the delay as a victory. New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement on Friday describing the delay as a "critical victory in our efforts to uphold the law and protect the film and television industry." At the same time, California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the delay as a "tremendous win" and "great news for audiences, movie theaters, and the many people who write, build, and create the art, news, and entertainment so many of us enjoy."

But a Paramount spokesperson told Variety that the company was also viewing the agreement as a victory: "Today’s agreement is a significant win because the result is exactly what we have sought from the outset: a direct path to a trial based on the evidence. This is the fastest and clearest way to prove that this transaction is good for competition, good for consumers, and good for creators, a conclusion dozens of competition authorities around the world have already reached."

Any time two massive corporate entities merge, antitrust concerns arise. After all, LAMagazine has estimated that the two companies combine for roughly 34 percent of combined streaming viewership, which would give them significant control over industry practices. Concerned critics, who have mobilized behind the hashtag #BlockTheMerger, allege that this acquisition jeopardizes everything from fair hiring and wage standards to the artistic freedoms of creators, and it will be the job of the courts to assess these claims. But there's another angle adding fuel to the fire: politics.

Paramount CEO David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is perceived to be sympathetic to President Donald Trump, whose own Justice Department approved the merger back in June. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery owns CNN, the media network most critical of the President, whom Trump has singled out for criticism and name-calling on numerous occasions.

Since David Ellison took over Paramount, the company has been accused of purging unfriendly CBS staffers and skewing coverage of the President in a favorable direction, as well as "spineless capitulation" in agreeing to a $16-million settlement with the President in his lawsuit against 60 Minutes.

In addition to the typical antitrust concerns, this merger also raises serious issues about freedom of the press, as more and more newsrooms end up in the hands of an ever-smaller number of media conglomerates. In other words, expect to hear a lot more about this deal in the near future.

COntributer : Mashable https://ift.tt/4jKApRS

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