If you’ve been browsing back-to-school sales this month, you have undoubtedly seen the MacBook Neo front and center. Apple’s newest laptop is sitting on shelves with a strong starting price of $699 — dropping to $599 if you qualify for an education discount.

For parents accustomed to spending well over $1,000 for a Mac, this looks like the ultimate cheat code. You get that premium aluminum Apple design, that macOS ecosystem, and the brand name your teenager is begging for, all for the price of a mid-range Windows machine.

But before you click “add to cart” and send your incoming college freshman off to the dorms, you need to read the fine print.

The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop ever, but to hit that aggressive price tag, they had to make some compromises. Compromises that some of your future nobel laureates will be able to workaround and others will not. Depending on what grade or subject your student is entering, the Neo is either the best budget laptop of the year — or a guaranteed academic bottleneck.

Here is everything a parent needs to know about the MacBook Neo.

The engine: it’s an iPhone in a laptop body

The biggest difference between the MacBook Neo and the rest of Apple’s lineup is the processor.

Every other modern MacBook uses the powerhouse M-series chips, but the Neo does something a little different. Instead, it’s powered by the A18 Pro — the exact same chip found inside the iPhone 16 Pro. In our testing, this delivers decently strong performance in some key areas.

These numbers tell a story. Because it uses a super efficient mobile processor, the Neo can confidently boast an all-day battery life to survive a whole day of classes — operating silently without a cooling fan. That single-core speed shows that for basic web browsing and typing essays, this will feel nicely snappy.

However, this chip is not designed to sustain heavy, multi-layered computing workloads the way a true laptop processor can.

The trap specs: what did Apple cut?

To bring that price down (and then back up slightly because of the RAM price crisis we’re all living through right now), Apple took a scalpel to several quality-of-life features that older students rely on. If your student is in high school or college, these three cuts could be major red flags:

• The 8GB RAM ceiling: The MacBook Neo comes with 8GB of unified memory, and you cannot pay to upgrade it. While unified memory is capable of some great things in my own testing, 8GB is barely going to scrape by. If your college student tries to run 30 Chrome tabs, Spotify and a heavy PowerPoint presentation all at once, they will hit a memory wall and the laptop will begin to stutter.
• No backlit keyboard: This is a brutal omission for students. The keyboard is not illuminated, meaning late-night typing sessions in a dark dorm room or dimly lit lecture hall can get incredibly frustrating. I’ve felt this in my own time testing the Neo.
• Crippled USB ports: The Neo only has two USB-C ports. One is a fast 10Gbps socket, but the other is capped at ancient USB 2.0 speeds. If massive projects need to be transferred or backed up, they are going to be forced to juggle dongles on that single fast port.

Who should actually buy the MacBook Neo?

Like I said, these could be major red flags. For some, this configuration will be more than enough, but others will suffer. So let me bring some clarity here.

✅ Buy it for: Middle schoolers & early high schoolers

Is your student entering 6th through 9th grade? For these, the MacBook Neo is an absolute home run. At this age, 95% of their coursework lives in web browsers and portals like Google Classroom.

They don’t need heavy multitasking power, they just need a reliable machine that won’t die during the school day. The Neo’s aluminum chassis is durable enough to survive a backpack, the A18 Pro is snappy and efficient for all of their demands, and the $599 education price blows similarly priced Chromebooks and Windows laptops out of the water.

❌ Skip it for: College students, STEM majors & tab hoarders

Do not buy this laptop for a university student. The lack of a backlit keyboard will make late-night studying miserable, and that hard 8GB RAM limit will struggle to run heavier multitasking workloads.

Furthermore, if they are majoring in engineering, computer science or design, that A18 Pro chip cannot handle the complex rendering software or heavy code compiling without slowing to a crawl or stopping completely.

The parent’s verdict

So I hope this was helpful for the parents busily researching away! The MacBook Neo is a fantastic entry-level device, but the reality check is that it is not a “lite” version of a MacBook Air — it is an entirely different class of machine.

If you are outfitting a high school junior, senior or an incoming college freshman, do not fall for the $599 price tag. Instead, do your student a favor and spend the extra money on something with more horsepower like a MacBook Air (M3 upwards).

For the extra cash, they will get a true laptop-grade processor, a backlit keyboard, faster ports and a machine that is capable of surviving four years of university workloads. To help, I’ve listed a few options below.

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Maneuvering through life means you’re bound to come up against some major dilemmas that require you to make a tough decision.

Typically, one of those decisions can keep you in a comfortable position, while the other could potentially be transformative and simultaneously break you out of your comfort zone. I can certainly relate to that sort of situation, since I made the tough decision to attend college out of state instead of staying in my home state to pursue my degree. Forcing myself to examine the choices that cater to my safety and the ones that could maximize my upside while pushing me to do something outside of my wheelhouse is trying but necessary.

There’s one conundrum that has plagued me for the longest time now. And while I’ve gotten plenty of feedback on how to remedy that issue from loved ones, I’m usually left with more questions regarding what I should do to remedy it.

For my latest “help me fix my problems” session with ChatGPT, I used the “strategic discomfort” prompt to tackle said issue. It rose to the occasion to be as real as it gets and proved to be tough yet fair in its analysis.

Uncomfortable truths backed by uncomfortable decisions

The strategic discomfort prompt is as follows: You're my strategic coach. Your goal isn't to motivate me—it's to identify where I'm playing too safely. Show me the uncomfortable decisions that would create the biggest upside.

As for my longstanding problem, I asked for its advice on the sort of decisions I should make to help me remedy the overwhelming feeling of being afraid of disappointing people. I’ve always felt like this issue puts the wants and needs of others ahead of mine and leads me to take on all the tasks that people ask of me since I’m always keen to please.

ChatGPT’s opening line showcased its transformative state from an average AI assistant that produces nothing but flattering advice to a tough coach that presents hard truths combined with viable solutions:

The uncomfortable truth: if you're afraid of disappointing people, you may be optimizing your life around avoiding other people's short-term discomfort rather than maximizing your own long-term upside. That creates a very specific strategic problem: you become reliable, agreeable, and easy to work with—but potentially under-leveraged.

Afterward, ChatGPT provided me with a list of uncomfortable decisions I should put into action that could change my way of thinking and make me approach my interactions with people in a completely different manner.

For instance, the chatbot told me to stop making myself indispensable in low-value ways.

While it stated how being the person who always responds quickly, fixes things, takes the extra assignment, etc., feels valuable, being useful isn’t the same as being strategically valuable. The uncomfortable decision the chatbot told me to consider is becoming less available for low-leverage work, so I have the capacity for high-leverage work. Which, by my definition, means ignoring requests that are routine and aren’t truly beneficial while saving my energy for requests that produce a major impact for me and anyone else involved with them.

Some of the other fixes and uncomfortable decisions ChatGPT presented to me as the best ways to confront my problem included:

• Stop saying yes before you've decided whether you actually want to: Start declining things that are merely reasonable rather than genuinely valuable.
• Let someone think you're difficult: Choose the option that advances your goals even when you know someone will be mildly unhappy with you. Not cruelly. Not recklessly. Just without treating their disappointment as evidence that you made the wrong decision.
• Ask for more before you have proof you deserve it: Make the ask while there's still a meaningful possibility of rejection. The rejection is often cheaper than the years spent quietly under-asking.
• Have the conversation you've been avoiding: Say the thing clearly rather than continuing to engineer around it.
• Choose your ambition over your current identity: Allow people to update their perception of you.
• Stop confusing disappointment with harm: This distinction could radically change your decision-making. Someone being disappointed doesn't necessarily mean you hurt them. Someone being frustrated doesn't necessarily mean you behaved badly. Someone disagreeing with you doesn't necessarily mean you made a bad decision. Someone needing to adjust their expectations doesn't necessarily mean you failed them. Try this filter: Did I violate a legitimate commitment—or did I simply fail to satisfy someone's preference? Those are very different things.
• Take the opportunity that creates asymmetric upside: When you're afraid of disappointing people, you tend to favor reversible, socially safe decisions. I'd instead look for opportunities where: Downside = uncomfortable conversation/temporary disappointment. Upside = materially better career, income, freedom, relationships, reputation, or trajectory. Those are precisely the bets you should be more willing to take. The mistake would be avoiding a 20% chance of awkwardness that comes with an 80% chance of substantially improving your situation.

Final thoughts

Getting the most realistic feedback possible from ChatGPT about my longstanding issue of being fearful of letting everyone down proved to be an eye-opening experience.

With the right prompt, it confronted my life obstacle, produced strict yet equitable advice and steered me towards changing my habits for the better. Now I’m even more inclined to experiment with the strategic discomfort prompt when I need some decision-making tips about my career, relationships, a change in environment and more.

Talking with friends, family and experts before I make life-changing decisions is a must. But I’ll also be sure to consider ChatGPT’s discomforting yet helpful counsel from now on.

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As we get older, strength training becomes more important than ever. It’s the single best way to reduce your risk of falls, protect your bones, and slow down the inevitable loss of muscle that comes with age.

But if you’re a complete beginner, or you’re returning to exercise following an extended break, it can be tricky to know where to start. To find out more, I turned to experienced personal trainer Jacob Siwicki.

5 bodyweight exercises to prioritize over 60:

Whether you’re looking to get fitter, build the functional strength you need to lift your grandkids, or carry a heavy bag of groceries from the store, strength training doesn’t have to mean hours spent in the gym lifting heavy weights. If you’re a beginner, you’ll get a great workout using just your bodyweight.

While all of the exercises are suitable for beginners, if you’re currently recovering from a specific injury, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.

Here are the exercises Siwicki recommends:

1. Plank

“A plank gives you a strong core and a stable back, but it also works almost everything. Your shoulders, back, core, and quads are all working. Beginners can start on their knees or with their hands elevated if holding a full plank is too difficult.”

2. Pushups

“Pushups build off the plank, but now you are adding your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Beginners can start with wall pushups or place their hands on a chair or countertop before working toward the floor.”

3. Wall sits

“Bodyweight squats are good when someone is first starting, but after the first week or two, they will probably need to add some weight to continue building strength. If we are talking strictly about bodyweight exercises, I would choose a wall sit. You put your back against the wall, lower yourself into position, and hold it.”

4. Crunches

“For another core exercise, I would recommend crunches instead of full situps because they are less intense, especially for a beginner. You lie on your back, squeeze your core, lift slightly, and then relax. That is it. It is simple, but it teaches someone how to engage their core.”

5. Supported single leg deadlifts

“The fifth exercise would focus on balance. A beginner can hold on to a wall or chair, balance on one leg, and kick the other leg backward while lowering the chest. They are trying to create an uppercase T with their body. The bottom of the T is the leg that stays on the ground. Holding on to something makes it safer while they build strength and balance.”

To turn this into a workout, do a quick warm-up, then do 30-seconds of each exercise. Repeat the circuit three times.

Remember, once these exercises feel easy, it’s time to increase the resistance. The easiest way to do this is to add weight — check out some of the best adjustable dumbbells for working out at home here.

What are the benefits?

All of the exercises in this short routine help you build full-body strength. You’ll be working your upper and lower body, as well as your core. The single leg deadlifts will also help you notice any imbalances in your body, as one side is likely to feel more difficult than the the other. This can help build balance and stability in the body. As we get older, one of the biggest risks is falling, so working on your strength and balance can help avoid this.

These exercises allow you to start light and gradually build up. Once the plank feels easy, extend your legs and hold a full-body plank. The same applies to the push-up — once it’s easy, don’t drop your knees to the floor. Strength training exercises like this can help build strength in the muscles, but the exercises above also place controlled stress on the bones, which can help support bone strength.

More from Tom's Guide

• I'm a personal trainer who works with clients over 50 — these are the 3 mobility exercises I never skip
• After 60, this is the 10-minute routine I use with my clients to stay strong, mobile and independent
• 'I’m a Pilates instructor, and I recommend these 5 core exercises to help older clients build strength and improve posture'

The iPhone 18 Pro launch is likely just a few weeks away, with the Apple September event tipped to take place on Sept. 9. So we have a pretty full picture of what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max when they’re unveiled.

It doesn’t look like there will be many substantial design changes — leave that for the foldable iPhone Ultra — but there are several notable upgrades and tweaks that could compel you to get the new iPhone.

From the design and chip to the battery and more, here are 7 biggest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max changes you need to know.

Variable aperture camera

This iPhone 18 Pro rumor seems like a lock given how many times it has come up. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are both tipped to feature a variable aperture camera for the first time.

What does this mean? The iPhone 18 Pro camera would have tiny mechanical leaves inside the lens module that would alter the physical size of the opening. In low light the aperture would open wide to let more light hit the sensor but in bright sunlight the aperture would step down to a smaller opening, preventing overexposure.

The benefits for photographers would include a more natural-looking motion blur, sharper details and better depth control.

Smaller Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island on the iPhone comes in for getting live updates in that area of the display, but it can also be an eyesore when not in use. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are tipped to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, thanks to certain Face ID components moving under the display.

In other words, the display cutout for the front camera would be the smallest yet, building towards a true “all-screen” iPhone 20 next year.

New colors, new-ish look

If you liked the super-vibrant Cosmic Orange on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, you might be out of luck. It looks like Apple could be ditching this hue for a new Dark Cherry/Burgundy color. This would be the flagship color for the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Additionally, we may be getting a light blue color for the iPhone 18 Pro series, along with silver and possibly dark gray.

The back of the iPhone 18 Pro series could have a slightly different look, too. Apple is expected to move away from the two-tone design and opt for a more unified appearance.

A20 Pro chip

Apple A20 Pro chip for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is expected be the company’s first ever to be built on TSMC’s 2nm design process. As a result, Apple should be able to fit up to 15% more transistors on the chip, improving performance but also with a 30% reduction in power consumption.

As 9to5Mac reports, the A20 Pro chip will offer a packaging innovation called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module. This would also enable the SoC and DRAM to be integrated at the wafer level. The result is that the chip will be closer to the onboard memory and enable better performance and lower power consumption for AI tasks as well as gaming.

Bigger battery for iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max already delivered astounding results in the Tom’s Guide battery test, lasting nearly 18 hours of web surfing over 5G. But the iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to get an even bigger battery going from 4,823 mAh all the way up to 5,391 mAh for the new iPhone.

Alas, the iPhone 18 Pro’s battery will reportedly be only 1% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro, going from 4,252 mAh to 4,288 mAh. However, the efficiencies gained from the A20 Pro chip and the new C2 modem could still result in significantly longer runtime.

C2 modem

The iPhone 16e featured Apple’s first cellular modem in the C1, followed by the C1X chip in the iPhone Air. According to 9to5Mac, the new C2 modem coming to the iPhone 18 Pro series brings a few advantages.

In addition to improved battery efficiency, the C2 modem should offer improved performance in spotty coverage areas. And we could see 5G via satellite capability added to the iPhone 18 Pro series.

Improved Camera Control

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found the Camera Control button to be a waste of space on iPhones. It’s too easy to activate and too finicky to control. But the updated Camera Control on iPhone 18 Pro will apparently be stripped back to make it less frustrating and more user friendly. MacRumors reports that Apple may remove touch-sensitive components entirely.

Outlook

While most of these iPhone 18 Pro changes are welcome, it doesn’t feel like Apple will be pushing the envelope with the Pro and Pro Max this year. Most of the attention will likely go to the iPhone Ultra/Fold, Apple’s first foldable phone.

However, the foldable iPhone is expected to make some trade-offs, including the lack of telephoto zoom and Face ID. So if you want the most cutting edge “traditional” iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture camera, faster A20 chip and bigger battery may be reasons enough to upgrade.

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• Exclusive: Inside Google’s plan to win over your face with AI glasses — and avoid Meta's privacy missteps
• iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold? Sudden questions emerge over foldable iPhone
• Apple's Craig Federighi on Siri AI: 'We see Siri not as a separate chatbot, an unintegrated place you go and chitchat, but rather as an integral but conversational tool'

Over the past few years we've seen ChatGPT and Gemini get some really useful features. Each AI assistant offers unique abilities and both ChatGPT and Gemini can handle many of the same jobs. But their differences become clearer when you move past the question and answer features.

Google has connected Gemini to services and devices it already controls, including Android and Google Photos. It has given Gemini a few creative tools that ChatGPT still doesn’t offer, too. You can create a finished song, turn a research report into a podcast and build a reusable AI version of yourself.

I use both assistants regularly, and these are five things Gemini can currently do that ChatGPT cannot do natively. Of course, availability of these Gemini features depends on your device, account, subscription and location, so you may not see every feature yet.

1. Create an original song you can download

ChatGPT can write lyrics, suggest chord progressions and help plan a song. But it still does not have the ability to take that prompt and hand you a finished track with music and vocals.

Gemini can because it offers Lyria 3 music generator directly into the app. You can describe the song you want or upload a photo or video to use as inspiration. You can even upload text messages and ask it to create a song from those. The possibilities are endless right in the chatbot as Gemini then generates the music and lyrics together.

A prompt could be as simple as: “Create an upbeat pop song about surviving the first week of school as a tired parent.”

You can download the finished result as an MP3 or save it as an MP4 with cover art. According to Google’s instructions, generating a full track requires switching Gemini to its Pro model. This is one of the clearest gaps between the two assistants. ChatGPT can help you plan the song. Gemini can make something you can actually play.

2. Search through your Google Photos without uploading anything

Finding one particular picture in a library containing thousands of nearly identical family photos can take forever. But Gemini can search a connected Google Photos account using the people, places and objects that appear in your images. You could ask it to find photos from a particular birthday, show you pictures from last summer or look for images containing a specific person.

It can answer questions using details from those photos, too. Google suggests prompts asking Gemini to identify the themes used at someone’s previous birthday parties or recall what you ate during a vacation.

ChatGPT can analyze any photo you upload, but it cannot natively search through your entire Google Photos library. You have to find the relevant pictures and add them to the conversation yourself.

There are several restrictions. Google Photos access in Gemini requires a personal Google account, isn’t available to users under 18 and only works in supported regions. You must turn on Gemini’s Keep Activity setting and certain Google Photos features, including Face Groups.

I’d think carefully before asking an AI assistant to retrieve something as sensitive as a driver’s license or medical document from my photos. For finding 47 pictures of the same child wearing their favorite blue shirt, though, it could save a lot of scrolling. If you know, you know.

3. Turn a document into a podcast-style conversation

Gemini can take a document, presentation, Gemini Notebook (formally NotebookLM) or Deep Research report and turn it into an Audio Overview.

Instead of reading a long report, you can listen to two AI hosts discuss the information in a podcast-like conversation. It’s especially useful for catching up while driving, walking or working around the house.

ChatGPT Voice can read answers aloud and discuss an uploaded document with you. It does not currently have a dedicated feature that turns the source into this kind of produced, shareable conversation.

Gemini usually takes a few minutes to create an Audio Overview. Once it’s finished, you can listen inside the Gemini app, download it or share a link. Google explains how Audio Overviews work here.

This could be useful for more than research papers. I can see myself using it to get through a long school document, meeting notes or a report I need to understand before starting work.

4. Create Personal Gemini Avatars (AI Digital Twin)

Google allows paid subscribers to build a Personal Avatar, which is a digital clone that looks and sounds like you, powered by Gemini Omni and Google Veo. You can build it right in the Gemini app.

Tap on your profile/settings, and select Personal Avatar (or tap Add Files + Avatar in the prompt window). From there, follow the on-screen prompts on your smartphone to record your face and voice.

You will be asked to turn your head side-to-side and read out lines of text so Gemini can map your facial structure and voice profile.

Once recorded, you can summon yourself in Gemini prompts using @me or @[your username].

You can also create a custom gem with a prompt such as:
"Generate a 3D digital illustration of a friendly male developer with short brown hair and round glasses, wearing a dark blue hoodie, vibrant neon-lit background, studio lighting, high resolution profile avatar."

5. Analyze a YouTube video from a link

I often find a useful YouTube video and immediately wish I could skip the introduction, sponsorship and repeated explanations. With Gemini, I can paste the link into a chat and ask for the information I actually need.

Gemini can summarize a public YouTube video, answer questions about what was discussed and pull out specific tips or instructions. I could give it a 30-minute product tutorial and ask, “What settings does the presenter recommend changing?” or “List the steps for fixing the problem, but leave out the promotional sections.”

Gemini can also find relevant videos, playlists and channels before answering questions about their content. Connecting YouTube lets it personalize some results using your viewing history.

ChatGPT can now do something similar through its Chrome extension, which uses a video’s timestamped transcript when captions are available. The difference is where it works. Gemini handles YouTube links inside its regular web and mobile apps, while ChatGPT’s officially documented version requires opening the video through Chrome.

Bottom line

ChatGPT remains my choice for plenty of everyday work, but Google is using its existing products to give Gemini abilities that are difficult for another chatbot to copy.

Google Photos search and Android control come from Gemini’s position inside Google’s ecosystem. Music generation, Audio Overviews and reusable avatars are more surprising because they change what you can create without leaving the chat. Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• Gemini 3.7 Flash is here — and this prompt proves why it's known as Google's 'workhorse'
• 5 custom Gemini Gems that I swear save me hours each week
• This new AI assistant makes AI easier for people 65+ — no app or prompts required

Time is a resource that almost all of us struggle to get enough of, and that’s especially true for parents during the summer school break. Taking the time to train when you’re also juggling work and childcare can feel impossible, but you can achieve a lot with short, sharp workouts.

Workouts just like this 20-minute session from personal trainer and Bowflex fitness advisor Gideon Akande. I asked Akande for a quick, effective workout people can do on the treadmill, and he didn’t disappoint with this hilly interval session.

"This interval-style approach repeatedly raises and lowers your heart rate,” says Akande. “Making it an efficient way for busy parents to challenge their cardiovascular fitness in just 20 minutes.”

The workout is designed for the BowFlex T16 treadmill, but you can do it on any machine that offers up to a 4% incline.

Gideon Akande’s 20-minute treadmill workout

Even with short workouts like this, a warm-up is always advisable, and along with the one included in the workout, Akande suggests doing some dynamic stretches before you get to the treadmill.

“Whenever possible, begin with a brief dynamic warm-up off the treadmill,” says Akande. “Moving intentionally through multiple planes of motion helps gradually raise your heart rate and prepare your muscles before stepping onto the machine.”

Once you’re on the machine, keep it slow and controlled during the warm-up.

“Remember, the treadmill warm-up is exactly that: preparation for the work ahead,” says Akande. “Avoid starting too fast or doing too much too soon. Give your body time to find its stride before tackling the workout’s changing inclines and speeds.”

Once you’re into the workout proper, you’ll be building intensity through four progressive segments.

“Each segment begins with an incline power walk followed by a run of the same duration and incline,” says Akande. “After each running effort, you’ll have one minute to recover. As the intervals get longer, the incline gradually decreases to help offset the additional work.”

Akande’s tips for the workout

When you’re doing a 20-minute workout, it’s always important to make every minute count, so judge your effort correctly rather than pushing too hard or taking it too easy.

“Make the walking intervals purposeful,” says Akande. “Think brisk power walk, pumping your arms in rhythm with your legs. Your running pace should feel faster than a jog but shouldn’t be an all-out sprint.

“By the end of each interval, you should welcome the recovery while still feeling as though you could continue a little longer if necessary.”

While having target pace numbers in mind can sometimes be useful, every day is different, so listen to your body and pick a speed that suits you in the moment.

“You’re in control,” says Akande. “Choose walking and running speeds based on your current fitness level and the energy you have that day rather than chasing a specific number.”

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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Anyone who knows anything about coffee has heard of Moccamaster. The Moccamaster (specifically the KGBV Select) is the most famous drip machine in the world, and there's very little competition. Few brands can go head-to-head with Technivorm's industrial, hardy stalwart, arguably the best coffee maker of all time.

Mostly unchanged since its 1969 release, the Moccamaster does what many other coffee brands wish their flagship could: it has the best reputation in coffee. Whether this is from the industry-leading after-purchase care or the indestructible machine itself, I'm not sure. But people seriously love this thing. It's irrefutably "cult".

So enter the zippy young upstart — Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. This model launched at the end of last year and was rolled out in 2026. What's the Plastic-Free Brewer got that the Moccamaster hasn't then? Well, the clue's in the name — it's not about what it has, but what it hasn't. Simply Good Coffee uses zero plastic in the brewing process.

Sure, this is all well and good — but what about taste? Let's find out which one makes a better brew.

Moccamaster KGBV Select & Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer: What's the difference?

While at their cores, the Moccamaster KGBV Select and the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewers are both drip/filter coffee machines, there are a few key differences.

These differences reside in two main areas: design and accreditation.

Obviously, the SGC Plastic-Free Brewer is that: plastic-free (well, low plastic). No hot water touches plastic anywhere in the brewing process — but it does have medical-grade silicone tubing in the water lines. Even so, I don't class this as "plastic" as it's not the kind of polymer that leaches into water or breaks down over time.

The SGC has plastic on the exterior to prevent burns. Seriously, imagine if it were completely steel. You'd need to go to the ER if you accidentally brush up against it after brewing.

Now, the Moccamaster KGBV Select has a plastic filter basket and a plastic destratification tube in the carafe. I personally don't mind this plastic — Technivorm (which makes Moccamaster) is a Dutch company, and the EU has seriously strict regulations on plastic. It's high-quality, non-leaching, BPA-and PFA-free — all the adjectives.

So what else separates them? The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) accreditation. Now, I don't think this is the be-all and end-all. There are more important things than an SCA accreditation. Taste, feel, emotional connection, secret ghosts inhabiting your coffee maker — whatever floats your boat (stews your brew? No. That's terrible. A career in stand-up comedy is clearly not for me).

If you do care about SCA accreditations, as I know a lot of coffee lovers do, you'll be more inclined to go with the Moccamaster. The KGBV Select has been SCA-accredited since the latter's advent in 2017, but the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer isn't yet accredited.

Moccamaster KGBV Select & Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer: So how does it taste?

The Moccamaster KGBV Select and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer both make a rich, comforting, delicious brew with zero silt or bitterness. I would have no qualms recommending either of these machines for serious coffee lovers or newcomers alike.

There are a few main differences in flavor, though. Take a look at these two photos.

The SGC Plastic-Free Brewer has a "Bloom" function, whereas the Moccamaster does not. In simple terms, this function steeps the coffee in water before pushing more water through for a full brew. This allows the coffee to grow more complex and can bring out nuanced flavors in the beans.

As a result, the SGC flavor is a little more juicy and what I would describe as "coffee-snob" territory. The Moccamaster tastes divine, don't get me wrong, but it brews a cup I would associate with "I'm a real coffee drinker because I drink my coffee black" memes.

I know people take water distribution seriously, so here's a comparison shot of the Moccamaster and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer filter baskets post-brew.

Honestly, there's no better or worse here. Both machines brew a delicious cup. I would be happy with either of these in my apartment. The Moccamaster is pure, classic coffee, and the SCG is a little more pure, classic coffee wearing a beanie hat and a flannel.

I would choose the Moccamaster over the SCG purely for the lifetime repairs (and, well, because the SCG isn't actually sold in the U.K. yet), but you wouldn't be disappointed with either.

Which brew appeals to you? Moccamaster or SGC? Let me know in the comments and stay tuned for next Monday's The Coffee Lab, on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

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I have a bit of a soft spot for 80s action movies. There’s just something about the decade that feels impossible to replicate, from the ridiculous one-liners, unforgettable villains and enough explosions to make modern blockbusters look tame. From “Die Hard” and “The Terminator” to “Top Gun,” “Predator” and “RoboCop,” the 1980s gave us some of the most iconic action movies ever made.

But how well do you actually remember them? This quiz is here to find out. I’ve put together 10 questions covering some of the biggest action movies of the decade, and I’m not sticking to the really obvious stuff. You’ll need to remember those smaller details, character names and moments that only a true fan would know.

Think you’re an 80s action movie expert? Give it your best shot — and no cheating! Score 8/10 or higher and you can officially consider yourself a serious movie buff. Get all 10, and I’ll be seriously impressed.

If you’re still in the mood for a movie challenge, there’s plenty more to test your knowledge on. Try my classic movie quiz next, or see if you can guess these famous movie taglines — you might be surprised by how many you remember!

If you enjoyed this quiz, then please bookmark our Quiz section and visit our Polls page to have your say on all manner of topics, from the best Hollywood movies to the latest Apple releases.

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Whipping out my phone during a stroll or drive around wherever I may be usually leads me to ask for Google Maps’ trip planning and food-finding expertise.

Ever since the location-finder app has received Gemini-powered AI integration and the conversational-/text-enabled assistance of “Ask Maps,” I’ve gotten plenty of mileage out of Google Maps most recent updates. I’ve learned to get used to the puzzled stares from the folks who observe me having a longer-than-usual chat with a GPS app on a park bench—I’ll yap as much as I want with the Ask Maps feature to find something fun to do and something amazing to eat.

You’re probably just as addicted to using Google Maps’ AI-boosted features just as much as I am. If that’s the case, allow me to provide you with a collection of prompts that maximize Ask Maps’ travel planning and food discovery abilities.

And since one of them helped me unearth my new favorite hidden gem eatery, I’m living proof that Google Maps’ Ask Maps feature is a blessing for hardcore foodies.

Prompting your way into fun activities and delicious destinations

Using these seven Gemini-generated prompts to find an area that targets the specific atmosphere you’re looking for, discover a pet-friendly location, look for somewhere to stay dry when it starts pouring, etc., should work best:

• The "Vibe Check" Itinerary: Plan a half-day walking tour in [location] that feels historical but hipster, ending at a highly-rated craft cocktail bar.
• The Hyper-Specific Pitstop: Find a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating and ample parking along my current route to [location], no more than a [time]-minute detour.
• The Weather-Pivot Plan: It just started raining. Find the best indoor family activities within a [time]-minute drive of my location that don't require advance tickets.
• The Scenic vs. Fast Debate: Show me a route to [location] that prioritizes scenic mountain views and historic roadside attractions over the fastest highway time.
• The Dish-Specific Hunt: Where is the absolute best [name of food dish] within a [time]-minute walk of my hotel that is open right now?
• The Group Consensus Solver: Suggest a dinner spot near [location] with a lively atmosphere that has great reviews for both gluten-free options and steaks, and takes reservations.
• The "Local Secret" Search: Find a hole-in-the-wall [type of food] restaurant/stand in [location] that locals love, isn't a massive tourist trap, and has a rating of 4.5 or higher.

Getting led to my new favorite hidden-gem Japanese restaurant

That last prompt came in handy when I was on a mission to find something different to eat after work in the city.

After getting tired of my familiar food spots (I still love Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, but I needed a break from them…), I turned to Ask Maps to highlight a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant that’s within walking distance of Times Square.

Google Maps didn’t waste any time bringing up a 4.9-star-rated spot called Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen). Based on Ask Maps’ detailed description, I just had to head there and get a taste of what they were serving:

This charming, unassuming spot sits just a brief walk from the core of Times Square and delivers an authentic gastropub atmosphere that completely escapes the tourist rush. It is heavily favored by local midtown workers looking for legitimate comfort food after hours. The vibe is warm, cozy, and buzzing with a lively izakaya energy featuring traditional decor and deeply attentive service. Patrons highly recommend the crispy katsu, sizzling skewers, and steaming bowls of ramen made with remarkably fresh ingredients.

Thankfully, Sozai ended up being a delicious win (the Karaage, Garlic Fried Rice and Gyūdon taste amazing!). Ask Maps also featured Sushi by Bou and Sushi 35 West alongside its first pick, so I’ll have to make the journey to those places since they’re also highly reviewed and have delicious descriptions.

Final thoughts

Google Maps’ Ask Maps feature just so happens to be my go-to location and restaurant curator whenever I’m on foot. And it handles its duties as a road trip assistant quite well since I regularly speak to it whenever I, my passenger or my driver needs to know where to go next.

Being able to share curated locations and share Ask Maps’ suggestions as a collaborative list that others can fill out with their recommended picks makes Google Maps even better than its previous versions.

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If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 15 years as a certified personal trainer, it’s this: the way you work out now will affect your longevity and independence as you age.

It’s tempting to focus on bigger muscles, visible six-packs, and new PR’s every week. But if you aren’t paying attention to the “less flashy” aspects of your fitness routine, you could be paying the price when you hit your senior years.

That’s why I make all of my clients – especially those in or approaching their 40’s – practice exercises that promote full-body strength, stability, and power. One of those exercises is the offset front rack squat. It’s a great move to target the deep core, glutes, quads, and even the upper back and shoulder stabilizing muscles. If you’ve got a kettlebell nearby, you can give it a try for yourself.

How to do offset front rack squats

Consult a doctor before trying any new exercise or workout program. Depending on your health history, they may suggest alternatives or advise you to limit your activity.

Beginners should consider meeting with a certified personal trainer to learn how to do the exercise correctly. Offset front rack squats aren’t extremely difficult, but you should be comfortable with basic squat form before attempting them.

You’ll need one moderately heavy kettlebell for this exercise. You should be able to complete 8-12 repetitions with good form. If you’re unable to do 8 reps without pausing to rest, choose a lighter weight. If you can do 12 reps easily without feeling fatigued, use a heavier weight.

Start by doing offset front rack squats for one set of 8-12 reps, 2-3 times per week. As you build strength, you can add an additional 1-2 sets of the exercise.

Offset front rack squats can be done on their own or as part of your current exercise routine. Just be sure you’re including appropriate rest days between each attempt.

Here’s how to do the exercise:

• Hold a kettlebell in your left hand.
• Bring the kettlebell to a “front rack” position – the kettlebell should be aligned with your left shoulder, with your left elbow parallel to your rib cage.
• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and engage your core.
• Hinge your hips behind you, as if you were about to sit down.
• Bend your knees and lower your hips towards the floor.
• Stand back up to the starting position.
• Continue for 8-12 reps, then repeat holding the kettlebell in your right hand.

Benefits of offset front rack squats

Basic squats work your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and hip stabilizers all at once, training your lower body for better strength, stability, and power.

The addition of a kettlebell not only challenges your lower body to a greater degree, but also engages the upper back, shoulder stabilizers, and deep core muscles like your transverse abdominis and internal obliques. Since you’re holding the weight on one side, your core must work to keep your body upright and balanced. This enhances your full-body stability and can lead to better overall balance with a reduced chance of certain injuries.

Common offset front rack squat form errors

Offset front rack squats may look simple, but they can be tricky to do with proper form. These are the most common errors I see beginners make when attempting the exercise.

Leaning too far forward

As you descend into the squat portion of the exercise, your torso and chest should remain tall. Think of your spine forming a diagonal line from the top of your head to your tailbone.

If the core muscles are weak, the hips are tight, or the kettlebell is too heavy, you may find that your torso and chest fall forward during your squat, leaving your spine in a more parallel position to the floor.

To fix this, focus on strengthening your deep core with exercises like planks and bird dogs, stretching your hips with moves like the figure 4 stretch and kneeling hip flexor stretch, and using a lighter kettlebell until you’ve built up the appropriate strength.

Allowing the spine to round

Another form error that can indicate a weak core is allowing the spine to round throughout the movement. You should be able to maintain a neutral, tall posture at each point of the exercise.

If your shoulders start slumping forward and your back gives as you descend, drop the weight and focus on building strength in your core. You may also want to include exercises that target upper and mid back, like prone extensions and lat pulldowns.

Practice basic squats until you can keep proper alignment with each rep, then start working with light weights as you perfect the form.

Tilting towards the weighted side

Deep core weakness is also the culprit when your body tilts towards one side.

Again, ditch the weight and focus on building deep core strength, specifically the interior obliques with moves like side planks.

Use a lighter kettlebell until you’re able to keep the spine upright and balanced in the proper position.

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More than a decade ago, the first PopSockets phone grip launched, and while it wasn’t necessarily a runaway hit at first, it slowly developed a cult following. Over the years, the company expanded its lineup by offering stylish designs to match any personality, but the core formula remained unchanged. Well, until now.

PopSockets has given its signature grip its first major redesign—one that captures the fundamental utility of the original, but in a significantly slimmer package. I’ve been using the PopSockets Low-Pro Grip for over a week now, and while it functions the same way, it comes with a secret that makes it one of the best MagSafe accessories around.

Ultra-thin design

What immediately sets the Low-Pro apart is a redesign that makes it razor-thin compared to a traditional PopSockets grip. Measuring just 2.6 mm thick, it sits nearly flush with the raised camera plateau on the back of my iPhone 17 Pro when attached. That makes it noticeably sleeker than any other grip I’ve tested, roughly matching the thickness of three credit cards stacked together.

As a result, there’s no more annoying wobble whenever I place the phone down on a flat desk — a common frustration with older PopSockets. It adds virtually no noticeable bulk to the phone's profile, sliding smoothly in and out of my pockets without snagging.

While it retains the spirit of the original accordion design, the PopSockets Low-Pro Grip ditches the chunky plastic cone for a flat, flexible web that feels almost paper-thin. The composite material stretches cleanly to accommodate various finger sizes, and out of the box, it feels taut, responsive, and fully capable of supporting my phone's weight. That said, I do wonder about its long-term durability, particularly whether the flexible band will retain its elasticity after months of daily pulling and pocket friction.

Yes, it still has a kickstand function

Because the Low-Pro Grip isn't a single, solid plastic piece, it doesn't prop up the phone in the same way traditional PopSockets do. Instead, it offers kickstand functionality via the extendable metal ring that outlines the accessory. This ring hinges outward to prop the phone up securely in both portrait and landscape orientations, making it effortless to stream video, jump on FaceTime calls, and more.

Personally, I find it much sturdier and more stable than the older plastic design. The solid metal ring rotates smoothly, making it easy to dial in the exact viewing angle I need.

However, its best hidden trick is the integrated magnetic ring built right into the outer frame. That means I can connect it to some of my favorite MagSafe accessories. From my magnetic car mount to a MagSafe tripod — and even snapping my favorite MagSafe wallet directly onto the back — this feature dramatically broadens its everyday utility. The magnetic hold is surprisingly strong, too, because it has enough clamping force to stick my iPhone firmly to the side of my fridge door.

The only downside is that I can't charge my phone wireless with it attached, so I'm still forced to remove it in order to leverage MagSafe wireless charging.

Multiple colors, but lacks personality

If there is one notable drawback, it comes down to personal expression. PopSockets built an empire on swappable, collectible tops featuring everything from pop-culture artwork to glitter finishes and textured enamel. The PopSockets Low-Pro Grip takes a decidedly minimalist approach.

While it launches in several clean colorways, I do miss the interchangeable cap system of standard PopSockets. What you buy is what stays on your phone, with no way to customize or swap the top after the fact.

At $40, it carries a noticeable premium over standard plastic grips, and the fixed design might disappoint anyone who treats the back of their phone as a canvas for self-expression. However, for those who prioritize sleek ergonomics, pocket-friendly dimensions, and zero-wobble utility over flair, the Low-Pro Grip easily proves its worth as one of the smartest everyday carry additions you can stick on your device.

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Every runner is an individual with their own preferences in shoes. Some love super-squishy and soft cushioned shoes, while others prefer ultra-light and aggressively rockered trainers.

It can sometimes be difficult as a reviewer to pick out the best running shoes for everyone as a result, but I try to highlight sneakers that offer a bit more than their rivals in the same category, whether that’s better value, more fun, or a higher level of performance.

The poll feature at Tom’s Guide gives me a chance to get feedback on running shoes in general, and recently, I asked readers to vote on the brand they wear. After counting 380 votes, I was pleased to see a clear winner that aligned with what I’d voted for myself.

Which running shoe brand do you wear?

Asics actually got more votes than the next four brands combined, and for me that isn’t a surprise, because right now the Japanese brand has some of the best options in a wide variety of running shoe categories.

I’ve picked out my favorite Asics shoes below and also gone into why I think Puma is a brand people are sleeping on.

The poll is still open if you want to add your own vote to see if it shifts the results.

My top Asics running shoes

Whether you’re looking for one of the fastest carbon plate racers on the market or a cushioned shoe for easy runs, the Asics line-up has you well covered, and it also boasts the best all-rounder available in my view, which is the Asics Megablast.

The Megablast is very expensive, though, so the alternative most people might prefer is the Asics Novablast 6, one of my favorite shoes of 2026 so far. It’s a great cushioned daily trainer with a bit more punch for faster efforts than other Asics max-cushioned shoes, like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, which I found relatively dull on the run.

For race day, Asics has three of the best super-shoes going. I’ve set PRs in the Asics Metaspeed Ray and Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, while some might prefer the Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo to the Sky — they’re similarly great shoes, with different ride feels.

Overall, the Sky would be my top pick in this category from Asics, even over the ultra-light Ray, which is pricier and very soft and unstable, so it might not suit everyone.

If you’re heading onto light trails and gravel paths, then the Asics Blazeblast is a shoe I thoroughly enjoyed testing this summer. It’s as comfortable as a cushioned road shoe with an outsole that offers better grip and durability when off-road.

Puma should be more popular

Looking at the rest of the results, the one that really stands out to me is how low Puma ranked. It’s understandable because for a long time Puma was not a force to be reckoned with for road running shoes, but that has all changed in recent years.

They have a smaller line-up than Asics but challenge for the top spot in a couple of key categories of running shoes.

The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 just edges out the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo as my top racer right now, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a great lightweight daily trainer to rival the Novablast 6 as perhaps the best new shoe of 2026.

Puma shoes tend to offer good value in general as well, and they crop up in sales regularly, so they deserve to be higher in the rankings in my view.

It was interesting to see "Other" do well — I’ve been testing shoes from a few up-and-coming brands this year, and some have been exceptional, most notably the Dynafish Xiaonian.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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I've discovered that Claude Connectors can fill in some of the gaps in my workflow just by giving the assistant access to apps such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Notion. The good news is, you don’t have to paste in every email, meeting and project note before asking for help.

Of course, that convenience requires handing Claude access to parts of your digital life you may prefer to keep private. The setup entails permission screens, and you’ll need to decide how much access you’re willing to grant. An AI could still misunderstand a sensitive document or make a change you didn’t intend.

I tested five popular connectors to see which ones saved me time and which felt like one more thing to manage.

Asking Claude to manage my busy day

I started with this prompt: Look at my unread emails, check my recent project notes in Drive, cross-reference my calendar and build me a realistic schedule for today.

Claude found two unresolved PR questions in Gmail and pulled the background information from a Google Drive document. It then checked my calendar and found an uninterrupted two-hour window I could use for writing.

Normally, I would have opened several tabs and gathered all of that information myself. Claude did the searching and matched the work to the time I actually had available.

Here are 5 more ways Claude is worth using at work and the Connectors that make all the difference.

1. Gmail

Best for: Finding buried conversations and drafting replies.

Searching my inbox through Claude felt surprisingly natural. I asked, “What client questions am I still waiting on?” and received a short summary instead of having to work through 40 unread messages.

Claude drafted the replies without sending them, giving me a chance to check the wording first.

2. Google Drive

Best for: Finding information in long PDFs and buried Google Docs.

I often know I saved a document, but forgot where I put it. Claude searched Drive for the relevant feedback or research notes and brought the information into my current conversation.

I didn’t have to reorganize my folders or click through documents hoping to recognize the right one.

3. Google Calendar

Best for: Finding focus time and planning a workday I could follow.

I usually check my calendar to see where I need to be. Claude paid attention to the empty spaces.

It found time for work that required more concentration, including writing, before meetings and smaller jobs took over the day.

4. Notion or Slack

Best for: Recovering old research and decisions.

Old Notion pages and Slack threads can hold plenty of useful information, assuming you can find it again. Claude searched past research, conversations and team decisions without sending me scrolling through months of messages.

The better choice will depend on where your team tends to leave that information behind.

5. Canva

Best for: Turning an outline into a presentation or visual asset.

After developing an article, pitch or story idea in Claude, I could send that work to Canva without opening a blank design and rebuilding it there.

I’d still review the finished design and make my own changes, but the connector cut down on the usual back-and-forth between writing and creating the visual.

What to know before connecting your accounts

The setup takes some patience. Expect OAuth screens, permission settings and account confirmations, especially when connecting email or personal files.

Each connector works a little differently. Some can only read information, while others can make changes. The available features may depend on your account, device or permissions set by your employer.

Anthropic says Claude follows the permissions attached to your account. It shouldn’t be able to open a file or Slack channel that you couldn’t access yourself. You should still check what you’re sharing and which actions the connector is allowed to take.

Bottom line

Should you connect your apps to Claude? I wouldn’t go through the setup just to summarize the occasional email. The time savings came from letting Claude check my email, calendar and project notes in the same conversation.

With that information available, the schedule reflected the work already waiting for me and the hours I had to get it done. I didn’t have to explain my day before Claude could help me plan it. And while this set up is similar to what Gemini and ChatGPT can do, it all comes down to perference. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.

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Buying a new iPhone 17 Pro Max is only part of the equation. The shiny new device can do a lot once it's finally out of the box and in your hands, but it doesn't change the fact that your experience can still be improved with a few add-ons.

There are countless accessories out there that you can buy to enhance the entire iPhone experience — whether you're picking up an iPhone 17, the larger 17 Pro Max or waiting for the foldable iPhone Ultra. The prospect of spending even more money after dropping at least $1,200 on a brand new phone may not sounds appealing, but trust me, you will be much happier than without — and you don't need to spend a fortune on them either.

Here are 5 accessories that helped improve my iPhone 17 Pro Max that all cost less than $50.

Easy-application screen protector

I used to hate applying screen protectors to my phone, because the whole process was so finicky and I'd inevitably get something wrong. I'd always end up with dust or bubbles under the screen, or screw up the alignment so much that I needed a fresh protector.

And these were the days when screens weren't nearly as durable as they are today. But even with the stronger display glass of the modern day smartphone, screens are still vulnerable to scratches and more serious kinds of damage. The good news is that screen protectors have adapted, and the process of applying them is easier than ever and almost completely pain-free.

Most screen protectors now come with some kind of application tool, but my personal favorites employ a pull-tab. Not only does this ensure perfect alignment with your phone, the fact that the sticky underside of the protector is only exposed to the air for a split-second minimizes the risk of foreign particles getting between it and the screen.

Just remember to clean the screen correctly first. Nothing can account for the fact you left smudges and dust all over your screen before applying the protective layer

While you're at it, make sure to pick up a case for your phone. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is notorious for taking taking damage, as I found out first hand not too long ago.

MagSafe PopSocket

The PopSocket is easily my favorite phone accessory, especially since the modern designs are compatible with Apple's MagSafe.

PopSocket grips make it so much easier to keep hold of your phone and access all corners of the screen one-handed — which is essential for a phone as big as the 17 Pro Max. I've always felt that they ensure a much sturdier grip of my phone too. This stops the phone taking as many unnecessary tumbles and potentially makes it harder for thieves to snatch it out of my hands.

A PopSocket also functions as a handy stand in certain situations, while the magnetic connection ensures the mount has a strong grip on your phone — all without compromising your ability to take it off later.

UGREEN 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank

Apple's MagSafe connection has opened the door for a whole new range of iPhone accessories, all of which take advantage of the magnetic ring hidden in the back of every modern iPhone.

It also means that portable battery packs now include wireless charging. The magnets ensure the battery securely snaps onto the back of your iPhone, and ensures the charging session continues regardless of how much your phone might move.

There are a lot of possible options to choose from, but my personal favorite is the Ugreen Magnetic Power Bank, which offers 10,000 mAh of power and 20W charging speeds. It's not quite enough to recharge your iPhone 17 Pro Max twice, but it'll get you pretty close — and quickly. All without any wires getting in your way.

Anker Nano II GaN 65W charger

Apple doesn't sell phones with charging bricks anymore, which means you need to go out and buy one for yourself. But the good news is that there are affordable options that are far better than anything Apple would freely give away, like this compact 67W charger from Anker.

The Anker Nano II compact charger measures just 1.65 x 1.65 x 1.42 inches and weighs 5.28 ounces. Which is pretty darn small, and is aided by the fact the connection pins fold away for easy storage. In fact I'm pretty envious of this particular design, because electric plugs here in the U.K. have to be way bigger than those across the Atlantic.

Despite the small size, the charger packs a lot of power, thanks to the Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor inside. GaN chargers can handle higher voltages and produce less heat — allowing chargers to be smaller and lighter than they used to be.

Plus, not only is the 65W charging limit enough to charge your iPhone 17 Pro Max at the fastest possible speeds, it's also enough to power other devices — including iPads and MacBooks.

Belkin 2-in-1 Qi2 Foldable Stand

If you need a stand that does more than simply prop up your phone, then I can personally recommend Belkin's foldable 2-in-1 Qi2 wireless charging stand. This stand is compatible with MagSafe and offers up to 15W charging speeds for your iPhone. The magnetic connection also means you can secure your phone in any position you like, including the horizontal view that activates StandBy Mode.

This particular Belkin stand only charges at 15W, which is lower than the 25W speeds the iPhone 17 Pro Max can handle. However it also comes with a charging pad for compatible AirPods, which enables you to charge both devices at the same time.

Plus, since this is Qi2, rather than MagSafe, it's compatible with even more devices — including Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 (with a case).

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The Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 arrived mere weeks apart, and I can already tell there’s a good chance one or both will end up in our list of the best Android smartwatches of 2026.

As I work toward completing reviews of each, I thought it might be helpful to call out the five biggest differences between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, two fairly evenly spec'd full-feature smartwatches with lots in common.

Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: key differences

Price

Both Samsung and Google upped their pricing compared to last year’s models. While 2025’s Galaxy Watch 8 started at $349, the new Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379.

Likewise, 2025’s Pixel Watch 4 started at $349, but the Pixel Watch 5 now starts at $399. If you’re looking to save some money, you can always go with an older model, as they’re pretty similar to the latest crop.

However, if you’re more of a “latest model or bust” kind of person, the Galaxy Watch 9 is ultimately the (slightly) better value compared to the Pixel Watch 5.

Case design

The Pixel Watch 5, like those before it, is a perfect circle. Available in 41mm or 45mm, the case is primarily constructed of aluminium and boasts a 50-meter water resistance rating.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 case is more of a squarish-circle (Samsung calls it a “cushion” case), a design update introduced with last year’s model. Users can choose 40mm or 44mm, and like the Pixel Watch 5, water resistance is 50 meters.

In terms of construction, the Galaxy Watch boasts a mix of aluminium and composite materials. That said, durability-wise so far, the two feel equally well-built.

Screen design

On paper, it may seem like the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 have fairly comparable screens, and in terms of brightness and panel size, that’s pretty much true. The 41mm Pixel Watch 5 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen while the 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 has a 1.34-inch AMOLED.

The bigger Pixel Watch 5, meanwhile, has a 1.4-inch AMOLED compared to a 1.47-inch panel for the larger Galaxy Watch 9. Max brightness is 3,000 nits across the board, enough for easy viewing in direct sunlight, but that’s where the similarities end.

While the Galaxy Watch 9’s glass is completely flat and surrounded by a thick recessed bezel, the Pixel Watch 5 screen is domed with some slight distortion around the edges and a much smaller bezel.

Which is better? That’s truly a matter of personal preference, but I will say this: the Pixel Watch screen does take a little getting used to. On the other hand, it’s also reminiscent of the domed acrylic crystals of some of my favorite classic mechanical watches, like the Omega Speedmaster, which makes the horology nerd in me smile.

Safety features

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Google Pixel Watch 5 each support basic safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS. However, each device offers some safety features not found on the other.

For example, only the Galaxy Watch 9 offers FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. On the other wrist, only the Pixel Watch 5 supports Loss of Pulse Detection and Google’s new Breathing Emergency Detection feature, both of which can send for help when triggered, similar to fall/cash detection.

Personalized fitness and training tools

Finally, both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Google Pixel Watch 5 are bursting with features to help you improve your physical fitness, including personalized training plans and AI-backed coaching.

However, Samsung’s are free — though you need a Samsung phone to unlock them — while Google’s are paywalled behind the brand’s Google Health Premium plan, which is $10 a month or $100 for the year.

Stay tuned for more comparisons between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Google Pixel Watch 5 as I work on complete reviews of both.

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I run marathons for fun and spend hours of my day sitting down behind a desk — if I didn’t have tight hip flexors, I’d be superhuman. When we talk about tight hip flexors, we’re referring to two different muscles: the iliopsoas and rectus femoris. When these muscles are tight, they remain in a shortened state. This, in turn, can cause reduced hip mobility and lower back pain.

There are some common exercises you can do to help relieve tight hips, including pigeon pose and the 90/90 stretch. While I use both of these in my routine, when I’m short on time, I revert to a simple Pilates exercise instead, as it means my deep core also gets a workout as I release my hips. Read on to find out more.

As a reminder, what works for me might not be right for you and your body. If you’re a complete beginner, you’re pregnant or postpartum, or you’re recovering from an injury, always check in with a medical professional before trying something new.

What is the exercise?

Unlike typical stretches, this exercise works on extending the hip flexor through its full range. This can help undo any tightness and relieve lower back pain. If, like me, you’re a runner, this stretching can also help you restore full range of motion in the hips.

The exercise is the Pilates single-leg stretch. All you’ll need is your body weight, but lying on one of the best yoga mats can help keep things more comfortable.

Here’s how to do it:

• Lie on your back. Peel your head, neck and shoulders off the mat and engage your core, thinking about squeezing your belly button to your spine.
• Raise your legs into tabletop position. Pull your right knee into your chest, holding it with both hands. At the same time, extend your left leg straight out at a 45-degree angle.
• Pause here, holding the stretch, then switch legs in a controlled motion. Try to keep your shoulders and upper back lifted while bracing with your stomach.

During the exercise, think about extending your leg as much as possible, reaching it as far away from your body as you can. I tend to think about someone pulling my leg away from my hip socket. Ensure your lower back stays pressed into your mat throughout the exercise, keeping your core engaged.

What are the benefits?

This is a classic mat Pilates exercise, and, as mentioned above, you’ll be working your deep core and stretching your hip flexors. The extended leg attempts to pull your pelvis forward and arch your lower back. To stop this, your deep transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis have to fire to keep your spine flat on the mat.

At the same time, this dynamic move can help your body practice keeping your pelvis stable as your legs move. This translates directly to working on your gait efficiency while walking and running.

Of course, you’ll also be lengthening your hip flexors and improving mobility in your hips.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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AI assistants can plan vacations, offer productivity support and help organize your day. First, however, you need to choose one, download the app and figure out what to ask it. For those who've already left the workplace and aren't on their computers all day or simply don't want the hassle of logging into an app, "Ask Proxy" is helping to remove that learning curve.

The new personal AI assistant works entirely through text messages and was designed in part for baby boomers who are curious about AI but don’t want to learn how to write prompts. Once it gets to know you, Proxy can even text first with reminders and suggestions based on what is happening in your life.

There’s no app to download and no new interface to figure out. If you already know how to send a text, you know how to use it.

An easier way to try AI

Although my mom is pretty versed in AI (I am her daughter, after all), she couldn't wait to try Ask Proxy, which launched on August 4th. To get started, all she had to do was save Proxy’s phone number (820-732-2625) in her phone and text it "Start."

Yes, it's that simple. Setting up the assistant took less than 20 minutes as it asked her questions about her life including her interests, preferences and the way she makes decisions. She was able to connect her calendar, which is optional, but she has a pretty busy social life, so she was eager to do that.

Once she was logged in, she was able to text Proxy just as she would me or my sister. There are no special commands to remember or prompts to perfect. It's ideal for boomers like her and I felt better knowing she didn't have to log into an app to chat.

Uses for Ask Proxy

Whatever someone might ask ChatGPT, they can Ask Proxy. For example, my mom was looking for a gift for a neighbor's retirement party and Ask Proxy helped her pick out an adorable jewelry box. It can even help with planning vacations or simply respond when my mom needs someone to chat with during the day.

Proxy accepts photos and voice messages too, so users can send a picture of what’s inside the refrigerator rather than typing out a list of ingredients to get a recipe or dinner idea.

That familiarity may be its biggest advantage for older adults. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can handle many of the same requests, but they still require you to open an AI app and start the conversation.

It can text you first

Proxy doesn’t always wait for a question. The assistant uses the information you share, along with your calendar if you connect it, to anticipate what may be coming up.

It could remind you to start planning for a grandchild’s birthday, suggest booking a restaurant before an anniversary or prompt you to coordinate holiday plans while everyone is still available.

I really liked this feature because I've noticed my mom sometimes feels lonely. Even with my sister and me close by, her friends aren't always available. Proxy is a great way to feel connected with a daily joke or weekly dinner conversation. Honestly, since she started using it, my mom seems happier.

Like ChatGPT Memory, the company says Proxy remembers previous conversations and adjusts its recommendations as it learns more about you. Its responses draw from your personal information, a private database of guidance selected by the company and current Google searches.

Is Proxy safe?

Any time you use a personalized AI assistant, sharing details blurs the line. However, Ask Proxy says it does not sell or share personal information, show ads or use conversations to train public AI models. The company also says outside humans do not review messages and recommendations are not influenced by paid placements.

Those are the company’s own privacy claims, and users should still be selective about what they share. I wouldn’t send highly sensitive medical, financial or identification information through a text-based AI service. And if you're an adult child with a senior parent, it's good to remind them of this if they start using the app.

It’s worth remembering that Proxy is still AI. Its recommendations can be inaccurate, even when they sound confident. Advice involving health, money or a family member’s care should be checked with a qualified person.

Also, I noticed the responses are not always quick. Unlike ChatGPT where users get an answer in seconds, sometimes a few minutes go by before a response, much like an actual text conversation.

Bottom line

Ask Proxy includes 15 free messages, giving users a chance to see how the service works before paying. Unlimited text support costs $29 a month. That could be a bit pricey, but keep in mind it just about aligns with Claude Pro and ChatGPT Plus. And while it's slighly more expensive, the AI is selling simplicity (and frankly, peace of mind for adults like me).

For boomers who already use ChatGPT comfortably, Proxy may not offer enough to justify another subscription. Although my mom uses both and enjoys them for different reasons.

I recommend Ask Proxy anyone who has wanted to try AI and felt put off by the setup, texting a familiar phone number could be a far easier place to begin.

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When it comes to the best foldable phones, I strongly prefer flip-style ones for their compact footprint and effortless one-handed use. On top of that, they’re undeniably far more versatile for vlogging than notebook-style foldables, letting me frame shots on the outer cover screen using the superior rear cameras.

For years, I’ve praised Samsung’s flip-style foldables — but this year’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 has me concerned. It’s not just that it represents the most painfully lazy upgrade in the series’ history, but also that Samsung’s focus seems to have largely shifted elsewhere.

Pairing that with the glowing reception for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and it’s clear Samsung is at a tipping point with its Z Flip line. Here’s why.

Motorola has a way more robust selection

Despite being an early pioneer in the space, Motorola lagged behind Samsung for years with its Razr phones, plagued by awkward hinge designs and lackluster performance. But the narrative has shifted dramatically over the last couple of generations.

Instead of treating clamshell foldables as a one-size-fits-all product, Motorola built out a lineup with broader appeal. That strategy has culminated in today's lineup of three clamshell foldables alongside a book-style model. By offering varied price points, Motorola gives consumers the freedom to choose what fits their budget and needs. In contrast, Samsung has stuck to releasing just a single flip phone each generation.

Cameras are not an afterthought

Just as crucially, the Razr Ultra (2026) finally dismantles the long-standing stereotype that Motorola’s flip cameras are an afterthought. With upgraded high-resolution sensors, refined image processing, and superior low-light performance, it no longer forces users to compromise camera quality for pocketability. Just look at some of the snapshots I captured above to see how far Motorola's has come.

No mention of a Galaxy Z Flip FE this time

Perhaps the most glaring absence at Unpacked was any sign of a Galaxy Z Flip FE follow-up. When the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE launched alongside the Z Flip 7 last year, my colleagues and I were highly critical of the move — one we felt wasn't necessary since it was essentially a rebadged Z Flip 6. It certainly didn't help that it still carried a hefty $899 price tag.

Making matters worse, Samsung didn't just stick to minor hardware upgrades for the Flip 8 — it also tacked on a $100 price bump. In my Galaxy Z Flip 8 review, I noted that "Samsung's baby-step approach feels tough to defend."

While the switch back to a flagship Qualcomm chip delivers notable performance gains, I was shocked by the negligible battery life improvements. Instead of adopting the ultra-thin profile of the Z Fold 8 or delivering substantial hardware innovations, the Z Flip 8 feels more like yet another rehash.

I want a Galaxy S27 Ultra Flip

If the Z Flip line is going to survive, Samsung needs to stop playing it safe and introduce a true Ultra model. We’ve seen the company pour top-tier resources into the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Z Fold 8 Ultra — and the flip form factor deserves that exact same flagship treatment.

The most logical candidate would be something along the lines of a Galaxy S27 Ultra Flip. To truly make a statement, it would require an ultra-thin chassis, uncompromising battery life, and, crucially, a versatile triple-camera system that finally brings a dedicated telephoto lens to a Samsung clamshell.

Packing that level of hardware into a flip phone would inevitably command a steeper price tag. But considering what buyers are already willing to shell out for premium competitors like the Razr Ultra (2026), power users and creators would happily pay for a clamshell that refuses to cut corners.

Samsung has reached a critical tipping point with the Z Flip series. Iterative spec bumps and unjustified price hikes won't cut it anymore — the lineup desperately needs a major overhaul to breathe real excitement back into the category.

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The brain doesn't come with an off switch, although I could use one at bedtime. My laptop is asleep, my phone is on do not disturb, but my mind is still buzzing away. These racing thoughts lead to bad sleep and 3 a.m. wake ups.

As Dr. Shelby Harris, psychologist with BetterSleep, explains, there are two big factors behind nighttime stress. And they're things none of us can avoid: the past and the future.

But although I can't power down my mind, Dr. Harris explains that there are ways to press pause on busy thoughts. Her pre-bed hacks are helping me drift off without anxiety. And I've found a way to supercharge her advice.

Key takeaways

• When we're in bed, mental noise fades, leaving you free to worry about the future and overthink the past.
• These anxieties keep the brain engaged, when it should be winding down.
• Simple writing tasks such as to-do lists and gratitude journals can redirect your thoughts to calmer, more sleep-inducing thought patterns.

The 2 factors that keep you awake

"At night, the mental noise of daily life fades and that quiet can actually work against us," says Dr. Harris, behavioral sleep medicine specialist.

Now that humdrum responsibilities aren't keeping the brain occupied, the stage is set for an onslaught of racing thoughts. She breaks it down into two problem areas: regretting the past and worrying about the future.

"Without the distraction of our to-do lists, unresolved thoughts move to the front," explains Dr. Harris. "Regrets about the past pull us into rumination, replaying conversations and decisions on a loop."

That's why that embarrassing moment from third grade you forgot about returns in technicolor when you're tucked up in bed.

And if the past wasn't bad enough, the future can also intrude on your rest.

"Worries about the future do something similar, but in the opposite direction — instead of rehashing what happened, we're mentally rehearsing what might happen, running through scenarios and trying to problem-solve before a problem even exists," says Dr. Shelby.

It's that itchy, restless feeling that compels you out of bed at 3 a.m. to start sending emails.

"Either way, the brain stays cognitively engaged at exactly the moment it needs to be powering down."

How to-do lists and gratitude journaling can help combat 3 a.m. wake ups

We can't just wipe our brains clean at bedtime. But good sleep hygiene can prevent unwanted thoughts from ruining your rest. Dr. Harris recommends adding a simple writing habit to your bedtime routine.

Gratitude journaling can help you stop overthinking the past

Life rarely seems gloomier than at 3 a.m. To help transition your thought patterns to a happier place, Dr. Harris recommends gratitude journaling.

"Gratitude journaling can be helpful because it shifts attention away from threat, unfinished business, and negative thought loops toward more positive or grounding experiences," she explains.

A gratitude journal is a place to write down happy reflections from the day. These can be small things — like that perfect cup of morning coffee — that made you smile.

"For someone whose mind tends to spiral at bedtime, that change in focus may make it easier to disengage from stressful thoughts," says Dr. Harris.

"That said, if journaling becomes another task you feel you have to complete perfectly, it can have the opposite effect. The goal is not to force yourself to think positively, but to give your mind something calmer and less activating to focus on."

To-do lists stop you from worrying about the future

"Writing down what needs to be done can give the brain a sense that those tasks have been captured and don't need to be actively rehearsed," says Dr. Harris.

These to-do lists shouldn't be unwieldy. She recommends keeping it "brief and actionable" rather than turning it into an opportunity to problem solve.

So instead of detailing a 10-step plan to reconfigure your pension, your to-do list will act as a reminder that tomorrow you need to look into your savings.

"I often recommend treating a bedtime to-do list as a way of telling your brain, 'I don't need to solve this right now. It's written down, and I can deal with it tomorrow'," she says.

For college students (or parents of college students), these writing tasks are a good way to stay on top of burgeoning responsibilities and protect your sleep. After all, a study has found sleeping better can increase grades. And I have a hack to make it work even better...

My hack to supercharge your pre-bed ritual

I highly recommend handwriting your to-do lists and gratitude journals — don't just type them into your notes app. Research suggests that handwriting is better than typing for memory retention and it protects you from the bright lights and stimulation of your phone.

But recently I've switched from my trusty notebook to a reMarkable. This tablet and stylus works like a notebook but the final result can be uploaded to your online workspace.

The reMarkable can even read your handwriting and convert it into text. (Although my messy writing has resulted in some mistranslations.)

The big advantage is that I can easily turn my scribbled to-do lists into online documents. This is particularly useful for work-related lists, as I can collate my cluttered evening thoughts into something actionable the next day.

Speaking of clutter; mess is bad for your sleep, as it adds to the sense of unfinished business. Piles of half-scribbled to-do lists are particularly liable to trigger that sense of panic. A tablet like the reMarkable, or a well organized notebook, keeps everything in one tidy place.

Sleep expert's tips for reducing anxiety before bed

Good sleep hygiene is based around activities that you find relaxing, so if to-do lists and gratitude journaling aren't your jam, Dr. Harris has other suggestions to wind-down before bed.

"You can try slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or a quiet, low-stimulation activity," she advises. "I’m also a fan of practicing mindfulness meditation for just five minutes during the day."

She explains that these habits teach you to gently direct your attention away from anxious thoughts, towards a calmer, relaxing headspace.

"Over time, this helps strengthen your ability to let go of busy thoughts, she says. "Practicing during the day can make it easier to do the same thing when your mind starts racing in the middle of the night."

"The broader goal is to reduce cognitive arousal rather than fight with your thoughts — because trying to force yourself to stop thinking can sometimes make those thoughts even more persistent."

Our fave products to help you sleep through the night

At this point, I’m nervous enough not to crack open a box of Teddy Grahams because it might not be safe to eat.

Every time I turn on the news, hop on social media or tune into my favorite morning radio shows, I see more news about a food recall. I’ve been lucky enough to avoid getting explosive diarrhea for the past few summer months after the first big recall, but now it seems like there are other unsafe foods making the rounds.

I wanted to get a primer on the most recent food recalls, learn about the best methods to avoid them & other types of contaminated food and get quick tips on how to remain safe.

To see this mission to a successful completion, I asked ChatGPT to assist me. In the end, it gave me all the helpful information I needed that I’m sure will prove equally useful for you.

The prompt that “fed” me the safety information we all need to know

I wanted to go into my latest health-centered chat with ChatGPT with a prompt that covered all of my requests. I asked the chatbot to refine my simple prompt of “Tell me about the latest food recalls and give me advice on how to remain safe from them.”

Here’s the super descriptive prompt it gave me to produce even better results:

Act as a food-safety researcher and help me identify the most recent food recalls in the United States.

Search the web for recalls announced or updated within the last 30 days, prioritizing authoritative sources such as the FDA, USDA FSIS, CDC, and official manufacturer/retailer notices. Do not rely on social media or unverified reports.

For each significant recall, tell me:

Product name and brand

Reason for the recall

Contaminant or hazard involved, if known

Product codes, lot numbers, UPCs, expiration/use-by dates, or other identifying information

Where the product was sold

Recall date and whether the recall is still active

What consumers should do if they have the product

Whether the product should be returned, discarded, or otherwise handled

Any reported illnesses, injuries, or deaths associated with the recall, if confirmed

Then give me a practical food-safety action plan for avoiding recalled or contaminated food.

Cover:

How often I should check for recalls

The best official websites or alerts to monitor

How to check whether food already in my refrigerator, freezer, or pantry is recalled

How to safely dispose of recalled food

How to prevent cross-contamination

Safe food-storage and cooking practices

What warning signs mean I should contact a healthcare professional after eating a recalled product

Important: Clearly distinguish between confirmed recalls and general food-safety warnings. Include the date of every source you use and direct links to the original government or manufacturer announcement. If you cannot verify a claim through a reliable source, say so rather than guessing.

Finally, give me a "What I should check right now" section with the 5 most important actions I can take today.

The most important current recalls and following a practical food-safety action plan

Once I input this prompt into ChatGPT, it took on its role as my digital food-safety researcher with pride.

On the topic of the most recent and significant food recalls, it mentioned Cyclospora being linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, E. coli being linked to GreenWise frozen blueberries and Salmonella being linked to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs as the ones I really need to be clued in on. It also pointed out recalls that are specific to my region, such as undeclared allergens being linked to Eridanous shortbread and coconut sprinkles cookies.

As for the sensible actions I should take to remain safe, ChatGPT gave me the sort of common-sense advice that everyone else and I most likely practice already. Disposing of any recalled food I may still have, keeping my refrigerator & freezer at the proper temperature for food storage and preventing cross-contamination by keeping certain foods apart came up as those sorts of tips.

But I did make sure to take note of the chatbot’s tip regarding how often I should check for food recalls. Simply checking the official sites for the FDA, FSIS, FoodSafety.gov and CDC weekly should help me stay informed.

Another aspect of ChatGPT’s information breakdown is how it made a clear distinction between a recall and a general warning:

A recall means a specific product has been identified for removal, and the notice normally gives you matching information such as brand, product, package size, UPC, lot code, or date.

A public-health/outbreak advisory is broader. It may tell you that an investigation is underway even before investigators can identify every affected product.

For example, FDA's current Cyclospora investigation is an ongoing outbreak investigation, while Taylor Farms has issued a specific recall. Likewise, the frozen-blueberry E. coli investigation is ongoing, but the affected GreenWise products have been specifically recalled.

The takeaway

ChatGPT laid out all the data, sources and vital safety tips I needed to know—keeping my gut safe by prompting a chatbot to bring me up to speed on food recalls worked out great. For the time being, shopping at Lidl, eating GreenWise frozen blueberries & mixed berries and picking up sort of lettuce marked by the Taylor Farms logo just isn’t the way to go. As we move into the cooler months of the year, I’ll be using everything ChatGPT gave me from this healthy conversation to stay out of the intensive care unit.

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I was sold on armless sunglasses from my first run using them, simply because the secure fit provided by the cord immediately rules out the biggest problem I have with running sunnies, which is that they bounce or slip down your nose when you get sweaty.

The only reason I haven’t been using the Ombraz Refugio more often since I first tested them is that I prefer to use prescription running sunglasses over contacts, so when the chance arose to try the Ombraz Teton with prescription lenses, I jumped at it.

I’ve run 200 miles in three weeks using the glasses, as well as using them for bike rides, strength workouts and general use. They don’t come cheap, but I’ve been highly impressed with the sunglasses — here are my likes and dislikes.

Like #1: The fit is rock solid and quick to adjust

The best running sunglasses have to provide a reliable fit to be of any use, and it’s not easy to find a design that fits every face using nosepads and sticky or adjustable arms.

Ombraz’s glasses sidestep these issues thanks to the cord that attaches directly to the frame, which you can tighten quickly and easily using the two toggles.

I found that I didn’t need to have the cord that tight for a bounce-free fit, even during my hardest runs. This means there was no pressure on the back or sides of my head, and I never had to push the Teton glasses back up during runs.

If you’re constantly frustrated by sunglasses slipping or bouncing during runs, especially on trails where I find downhills can make otherwise secure sunnies slip, then this armless design could be the answer.

A bonus of not having to constantly adjust the glasses during runs is that you don’t get sweaty fingerprints on the lenses.

Like #2: I haven’t had any fogging during runs

The Teton glasses have large flat lenses that don’t wrap close to the face. This is a downside in some respects, as I’ll come onto later, but it does mean there’s space for air to flow around them.

This means I’ve not noticed any fogging during hot, sweaty runs, even indoors on the treadmill, which can be another common problem with sports sunglasses.

Like #3: Photochromic prescription lenses are ideal for year-round use

I opted for photochromic lenses with the Teton glasses, which isn’t an option with every prescription Ombraz style but is well worth it for me as a runner in the UK who is regularly under tree and cloud cover.

The lenses darken quickly in the sun but are completely clear when running indoors on the treadmill and react rapidly when I train in my local forest, moving from sun to shadow and dappled light.

I’ve been testing the sunglasses during a heatwave and can also vouch for the fact that they are dark enough for me in bright sunlight, but if you are more focused on reducing glare and just blocking out the sun, other lens options might suit you better.

Like #4: They’re easy to pack

The corded style of the glasses means that they pack pretty much completely flat, and they come with a padded pouch to store them in.

I’ve been on a couple of trips while testing the glasses, and they slip easily into the side pocket of my rucksack and can be thrown into a suitcase without fear of damaging the arms, because there aren’t any.

Like #5: The style isn’t too sporty

While I like the look of very sporty wraparound sunglasses when I’m running, they’re not the best to use outside my training, whereas the Ombraz Teton are good-looking sunnies for general use that happen to be great for runs.

They are quite large, which is the case for most of the Ombraz line-up, but I like a larger style with my sunglasses.

Dislike #1: The price for prescription is much higher

Ombraz sunglasses don’t come cheap in general, but the $160 you pay for a standard set of the Teton isn’t really out of line with many top sunglasses brands.

However, if you do want to get prescription lenses, the price rises very sharply. You shop via Lens & Frame Co and the quality of the lenses is great, but the cost of the Teton rises to $420 for standard glasses, $520 for sunglasses, or $570 for photochromic lenses.

This kind of price rise for prescription sports sunglasses isn’t that uncommon, but there are great options I’ve tested that cost a lot less if you don’t need the cordless design, like Zenni Optical’s Zunnies line-up.

Dislike #2: They’re not full wraparound lenses

As I mentioned above, the flat lenses on the Teton mean they are easy to pack safely, but at times on the run, I noticed I had to turn to get a full view of things in my peripheral vision.

I often run on a bike path, for example, and have to turn my head right around to check that no one is coming up behind me, whereas wraparound styles give you a wider field of vision.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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As we age, our bone density gradually declines. For women especially, this can be more dramatic, with women losing up to 20% of their bone density in the years following menopause. Left unmanaged, this can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, leaving bones brittle and prone to breaking should you fall.

Luckily, there is a simple solution to slow down and even reverse this loss. Bones are living tissues that adapt to physical stress, so when you strength train, whether that be with a set of the best adjustable dumbbells or just your bodyweight, your muscles contract and pull on your tendons. This tugging force causes the cells inside bones (osteocytes) to trigger bone-building cells (osteoblasts).

Yet if you’re new to exercise or returning following an extended break, it can be tricky to know where to start. Below, we turn to a personal trainer who specializes in training seniors, Janet Osbourne, who shares a quick five-minute workout to add to your routine.

What is the workout?

All you’ll need for this workout is a chair and a set of weights. You can check out the best adjustable dumbbells for working out at home, but as a reminder, the right weight for you will feel challenging, but not impossible, by the final few reps. If you don’t have weights, just use your bodyweight for this workout, and you’ll still get a great workout.

Ensure the chair is sturdy and doesn't have wheels. While this workout is suitable for most people, if you’re currently working out with an injury, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.

Here are the different exercises:

• 50 dumbbell chair taps: Hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand in front of your chair. Plant both feet on the floor and engage your core, thinking about squeezing your belly button into your spine. Keeping your back straight, lift one leg to tap your foot on the chair, then return it to your starting position. Repeat on the other leg, and keep alternating sides until you’ve completed 50 reps.
• 40 sit-to-stand squats: You can do this with or without dumbbells. Standing in front of your chair, bend your knees and push your butt back to lower down into the seat. Don’t fully sit down; once your glutes tap the chair, push through your feet to return to your starting position. Here’s how many reps you need to complete for your leg strength to be considered "elite."
• 30 heel raises: Stand behind the chair while holding onto the backrest for support. Raise onto your tiptoes, completing the calf raise, then drop your heels down to the floor with a firm landing — as Osbourne points out, this gentle impact will help stimulate your bones.
• 20 bent-over rows: Sit down in your chair and hinge your torso forward slightly, keeping your core engaged. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, extend your arms to the floor. Bending at your elbows, row the dumbbells up toward your torso, pause for a few seconds at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbells back to your starting position. This exercise works your arms and the muscles that support your spine in the lower back.
• 10 overhead presses: Sit in your chair with your back straight and engage your core. Starting with your dumbbells at your shoulders and your elbows bent, raise the dumbbells toward the ceiling, straightening your arms. Pause at the top, then bring the dumbbells back to your starting position.
• 20 seconds of foot taps: You won’t need your dumbbells for this exercise. Sit on the edge of your chair, holding onto the seat for support. Quickly lift and lower your feet, tapping them on the ground. “It’s a simple way to add a little bone-friendly impact,” Osbourne says.

What are the benefits?

All of these exercises put physical stress on the tendons in the upper and lower body. The exercises might seem simple at first, but by using the chair for support, you’ll be completing a full strength training workout. The squats and heel raises will build strength in the hip sockets and femurs, whereas the seated rows and overhead presses help strengthen the spine.

As well as strengthening your bones, workouts like this one will also help strengthen the surrounding muscle groups, tendons, and connective tissues, all of which stabilize the joints. This can help improve your overall stability, helping reduce falls that can cause fractures.

Finally, while this workout is low impact, the firm landing with heel taps and foot taps, as well as the resistance of the dumbbells, help stimulate bone growth without overstressing aging joints.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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If you’ve heard anything at all about OLED TVs, it’s probably at least one of two things: their picture quality is incredible, and apparently, they’re not as bright as LCD TVs.

While both of these things can be true, it’s worth unpacking that second point. Yes, OLED TVs are, on average, dimmer than LCD-based sets. But many of the best OLED TVs are getting brighter every year, and depending on the model in question (and the viewing environment it resides in), an OLED TV could hold up just fine.

With this in mind, let’s get to the bottom of OLED brightness once and for all. These marvelously designed TVs deserve to be understood if you’re shopping for a proper living-room upgrade. Here are three things to remember.

1. Affordable, entry-level OLEDs are often the dimmest

As mentioned, great strides have been made in the area of OLED brightness in recent years, but due to their reliance on organic material, OLEDs are still dimmer than LCD/LED, relatively speaking. It oughtn’t come as a surprise that, with few exceptions, the more affordable an OLED TV is, the lower its peak brightness.

LG’s latest entry-level model — the B6 OLED — is a fantastic avenue for folks who want to lock down OLED-driven performance without spending oodles of cash. The 65-inch LG B6 is $1,699 at Best Buy, which is one of the lowest prices you’ll see on a 2026 OLED TV in this size.

But there’s a catch. According to our test results, the B6 tops out at around 800 nits of brightness — and that’s just for small, concentrated highlights that flash on the screen. As an OLED TV, its presentation is still eye-poppingly good in dimly lit and darkened rooms, but in a sun-soaked environment, your eyes probably won’t pop.

If you do most of your TV-watching during the day (or in a room that produces a ton of ambient light), you might be better off spending roughly the same amount of money on an LCD/LED TV that specializes in a bright, punchy picture.

The TCL QM7L is a souped-up, mid-range Mini-LED TV with a ton of horsepower under its hood. We clocked this TV’s peak highlight brightness at around 2,300 nits, but crucially, it’s full-screen brightness is far greater than that of LG’s entry-level OLED.

Now, the QM7L isn’t perfect, and the B6 is priced higher for a reason. The QM7L can’t render perfect black levels, nor is it entirely free of haloing when bright objects collide with dark backdrops. There is a visual texture to the B6 (and all OLEDs) that even the best Mini-LED TVs can’t quite replicate.

But it’s important to remember that there are many ins and outs when comparing a mid-range LED TV like the QM7L to an entry-level OLED. The same can be said when comparing high-end LED TVs to mid-range and flagship-level OLEDs.

2. High-end OLEDs are the brightest

The Samsung S95H is one of the brightest OLEDs we’ve ever tested. In HDR, we clocked the S95H at an impressive 2,700 to 2,800 nits. When combined with the inky-black patina OLEDs are known for, this sort of brightness practically crackles across the screen.

But remember: These measurements reflect highlight brightness. In other words, they’re communicating the level of brightness you might see during a night sequence in a movie where street lights are punctuating a dark city street, or the sparkling dapples of sunlight dancing on a body of water.

If you plop down on the couch to watch the news or an episode of “SportsCenter,” the S95H you won’t be watching 2,000+ nits of brightness. Despite its flagship-level pedigree, the S95H’s average picture brightness (that is, the amount of brightness produced by the entire screen) is nowhere near what you’d experience on a similarly priced, flagship-level LED TV.

Nevertheless, the S95H is a brightness beast compared to the modest trappings of LG’s entry-level B6. In between these two models lies the mid-range class, and these OLEDs might strike the proper balance for some people.

3. Mid-range OLEDs are bright enough for most rooms

Mid-range OLEDs like the LG C6 and Samsung S90H don’t dole out highlight brightness quite like a top-shelf model, but they tend to be significantly brighter than entry-level OLEDs. In terms of their average full-screen brightness, they unsurprisingly sit somewhere between low-end and high-end OLED TVs.

For most people, this is plenty bright for everyday viewing. As long as your living space isn’t drenched in sunlight during the day, a mid-range model like the LG C6 is likely to be just fine, regardless of what you’re watching and when.

This year, Samsung’s mid-range S90H comes with a feature that might make it a more enticing option if you’re still concerned about OLED brightness: a glare-free screen.

If you're especially concerned, seek out a glare-free OLED TV

All TV brands take measures to reduce the impact of glare on their TV screens, but matte-style displays are quickly becoming a highly sought-after feature among viewers who seek to lessen the impact of light on their precious OLED picture. Right now, Samsung is the only OLED-maker applying this heavy-duty, matte-style finish to its OLED TVs.

For a few years, this feature could only be found on Samsung's top-shelf, flagship-level OLED. This year, the feature has made its way down to the mid-range class.

Samsung's Glare-Free display does a remarkable job at blunting the impact of direct glare, as it successfully squashes blobs of light into light smears of next-to-nothingness.

It's not everyone's cup of tea. You see, by scattering light so effectively, Samsung's Glare-Free finish tends to lift the picture's black levels in the presence of ambient light. Darker content often looks purplish-gray while the matte-style screen is doing its thing, and for some people, this can diminish the quintessentially inky appearance of an OLED TV. For this reason, I appreciate the less-intense look of LG and Sony's glare-fighting glossy OLED screens.

There's no formula for any of this decision-making, but a good rule of thumb is as follows: If you're really worried about the performance of an OLED in your living space — either because of the amount of daytime TV-watching you do or the level of lighting therein — you ought to consider an LED TV before diving into the OLED lifestyle.

If you're planning on shopping for a top-shelf OLED TV with tons of brightness, or even a mid-range model, you'll probably be fine unless your TV sits below a skylight or right next to several windows.

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There was a time not too long ago when a 32GB smartphone felt perfectly workable — potentially even spacious. Fast forward to today and apps have gotten bigger, cameras have become larger, and routine software updates now eat entire gigabytes on their own.

32GB has gone from seeming totally normal (even luxurious) to looking absurdly stingy. I think 256GB laptops are heading in the same direction.

In 2026, plenty of otherwise excellent laptops start with 256GB of storage, despite many of the best smartphones offering the same amount. At first, 256GB might be enough, but after months or years of apps, photos, downloads, and updates, that breathing room is just... gone.

And when it does go, Windows 11 and macOS have a very convenient answer waiting in the wings: move more of your stuff into the cloud — and, sooner or later, start paying for it.

256GB isn’t tiny — and that’s exactly the problem

The funny part, if we can call it that, is that 256GB can feel perfectly comfortable for those who live inside a browser. But there's a difference between having enough storage and having enough room to grow.

We’ve previously said that 256GB is the bare minimum you should look for in a general-purpose laptop, and that increasingly feels spot on in 2026.

It’s definitely enough to get by, but it doesn’t leave you with a huge amount of headroom for the future. In a world where a single Spotify playlist with 1,000 songs can take up nearly 10GB of space, bigger is better.

You can actually see the shift happening elsewhere in the market: Apple’s latest MacBook Air now starts with 512GB, an upgrade we welcomed, while many budget laptops continue to stick with 256GB to keep their prices down.

There is, of course, some nuance to this picture. A cheap Chromebook or secondary laptop definitely doesn’t need a huge SSD, and with memory prices soaring, buying decisions are becoming harder than ever.

But for a laptop you expect to use as your main computer for the next five-plus years, 256GB looks less like a specification and more like a compromise.

Your laptop can last years, but its storage can’t grow with it

At a basic level, storage is one of the few parts of a laptop that can become more restrictive simply through normal use.

Photos, downloads, apps, offline media, assorted files, and everything else you acquire from day to day gradually pile up, while the SSD you bought on day one stays the same size. This situation is less of a problem if you can simply replace the SSD later.

Some Windows laptops, like the excellent Framework models, still make that relatively straightforward, but plenty of thin-and-light notebooks — including MacBooks — effectively lock you into whatever capacity you choose at checkout.

Conveniently, there’s a subscription for that

Running low on storage is less painful than it used to be, mainly because Windows and macOS are extremely good at pushing files to the cloud.

OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature, for example, lets files remain visible in File Explorer without actually taking up space, while macOS can automatically move less frequently used files into iCloud when space starts running low.

There's no denying that these are genuinely useful features that save people a lot of hassle; having to actively choose what to delete is tough, and decision paralysis is real.

The problem comes when cloud storage starts compensating for your laptop's limited built-in storage.

Both OSes make that transition remarkably easy: You fill the SSD, move more into the cloud, and eventually find yourself paying for extra capacity. Almost without noticing, an understandable hardware compromise becomes yet another subscription.

Cloud storage also isn’t a like-for-like replacement for local storage. Apps, games, caches, and plenty of other files still need SSD space, while online-only files naturally depend on an internet connection.

AI is making the obvious solution harder

The obvious answer would be for 512GB to become the new baseline. Unfortunately, 2026 is turning out to be a pretty terrible year for that transition.

As you might have read, the RAMageddon is also putting pressure on the storage inside our laptops, as well as consoles, tablets, smartphones, and, well, pretty much every consumer device.

Data centres need vast amounts of memory and storage to keep AI services running, and that extra demand is making the components used in consumer SSDs more expensive too.

We’ve already seen how the wider memory crunch is affecting the laptop market, with manufacturers facing higher component costs and difficult decisions over where to make compromises. Even usually unflappable giants like Apple are raising prices across the board.

All of this makes sticking with 256GB easier to understand, even if it doesn’t make it any more appealing. The 256GB laptop isn’t obsolete yet. But, like the 32GB phone before it, its days as an acceptable default should be numbered.

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Entering a total state of zen without your worries disturbing your peace for just a few seconds feels incredible.

I may not get to it as much as I’d like to. But when I do get the chance to calm my nerves and leave the stresses of the world behind, I cherish those moments. One of the annual holidays that encapsulates that sense of tranquility is National Relaxation Day. The fact that it just so happens to fall on a Saturday this year is perfect since it’s always my chosen day to unwind.

With my goal of adopting the best methods that will help me unwind on National Relaxation Day and beyond, I presented two challenges to ChatGPT and Gemini: find me the 10 best ways to relax without spending any money and suggest some unorthodox relaxation methods I can try.

Both chatbots met my inquiry with a bunch of valuable relaxation techniques that are instantly recognizable and a few that I never even knew existed. I made a conscious effort to implement them into my National Relaxation Day chill sessions and bookmark them for my future lazy Saturdays.

ChatGPT and Gemini’s ultimate relaxation recommendations

National Relaxation Day is all about encouraging everyone to simply slow down and unwind as much as possible. With that theme in mind, I approached ChatGPT and Gemini with the sole purpose of discovering the best ways to loosen up and boost my positive mental state. First up are ChatGPT’s suggestions, which led me to add five winning methods to my batch of restoration procedures:

• Practice deep breathing: Try the 4-7-8 technique. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, then exhale for 8. Repeat several times.
• Have a “low-information hour”: No news, social media, email, podcasts, or scrolling. You can still read, walk, cook, stretch, or listen to music—just don't consume information.
• Have a fake vacation in your own neighborhood: Walk somewhere you've never explored, sit somewhere unfamiliar, and pretend you're a tourist for an hour.
• Write an aggressively unproductive to-do list: Put things like “stare out the window,” “make a ridiculous sandwich,” and “lie down for 15 minutes” on the list. Then check them off.
• Have a “bad art” session: Draw, paint, or doodle with the explicit goal of making something terrible. Removing the pressure to be good can make the activity much more relaxing.

The first, second, fourth and fifth relaxation tips that ChatGPT put forth worked like a charm during the time I spent indoors. Standing in place while practicing that signature breathing technique, turning my “low-information hour” into a two-hour one, adding “look up at the ceiling while listening to the sounds of crashing waves” to my unproductive to-do list and doodling like I used to do in grade school all put me at peace.

Tip number three paid off for me once I decided to step outside and walk aimlessly for an hour to see parts of my neighborhood I’d never been to before.

As for Gemini’s offering of relaxation processes, there were two that stood out to me the most:

• Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This is a highly effective physical reset. Lie down, close your eyes, and starting from your toes, intentionally tense each muscle group for a few seconds before completely releasing it. Work your way all the way up to your face and jaw.
• EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique): Tapping involves using your fingertips to tap on specific meridian points on your head, face, and collarbone while repeating a phrase about whatever is stressing you out. It looks a bit silly to an observer, but it combines cognitive therapy (acknowledging the stressor) with somatic physical feedback. The rhythmic tapping sends calming signals to the amygdala—the stress center of your brain—telling it that you are safe, even while thinking about a stressful subject.

Both of those physical methods did more for my physical and mental well-being than I expected. I may have felt a little silly tapping my forehead while shouting out, “Watching my parents get older is really getting to me,” but this practice proved to be useful, as it gave me a central stress point to focus on while I soothed my head with soft taps.

Final thoughts

My National Relaxation Day was filled with a bevy of worthwhile techniques that made me feel a whole lot better than I usually do. Thanks to ChatGPT and Gemini, I learned about a few common and uncommon relaxation methods that will remain a permanent part of my chill Saturday sessions.

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There are lots of walking trends, including fart walking, the Hot Girl Walk, and ChiWalking, which is the same as Tai Chi walking.

I'm not made for meditation in its traditional sense, so I'm always looking for ways to boost mindfulness without sitting and breathing with my legs crossed. A while ago, I stumbled across ChiWalks and loved trying it; I've noticed recently it's trending up again, so I wanted to revisit.

Here’s what the walking method means, how to do it, and the benefits for your body.

What is Tai Chi walking?

I checked out ChiLiving, which claims the goal is to improve posture, increase joint mobility and engage the core muscles while reducing aches and pains associated with poor walking mechanics.

But aside from these physical benefits, the goal is to walk purposefully, slowly and with a focus on shifting your weight across your body, which promotes better balance, control, awareness and lower-body stability.

Tai chi is low-impact, which is perfect for those with limited mobility, and has its roots in Chinese martial arts, "meditation in motion." It could help you stay active, hit your daily step count and increase mindfulness and mobility.

How to do Tai Chi walking

Tai Chi walks vary in style, but here are a few basic tips for beginners:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointed slightly out to create a "bow stance"
• Engage your core and draw your navel in, then softly bend into your knees and keep your body loose
• Stand tall through your spine. Slowly, step forward with one foot and roll from heel to toes, shifting your weight forward and grounding your foot, then rocking back into the back leg, keeping the knees bent.
• Keep the knees slightly externally rotated to protect your joints
• Step back. Practice on both sides, slightly stepping outward and opening up the hips. Your hands can be behind your back or on your hips
• In the video, your teacher explains a few different fundamentals you can practice.

My verdict

If you enjoy more vigorous styles of walking, this might not seem like it's for you, but I'd argue you could be the target audience. From experience, sometimes the things we don't want are the very things we need most. For me and my frenetic brain, that's to slow down from time to time.

It’s slow and mindful, like a walking meditation, and yes, it can feel a little boring (sorry, Tai Chi lovers), but if you go in with the purpose of taking a little time out from your desk or just as a light activity before bedtime, you can actually settle into it.

The most obvious benefit for me was then, and still is, ankle mobility. On both tries with Tai Chi walking, the slow, deliberate steps and the shifting of balance from left to right sides make me focus on my lower body and, in turn, relieve ankle tightness.

This also helps me tune into what my body is doing, improving proprioception (my body's awareness of space), helping me stay present in the moment while my attention is on my foot-ground connection.

You could do Tai Chi walks anywhere, but I recommend finding somewhere peaceful, like your garden or local park, where you can focus.

I found it useful for slowing down during walks and for improving core activation and lower-body mobility; the slower you move, the more you test balance and stability. However, it didn't improve my posture or walking gait, though it did help me open my hips and knees a little.

Regardless, easing stress helps the body stay in the parasympathetic nervous system state of rest and repair more often, which is great for your mind, but also, walking is a low-impact, accessible way to avoid prolonged sedentary time, helping you burn off extra energy and contributing toward a healthy metabolism. So, there isn't much reason not to give this walking method a go.

Overall, it helped me remember why I enjoyed it the first time: slowing down. Why not add a little Tai Chi to your next walk?

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

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As someone with the attention span of a goldfish, I’m all for the screenless health tracker trend. Being able to keep track of all of my health and fitness goals without the buzz of notifications on my wrist is a must, and I’ve been wearing Garmin’s new $199 Cirqa for the past three weeks to do just that.

You can read my colleague Dan’s full Garmin Cirqa review here, but below, I look at how well I think the Cirqa compares to the Google Fitbit Air or the Oura Ring 5. Here are three things I like, and three things I wish Garmin had done differently.

3 things I like

Part of Garmin’s ecosystem

A screenless tracker is only as good as its app, and I really love the Garmin Connect experience. Sure, it’s not perfect (I still find it confusing that Garmin hides a lot of its tracking in the ‘more’ tab — that’s why we’re here, Garmin!), but having used it for years, it’s familiar, and it gives you an awful lot of data.

It’s also handy if you already have a Garmin device, as you can sync the Cirqa and still keep track of scores like Body Battery and sleep, even if you’re not wearing your main device.

Garmin has made it, and will continue to make it, super easy to connect more than one device to the Connect app. Plus, compared to the Fitbit Air, you don’t really need to pay for Garmin Connect to get all of your data.

I personally think one of the most impressive elements of the Fitbit Air is the Gemini-powered health coach, which really is one of the best I’ve tested, but this feature will cost you $9.99 a month. The Oura Ring 5 also has an excellent app, but comes with an ongoing subscription fee of $5.99 per month.

The physical button

One thing that sets the Cirqa apart from the Fitbit Air or the Oura Ring 5 is the physical button on its side. At the launch event in London, Garmin said this design decision came back to Garmin’s DNA — Garmin knows its users don’t want to miss a minute of health tracking, and this includes the seconds it can take for a tracker to auto-detect your workout.

This button is automatically set up to start and stop a ‘timed activity’, but you can customize which workout type it starts in the app.

Heart rate accuracy and health tracking

Our resident heart rate expert, Nick Harris-Fry, was impressed with the Heart Rate accuracy of the Cirqa in his testing. While it may not be as precise as a dedicated chest-mounted heart rate sensor, it comes pretty close. I’ve always found chest-mounted bands super irritating to wear with a sports bra, so this is music to my ears.

The Cirqa also measures your skin temperature, which can be used for female health tracking, plus the Garmin Cirqa is compatible with Natural Cycles, one of the most popular women's health apps for tracking fertility, postpartum health, and perimenopause. While the Oura Ring also works with Natural Cycles, the Fitbit Air does not support it at this time.

3 things I don’t like

The strap itself

I have pretty petite wrists, and my main issue with the Garmin Cirqa compared to the Fitbit Air or Oura Ring 5 is that it’s pretty bulky on the wrist and not all that comfortable. If I’m wearing a screenless tracker, I want it to disappear, and the Cirqa just doesn’t.

Plus, while I love the color of my purple band, I find it stays wet for a long time. If I’m wearing it for a swimming workout, fine, but I’ve resorted to taking the Cirqa off for a shower, as having a wet fabric band around my wrist when I sit down at my desk is not fun.

The price

At $199, the Cirqa is $100 more than the Fitbit Air, which is a lot of money. Sure, you don’t need the ongoing subscription with the Cirqa in the same way I think you do with the Fitbit Air, but it’s still double the price. I’d personally spend $50 more and buy the Garmin Forerunner 70 and have a screen and onboard GPS, but I get that these are aimed at different users.

That said, the Cirqa is far cheaper than the likes of Whoop or Oura.

Lack of on-board GPS

As mentioned above, there’s no on-board GPS on the Cirqa, so you’ll have to take your phone with you if you want a map of where you’ve walked or run. That said, this isn’t really a fair criticism, as at the time of writing, none of the screenless trackers, including the Whoop 5.0, Oura Ring 5, or Fitbit Air, have built-in GPS.

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When I built my first PC last year, the sheer terror of plugging everything in correctly almost broke me. Mistakes were made and I’m definitely not going to have a personal expert making sure I don’t do something wrong like I did back then!

That’s something I learned when I built my second PC over the summer. There’s a whole bunch of conflicting advice on how to make building a breeze, so who can I turn to?

I didn't go to a standard YouTube tutorial. I went to Robbin Snijders (known by his artistic alter ego ‘warbb’) — the mad genius who just built 'Yuga,’ a 353-pound, $34,000 cube of pure technological terror powered by dual RTX 5090s.

Meet Yuga

This has been nearly a year in the making, and as you can see from the size of it, this is a beast. So big in fact, you need to remove doors and push it into places in a crate like it’s King Kong.

It is a 32 x 32-inch cube that weighs 353 pounds — each element 3D printed to the most precise millimeter to fit together and tell this visual story of technology colliding with art. Honestly, I’d spend most of my time just looking at it, but let’s open the hood!

Inside, you’ve got two RTX 5090s, a high-end Asus ProArt motherboard to handle all that horsepower, and a 5,500 watt power supply to keep it all alive…yep, you read that right. At full load, you’ll be using the power equivalent of seven microwave ovens or 55 standard 55-inch LED TVs running simultaneously.

Keeping it cool is the largest Noctua fan I’ve ever seen at 200mm — something that I’m sure could keep me cool while I’m sleeping. In total, if you were to make this yourself with the components, the custom case and the design work, this would cost you roughly $34,000.

But how does it perform? We ran Maxon Cinema 4D, one of the most advanced 3D animation apps on the market, without a single hitch. Snijders showed me the file used to virtually build this machine, which contained over 300 layers and nothing slowed down.

Moving over to Cinebench, all that power came together to deliver a benchmark score that is roughly 3.5x faster than the fastest system we’ve ever tested at Tom’s Guide: the M3 Ultra Mac Studio.

What advice can we learn from this genius?

So before I start dreaming up elaborate heist plans to steal this system for myself, let’s be honest. The vast majority of you reading this will not get (or even need) a PC of this magnitude. But the artistry here does show off some key disciplines that you need if you want to build a tower of your own.

Because if one thing is becoming clear — in this challenging time of memory prices, going the DIY route is the best way to go for your wallet. So I spoke to Snijders about what advice he’d give to first-time builders that he used in crafting this masterpiece.

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Vinegar is one of the most popular cleaning products. We use it to clean windows, deep clean toilets and appliances, and it even has a place in the garden for killing weeds.

But this versatile product can easily be confused, so I asked cleaning pros what the difference is between cleaning vinegar and white distilled vinegar, and how they should be used.

Cleaning vinegar vs white distilled vinegar

“Cleaning vinegar in its simplest form is a stronger acidic vinegar than white vinegar,” explains Sara Aparacio, resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow.

“Most bottles and descriptions list cleaning vinegar as having around 6% acetic acid and white vinegar as 5%. That 1% might not sound like a whole lot, but when you’re using it, you can really see and feel the 20% increase in concentration.”

Food safe vs non-food safe

But it isn’t just the strength that differs. “White vinegar is often suitable for pickling; cleaning vinegar isn’t made to a food-safe standard and contains impurities and additives that aren’t meant to be consumed,” explains Aparacio.

And that’s why cleaning vinegar should never be placed in your pantry by mistake.

Katie Lambert, owner of Clean Queen of Denver, explains that it has not been through the distillation process, so it still contains impurities that are usually removed from white vinegar.

To reiterate, she says, “Cleaning vinegar cannot be used to cook, because the acidity is too high and there are impurities and additives that make it unsafe for consumption.”

Although there are obvious differences when comparing each vinegar’s label information, Aparacio says the differences are much clearer when it comes to their cleaning power.

Which type of vinegar can be used for cleaning?

Both cleaning vinegar and distilled white vinegar can be used for cleaning, but Lambert warns against using other types. “Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar can leave stains, rice vinegar leaves a sticky finish, and malt vinegar smells terrible and can stain surfaces.”

How to use cleaning and white vinegar

For cleaning, Lambert recommends mixing one part vinegar with one part water, but adds that cleaning vinegar and white vinegar are best for different jobs.

Cleaning vinegar can handle tougher stains and is best at removing grease, soap scum and mold.

Distilled vinegar can be used for regular cleaning, such as tackling glass, counters and other surfaces, and it can also be used to remove odors.

How to stay safe when using vinegar

“For distilled white vinegar, you really don’t need any extra protection,” says Lambert. “Just try to avoid getting it in your eyes and make sure that the room is ventilated”

However, she says you need to take extra care when using cleaning vinegar. “I highly recommend wearing gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin, because you have to remember you are working with an acid — you want to avoid chemical burns.”

You’ll also need to ensure the room is well-ventilated; unlike distilled vinegar, the higher concentration of acetic acid makes it much more pungent.

You should also consider where you store your vinegars. “I’d always make sure to label it and keep cleaning vinegar away from food preparation areas, or at least keep it separate from other vinegars so they don’t get mixed up,” says Aparacio.

Don't make this toxic mistake

“Absolutely never mix cleaning vinegar, or any vinegar, with bleach!” warns Aparacio.

When bleach and acetic acid mix, a chemical reaction releases chlorine. When inhaled, the toxic gas can cause severe lung, eye and throat damage.

What to avoid cleaning with vinegar

While cleaning vinegar can be used on lots of household surfaces, it should be avoided when cleaning natural stone, grout, cast iron, unpainted wood, rubber, and electrical surfaces. “The acid in vinegar can corrode and damage certain materials, “ explains Lambert.

When is distilled vinegar better than cleaning vinegar?

“You can use the white vinegar for everyday cleaning because it’s non-toxic and safe to consume,” says Lambert, “Especially on places like kitchen counters or to clean the inside of a fridge. ”

It’s also more suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces, such as tile grout or plastic, as the lower acidity makes it less likely to damage the surface.

Lambert also shares that distilled white vinegar is suitable to use as a laundry softener, as it’s less likely to damage fibers in clothes than using cleaning vinegar.

It can also be used to remove some stains on clothing, such as sweat and deodorant marks and light yellowing on white fabrics, but according to Laundry Heap, it doesn’t work well on grease or oil, blood, ink, dye or old or heat-set stains.

Its gentler nature also makes it safe to use around pets. “If you need to clean their play area or neutralize odors, I’d stick to distilled white vinegar in case they lick the area,” she says.

When to use cleaning vinegar

Cleaning vinegar is the powerhouse of vinegars and is suitable for tough chores. Aparacio shares that it really gets to work on bathroom limescale and soap residue.

“You can quickly create a powerful cleaning solution by mixing equal parts cleaning vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This can then be sprayed onto the glass and wiped down,” she says.

Make an all-purpose bathroom cleaner
What’s more, if your bathroom has ceramic tile, porcelain or painted walls, you can use cleaning vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner. She suggests mixing one part cleaning vinegar, one part dish soap, with two parts water into a spray bottle. “The solution can then be sprayed onto surfaces and is amazing at cleaning soap scum and grime,” she says.

Clearing blocked drains
Cleaning vinegar can also be used to clean and freshen clogged drains. Aparacio explains, “Pour at least one quart of boiling water down the drain, then, in a medium bowl, mix together one cup of hot water, one cup of baking soda, and one cup of cleaning vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit and work for about 10 minutes, then flush the system with another quart of boiling water.”

I’ve shared a few cleaning hacks you can try with white vinegar and cleaning vinegar. Let me know in the comments how you use these vinegars to clean around your home.

More from Tom's Guide

• This vinegar steam trick will rid your oven of grease and grime — here's how to do it
• Homeowners warned over vinegar cleaning mistake that could cost up to $3,000 in kitchen repairs — and I’ve been doing this too
• Homeowners urged to avoid using white vinegar on flooring at all costs — here's why

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in testing phones for over 20 years, it’s that there’s a difference between reviewing a device and living with it. And now that I’ve spent three weeks with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, I can say that my opinion has changed and that I was right about some things — and wrong about some others.

The cameras are good enough!

First, let’s talk about the cameras. I stand by what I initially wrote about it being a bummer that the Fold 8 doesn’t have a telephoto zoom. For $1,900 you deserve one. But I have since tested the Fold 8 vs the 3x optical zoom on the Fold 8 Ultra in a series of tests and I didn’t notice a huge difference until I got to 10x.

My point here is that you can more than get by with the Fold 8’s dual rear shooters. And I especially appreciate the improved low-light performance versus the Fold 7. The Nightography is just better.

If you really care about zoom performance, you’re better off getting the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its 5x optical zoom, or going with a different foldable altogether with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which also packs a 5x telephoto.

No Flex View is not a dealbreaker

The ability to use your foldable phone as a mini laptop certainly comes in handy, but the Fold 8 ditches this feature because of the way the hinge is designed. So, for example, you can’t play videos with the content up top and controls down below. Or take a Google Meet call without having to hold the phone.

It’s a bummer, but at least there’s a hands-free alternative for watching videos. You can just use the outer display on the Fold 8 and put it in tent mode. It’s a nifty way for me to catch up on that day’s First Take episode while I’m on lunch break at work or doing the dishes.

TikTok Is dangerously addictive. YouTube Shorts needs a fix

I admit that I scroll on TikTok way too much, but my addiction has gotten worse on the Fold 8. That’s because the front display is perfect for snacking content while I’m waiting for my bus ride home.

Open up to the main 7.6-inch display, and TikTok is even better if you love to read comments. They pop in from the right side in a dual-pane format. Even better, as you scroll through TikTok’s with the comments upon, they’ll automatically refresh for each video.

Too bad YouTube Shorts isn’t similarly optimized. You have to X out of the comments before you scroll to the next video, which is dumb. This also speaks to my issue with apps in general on the Galaxy Fold — too many aren’t optimized for the wider display. It’s something Samsung is going to have to fix, because you know Apple will be working with developers to make sure apps look amazing on the iPhone Fold/Ultra.

The shape is just right (but not in my pocket)

Initially I thought the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might be awkwardly wide when closed, especially when trying to use the phone quickly with one hand to scroll through notifications. But overall I haven’t had any issues, and I find myself responding to Slack messages on the cover display all the time.

When I’m on the go, however, I’ve found that the wide design of the Fold 8 is actually not as comfy in my front pocket as the Fold 8 Ultra. The former’s wider body is a bit more awkward when I’m walking. So I often put the Fold 8 in my back pocket instead.

It’s my new favorite e-reader

I’ve been trying to get back into reading more, starting with Joanna Stern’s “I Am Not a Robot,” which is about her journey of using nothing but AI tools for a year. And the Fold 8 is the perfect e-reader stand-in for two reasons.

One, when you flip around the main display you get a 3:4 aspect ratio that’s very Kindle-like. And, two, the anti-reflective coating makes reading outside a lot easier than I thought. There’s a lot less glare than previous foldables.

Plus, as I get ready for “Avengers: Doomsday,” I asked Gemini which Marvel comics I should be ready to get up to speed on Dr. Doom’s origin and powers. So I subscribed to Marvel Ultimate and I find the Fold 8 is a pretty sweet format for diving in.

How good is the battery life?

Now that I’ve been using the Fold 8 as a daily driver, I’ve discovered that it has pretty good staying power. On most days starting at 7 am with moderate usage — which includes streaming Spotify on the go, checking Slack and email, and watching videos to and from on my commute — I’m down to about 45 to 50% by the time I get home around 7 pm.

That’s pretty solid for one of Samsung’s first silicon carbon batteries.

Bottom line

The best thing I can say about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is that it’s really growing on me. My initial skepticism around why the world needs a wide foldable phone has now all but been erased. And despite how Samsung is marketing this device as an ultimate content consumption phone I think it’s a great device for productivity.

You can still run up to three apps at once like on the Fold 8 Ultra. You just don’t get the same height for fitting more content on screen, though flipping around to 3:4 mode helps for the main display. I think this could very well be the foldable to beat, and the upcoming iPhone Ultra has a high bar to clear.

Heading to college? You've probably crossed all the sleep essentials off your dorm room checklist: pillows, comforter, sheets. But what about a mattress topper? Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable and throwing a brand new bedspread over a mattress that's seen better days won't fix it.

The best mattress toppers can give dorm beds a shiny new makeover. While in an ideal world you'd be bringing one of the best mattresses to your dorm, mattress toppers are lighter, cheaper, and easier to set up. In fact, many bed toppers are designed with students in mind.

I'm a mattress topper tester and I'm sharing the five key reasons why every dorm bed needs a mattress topper — yes, even the brand new ones. Plus, I'll explain how to choose a mattress topper that's right for you in the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales, so you can stop poor sleep from getting in the way of your grades.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Mattress toppers protect against all kinds of mess and germs.
• They also changing the bed's feel and firmness for better comfort and support.
• When choosing a mattress topper, make sure it contains foam, has some form of temperature control, and is not too thin or thick.

5 reasons why a mattress topper is a dorm room essential

1. Adds a germ barrier

The average lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years, so in all likelihood, multiple people have used that dorm mattress before you. As someone who has had to sleep on quite a few second-hand mattresses in her time, I'm unfortunately familiar with mysterious bed stains.

But stains are inevitable because mattresses collect everything, from sweat to spilled drinks, like stamps. Even if the person before you used a mattress protector and never ate in bed, bodily fluids like natural oils can still seep through and leave stubborn, yellow mattress stains.

That's where a mattress topper steps in. Toppers act as a thick germ barricade, protecting you against a grimy dorm mattress. Many toppers also have hypoallergenic, deodorizing, and antimicrobial properties. Consider one infused with antibacterial copper, such as the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper or the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper.

2. Softens hard beds

Even if you're the first one to sleep on your dorm mattress, you still might run into issues. New mattresses haven't gone through a break-in period, meaning they're can be unusually firm. You might feel like you're sleeping on a plank of wood (particularly if you're used to a well-used mattress at home).

Luckily, most mattress topper are made from body-contouring foams that are perfect for softening hard beds. Memory foam mattress toppers are also great for soothing side sleeper pressure points, moulding to your shoulders and hips.

3. Controls temperature

According to the Farmer's Almanac, we're in for more hot weather this fall. While many newer dorms are equipped with air conditioning, a large number of older, historic campuses have restricted AC or no AC at all.

If you find yourself struggling to sleep in a hot dorm room, the next best thing to a massive fan is a cooling mattress topper. Most mattress toppers have some degree of temperature regulation, but some go one step further and utilize state-of-the-art cooling tech. For example, Helix mattress toppers have GlacioTex covers, which are designed to dissipate body heat.

4. Adds support

If your dorm mattress has passed through a few users, it might have developed lumps and dips. A firm mattress topper can add support to an overly soft or sagging bed.

Choosing a firmer designs is also better for stomach and back sleepers, who need more lumbar support to avoid lower back pain.

Some mattress toppers, such as the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper, come in different firmness options. If a mattress topper doesn't have a choice of feels but does come in a variety of heights, go for the thinnest one for firmer support.

5. Protects the mattress

As I mentioned above, mattress toppers act as a barrier against germy dorm beds. That means they also protect the dorm mattress from your germs.

If you're someone who's accident-prone or likes to snack in bed, a mattress protector can provide a buffer between you and the mattress. That means when it comes to move out day, you won't be stuck with a fine for a replacement bed.

Many (but not all) mattress toppers come with removable, machine-washable covers, such as the Tempur-Adapt+ Cooling Mattress Topper. This means you can launder the topper's cover without having to clean the mattress itself.

Finish with one of the best mattress protectors for full safeguarding.

3 steps to choosing the right mattress topper

1. Choose a topper between 2" and 4" thick

A mattress topper's thickness is important when finding the right one for you. Too thin or too thick can both come with problems.

A too-thin mattress topper is unlikely to make any difference to the feel of the bed, while a too-thick mattress topper will be too squidgy and add unnecessary height to your mattress.

As a rule of thumb, don't choose anything thinner than 2" or anything thicker than 4".

2. Make sure it has foam

If you've been trawling Amazon for some cheap mattress toppers, you may find quilted ones that look good but appear awfully thin. That's because these are mattress pads, not mattress toppers.

These are often foamless — sometimes labelled as microfiber, synthetic-filled, hollow fiber, or down alternative mattress toppers — and the bad news is they make no difference to the feel of your bed whatsoever.

Instead, look for a mattress topper that is clearly labelled as containing foam, either memory foam or latex foam, to ensure it's capable of providing a thick layer of comfort.

3. Look for cooling materials

And last but not least, look for cooling materials or design features that keep your bed temperature neutral.

Some cooling features are better than others, however. For instance cooling gel-infused foam is no match against a specialist cooling cover made of GlacioTex or PCM.

Also, some materials are naturally cool, such as organic latex foam or moisture-wicking, breathable cotton or wool.

3 top-rated mattress topper deals

The disconnect between the companies looking to fast-track the development of AI data centers and the communities and politicians fighting back against them is massive.

The likes of Microsoft, Meta and Amazon Web Services (AWS) funnel money into the continued expansion of AI data centers on a national scale. But with those data centers comes a negative impact on our environment, with precious fossil fuels being used to power them and a huge strain on our power grid resulting from their computing demand.

As a result, politicians and grassroots community organizers have started pushing back. And with a coalition of states placing moratoriums on AI data centers, that opposition is only getting stronger.

To get more insight into the growing negative sentiment towards AI data centers, what could happen if the US builds them faster instead of responsibly and more, we spoke to Balaji Tammabattula, an AI infrastructure engineering expert and COO of BaRupOn.

Delving into the development and rising backlash against AI infrastructure

Tom’s Guide: Why do you think the growing backlash against data centers was inevitable? And where do you think the AI industry got it all wrong?

Balaji Tammabattula: I think the backlash was inevitable because the industry focused heavily on how quickly we could build compute and not enough on what was required to support it.

When a large data center comes into a community and suddenly needs hundreds of megawatts of electricity, water and infrastructure, people naturally ask, "What does this mean for us?"

Those are legitimate questions.

At LAMP in Texas, we've taken a different approach. We're developing dedicated behind-the-meter power generation so that the campus is designed around producing the power it needs rather than depending on existing community grid capacity.

We're applying the same thinking to water and public infrastructure.

Responsible AI infrastructure shouldn't arrive in a community and ask, "What resources can we take?" The better question is, "What infrastructure can we build, and what can we leave behind?"

That's where I think the industry needs to go.

Tom’s Guide: What do you see as the biggest misconception the data-center industry has about the local communities it wants to build in?

Tammabattula: That communities are simply resistant to development. They're not. People want to understand the tradeoff.

If you're bringing a massive project into their community, they want to know whether their electricity rates will be affected, whether you're competing for their water, what happens to emergency services and roads, and whether their children will actually have opportunities created by the investment.

At LAMP, we're trying to address those questions in the physical design of the campus.

We're developing our own behind-the-meter power generation. We're planning large-scale rainwater harvesting and have identified the potential to capture more than 500 million gallons of rainwater based on the site's characteristics. We're also planning a fire station and support for local emergency-response capabilities.

And we want the relationship to extend beyond infrastructure. We plan to support STEM education and local skills development, so young people in the surrounding area can potentially build careers around the industries coming to the campus.

To me, that's a much healthier relationship between a major infrastructure project and its community.

Tom’s Guide: With so many communities imposing moratoriums or permitting pauses on new data centers, should the industry see those moves as an obstacle or as a signal that the way they build AI infrastructure needs to change?

Tammabattula: It's a signal. If communities across America are raising similar concerns about power, water and infrastructure, we shouldn't dismiss that as opposition to technology. We should change the development model.

Imagine if a major AI campus came into a community with its own power-generation strategy, its own water-management strategy, investment in emergency services, workforce development and a long-term commitment to the community.

That's a very different conversation from simply asking a utility for hundreds of megawatts and asking the community to absorb the consequences.

Moratoriums should force our industry to build better projects, not simply find easier places to build them.

Tom’s Guide: When you talk about "Responsible Compute," what does that actually look like in practice?

Tammabattula: For me, Responsible Compute is very practical. If you're going to consume enormous amounts of power, participate in creating that power. If you're going to use water, develop a responsible water strategy. If your project changes the demands placed on local infrastructure and emergency services, invest in those services.

And if you're bringing billions of dollars of technology into a community, create a pathway for the people who live there to participate in that economic opportunity.

That's the philosophy behind what we're developing at LAMP.

Our model includes dedicated behind-the-meter generation designed to minimize reliance on community grid capacity. We're planning significant rainwater harvesting, with the site's rainfall potentially providing more than 500 million gallons of recoverable water. We're planning investment in fire and emergency-response capabilities. And we want to fund STEM and skills-development programs that can connect local students and workers with careers at the innovation campus.

Responsible Compute isn't a certification or a slogan for us. It's the idea that the infrastructure supporting AI should strengthen the place where it is built rather than simply consume its resources.

Tom’s Guide: Do you think data-center developers can realistically earn community trust before construction begins rather than trying to win people over after a project is already announced?

Tammabattula: Yes, but trust doesn't come from a press release. It comes from giving people specific answers.

Where is your electricity coming from? Where is your water coming from? What are you doing about emergency response? What happens to local infrastructure? What opportunities are you creating for people who already live there?

We've learned through our own experience at LAMP that developers need to answer those questions much earlier. We've also learned that listening matters. Sometimes community concerns identify things that should have been part of the development plan in the first place.

Community engagement shouldn't be something you do after designing the project. It should help shape the project.

Tom’s Guide: As AI dramatically increases the electricity demand, what do policymakers and data-center developers need to change to prevent AI growth from putting additional strain on the national grid and local communities?

Tammabattula: We have to change the assumption that every new gigawatt of compute can simply become another gigawatt of demand on the existing grid. At some point, the math doesn't work.

Large AI infrastructure developers increasingly need to become part of the energy solution. That's one reason we're pursuing behind-the-meter generation at LAMP. Instead of starting with

"How much power can the grid give us?" we started thinking about "How do we build the power infrastructure required for what we're creating?"

I think you're going to see much more convergence between energy development and data-center development because AI is making the two inseparable.

Policymakers should encourage that. If developers bring significant new generation, transmission or other infrastructure with their projects, there should be regulatory pathways that recognize and accelerate responsible development.

Tom’s Guide: If America wants to remain the global leader in AI, what happens if we continue to focus on building data centers as quickly as possible instead of building them responsibly?

Tammabattula: Eventually, speed becomes the thing that slows you down.

If every major project creates another fight over electricity, water and community resources, we're going to see more moratoriums, permitting delays and political opposition. America absolutely needs to build AI infrastructure quickly. I don't think speed and responsibility are opposites. In fact, I think responsibility ultimately allows us to move faster.

Build the power with the compute. Develop the water strategy with the campus. Invest in the community infrastructure your project affects. Develop local talent so the economic opportunity doesn't simply pass through the community. That's the model we're trying to demonstrate at LAMP.

If America can prove that the next generation of AI infrastructure can generate its own power, responsibly manage resources and create lasting economic opportunity for the communities where it operates, that becomes a competitive advantage for the United States.

Responsible Compute isn't about slowing AI down. It's about building the infrastructure that allows America to keep scaling AI without eventually running into a wall.

More from Tom’s Guide

• 'Raising the standard': Inside Talkspace's bold new AI mental health support tool
• 'Not a chatbot on the sidelines': Ridley AI wants to automate your home sale and eliminate 6% commission fees
• 'Used right, AI is a patient tutor. Used wrong, it's a shortcut around the learning': we spoke to the creator behind an AI tool that's changing the way students learn

Falling is a serious subject for my senior personal training clients. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 years and older, and over 14 million older adults experience falls every year.

When I work with a client in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or beyond, I always incorporate dynamic balance training into their routine. These types of exercises enhance your body’s ability to maintain equilibrium during movement. Since falls rarely happen when we’re standing completely still, it’s important to practice your balance while shifting your body weight or moving through different planes of motion.

The following are my 3 favorite dynamic balance exercises to strengthen your stabilizing muscle groups and sharpen your proprioception (or the sense of your body’s position in space). You’ll only need a step to get started, but as you get stronger, adding tools like dumbbells can make the exercises more challenging.

How to do the 3 dynamic balance exercises

Speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise or workout program. If you’re a beginner, consider working with a certified personal trainer or physical therapist. They can help you learn proper form, provide corrections or modifications, and progress the exercises appropriately once you’re ready.

You’ll just need a raised platform for these exercises. A stair in your house will do, but you can also use an aerobic stepper if preferred.

Perform one set of 8-10 reps for each exercise, 2-3 times per week. As your balance and strength improve, increase to 4-5 times per week. You can also add additional sets of 8-10 reps.

These dynamic balance exercises can be done on their own or as a warm-up for other activities. Here’s how to do them:

1. Marches

• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
• Engage your core.
• Lift your left knee to a 90-degree angle.
• Pause briefly.
• Lower your left foot to the ground.
• Lift your right knee to a 90-degree angle.
• Pause briefly.
• Lower your right foot to the ground.
• Continue alternating between your two sides for 8-10 reps per leg.
• If needed, hold on to a wall or chair for additional support.

2. Step up to balance

• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
• Engage your core.
• Place your left foot on the platform.
• Press your body weight into your left foot and step up onto the platform.
• Bring your right knee in front of you to a 90-degree angle.
• Pause briefly.
• Lower your right foot back onto the ground.
• Lift your left foot off the step and back onto the ground.
• Continue for 8-10 reps, then repeat on the other side.
• If needed, hold onto the wall or a chair for additional support.

3. Lateral step to balance

• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
• Engage your core.
• Step your left foot to your left side.
• Lift your right knee to a 90-degree angle.
• Pause briefly.
• Step your right foot to your right side.
• Lift your left knee to a 90-degree angle.
• Pause briefly.
• Continue alternating between your left and right sides for 8-10 reps per side.
• If needed, hold onto a wall or chair for additional support.

Benefits of the 3 dynamic balance exercises

Traditional exercises like balancing on one foot can definitely improve your overall sense of equilibrium. But the majority of serious falls happen when we’re moving and changing direction, so we must practice balancing during movement.

The exercises in this routine all train your body to stabilize while your center of gravity changes. Both the marches and the lateral step move side to side, which mimics everyday movement like stepping around an object or avoiding a collision with something coming towards you.

The step up to balance moves up and down, mimicking the everyday movement of climbing stairs or getting up from a seated position.

By sharpening your sense of balance in these planes of motion, senior adults can move with more confidence and independence.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’m 72 years old — here’s the simple bodyweight workout I do to build strength and mobility with just 5 exercises
• Forget burpees —the 'Pilates burpee' is beginner-friendly and low-impact (and you’ll love it)
• 30 minutes, full body — two trainers share the workout that builds muscle and strength

Google released Gemini 3.7 Flash Thursday and it's already calling it the company's most intelligent “workhorse” model yet. Naturally, I decided to give it an enormous job.

Rather than testing the new model with trivia questions or a collection of small prompts, I wanted to see what it could do with the kind of task I routinely put off: organizing my life.

Between work, school messages, appointments, bills, forms and managing my family of five, important information is scattered across my Gmail and Google Drive. I may remember that someone sent me something, but not whether it arrived as an email, a PDF or a document someone shared weeks ago.

That made it an ideal test for Gemini Spark, Google’s personal AI agent for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Spark now runs on Gemini 3.7 Flash, giving regular users one of the first ways to experience the new model.

Google says the upgrade makes Spark better at using Workspace tools and completing complicated jobs that involve several different skills. It can consolidate files, draft emails and update status documents, all while working toward a larger goal.

So I gave it one monster prompt and asked it to find everything that might need my attention over the next 30 days.

The epic Gemini prompt I tried

Here is the complete prompt: Act as my personal life-admin assistant for the next 30 days. Search my Gmail and Google Drive for messages, documents and forms from the past 30 days that contain an upcoming deadline, appointment, payment, event, form, reservation, purchase, school obligation or task I may need to complete.

Before taking action, create a master list organized by date. For each item, include what needs to happen, the deadline or event date, who it involves, where you found the information with a link to the original email or file, whether the task is confirmed, unclear or possibly outdated, and the next action I need to take.

Look for conflicts, duplicate information, missing forms and messages I may have forgotten to answer. If two sources disagree, show me both versions instead of deciding which one is correct.

Then create a realistic plan for completing everything. Group tasks that can be handled together, prioritize anything urgent and avoid scheduling more than three substantial tasks on the same day.

Draft any necessary replies, follow-up messages or questions, but do not send them. Suggest calendar events and reminders, but show them to me before adding anything. Do not delete, move or change any existing emails or files.

Finish with a short section titled “What needs my attention first” containing the five most urgent items. Clearly tell me if you could not access something or if any conclusion is based on an assumption.

Why this prompt is my favorite one yet

This prompt is incredibly long, so if you are going to use it, just copy and paste it directly into Gemini 3.7 Flash. It's long because it tackles a lot, and every part has a job. As much as I wish I could simply tell Gemini to “organize my life” and hope it understood what that meant, AI just isn't there yet (thank goodness!).

I told it where to search, which information to extract and how to organize the results. I also gave it clear boundaries. It could draft messages and suggest reminders, but it couldn’t send, change or delete anything without my approval.

Gemini found important messages that I completely missed

Gemini worked quickly but slow enough that I knew it wasn't skipping any details. It searched Gmail, reviewed Drive files and even asked for clarification (I have two email addresses; one for work and one for my personal life, so it was quick to ask if I wanted to check both.

Eventually, it found several items that required action over the next month. These included permission slips for my son's middle school computer use and my kindergartener's food allergy form. It also discovered updated insurance information and a charge for an app that I no longer use.

The biggest discovery was that I had completely forgotten to switch my expired credit card over and was getting notices that well, I hadn't noticed. This could have been a delayed payment nightmare for my phone and cable bills.

For each response, Gemini traced back to the original email or document so I could personally read it and make a note of it.

Gemini turned chaos into a plan

The prompt fills an immediate purpose. It wasn't just Gemini rearranging information I had already handed to it, rather it found finding something useful inside accounts I no longer had the time or patience to search manually.

Gemini linked back to every source, which made checking its work much easier. Instead of trusting an AI summary, I could actually open the original message and confirm the date, amount or requirement myself.

Although I wrote this prompt with high hopes, it worked even better than expected. It was so helpful and I can already see the improvements Google has made to this lightweight model.

For example, I had missed a Popsicle Social that's coming up for my five-year-old, not only did Gemini show me that I hadn't responded, but it responded for me and added it to my calendar. I know my kiddo would have been really disappointed had he missed that event, so not only did this prompt save me from missing the event, but a possible tantrum, too (if you know, you know).

Gemini 3.7 Flash stayed on track — mostly

This prompt proves that Gemini 3.7 Flash is ready to take on heavy-duty assignments. Keep in mind that it may not work for your corporate email if you have not given Gemini access. You may need to talk to your administrator if it doesn't work the first time.

Gemini 3.7 Flash handled constraints like a pro and even processed messages and files for me. This is important because AI assistants frequently follow the beginning of a prompt but have trouble or drop requirements completely near the end.

I did notice that the AI is still not perfect. Gemini avoided emails that it should have sorted and missed some Google doc files because they were unnamed, but overall it followed through.

Gemini 3.7 Flash is designed to put more effort into multi-step planning and tool calls. Google says the model follows instructions more closely and is better at adjusting when it encounters a roadblock.

The takeaway

My prompt makes use of Gemini's unique abilities. It can search two Workspace services, understand different kinds of messages and documents, extract exact dates, spot contradictions and turn the results into a realistic plan. It then prepared follow-up actions without crossing the line and taking them without permission.

The prompt also makes Gemini show its work. Requiring links to original files, confidence labels and clear disclosures of any assumptions makes its findings easier to verify.

You can change the search window or categories to fit your own life. If you are planning a trip, ask Gemini to focus on reservations, confirmations and payments. Parents could prioritize school notices like I've done, including forms and activities, while freelancers might search for invoices, assignments and unanswered client messages.

After using Gemini 3.1 Flash with this prompt, I can see why Google describes its newest model as a workhorse. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments

More from Tom's Guide

• I put ChatGPT on my Ray-Ban Meta glasses — and it completely changed how I used them
• Claude is now watermarking every response — here's what that means if you use AI for writing
• 5 custom Gemini Gems that I swear save me hours each week

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use instead of a free one, and for good reason. Founded in 2012, it’s fast become one of the most secure and speedy VPNs you can use in 2026. Available on all major operating systems, such as iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, it’s a straightforward process to sign up, install the app, sign in, and enable NordVPN on your devices.

However, you may have previously been tempted to try out a free VPN. Whilst these can give your device a way of browsing streaming sites in another country, there’s a good chance your browsing data is at risk of being used by third-party companies. This is a big factor in funding these VPNs, and you may experience far slower speeds compared to using a paid VPN.

With this in mind, we’ve listed five reasons below why NordVPN is the far better choice than a free VPN, and we've also delved into details about how the company keeps its users’ data secure.

• NordVPN is one of the best value for money VPN packages you can buy, and is known to be one of the fastest available.
• NordVPN runs on servers with no hard drives, meaning data is never stored, and there’s low-power consumption and fast speeds, benefiting everyone.
• There have been six audits under the ISAE 3000 standard so far, showcasing NordVPN’s focus on privacy.
• There are three subscription tiers that have varying features to suit a single device or 10, depending on your needs; this flexible pricing gives you premium speed and security without the hidden data limits or privacy risks of free VPNs.

5 reasons to use NordVPN instead of a free alternative

NordVPN’s no-log policy has been independently audited six times

When you’re considering a paid VPN, privacy has to be at the top of what one offers. NordVPN’s no-log policy, which means that it doesn’t store your information, has been verified by auditors six times so far under the ISAE 3000 standard. This assures that no data, such as user traffic or metadata, is kept by NordVPN when enabled.

What does an ISAE 3000 audit actually prove?

An ISAE 3000 audit examines a company's systems and reports on its findings. It’s a big distinction from free VPNs, as they can be funded by sharing data collected by users. Many assume that these are private, but it’s usually far from the case.

NordVPN’s servers run without hard drives

Because every server in NordVPN’s network runs on RAM instead of hard drives, this means that any data stored is only temporary, as there’s no storage for hackers to steal. There are other benefits to using Nord’s services, such as high-speed and lower power consumption. This means that when you enable NordVPN, you’re less likely to experience lag compared to a free VPN that works on a server with hard drives installed.

Why is NordVPN faster than a free VPN?

This is because of NordVPN’s exclusive protocol, NordLynx. Built on the light WireGuard framework, NordLynx runs on only 4,000 lines of code, compared to legacy protocols like OpenVPN, which can bloat up to 400,000 lines.

Because it's made with far less code than others, it means that you get quick server connections, reduced battery drain on mobile devices, and fast, unthrottled speeds with almost no lag when streaming on top platforms, whereas that can be a common occurrence when using free VPNs.

In speed testing by Tom’s Guide, NordLynx reached local speeds averaging 1,249 Mbps (peaking at 1,284 Mbps), nearly doubling the speed of NordVPN's own OpenVPN implementation (688 Mbps) and being "fast enough for almost any conceivable use-case".

NordLynx is also available on all major devices, such as the best iPhones and Android handsets, so you’ll be able to experience fast speeds on the devices you use daily.

Connecting to a server and using the kill switch work without being asked

One of the biggest benefits of using a paid VPN is being protected without even realizing it. NordVPN auto-connect creates an encrypted connection once your device joins an insecure network without you doing anything.

In addition, the kill switch kicks in if your device fails to connect to a VPN, protecting it from your data being shared on an unsecure network. Free VPNs usually work on unprotected connections, which can expose your data at any moment.

One subscription covers the whole VPN experience

NordVPN offers three subscription tiers that can easily suit anyone who’s looking for a VPN to use, consisting of Basic, Complete, and Ultimate Max, which can cover up to 10 devices:

• Basic ($3.49 / £2.59 per month): NordVPN

• Complete ($4.49 / £3.39 per month): Email, phone, credit card, and national ID/SSN monitoring, scam call protection, ad & tracker blocker, and more

• Ultimate Max ($7.49 / £6.29 per month): Unique IP address to help improve security and avoid CAPTCHAs. For UK users, coverage for Scam and ID loss of up to £5,000.

These can all be a monthly, yearly, or two-year plan.

There’s also a helpful 24/7 support line included as standard - this can be used if you need some help or if you need to change your account info. Free VPNs don’t offer this, and if you’re managing ten devices, it’s good to have support when you need it.

NordVPN proves why it’s the best alternative to a free VPN

NordVPN is the best alternative to a free VPN. When you consider that the company has been publicly audited six times so far, as well as having its own protocol to ensure fast and secure connection speeds, the benefits outweigh the ability to use a free VPN. To find out more, visit the NordVPN website.

FAQs

Why is NordVPN considered one of the fastest VPNs?

This is due to several reasons, like NordLynx, an exclusive protocol that NordVPN runs on to ensure a fast and secure VPN connection. There’s also SmartPlay, which helps you securely watch movies and TV shows, as well as Meshnet, which can let you share files and more with other devices worldwide.

Is NordVPN a good long-term VPN subscription?

Absolutely. NordVPN is designed to offer more than just basic VPN protection, making it a strong choice if you’re looking for a service you can rely on long term. Its 2-year Ultimate Max plan includes a broad range of features, including NordLynx, designed to deliver fast, secure connections without making everyday browsing feel complicated. You also get tools such as a kill switch and threat protection features, giving you additional peace of mind when you’re online. For anyone who wants a VPN that’s easy to use, feature-rich and built for regular use across multiple devices, NordVPN is a compelling long-term option.

Why do people choose NordVPN over cheaper VPNs?

The appeal of NordVPN is often its balance of simplicity, security and features. Setting it up across your devices is straightforward, so you don’t need to be particularly tech-savvy to start using it. Once you’re connected, features such as the kill switch can help protect your connection if your VPN drops unexpectedly. NordVPN also offers its NordLynx protocol, which is designed to provide fast connections while maintaining strong security. While cheaper VPNs can offer basic privacy tools, NordVPN’s combination of ease of use, additional features and a polished experience can make it worth considering if you plan to use a VPN regularly.

Could a hydrogen-powered car, using an engine based off construction equipment, set a new land speed record? I came to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah this week to find out — and to see how hydrogen-powered vehicles could compete where EVs are dominating in the race to find a replacement for the gas-fueled internal combustion engine.

At the helm was a retired British fighter pilot, Wing Commander Andy Green (OBE), looking every inch the nerves of steel kind of driver you'd want behind the wheel. This was not surprising. Green has done this before. Twenty years ago he set the land speed record for a diesel powered vehicle by shepherding JCB's Dieselmax to over 350 mph. And he was the first and remains the only human to break the sound barrier on the ground in 1997 when he drove the jet-powered ThrustSSC car to 763.035 mph, or Mach 1.02, creating a sonic boom in the process.

There was no sonic boom this week, but there was plenty of drama around a car that pushed the limits of today's hydrogen technology, employing engines derived from JCB's construction equipment to prove what must have seemed like a crazy idea, that a couple of zero-emission engines based on models used in JCB's diggers (or excavators) could send a man across the desert at over 400 miles per hour.

A car built for one purpose

Shimmering like a kid's hot-rod dream, the canary yellow Hydromax is 32 feet long with a single driver's seat centered in its knife-edge chassis. Green was strapped into the cockpit, nestled between two hydrogen-powered combustion engines, one directly in front and one right behind him. In concert, those engines used pressurized hydrogen to deliver roughly 1,600 horsepower and a rather raucous ride.

Like a gas combustion engine, in the JCB engines the hydrogen is mixed with oxygen and ignited in the cylinders to power the vehicle. In comparison, hydrogen fuel cell cars, like the Toyota Mirai sedan, use pressurized hydrogen to create a chemical reaction that generates electricity to power electric motors.

The advantage of combustion hydrogen engines, according to JCB, is that it can power the kind of heavy duty construction and agricultural equipment the company makes, something that has eluded battery-powered EVs. (JCB currently has hydrogen powered equipment available in the U.K. and is looking for approval in the U.S.)

The biggest advantage of both hydrogen technologies is that the only thing that comes out of the tailpipe is water.

Out in the desert

The Bonneville Salt Flats are in Utah's Great Salt Lake Desert, the most famous and most forbidding landscape for automotive testing in the world.

"The salt is a very fickle thing," Ryan Ballard, the engineering director at JCB, explained before a test run. As the day progresses and temperatures approach triple digits, the white salt surface absorbs more moisture, making traction trickier and making it more difficult to achieve top speeds.

And there's the wind. Where some roads have deer and moose warning signs, the interstate near the flats has high wind warning signs. Coming into the area, I experienced my first salt storm, with crosswinds buffeting our SUV and putting so much salt into the air it looked like dense fog.

Finally, the salt flats are actually more like salt scabs, rippled and torn and itching to be peeled off. It is anything but flat, as our convoy trailing out across the alabaster expanse demonstrated with bone-rattling intensity as we made our way out to the track.

Our goal: Watch the Hydromax speed past us, glistening in the sun like something out of the pod race on Tatooine in "Star Wars: Episode 1."

'It's about more than just going fast...it's about the future'

Like something from a bygone era where audacious companies and daring young men in wild contraptions competed for world records, the Hydromax project — which took JCB's engineering team took 450 days to design — seems like something of a nostalgic throwback. But the goal was quite the opposite: to demonstrate what's possible in designing zero-emission construction equipment.

"It's about more than just going fast...it's about the future," said Lord Bamford, chairman of his family's construction equipment business, which was founded by his father in 1945. He believes hydrogen can power a green construction future. "This is not a technology that sits in the laboratory," stressed Bamford. "The internal combustion engine can be a solution for the future."

And it's a project that only a successful, single-minded private company could muster the resources to complete.

Multi-ton construction equipment has stubbornly resisted electrification. Dump trucks and front end loaders are simply working with payloads that are too heavy and physical forces that are too great to make current battery operation feasible. And their duty cycles and often remote locations make it impractical to support such mammoth-sized vehicles with an expanded electrical grid. However, hydrogen refueling tanks can be trucked in to support such vehicles, just as diesel is brought in to many worksites today.

The record attempt

Ripping across the desert like a mirage and trailing a plume of white powder, the JCB Hydromax set the world land speed record for a hydrogen powered vehicle by reaching a neck-snapping official top speed of 406.32 mph.

The official record was set under the relentless August sun in front of a passel of sweaty journalists and timing officials from FIA, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, an international governing organization for motor sports.

The 10-mile track Green drove on was a straight-shot course that had been dragged smooth for the attempt.

In order to set a new official record, Green had to drive the car in one direction to record a flying mile at top speed. It began with a push from an SUV to get the Hydromax up to over 50 mph so that Green could drop the clutch into first gear, accelerating up to 230 mph by the first mile marker, and reaching over 410 mph by mile five (the official record is the average of the two flying miles).

It takes about four miles to bring the car to a full stop, including two parachutes which Green packed himself. And then the team had to turn the Hydromax around, replace all four tires, and set it back in the opposite direction to do it again.

Where hydrogen vehicles fit in a world of EVs

There are still massive challenges facing hydrogen vehicles, however. First, there's the sustainability issue. One of the more common ways to produce hydrogen requires systems that use natural gas, which produces its own greenhouse gas emissions and is not energy efficient. Companies like Ryze Power, which supplied the hydrogen for the Hydromax, are working on producing so-called green hydrogen using renewable energy sources, but those efforts are still in their infancy.

The second challenge is the need for a supporting infrastructure. Existing natural gas pipes, for example, cannot be used for hydrogen because its small molecular structure means it can easily leak and escape from lines designed for natural gas. Hydrogen today has to shipped in large pressurized tanks. Still, it can be shipped to filling stations for vehicles in the same manner that gasoline is shipped gas stations today.

Because of some of these challenges, hydrogen isn't likely to become common in consumer vehicles. It's more suited to heavy duty equipment, long-haul trucking, and possibly mass transit buses. Hydrogen powered tractor trailers, for example, aren't range limited, can be refueled in minutes, and can carry full loads without the offset that giant electric batteries demand.

And, according to a spokesperson from Ryze, versus electric buses, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can run 24/7, are unaffected by cold weather, can complete longer and hillier routes, and don't require the charging times and infrastructure that EV buses need. Hydrogen buses are currently running in the U.K. but these are still very much pilot projects.

In the meantime, JCB is building a multi-million dollar factory in Texas to build telescoping forklifts called telehandlers for the U.S. market...and someday, it hopes, hydrogen powered construction equipment.

After reasserting his status as the world's fastest man, I asked Green what's next — another land speed record? Another high-tech project? Nothing like that for the former fighter pilot, but he is planning another demonstration of zero emission sustainability: He's going to sail away on his sloop for some much-needed R&R.

More from Tom's Guide

• I've tested 20+ vehicles so far this year — here's my 5 favorite EVs
• I just spent my first year with an electric car — here's the pros and cons
• No more EV charging stations? Toyota unveils breakthrough hydrogen fuel cell batteries you can easily swap

The best movie taglines are etched into film history. From “In space no one can hear you scream” (“Alien”) to “An adventure 65 million years in the making” (“Jurassic Park”), the most iconic movie taglines can be as fondly remembered as the films themselves. So, to celebrate some great movie taglines and test your knowledge, I’ve put together a challenging quiz.

Now, I’ll warn you upfront: These 10 questions are designed to really test your movie tagline knowledge. Don’t expect any freebies that even those with a cursory knowledge of the movies will easily answer correctly. If you manage to get a perfect score, then you definitely deserve your movie buff status. And it should go without saying: don’t use Google to cheat!

So, reckon you’ve got what it takes to get a 10/10 score? Then take my movie tagline quiz below, and let me know how you do in the comment section. Good luck!

How did you get on? Did any of the taglines stump you, or did you breeze through the quiz, getting a perfect 10/10 score without breaking a sweat? Let me know in the comments, and why not tell me some of your favorite movie taglines as well. There are plenty of iconic ones to choose from.

Want to play another movie trivia game? Here's our classic movies quiz, which tests your knowledge of "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and more.

If you enjoyed this quiz, then please bookmark our Quiz section and visit our Polls page to have your say on all manner of topics, from the best Hollywood movies to the latest Apple releases.

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• Classic movie lovers, take our quiz to see how much you really know
• 3 classic '80s movies on Hulu you should absolutely rewatch
• Netflix is about to lose an intense survival thriller movie

They say what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. However, I have no idea what a gander is. What I do know is that the new Google Pixel Watch 5 is a very good thing for current and prospective Fitbit Air customers.

In case you forgot, Google owns Fitbit, and has for quite some time. The newish Fitbit Air, a $100 screen-free wearable with up to a week of battery, arrived just a few months ago and is one of the best fitness trackers in 2026.

Despite its recent arrival, with this week’s launch of the Pixel Watch 5, we’re already getting shiny new Fitbit Air features, adding to the wearable’s already impressive value proposition.

With that in mind, here are three reasons why the new Google Pixel Watch 5 is great news for the Fitbit Air.

1. Blood Pressure Trend reports

The Pixel Watch 5 is positively brimming with new health and safety features that you won’t find on most other competitor devices. And even though the Fitbit Air doesn’t inherit all of them, one important one it will support is monthly Blood Pressure Trend reports.

Now, this isn’t a proper blood pressure reading; rather, the Pixel Watch 5 (and soon the Fitbit Air) tracks a wide range of holistic factors over the course of a month and runs them through an algorithm to see how your blood pressure may (or may not) be changing over time.

The algorithm is based on holistic insights from half a million users, including 60 billion hours of heart rate data. So, yeah, it should be pretty accurate. While this new feature doesn't generate an actual blood pressure reading, it is designed to give you an early warning if signs of your blood pressure trending upward are observed.

2. Insulin Resistance Trends

Similar to Blood Pressure Trends, the Fitbit Air will inherit the Pixel Watch 5’s Insulin Resistance Trends reports, which are also delivered on a monthly basis.

This non-invasive feature similarly uses your passive holistic metrics — namely, sleep, fitness, and nutrition data — to determine whether or not your metabolic health is trending in the right direction.

Both of these new tools are designed with preventative care in mind, with the goal of better surfacing early warnings of common health conditions that could lead to more serious consequences down the road.

3. More to come?

For now, these two groundbreaking health features are the only ones Google has confirmed for the Fitbit Air in the immediate future, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see others trickle down soon.

For example, the Pixel Watch 5 also boasts a new Sleep Breathing Quality trend metric that monitors and analyzes your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels each night while you snooze, potentially providing valuable long-term insights into your respiratory health.

What new Pixel Watch 5 features do you most want to see Google bring to the Fitbit Air? And do these additional features make you more likely to buy a Fitbit Air? Let me know in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the Fitbit Air vs Whoop 5.0 side by side — here's the winner
• The Fitbit Air is basically just a screen-less Fitbit Inspire 3 — and that’s a very good thing
• I tracked my sleep on Fitbit Air vs Whoop for a week — does spending more buy you better sleep data?

If there’s one thing James Gunn and Peter Safran have made clear about the new DC Universe, it’s that they don’t want to simply repeat what came before. The pair are building a connected DCU where movies and TV shows can feed into one another, while still giving each project its own tone and identity. And with “Superman” kicking things off, we’re starting to get a better idea of what this new universe could look like.

One of the most interesting projects on the horizon is “Lanterns.” The HBO series follows veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mysterious murder in Nebraska. On paper, it sounds more like a gritty detective thriller than a traditional superhero show, but that might be exactly why I’m so intrigued. The mystery is expected to connect to the wider DCU, meaning there could be much more going on beneath the surface.

And, naturally, fans have already started digging for clues. I’ve found five insane theories about “Lanterns” that could completely change how we see the new DCU (and some of them are wild).

Top 5 theories

1. The Heartland murder that could introduce ‘The Centre’

The first popular theory suggests that the Nebraska murder mystery in “Lanterns” could introduce The Centre, a powerful entity from the DC: The New Frontier comics. James Gunn has said that while the show is a grounded detective story, the mystery Jordan and Stewart uncover will connect to the wider DC Universe.

In the comics, The Centre is an ancient being hidden within Earth that sees humanity as a threat and can influence people’s minds. The theory suggests that the aliens being murdered in Nebraska could be connected to a cult under The Centre’s influence.

If true, this would mean Jordan and Stewart aren’t investigating a simple alien-related murder case. Instead, they could accidentally uncover an ancient threat that has been hiding on Earth for centuries. The theory could also explain how “Lanterns” connects to the wider DCU, potentially setting up a much bigger threat that eventually brings Earth’s superheroes together.

2. Hal Jordan could lose his mind and pass the mantle to John Stewart

Fans have been speculating about Hal Jordan’s future because “Lanterns” pairs an older, tired Hal Jordan with a younger John Stewart. This has led to theories that Hal could suffer a major psychological breakdown or even die, leaving John to take over as Earth’s main Green Lantern.

The show’s creators have said that generational change is an important theme, exploring when an experienced hero should step aside and let someone younger take over. This also fits Hal’s comic-book history, particularly Emerald Twilight, where trauma and fear eventually lead to him being corrupted by Parallax.

So basically, “Lanterns” could put its own spin on this storyline. After years of fighting across the galaxy, Hal may be exhausted and increasingly disillusioned with the Green Lantern Corps. As he and John investigate the Nebraska mystery, Hal could become vulnerable to fear and manipulation.

Whether Hal is corrupted by Parallax or sacrifices himself to save John, the result could be the same: John Stewart becomes Earth’s main Green Lantern and takes over the mantle from Hal.

3. William Macon could be Black Hand

Garret Dillahunt’s character, William Macon, could secretly be an adaptation of William Hand, aka Black Hand, one of Green Lantern’s biggest villains.

Macon is described as a conspiracy-obsessed cowboy with a dark side, which has led to speculation that his character is hiding a connection to the comics. William Hand is obsessed with death and eventually becomes the villainous Black Hand, who plays a major role in the Blackest Night storyline.

The theory essentially implies that “Lanterns” could give Black Hand a more grounded origin. Macon might discover alien technology or strange remains in Nebraska, leading him down a darker path. This could actually allow “Lanterns” to quietly introduce Black Hand and set up a future Blackest Night storyline without making the show too cosmic too quickly.

4. The Manhunters could be behind the murders

One interesting theory is that the Manhunters, the robotic police force created by the Guardians of the Universe before the Green Lantern Corps, could be responsible for the alien murders in Nebraska.

In the comics, the Manhunters were abandoned after they became too dangerous and massacred an entire sector. However, the theory says that some rogue Manhunters could have survived and secretly continued operating on Earth.

This could also explain Sinestro’s role in the show. As a former Green Lantern who knows the Guardians’ secrets, he could help Jordan and Stewart uncover a much bigger conspiracy. It’s possible “Lanterns” could reveal that the Guardians aren’t as trustworthy as they seem, forcing Hal and John to question who they should really be protecting: the Guardians or Earth.

5. The government is hiding Martian Manhunter

This last theory is suggesting that J’onn J’onzz, aka Martian Manhunter, has been secretly held by the U.S. government for decades. He could’ve arrived on Earth years ago but was captured and locked away in a secret facility. The aliens being murdered in Nebraska could be part of a team that came to Earth looking for him or trying to rescue him.

While investigating the murders, John Stewart might discover strange clues pointing to the facility and eventually find J’onn being held there.