"The Shards" combines tales of rich high schoolers dabbling in drug-fueled parties with a serial-killer story, based on Bret Easton Ellis' bestselling novel.

Below is our guide to how to watch "The Shards" from anywhere — live or on demand — including how to tune in with a VPN.

Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, Hayes Warner and Kaia Gerber are the star attractions in this dark and thrilling drama series, while Wes Bentley and Evan Rachel Wood offer support to a young and exciting cast. From the mind of the man who wrote "American Psycho", it's not surprising the plot features wealth and vanity tangling with ambiguous intrigue and murder in this timeless tale, set in a 1980s Los Angeles high school.

Ryan Murphy, who delivered such shows as "American Horror Story" and "Pose", is the man at the helm of this small-screen project, which means vibrant visuals, surrealist vibes, and high theatrics are to the fore. With nine episodes to get stuck into, this is sure to be a wild ride.

If you're keen to venture into this world of the social elite, check out the following information regarding how to watch "The Shards" with live viewing and streaming options available.

How to watch 'The Shards' for FREE

"The Shards" is available to watch live and free even if you don't have cable.

You can watch the series via YouTube TV or Fubo which both have free trials and carry the FX channel.

Remember, you'll need a VPN to watch if you're not in the U.S. right now. We recommend NordVPN.

Watch 'The Shards' from anywhere

Traveling when "The Shards" airs? A VPN, or virtual private network, can make your device appear to be back in your home country so you can log in to the streaming services you already pay for while you’re away.

We’ve tested all the major options, and NordVPN remains one of the best VPN services right now. It’s fast, easy to use, and works across phones, laptops, tablets, streaming sticks, and smart TVs. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with very little risk.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.S. but want to watch the show as usual, you'd select a U.S. server from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to Hulu and watch "The Shards" as normal.

Watch 'The Shards' in the U.S.

In the U.S., "The Shards" airs on TV channel FX. It premieres on Wednesday, August 5, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, with a two-episodes drop. Further episodes release weekly until the finale on September 10.

You can stream FX live through services such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, with Sling Blue carrying the channel in select markets.

But, what if you miss the live broadcast? The series lands on Hulu and will be available for on-demand streaming a day immediately after the FX broadcast.

If you're outside the U.S. when the show airs, you can use a VPN such as NordVPN to access your usual services while traveling.

Watch 'The Shards' in Canada

In Canada, you can stream "The Shards" on Disney+ from August 6.

The cheapest subscription plan starts at CA$8.99/month.

Travelers from the U.S. visiting Canada can also use a VPN to access their home subscriptions.

How to watch 'The Shards' in the U.K.

You can stream "The Shards" on Disney+ in the U.K. from Thursday, August 6.

Prices start at £5.99/month in the U.K..

NordVPN can help you sign in to Disney+ if you're outside Blighty at the moment.

How to watch 'The Shards' in Australia

It is the same process in Australia, with "The Shards" set to stream on-demand on Disney+ from August 6.

Disney+ starts at AU$9.99/month in Australia.

If you're traveling and already subscribe to a service carrying the show in your home region, a VPN like NordVPN is the easiest way to keep watching without disruption.

'The Shards' - cast

• Igby Rigney as Bret Easton Ellis
• Homer Gere as Robert Mallory
• Graham Campbell as Thom Wright
• Hayes Warner as Debbie Schaffer
• Wes Bentley as Terry Schaffer
• Kaia Gerber as Susan Reynolds
• Evan Rachel Wood as Liz Schaffer
• Jordan Roth as Steven Reinhardt
• Owen Painter as Matt Kellner
• Daniel Dale as Ryan Vaughn

'The Shards' - trailer

'The Shards' - episode guide

• Episode 1 - Pilot: It's the summer of 1981 in Los Angeles; a series of disturbing crimes coincides with the arrival of a strange new student in Bret's orbit.
• Episode 2 - Don't You Want Me: Bret digs deeper into Robert's murky past and uncovers shocking evidence.
• Episode 3 - Help Me! Rhonda!: A beloved student's sudden disappearance causes chaos for the senior class.
• Episode 4 - Robert's Party: Susan's welcome party for Robert is overshadowed by a terrifying and violent incident.
• Episode 5 - Murder on the Dancefloor: A televised dance competition culminates with a horrifying showstopper.
• Episode 6 - Homecoming Part One: Troubled Debbie is galvanized by a new extracurricular.
• Episode 7 - Homecoming Part Two: A surprising Homecoming King and Queen are crowned as the Trawler's killing spree continues.
• Episode 8 - Hamlet: Synopsis TBC
• Episode 9 - Stairway to Heaven: Synopsis TBC

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'Granite Harbour' season 3 online
• The best streaming services to subscribe to right now
• How to watch 'The Hairdresser Mysteries' online

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing

When it comes to deciding what to watch, it can get overwhelming. Fast. There are so many streaming services out there. Even if you keep it to just the best streaming services, there are dozens of new shows and movies added every day.

Lucky for you, it's my job to know exactly what's out there. So I've compiled essentially a TV guide on what to watch tonight.

I've gone through everything from Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video, etc. I've scoured the best free streaming services like Tubi. I've even added some movies you might have missed in theaters that are finally available to buy or rent to stream at home.

So let's dive into it. Here are all the new movies and shows you can stream tonight (including live events), and where to watch them.

Top shows and movies to stream tonight

'Evil Dead Burn' (2026)

Genre: Supernatural horror movie

What's it about? "Evil Dead Burn" is the sixth movie in the "Evil Dead" franchise. It centers around Alice Price (Souheila Price). Her husband dies in a car crash, so she goes to spend time with his family. Unfortunately, they turn into possessed Deadites, and she's forced to kill several of them to survive.

Why you need to watch it: Our Entertainment Editor Rory Mellon and Senior Streaming Writer Alix Blackburn both mentioned this undead nightmare in our roundup of the 14 biggest horror movies of 2026 so far. They didn't find it to be the scariest movie ever. But Alix praised the movie for its gore, brutal deaths and practical effects.

Buy or rent "Evil Dead Burn" from Amazon [PVOD] now

'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks'

Genre: Sports docuseries

What's it about? "Hard Knocks" is an HBO institution at this point. Sometimes it examines struggling teams looking to rise the ranks. Other times, it examines the best of the best. This year, it's the latter, as HBO heads to Seattle, home of the reigning NFL Champions, the Seahawks.

Why you should watch it: In terms of sports docuseries, it's tough to do better than "Hard Knocks." Whether you love the NFL, sports, reality shows or documentaries, you'll almost certainly find this show to be entertaining.

Stream "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" on HBO Max starting at 9 p.m. ET

'Betrayal: Dirty Secrets' season 4

Genre: True crime docuseries

What's it about? In this edition of "Betrayal: Dirty Secrets," the Hulu original series investigates the sordid tale of Karoline Borega. She was married to respected Colorado Springs Police officer Joel Kern, who seemed like an upstanding member of society. But he was secretly abusing his power for sex.

Why you should watch it: Hulu is pretty good at producing a ton of true crime shows. This one will feature interviews with Borega and her daughter, as well as one of Kern’s ex-lovers. Combine that with videos from the internal affairs investigation, and you're left with a comprehensive dive into a scandalous story.

Stream all three episodes of "Betrayal: Dirty Secrets" season 4 on Hulu now

Your streaming guide: Tuesday, Aug 4

Here's everything coming to streaming today, broken down by streaming service:

NETFLIX

• "Badly in Love" season 2
• "Best Medicine" season 1
• "Beyond the Lights"
• "The Cocktail Lab" season 1

PARAMOUNT+

• "Special Ops True" season 1
• "Dana White Contender Series" seasons 1-4

HBO MAX

• "Chopped" Volume 4, Season 64 (Food Network)
• "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" (HBO Original)
• LA Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs, 8 p.m. ET*
• Dunkman Qualifiers, 8 p.m. ET

*Live Sports available only on select plans.

HULU

• "Betrayal: Dirty Secrets" season 4
• "Imaginary" (2024)
• "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro"
• 2026 LoL KeSPA Cup, 2 a.m. ET

DISNEY+

• "CoComelon Playdates with Sanrio Friends"
• "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro"
• 2026 LoL KeSPA Cup, 2 a.m. ET

TUBI

• "Imaginary" (2024)

STREAMING MOVIES TO BUY OR RENT (PVOD)

• "Another World" (2025)
• "Couture" (2026)
• "Evil Dead Burn" (2026)
• "The Isolate Thief" (2026)
• "LifeHack" (2025)
• "Lockbox" (2026)
• "Lucky Strike" (2026)

More from Tom's Guide

• I review TV shows for a living and these are the 10 shows from 2026 I’d actually recommend streaming right now
• 'The Odyssey’ is the best movie of 2026 so far — and maybe topples my favorite Christopher Nolan film
• Every new Netflix movie we’ve reviewed in 2026 (so far), ranked by our star rating

There's no better time than summer to lace up and get running — whether you're hitting the trails, the pavement or the treadmill. If your sneakers have seen better days, you're in luck! Top running brands like Hoka, Asics, Brooks and more are hosting big sales with discounts of up to 50% off.

Whether you're in the market for a new pair of sneakers for marathon training or you're hoping to snag a new pair of kicks for back to school season, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up the best running shoe styles to shop this week, and they start at just $53.

So don't wait! Grab these top styles before they sell out. Keep scrolling to check out the deals that will put some pep in your step this summer and beyond.

Note: prices vary depending on the size and color you choose; search the different color options available in your size to find the best deals.

Quick Links

• Adidas: deals from $39
• Asics: deals from $54
• Brooks: up to 40% off
• New Balance: up to 50% off
• Hoka: up to 30% off
• Nike: up to 30% off
• Saucony Tide 2 Trainer (Men's): was $100 now $76
• Asics Glideride Max (Men's): was $170 now $79
• New Balance FuelCell Trainer V3 (Women's): was $189 now $116
• Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (Men's): was $199 now $119

Best Asics Deals

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Shop More Deals

Ted Lasso and the gang may be back, but AFC Richmond has a distinctly different feel around the place for season 4, with women taking center stage on the pitch as well as the boardroom. Below is all the information you need to watch “Ted Lasso" season 4 online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free.

You can't keep Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and his irrepressible Kansas City spirit down for too long. And, although he crossed back over the pond to spend more time with his son at the end of "Ted Lasso" season 3, the new run features his Richmond return to helm a new project — the soccer club's women's team known as the 'Lady Greyhounds'.

With Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) by his side and the full backing of Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) upstairs, Ted is charged with taking the ailing Lady Greyhounds to glory, just like he did with the men's team. To do so, he'll first have to win around existing coach Alice (Tanya Reynolds), before getting the struggling players not just to play well, but to "Believe".

As ever, there'll be as much to enjoy off the pitch as on it, with Keeley (Juno Temple) and Roy's (Brett Goldstein) will-they-won't they romance and Ted's continuing battles with mental health weaving through the season. Read on to discover how to watch "Ted Lasso" season 4 online and from anywhere.

How to watch 'Ted Lasso' S4 online for free

“Ted Lasso" is an Apple TV original series. If you're new to the platform, you can take advantage of the platform's FREE 7-day trial. Time it right and that will let you watch all season 4 episodes absolutely free.

Traveling overseas? Access your usual services (or even sign up to their free trials) with NordVPN (save 75%).

How to watch 'Ted Lasso' season 4 around the world

Watch 'Ted Lasso' season 4 from anywhere in the world

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Ted Lasso" S4 on your Apple TV subscription?

You can still watch the show thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best VPN on the market:

'Ted Lasso' season 4 episodes & schedule

Season 4 of "Ted Lasso" will run for ten episodes, with the confirmed premiere dates and titles below:

• Episode 1: "Home" — Wednesday, August 5
• Episode 2: "Curiouser and Curiouser!" — Wednesday, August 12
• Episode 3: "Richmond's Got Talent" — Wednesday, August 19
• Episode 4: "Greyhound's Day Off" — Wednesday, August 26
• Episode 5 — Wednesday, September 2
• Episode 6 — Wednesday, September 9
• Episode 7 — Wednesday, September 16
• Episode 8 — Wednesday, September 23
• Episode 9 — Wednesday, September 30
• Episode 10 — Wednesday, October 7

'Ted Lasso' season 4 trailer

'Ted Lasso' season 4 cast

• Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso
• Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton
• Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent
• Brendan Hunt as Coach Willis Beard
• Juno Temple as Keeley Jones
• Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins
• Tanya Reynolds as Alice Chilton
• Abbie Hern as Gemma
• Faye Marsay as Lizzie
• Jude Mack as Boots
• Rex Hayes as Siobhan
• Aisling Sharkey as Niamh
• Mercedes Assad as Margy
• Shannon Hayes as Shannon
• Annelise Heywood as Mady

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Apple TV in August 2026
• The best streaming VPNs
• 'Rooster' review: Another winning, heartfelt dramedy from the creator of 'Ted Lasso' and 'Shrinking'

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is already more than halfway over. If you've been dreaming of pool parties, backyard barbecues or simply spending more time outside, now's the perfect time to give your outdoor space a refresh before the season slips away.

Luckily, Home Depot currently has tons of great deals to help you get the job done right — and they start at just $3. In the market for some new outdoor cooking gear? The Home Depot has deals from top brands like Weber, Blackstone and more starting at $99. You can also grab high-quality patio furniture starting at just $47.

The sale also includes markdowns on gardening must-haves, appliances, lawnmowers, power tools and much more. Below, I've rounded up my favorite outdoor deals to shop for summer. Keep scrolling to check them out! Plus, check out our guide to the best Home Depot promo codes.

Quick Links (The Home Depot)

• shop all Home Depot deals
• Bathroom upgrades: up to 40% off
• Appliance sale: up to 40% off
• Smart home: up to 40% off
• Patio furniture: up to 50% off
• Outdoor grills: deals from $99
• Tools and power equipment: up to $150

Quick Links (Other Retailers)

• YETI: deals from $17 @ Amazon
• Adidas: deals from $6 @ Amazon
• Amazon: up to 50% off Sony, Blink, Apple
• Skechers: deals from $16 @ Amazon
• REI: 50% off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more @ REI
• Crate & Barrel: up to 60% off home decor
• Ninja: appliances from $69 @ Amazon
• Nectar mattresses: up to 50% off @ Nectar
• We Made Too Much: top picks from $9 @ Lululemon

Editor's Choice

Outdoor Furniture Deals

Fans and ACs

Anthropic (the company behind the Claude AI tool) has reportedly dismantled classic physical literature in an effort to make the scanning process go faster in a bid to further train their AI models on their material. Here’s an explainer on why and how this trend has come to fruition.

Why and how this trend is happening

Known as “Project Panama," Anthropic is reportedly using that codename to define a massive effort to acquire a vast amount of printed books and convert them into AI training data.

The AI company is said to have spent millions of dollars acquiring millions of physical books in bulk and proceeding to cut off the spines of said books so the individual pages could be more easily fed through high-speed industrial scanners. This process then led to those pages being converted into machine-readable text for machine learning — that information eventually became a part of a larger dataset used to train Claude AI. And due to those original books’ bindings being removed, they were disposed of as they were now considered nothing but trash.

The Washington Post’s report featured a quote from an internal planning document connected to Anthropic’s ultimate goal. “Project Panama is our effort to destructively scan all the books in the world,” that document stated. “We don’t want it to be known that we are working on this.” This past July, Anthropic settled with those same authors at $1.5 billion.

Reuters reported that the court overseeing that case ruled that, while training AI on books is classified as fair use under copyright law, Anthropic violated the copyrights of several authors and their publishers by keeping 7 million pirated books of theirs in a central library. While companies such as OpenAI, Google and Meta have been embroiled in legal trouble regarding the use of books being used for AI training, Anthropic is the only one that’s been exposed thus far for actually dismantling physical books to train its models.

Here’s what Anthropic had to say

A spokesperson for Anthropic tells Tom’s Guide, "Claude is trained on a mix of publicly available web data, commercially acquired datasets, and data we generate ourselves,” the Anthropic spokesperson told us. “Sourcing books is a widely used approach for training large language models across the AI industry. None of our data acquisition programs buy and destroy rare or antiquarian books."

Anthropic also provided more background on how they engage in the practice of using books to train AI:

• Sourcing books is a widely used approach for training LLMs across the AI industry.
• None of our data acquisition programs buy and destroy ‘rare’ or ‘antiquarian’ books. We buy books from regular commercial markets.
• Much of the chatter online seems to reference our recent Bartz settlement; as a reminder: We settled this case last summer, after the court found that training AI on books is allowed under copyright law [known as ‘fair use’] — a ruling that still stands.
• As Judge Alsup wrote: "Like any reader aspiring to be a writer, Anthropic's LLMs trained upon works not to race ahead and replicate or supplant them — but to turn a hard corner and create something different."
• Bartz specifically concerns claims that Anthropic improperly downloaded materials from two online libraries — the LibGen and PiLiMi datasets.
• Anthropic never commercially released any model trained on the LibGen or PiLiMi datasets, and earned no revenue from any such model.
• We are pleased that more than 91% of authors and publishers covered by the settlement have claimed their share of the payment.

Bottom line

Rare and even out-of-print books may have been obtained by Anthropic for their past efforts, but we might never truly know until years later if the names of those demolished books become widely known.

I’m sure no one wants to live in a world dominated by AI tools that have been trained on reading material that’s not readily available in their original physical form.

More from Tom’s Guide

• The smartest AI trick isn't a prompt — it's your Google Drive
• I found ChatGPT's secret menu — these 9 features change everything
• I tested ChatGPT Health for a week — these 7 prompts helped me get the best health insights

"Van der Valk" season 4 has finally hit screens in the U.K., just over 22 months after it initially aired in the U.S. on PBS.

But it's finally here! ITV will air the detective series on ITV1 every Sunday, beginning Sunday, August 2.

You can also watch it on demand — but what if you don't live in the U.K.? Fear not! We've found a simple trick that lets you stream "Van der Valk" season 4 for free from anywhere in the world, including the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

Here's our full (and quick) guide to how to watch "Van der Valk" season 4 on ITV...

How to watch 'Van der Valk' season 4 on ITV

🇬🇧 British channel ITV will broadcast "Van der Valk" season 4 for free.

✅ You don't need any subscription to watch ITVX — just an account.

🌎 IN THE U.S., Canada or Australia? WATCH ITV FREE WITH A VPN.

Register – free ITV account or download the ITV app on your mobile device. Use your email and a U.K. postcode (e.g. W1A 1AA)

P.S. We tested it ourselves – it works perfectly and streams are presented in HD.

How to watch 'Van der Valk' season 4 on ITV from anywhere

ITV is free, but it will only broadcast "Van der Valk" in the U.K..

Those traveling or working outside the U.K. will need to use a VPN to access ITV's free streaming platform in the U.S.A., Canada and Australia.

There are lots of VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can rely on to unblock ITV and best of all right now you can get 75% off...

It's really easy to use a VPN to watch "Van der Valk" season 4 on ITV...

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you want to watch "Van der Valk" on ITV, choose ''U.K.' from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to ITV, sign in, and watch "Van der Valk" season 4 on ITV for free – from the U.S., Australia or beyond.

Which devices can I watch "Van der Valk" season 4 on ITV with?

• Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)
• Android TV (note: some models aren’t supported)
• Android (Mobile & Tablet) — Android 7.0 and above
• Apple TV (tvOS 18 or later)
• Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
• Freely
• Freesat (note: some models aren’t supported)
• Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (note: some models aren’t supported)
• iOS (iPhone & iPad) — iOS 15 and above        
• LG Smart TVs (2016 or later)       
• NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
• Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and above)        
• Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck
• Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)
• YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)
• Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming VPN in 2026
• How to watch 'House of the Dragon' season 3
• How to watch UK TV abroad

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

I test a fair amount of power banks, but I really enjoy the ones that offer maximum utility. While many are specifically designed for phones and smaller electronics, the NOCO Boost Air AX65 is in a class of its own and easily one of the best power banks around.

Sure, I’m no stranger to power banks serving double duty as air inflators, but this particular one does way more. For example, this ultra-rugged power bank offers 60W charging to easily juice phones with supported fast-charging tech — while being more than capable of supplying power to laptops like my HP OmniBook or a MacBook Neo.

But what makes this power bank even better is how many times it has resuscitated my old Toyota Corolla from the dead over the last several months of testing.

2,000-amp jump starts are a breeze

It’s one thing to juice up my iPhone 17 Pro and Motorola Razr Fold, but it’s another thing entirely to breathe life back into a dead car. My Toyota Corolla sits in the driveway most of the time because I’m constantly away testing the best electric cars, which frequently leaves its battery completely drained.

Yet, the NOCO Boost Air AX65 makes light work of bringing it back to life thanks to its 2,000-amp peak rating. After attaching the included jumper cables to their corresponding terminals on my car’s battery, I powered the unit on and activated its charge boost mode. From there, I turned the ignition and voila — my car roared back to life.

Best of all, there are practically no complications when performing this rescue operation on my car. Thanks to its advanced spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection, jump-starting any 12V battery is entirely worry-free.

In fact, it easily outperforms the 600-amp peak output of the Scosche PowerUp 600 I used to keep in my trunk. With the Scosche, I typically had to attempt a jump a few times before the engine stayed running smoothly, whereas the NOCO Boost Air AX65 gets it done on the very first try.

Fast-charging all of my gear

When I’m in my garage, I always like to keep the NOCO Boost Air AX65 nearby. Whether I'm exercising or shooting product photos, it serves as an excellent portable power station for almost all my gear. Thanks to its 60W USB-C power delivery, it has more than enough speed to top up the phones I’m testing in no time at all. In those clutch moments when my phone's battery hits critical level, that fast charging brings it back to a healthy level in 30 minutes or less.

I’ve even started using it to charge my laptops while working out in the garage. Laptops like the MacBook Neo and my HP OmniBook easily pull a charge from its 31.8 Wh lithium-ion battery, giving me plenty of extra runtime before the NOCO itself needs a recharge.

Speaking of which, that 60W speed isn’t just for output — it works both ways. When I plug it into a high-speed GaN charger via USB-C, the unit recharges at that same rapid 60W rate, so it's ready to go again in no time.

High-speed inflation

As if juicing up laptops and reviving dead car engines weren't enough, the AX65 also packs a built-in 280-watt lithium-powered air compressor. Pushing up to 67 liters per minute (LPM) with a maximum pressure of 100 PSI, this isn't one of those agonizingly slow portable tire pumps I keep with my bike — it’s far more powerful and substantially faster.

I put it to the test on one of my Corolla's tires that was sitting noticeably low against the pavement. What makes the process so effortless is the smart pressure feature: you simply dial in your target PSI, hit start, and let it do the rest. The dynamic sensor monitors pressure in real time and automatically shuts off the moment it hits the exact mark, eliminating the need to manually check with a separate gauge.

Honestly, I was shocked by how brutally fast it is compared to other portable tire inflators I’ve used. It topped off my e-bike tire in roughly 30 seconds, compared to the minutes it usually takes with lesser pumps. I also love that it includes dedicated storage compartments for all the necessary nozzle adapters, ensuring they stay neatly stowed right on the unit so I never misplace them.

The Ultimate Car Companion

What really ties the whole package together — and makes it a non-negotiable addition to any trunk — is the built-in 100-lumen multi-mode LED flashlight. Not only has it been clutch when I’ve had to jump-start my Corolla at night, but it’s also been awesome for illuminating the garage whenever one of my overhead lights flickers out.

Honestly, it’s rare for a single gadget to tackle all of these demands so well. Even though it commands a premium price tag of about $300, it’s still worth every it because of how it eliminates the need to buy multiple dedicated devices. Since I started testing it months ago, the NOCO AX65 has earned a permanent spot in my car's trunk.

It’s been an extraordinary summer. I’ve never known a season when the temperature has been so high without any rainfall.

My area is officially in drought, and unsurprisingly my lawn and yard are looking parched. It’s easy to see which plants and flowers are heat and drought-tolerant, and I’m making a mental note of what to concentrate on growing next year.

Everything is behaving differently; even my tomato plants are responding to the high temperatures. Where they would usually be turning red, they are stuck in between color changes.

I’ve been watering my tomato plants consistently, making sure they’re hydrated without overwatering. However, there’s one element that is outside of my control.

Tomatoes react differently to extreme temperatures

According to Holly from the Garden Tendencies Instagram channel, high temperatures impact the color change in tomatoes.

“Once it stays above 85 degrees [29.4°C], tomato plants stop making the pigment that turns fruit red. So your tomatoes sit there, full-sized and stuck between green and orange, never finishing,” she says.

Without knowing that the temperature halts the process, you may hold off harvesting your homegrown crop, but she advises against keeping them on the vine.

Instead, Holly suggests, “Pick at first blush, the moment you see any color, and let them finish on the counter.”

But don’t worry, you won’t notice the difference in the taste.

“The flavor difference versus vine-ripened is less than 1%. You’re not sacrificing taste, just outsmarting the heat,” she adds.

How high heat stops tomatoes turning red

Tomatoes need temperatures between 70°F and 75°F to build color properly. When the temperature reaches between 85°F and 90°F, the high heat stops the fruit from making the red and yellow pigments (lycopene and carotene), which it needs to change color.

The intense heat causes the ripening process to slow or stop completely if the high temperatures persist. Bonnie Plants explains, “Fruit left on plants may have some color on the outside, but may still be green inside. So, if a period of intense heat is in the forecast, pick any fruit already showing hints of ripe color and allow it to finish ripening indoors.”

My tomatoes are still looking green, without the first sign of a blush, but I’m going to wait a little while longer to see if they start to turn. Let me know in the comments whether you’ve noticed a difference with the lack of color change in your tomatoes this year, and whether you’ve already started to pick them off the vine.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get rid of tomato blossom end rot for a healthy harvest
• 7 mistakes to avoid when growing your own tomatoes
• 3 ways to tell that your tomatoes are ready to harvest

Summer is prime time for outdoor adventures — and if you're gearing up for a trip, it's worth investing in some reliable gear. Luckily, REI has everything you need to make the most of your time outside.

The retailer is currently hosting a summer sale with up to 50% off brands like Patagonia, On, Arc'teryx and The North Face. I'm personally looking forward to shopping Vuori's sale at REI, with discounts of up to 40% off the high-quality loungewear and gym apparel. REI is also discounting camping essentials, with up to 30% off items like tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and much more.

Below, I've rounded up the REI summer deals that caught my eye — and the ones I'd actually recommend shopping. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Quick Links

• shop REI's weekend sale
• Camping gear: up to 30% off
• Vuori: up to 40% off
• Arc'teryx: apparel from $24
• Columbia: apparel from $14
• Patagonia: apparel/accessories from $15
• Marmot: apparel from $15
• The North Face: apparel from $16
• Yeti: water bottles from $17
• Adidas: sports bras/shirts from $19
• Saucony: running gear from $46

My Favorite REI Sales

REI Men's Apparel

REI Women's Apparel

I’m combing through the latest movies on Prime Video and picking out a selection of gripping thrillers you should watch this week to add some excitement to your mid-week streaming.

Prime Video just added more than 50 movies to kick off its August 2026 slate, so there are plenty of options. These include a classic crime thriller with a jaw-dropping twist, a tense spy-thriller based on real history, and a surreal neo-noir mystery from legendary director David Lynch.

Don’t waste your precious movie-watching time scrolling through all the new arrivals on Prime Video; I’ve already done the legwork for you and picked out a selection of highlights. Here are the best new to Prime Video thriller movies you need to add to your watchlist this week.

3 best new to Prime Video thriller movies this week

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Earlier this year, I polled more than 2,000 Tom’s Guide readers to determine the best movie twist of all time. While “The Sixth Sense” took home the gold, 1995’s “The Usual Suspects” secured second place with almost 20% of the vote. If you somehow haven’t seen this Bryan Singer crime thriller, and more importantly, don’t know the devilishly brilliant twists, then stop reading this article and watch this genre classic ASAP before you have the shocking reveal ruined.

This thriller revolves around a single question: Who is Keyser Söze? After a job gone wrong at the San Pedro Harbor, a timid small-time crook, Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), is taken into police custody for interrogation. Through a series of flashbacks, he explains how the ill-fated heist came to be and, more importantly, how he made contact with the enigmatic crimelord, Keyser Söze. The police hope to identify Söze using Verbal’s testimony, but there is trickery afoot, and the elusive criminal mastermind is already one step ahead of the authorities.

Watch "The Usual Suspects" on Prime Video now

'Operation Finale' (2018)

“Operation Finale” is an intense and powerful spy-thriller rooted in real history. Directed by Chris Weitz, this movie chronicles a 1960s operation to capture an SS officer, Adolf Eichmann (played by Ben Kingsley), and bring him to trial in Jerusalem for his abhorrent crimes during World War II. That mission is easy to get invested in, and while the 2018 movie does run a little long at two hours, it’s still a compelling watch with a strong cast.

In 1960s Argentina, a group of Israeli agents believes they may have identified German officer Adolf Eichmann, one of the key figures behind Hitler’s “Final Solution.” Determined to bring him to justice at any cost, these Mossad agents must infiltrate his inner circle and then find a way to capture him so they can bring him to justice and face the consequences of his war crimes. Their leader is Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac), a man deeply haunted by the past.

Watch "Operation Finale" on Prime Video now

‘Blue Velvet’ (1986)

Visionary director David Lynch passed away in January, so why not celebrate a remarkable career by watching one of his most beloved movies, “Blue Velvet.” This influential neo-noir mystery-thriller explores the darker side of suburbia and earned Lynch his second Oscar nomination for Best Director. Curiously, it was very divisive upon release in 1986, but over the decades since, it has been reevaluated by contemporary critics.

Frequent Lynch collaborator Kyle MacLachlan plays Jeffrey, a college student who returns home to Lumberton, North Carolina, after his father suffers a stroke. Back in the suffocating mundanity of suburban existence, Jeffrey begins to unravel a twisting mystery when he finds a severed human ear near his home; this leads to a fascination with a troubled nightclub singer, Dorothy (Isabella Rossellini), and things get darker (and more disturbing) from there.

Watch "Blue Velvet" on Prime Video now

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Prime Video in August 2026
• How to get Prime Video for free
• Prime Video just added 5 movies you can stream for free

Two of the biggest sneaker brands in the world — Nike and Adidas — are both holding huge sales right now. Amazon is discounting a bunch of footwear, and I've found some amazing savings on some of the most popular running shoes of the summer. That means the winner of the competition is us!

Right now, I have my eye on the Nike Revolution 8 road running shoes on sale from $53. They're extremely affordable, are packed with cushioning and look super clean. If you're on team Adidas, check out the Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 running shoes on sale from $39.

Note: Prices vary based on the size and color you choose. To find the best deal for you, check out any different color options available in your size. For more deals, check out our Amazon promo codes coverage.

Quick Links

• shop all Adidas deals at Amazon
• Adidas Adilette Shower Slides: was $30 now from $21
• Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 (Men's): was $70 now from $39
• Nike Run Defy Road Running Shoes (Women's): was $65 now from $48
• Nike Revolution 8 Road Running Shoes (Women's): was $75 now from $53
• Adidas Ultradream Dna Sneaker (Women's): was $90 now from $67
• Nike Winflo 11 Road Running Shoes (Women's): was $110 now from $93
• Nike Pegasus 41 Running Shoes (Women's): was $140 now from $100
• Adidas Adistar 3 Shoes (Men’s): was $130 now from $104

Adidas running shoe deals

Nike running shoe deals

When I was in college, I had to lug around a 50-pound, CRT-style TV from dorm to dorm — and it cost a lot. These days, TVs are slim and plenty of budget-friendly models are worth buying.

Whether moving into a dorm, an off-campus apartment or simply refurnishing a bedroom, the ideal TV for the average student is on the smaller side, with a reliable smart platform and a price tag that doesn’t add to the stress of a new semester.

I’ve put together a list of my five top picks that meet this criteria. In addition, I’ve made sure to choose sets that are currently on sale.

1. Samsung Q7F (43 inches)

This affordable Samsung QLED isn't the brightest or most-colorful TV on the block, but for students who want an extra-slim screen in their living space, the Q7F is the one to buy.

Despite its entry-level performance, the Q7F comes in a remarkably sleek package for the price. Setup couldn't be easier (no tools are required), and Samsung's built-in smart platform is reliable enough for everyday use.

The 43-inch version of the Q7F is on sale for around $300 at Best Buy, which is right in line with where this set ought to priced. There are better-performing TVs on this list, but the Q7F is perfect for the type of student who values design over a pricey picture.

2. TCL QM5K (50 inches)

If you want something a bit bigger than the Q7F at a comparable price, the 50-inch TCL QM5K is the TV I'd recommend. It's about $50 more than the Q7F, but the QM5K's original price was $649.

The QM5K's best feature is its Mini-LED backlighting. Most affordable TVs at or around the QM5K's price don't come with Mini-LEDs, so this should satisfy the sort of student who'd like a bit better performance for movies and games.

Additionally, this TV features Google TV, which I prefer to Samsung's built-in software. Google TV offers an easy-to-navigate interface and a vast library of downloadable apps.

3. Roku Plus Series (55 inches)

Once upon a time, if you wanted a TV with Roku built in, you had to settle for one that didn’t offer much in the way of picture quality. But in the last few years, Roku's TVs have greatly improved, and the Plus Series is the one I'd recommend to students who want the most convenient streaming experience.

At 55 inches, this TV is bigger than the rest of the recommendations I've included, but its price is nevertheless quite low for its class.

Roku's bold, clean interface is easy to navigate, while its app support is among the best in the industry. It's perfect for a college student who does more streaming than studying ... not that we endorse that.

4. LG B5 (48 inches)

LG's entry-level B5 OLED is the screen to buy if you're looking for a TV in the 43- to 50-inch size range that offers top-tier performance for gamers and cinephiles.

The 48-inch version is a Best Buy exclusive, and while it's over $600, it's arguably the best picture quality you can get for its price.

Students who splurge on the B5 won't just get OLED-driven performance — they'll also get an exhaustive set of features for streaming and gaming.

5. LG C5 (42 inches)

The 42-inch LG C5 OLED is the smallest screen on my list of recommendations, but it's also the best TV on this list, too. Its performance comes a higher cost than even the aforementioned B5, but if you're willing to spend more, you won't be disappointed.

As a mid-range OLED, the C5 is brighter and more colorful than the entry-level B5. At 42 inches, the C5 also makes for a terrific computer monitor. In fact, many people buy the 42-inch C5 specifically for this purpose.

$900 isn't cheap, but consider this: The 42-inch LG C5 was originally priced at $1,399. Its current price matches what we saw on Prime Day.

More from Tom's Guide

• We just graded every TV brand on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
• This RGB LED TV is the one to buy if the Sony Bravia 9 II is outside of your budget
• There's a better cable for TVs than HDMI — but here's why we'll probably never use it

The school summer holidays are in full swing, and for me that means a lot of traveling, mostly to visit family members who are very kindly providing childcare while I work.

It’s a fun time, but travel is the enemy of a consistent fitness routine, in my experience. My main sport is running, which is easy enough to keep going wherever you are, but my regular strength sessions fall completely by the wayside when I’m away from home.

My usual strength training schedule consists of a couple of short dumbbell workouts a week, but I don’t want to carry any equipment with me when traveling, so I turn to bodyweight sessions instead.

This 15-minute calisthenics workout from fitness trainer Anna Engelschall (best known as growingannanas on YouTube) is exactly the kind of thing I like to do while traveling.

It doesn’t require any kit or even that much space — you just need room to sidestep while standing and get into a plank position on the floor — and it works muscles all over the body while also getting the heart pumping.

Watch GrowingAnnanas' 15-minute full-body calisthenics workout

The workout contains 15 exercises, each of which you do for 50 seconds before resting for 10 seconds. At the end there’s a 40-second finisher, which I couldn’t do at all; more on that later.

You don’t need any equipment for the session, but if you’re on a hard floor then rolling out a yoga mat will make many of the exercises more comfortable.

I’d say this is an intermediate-level session, and because it contains a lot of push-ups and planks, those worried about putting pressure on their wrists and shoulders might need to adjust those moves.

I slipped in the workout one lunchtime before a run; here’s what I made of it.

It’s more about maintaining strength than building muscle

Maintaining my current fitness is generally my main aim when traveling, rather than going all out to make big strength gains, and this workout fits the bill.

I wasn’t maxing out or finishing any of the moves completely exhausted, but I felt the challenge of each exercise and ended the session confident I’d had a good workout.

Rather than pushing myself in strength sessions while traveling, I find it better to try to stay consistent.

The workout lives up to the full-body tag

It’s not a long workout, but Anna packs in a lot of different moves and each area of the body gets a good workout, with lots of squats and lunges to hit the lower body, push-ups for the upper body, and planks and sit-up variations for the core.

Those looking to really hit their chest, arms and back will probably be better off with a more focused upper-body session, but I enjoyed the full-body approach of this workout.

It’s a fast and sweaty workout

I sometimes enjoy short, slow strength workouts where I don’t even really need to change into gym clothes, but this is definitely one you’re going to sweat during.

The pace is fast, so you pack in a lot of reps and don’t get long breaks; if you’re also doing it in the heat of summer like me, you’ll quickly get your heart pumping. It’s not an all-out HIIT session, but you’ll get some cardio fitness benefits alongside boosting strength.

It focuses on classic moves

In keeping with the back-to-basics theme of the session, you do multiple variations of classic exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups and planks.

This isn’t a workout where you’re going to try all manner of novel moves and challenge your body in new ways; it’s all about hitting the fundamentals hard for a short, effective full-body session.

You might have to pick your own last move

I thought the workout was done after 15 minutes had ticked by, but Anna sprung a surprise with a 40-second crow pose finisher.

For those not acquainted with the crow pose, it involves supporting your entire body on your hands, with your knees resting against your upper arms.

I can do it for a few seconds before falling over, so I switched to a wall sit hold instead to round out my workout.

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

More from Tom's Guide

• I teach people to be more mobile in their 60s and 70s: 3 low-impact exercises you should start with
• Forget burpees —the 'Pilates burpee' is beginner-friendly and low-impact (and you’ll love it)
• A yoga instructor says this is the 5-minute yoga routine you need for strong and mobile hips and core muscles

Most people use ChatGPT for the same three things: writing emails, answering questions and generating images. Maybe to vibe code an app or two. But after spending months testing new features and hidden ones, I've discovered a secret menu of useful tricks.

Some are built into ChatGPT, while others simply rely on prompts that most people never think of trying. Here are nine surprisingly useful things ChatGPT can do that go well beyond writing, coding and creating pictures.

1. Write in unusual fonts

Prompt: Write "Happy Birthday!" in five different Unicode font styles including cursive, bubble, gothic and small caps.

This is what got me testing theses features. After asking ChatGPT to respond “in cursive,” the AI obliged. If you’re like me, you assumed ChatGPT only outputs plain text, but it can generate Unicode characters that look like cursive, gothic lettering, bubble text, tiny superscript, double-struck text and more. This is great for social posts, invitations or text messages.

2. Turn handwritten notes into organized text

Prompt: Turn these handwritten notes into organized meeting notes with headings, bullet points and action items.

With this trick, you’re the one doing the cursive or handwriting. Just snap a picture of notebook pages or meeting notes and ChatGPT can organize everything into clean text. I do this all the time when I journal or handwrite notes in meetings. It can even identify action items, and read messy handwriting to turn it into something readable.

3. Convert a photo of a table into an Excel spreadsheet

Prompt: Convert this table into an editable spreadsheet. Keep all rows and columns exactly the same

This feels almost like magic. If someone sends you a photo of a printed table, expense report or schedule, ChatGPT can recreate it as a spreadsheet you can copy directly into Excel or Google Sheets. Bonus: it even works if you drew a table yourself.

4. Build Excel formulas from plain English

Prompt: I have names in column A and sales in column B. Write a formula that returns "Bonus" whenever sales exceed $5,000.

I don’t know about your Excel skills, but I can tell you I’m hopeless when it comes to them. I don’t know why my brain goes numb when I see all those empty squares, but luckily it doesn’t matter because ChatGPT can help. You don't have to remember VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP or nested IF statements anymore. Just describe what you're trying to do. You’ll look like a spreadsheet pro and get the work done much faster.

5. Pull a professional color palette from any image

Prompt: Analyze this image and create a professional five-color palette with HEX codes and explain why these colors work together.

Upload a room, logo, landscape or outfit and ChatGPT can identify the dominant colors, provide HEX codes and even suggest complementary colors. It’s surprisingly useful if you're decorating a room or creating a presentation. My husband uses it for landscaping all the time.

6. Explain complicated charts

Prompt: Explain what this chart actually means. Highlight the biggest trend, anything unusual and what someone should take away after looking at it.

Instead of staring at a confusing graph wondering what you're supposed to notice, upload it. ChatGPT can explain trends, identify outliers and summarize the important takeaway in plain English. I’ve even uploaded a busy calendar as a “chart” and asked ChatGPT questions as if it were a chart. “What percentage of July was spent at birthday parties and playdates?” If you know, you know.

7. Create printable puzzles and games

Prompt: Create a printable word search for 8-year-olds with a summer vacation theme and include the answer key.

There are so many possibilities with this one. You could create customized party favors, a gender reveal or a fun way to keep the kids occupied on a rainy afternoon. ChatGPT can generate word searches, crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, scavenger hunts and trivia games that you can print immediately.

8. Create QR codes

Prompt: Create a QR code that links to https://www.tomsguide.com and make sure it's easy to scan.

Most people don't realize ChatGPT can generate QR codes that point to websites, contact information or Wi-Fi credentials. They're handy for invitations, classrooms and small businesses.

You could even add one to your resume so potential employers can contact you immediately.

9. Create live checklists inside ChatGPT

Prompt: Create an interactive checklist for setting up a new Windows laptop. Let me check off each item as I finish it.

Don’t sleep on this one! I’ve found this to be useful when packing for trips or following multi-step tutorials. I even use it at work when I have a busy day and want to be sure nothing gets missed. Using this prompt or one like it, ChatGPT can create an interactive checklist you can check off as you go. It turns long projects into something much easier to manage.

Final thoughts

ChatGPT keeps adding capabilities, but not all of them are obvious. Without complicated prompts or a paid subscription, most of these tricks can be done in seconds. Give these a try and let me know which ones you try first. Share your thoughts in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• Claude Opus 5 isn't just for work — these are the 5 prompts retirees should try first
• Everyone is using ChatGPT Memory wrong — 5 tweaks to make it a true assistant
• ChatGPT just got a major upgrade — here’s what's new and 7 prompts to try it

More from Tom's Guide

• I just learned your Claude AI chats could show up in Google — here's how to check yours
• The smartest AI trick isn't a prompt — it's your Google Drive
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Deciding what to stream can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially at the beginning of a new month when platforms drop lots of new movies, shows, and originals all at once. It’s easy to spend more time scrolling than actually watching.

Thankfully, Netflix’s top 10 list makes things a little easier, offering a quick snapshot of what’s capturing everyone’s attention right now.

This week’s top 10 features a British drama based on a harrowing true story, the second season of a romantic drama starring Minka Kelly, and a new action-thriller series following France’s elite police unit. I’ve picked the three standouts that are most deserving of a spot on your watchlist. If you want to see what else is trending, you’ll find the full Netflix top 10 below.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’

If you’re someone who prefers watching shows based on true stories, “The Bombing of Pan Am 103” is a series that holds significant weight. Created by Jonathan Lee and developed alongside Adam Morane-Griffiths, the series centers on the real-world international investigation following the 1988 terrorist attack over Lockerbie, Scotland. This drama explores the joint Scots-US legal and police efforts, the challenges of multi-agency cooperation, and the lasting impact on the local Scottish community.

In the 1988 Lockerbie disaster, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over southern Scotland after a bomb detonated onboard, killing all 259 passengers and crew, along with 11 people on the ground. Less than 40 minutes after taking off from Heathrow Airport, the plane was cruising at 31,000 feet. The six-part series follows Scottish detectives and FBI agents as they launch a complex international investigation spanning Scotland, the United States, Germany, and Malta.

Stream "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix

‘Ransom Canyon’

Romance fans will want to tune into “Ransom Canyon” this week, a romantic drama based on the book series by Jodi Thomas. The first season debuted at No. 2 on Netflix’s global English TV chart, earning 7.2 million views (56.6 million hours viewed) in its opening weekend alone. Its strong debut proved there was a clear appetite for small-town romantic Westerns on Netflix, and now that season 2 has arrived, the series is once again attracting plenty of attention from viewers.

“Ransom Canyon” season 2 picks up six months after the events of the first season, with rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) struggling to regain control of his family’s Double K Ranch after losing his position as trustee. Meanwhile, Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) returns to the Texas town after spending time in New York pursuing her career as a concert pianist, forcing her to decide where her future lies. As Staten works to protect the ranch, new arrivals create fresh conflict for the town’s families.

Stream "Ransom Canyon" season 2 on Netflix

‘Elite Force’

Netflix recently dropped the new French action-thriller “Elite Force,” a 6-episode limited series packed with character-driven drama. Featuring a standout cast led by Tomer Sisley, this adrenaline-fueled show dives deep into counter-terrorism operations and the personal sacrifices behind the uniform. If action and suspense are more your style, this is sure to hit the mark, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs to a higher spot in the charts this week.

“Elite Force” follows David Caron (Tomer Sisley), a senior officer in France’s elite GIGN intervention unit, who is preparing to leave field operations behind. However, after a devastating attack strikes his team, David is forced back into action to track down those responsible. As a new recruit, Max (Tristan Zanchi), joins the unit, David must protect his godson while investigating a dangerous enemy armed with stolen military-grade explosives.

Stream "Elite Force" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" (2026)
2. "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" (2025)
3. "Ransom Canyon" (2025)
4. "The Hawk" (2026)
5. "I Will Find You" (2026)
6. "My Daughter's Father" (2026)
7. "Little House on the Prairie" (2026)
8. "Worst Neighbor Ever" (2026)
9. "Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain" (2026)
10. "Elite Force" (2026)

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Netflix in August 2026
• 5 new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• Every new Netflix movie we’ve reviewed in 2026 (so far)

Edward Norton is often praised for his iconic role in "Fight Club," and it's exciting to see his name popping up for his role in Olivia Wilde’s hit indie comedy "The Invite." Yet, there is another film that I consider one of his finest hours: "Primal Fear." Shockingly, his turn as the accused killer Aaron Stampler marked his feature acting debut — a performance so powerful it even earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

If you have missed or overlooked this film, it is beyond worth queueing up. Norton shines alongside Richard Gere in this riveting psychological thriller, delivering a spellbinding performance that keeps you guessing right up until the very end.

Woven together with clever red herrings and relentless tension, "Primal Fear" is simply unforgettable. In fact, it is one of those rare movies I wish I could wipe from my memory entirely, just to have the thrill of watching it again on Paramount+ for the first time. It really is that good.

What is 'Primal Fear' about?

The film opens with a sharp focus on Martin Vail (Richard Gere), an arrogant but wildly successful defense lawyer who graces legal magazine covers and stays on friendly terms with his criminal clients. After establishing his razor-sharp swagger and his tense dynamic with ex-lover and prosecuting attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), Vail is drawn to his next big headline.

A beloved local figure, Archbishop Richard Rushman, is viciously murdered, and a terrified young choir boy covered in blood, Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), is caught running from the scene. Smelling a high-profile case, Vail takes on the seemingly vulnerable, stammering young man pro bono, confident that he has the entire legal strategy mapped out with zero surprises ahead.

However, as the trial commences and Vail pushes for answers, a shocking truth emerges: Stampler has a dark, hidden personality named Roy. A court-appointed psychologist (Frances McDormand) diagnoses him with a dual personality disorder, even as dark secrets about the victim begin to surface. As the case unravels, it's fascinating to watch Vail juggle the complex legal drama while Stampler bafflingly looks on, confused as to what will happen next. At least... it sure seems that way.

Why I recommend you stream 'Primal Fear'

What makes "Primal Fear" such a powerful film isn't just its iconic, shocking ending — although that's admittedly one of the biggest reasons I love it — but the outstanding acting across the board. Edward Norton shines, brilliantly balancing the dual personalities of an innocent, easily exploited youth and a deceptive, cunning psychopath. It's no surprise he was nominated for an Academy Award; he played both sides with absolute conviction.

However, he isn't alone in bringing serious acting chops to the table. Richard Gere, already a film veteran with numerous accolades to his name, was the perfect choice for the arrogant attorney. Whenever Gere and Norton share the screen, the movie crackles with pure energy.

The supporting cast is equally stellar. Laura Linney gives a captivating performance as the confident prosecuting attorney, while Alfre Woodard commands the courtroom as the judge. Add in John Mahoney as the crooked state's attorney and Andre Braugher as Vail's sharp investigator, and there isn't a single actor in this film who doesn't do incredible work.

Combined with a haunting score and sweeping shots of Chicago, "Primal Fear" is a masterclass in suspense that you won't soon forget.

Stream "Primal Fear" on Paramount+

Shopping for a new laptop can be expensive. Although the $699 MacBook Neo and XPS 13 try to make a premium-feeling laptop more accessible, Lenovo’s IdeaPad lineup does the same. It bridges the gap between the best budget laptops and those that aren't — especially if you’re looking for a no-frills computer for school or office work.

The new entry in the family, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026), continues that tradition. It is a great laptop with a spacious 15-inch touchscreen, solid everyday productivity performance from Intel’s new “Wildcat Lake” processor, and decent battery life to get you through the day.

I loved this IdeaPad, as it comes at a tough time, when laptop prices are always on the rise. At the sale price of $799, that makes it even more of a great laptop. But at the full price of $1,299, it isn’t a chart-topper among similar competitors when it comes to the design and its keyboard. It will, however, help you get your job or assignments done if you need a new dependable laptop.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026): Cheat Sheet

• What is it? The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026) is a laptop for everyday productivity.
• Who is it for? Students or office workers.
• What does it cost? Lenovo lists this configuration for $1,299 at Best Buy, but it is regularly discounted to around $799 during back-to-school sales and to $999 on Lenovo’s own website. At the time of writing, it’s on sale for $799 at Best Buy.
• What do we like? The IdeaPad Slim 3i has a bright and big screen, as well as solid performance and decent battery life.
• What don’t we like? While it is lightweight, portable, and durable, the plastic chassis doesn't make this laptop feel great, and the included barrel charger is an inconvenience.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026): Specs

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026): The ups

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026) has a lot going for it, including a vivid 15-inch display, excellent performance, and long battery life.

A big and bright 15-inch touchscreen

The top reason I love the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026) is its large 15-inch 1920x1200 display. As a lab tester, I am constantly digging through spreadsheets, so this laptop really made my job easier. I can stack multiple windows side by side, including Slack and my Google Chrome browser. I didn’t have to connect to the portable monitor on my desk in our test lab, as I usually do. This helped free up my desk space for the multiple devices I tend to test on a day-to-day basis.

Switching through all of my work was smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and the ability to touch and scroll the screen with just a few clicks. This 120hz touchscreen is something the MacBook Neo doesn’t have.

While the MacBook Neo and the XPS 13 might be cheaper than the IdeaPad Slim 3i, they also have smaller screens. On those systems, you’ll likely need to adjust scaling in Windows 11 or macOS to get a good view. That makes everything look smaller, so it is nice not to have to deal with that on this big-screen IdeaPad.

The screen gets pretty bright, too, reaching 408 nits in our lab testing. It also covers 116% of the sRGB color gamut and 82.2% of the DCI-P3 volume. That puts it 50 nits below the MacBook Neo, ahead of the XPS 13, but behind the MacBook Air in terms of brightness.

As someone who has used and personally tested all those laptops, it’s not something you’ll likely notice in everyday use. The screen still shines bright. When I watched a replay of one of my favorite cartoons, Disney’s Hailey's on It!, the brown in her face looked really rich, and the colors in this animated universe really popped and came to life. It might not be OLED, but this display is still a real treat.

Productivity performance from Intel Wildcat Lake

Intel's new Wildcat Lake processor delivers exactly the level of performance most students and office workers need. You can already find it in the cheaper XPS 13, but the IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 is one of the first 15-inch laptops we’ve tested with the higher-end Core 7 version of this chip. For productivity, the Intel Core 7 350 delivers with a 2,669 single-core score and a 7,827 multi-core score in Geekbench 6.

Even though our lab’s benchmarks might show this IdeaPad trailing just slightly behind the Windows-powered competitors, it is still good enough for $799, since most people who don’t want a laptop for raw performance at this price. The IdeaPad had no issue juggling media-rich tabs like Reddit, YouTube, and the Tom’s Guide and Tom’s Hardware homepages. Even with around 20 browser tabs spread across Edge and Chrome, the system remained responsive.

I even enjoyed playing some Microsoft Store games like Solitaire in the background during my lunch break. I also played Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p, with a few settings tuned down. This game is pretty old, but it is known to stress the CPU — so it’s surprising to see this kind of performance from a laptop that isn’t meant for gaming.

You’ll still have to keep expectations in check, though, as this is not a laptop for video editing and gaming, as the 9:22-minute result our lab got when encoding a video in Handbrake shows. For that, the MacBook Air 15-inch, which is priced the same as this laptop when not on sale, might be a better buy if you can switch to MacOS. For something cheaper, you also might want to consider Lenovo’s own IdeaPad Slim 5x, which has higher multi-core performance for more demanding tasks beyond everyday productivity.

Strong battery life

Having used the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 for work, I found the battery life good enough for my needs. Thanks to the power-efficient Wildcat Lake chip inside this laptop, I was able to get through my full workday on a single charge with the screen at a comfortable 44% brightness. I even had about 40% of battery life left when I came home to finish off the day streaming YouTube videos and browsing through my social media apps.

With a result of 10 hours and 33 minutes on our lab’s web-browsing battery test, this laptop falls behind its competitors and comes nowhere near the 15 and a half hours achieved by the MacBook Air. It also isn’t quite up to the Arm-powered IdeaPad Slim 5x sibling. However, 10 hours and 33 minutes is still a decent result, considering the large 15-inch screen and the 120Hz refresh rate, which consumes extra power.

Our lab's synthetic battery test is also fairly demanding on the laptop, since the screen is set to 150 nits and the laptop auto-browses through websites, streams video, and runs OpenGL tests until the battery is exhausted. In the real world, you shouldn’t have a problem living away from your charger.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026): The downs

While there's a lot to like about the IdeaPad Slim 3i, it's not perfect

Plastic chassis

For $799, this laptop will have some compromises that many budget Windows laptops in this range that predate the aluminum XPS 13 and MacBook Neo frequently carry. One of those is the plastic chassis.

There’s a good reason this laptop has a plastic frame: it helps make it lightweight and durable. Lenovo also has this IdeaPad with a MIL-STD-810H certification. That is a huge plus, and it means it can withstand lots of drops and survive the beating a notebook for school or work might take.

Plastic also means the laptop is pretty lightweight for its class. Coming in at 3.51 pounds, it’s heavier than the 2.5-pound MacBook Air, but lighter than my 4.7-pound 16-inch MacBook Pro, which I frequently bring to work.

Lenovo says that the IdeaPad Slim 3i offers plenty of customization options in case material and color. There are five color options, as well as a polycarbonate or aluminum chassis. I would suggest the aluminum option if you can find it.

Outdated barreled charger

The port selection on this laptop is great, with three USB-A ports, a full-size SD card reader, USB-C, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, to charge it when this laptop runs out of juice, you’ll likely need to use a barrel charger.

A USB-C port onboard the laptop allows for USB-C charging, but doing that means you lose access to the port. USB-C became standard for a reason: to avoid carrying around extra chargers. Nothing annoys me more than proprietary chargers like this one.

No back-lit keyboard

I often look back at my work late into the evening, and while typing part of this review in bed with the lights off, I found myself relying on the display's backlight to find the right keys. It wasn't impossible to type, but a backlit keyboard would have made the experience far more comfortable.

To Lenovo's credit, the keyboard itself is pleasant to use. The keycaps have a lighter gray finish than the rest of the chassis and a slightly textured coating that makes them easy to distinguish by both sight and touch. That contrast helped me orient my hands in dim lighting, but it still isn't a substitute for proper keyboard backlighting on a laptop at this price.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026): Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 (2026) isn’t a bad laptop. It’s a dependable machine for $799. It checks three big boxes for what I look for: a bright screen, solid performance for productivity, and battery life to get me through a day’s work. For the students and office workers this laptop is designed for, there won’t be much to complain about.

The main issue is a few small compromises, such as the lack of a backlit keyboard and an outdated barrel charger. It isn’t Lenovo’s fault, though, as the ongoing RAM crisis likely led to cutting corners to keep the price down, which is why this laptop would normally be $1,299.

The MacBook Neo and XPS 13 are easily worth your money at around the same price. But if you ever see the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15 for sale between $850 and $999, rather than at its full price of $1,300, it might be worth considering for its bigger screen.

Minor knee pain? Check WebMD. Sneezed six times in a row? Check WebMD. Stood up too fast and now stars are the only things I see circling my vision? You guessed it…check WebMD.

There was a time when I quickly went to the popular health info site every time a minor/major health issue boosted my anxiety levels and caused me to rush online to look for answers about my current symptoms. Now I don’t just stop there once I get some worrying data on whatever’s ailing me — I hit up my local medical office and get some tests done just to make sure I stay on this Earth a whole lot longer.

I’ve been getting used to every part of ChatGPT lately by finding the best uses for its plugins, generating prompts for a bevy of situations, asking it philosophical questions and doing anything else that comes to mind. I’ve been tinkering with ChatGPT Health for a week now, which is a dedicated platform inside the chatbot that answers your health-related inquiries while securely connecting your personal medical records and wellness apps.

And now, I think I’ll refrain from abusing WebMD ever again. The seven prompts I used to test ChatGPT’s latest feature helped me out a ton and I’m confident it will do the same for you.

Mapping out a custom sickness prevention roadmap

For starters, ChatGPT Health is available on both desktop and mobile via ChatGPT itself. iOS devices are only supported on mobile at the moment, with Android support coming at an unannounced date.

On desktop, simply open ChatGPT and open your sidebar by clicking on the icon at the top left of your screen. Then click on More to access Health, then choose Connect Health to connect the app to any of the supported U.S. healthcare provider portals you use, add any lingering health conditions, mention the medications you may be taking and include any data about your family medical history.

Click on the three dots above the prompt menu inside ChatGPT Health to add new info on your emerging active conditions, current medications and family history, too.

Accessing ChatGPT Health on mobile is as simple as clicking on the top left icon on your screen, opening the More menu and tapping on Health to get the whole process started from there (also be sure to link to your Apple Health app information if you’d like). Once ChatGPT Health is active, you don’t have to stay inside its dedicated tab to ask health-related questions from that point forward. Do as I did and simply mention @Health alongside your next prompt to do so.

After asking ChatGPT for the best prompts one should use to get the best results out of ChatGPT Health, it gave me a bunch of starter prompts that push the new feature to be your best digital medical adviser. A good example of my fruitful time spent with ChatGPT Health came from putting this prompt to use:

Based on my age, sex, family history, lifestyle, and risk factors, create a personalized preventive health checklist. Include recommended screenings, vaccines, routine checkups, healthy lifestyle priorities, and questions I should discuss with my healthcare provider over the next year.

I filled in the blanks about myself by telling ChatGPT Health that I’m 38, male, have a family history of diabetes & suffering strokes, have a lifestyle defined by being active during my daily walks & (sadly) sitting down for hours while I work and me being privy to 0 risk factors in my life. With all that information on hand and access to my Apple Health data, ChatGPT Health laid out an extensive personalized preventive health checklist for me to stick to.

The top five, easy-to-implement priorities it told me to abide by include:

• Get an annual physical with blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening
• Add consistent strength training twice weekly
• Break up long sitting periods during work
• Optimize diet around heart and blood sugar protection
• Build a clearer family history timeline (especially ages when relatives developed diabetes/strokes)

And finally, it summarized its advice by stating this: Your current profile has several positives: you’re active, you report no current risk factors, and you’re thinking preventively at 38—an age where small changes can have a large impact on your long-term health.

6 other prompts that proved to be extremely useful

The six additional prompts that I put to good use to learn more about my body, what actions may be helping/harming it and what sort of habits I can add to my life to remain in a decent physical state are the following:

• Turn ChatGPT into your personal health coach: Act as my evidence-based health coach. Based on my age, lifestyle, goals, and current habits, identify the three areas that would have the biggest impact on my long-term health. Create a realistic 30-day improvement plan with small daily actions, explain why each one matters, and suggest ways to stay consistent.
• Understand symptoms without spiraling: I'm experiencing these symptoms: [describe them]. Help me think through the most common and least concerning possibilities first, then explain the more serious possibilities that shouldn't be ignored. Tell me which symptoms would require urgent medical attention and what additional information would help narrow things down.
• Decode confusing medical information: Explain these lab results, medical notes, or diagnosis in plain English as if you're talking to someone with no medical background. Tell me what each item means, whether it's typically concerning, what questions I should ask my healthcare provider, and what lifestyle changes—if any—might be helpful.
• Build healthier habits that actually stick: Help me create a sustainable daily routine that improves my sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and energy. Design it around my schedule and current habits, and suggest the smallest changes that would produce the biggest long-term results.
• Prepare for a doctor's appointment: I'm seeing my doctor about [condition or concern]. Help me organize my symptoms, timeline, medications, questions, and health history into a concise summary. Then suggest the most important questions I should ask during the appointment.
• Evaluate health advice you find online: Evaluate this health claim using current scientific evidence: '[paste claim].' Explain what high-quality research says, whether the evidence is strong or weak, where misinformation commonly appears, and what conclusions are actually supported.

The takeaway

ChatGPT Health stands out to me as an extra source of information I can use to gain insights into my current conditions, learn about the best practices needed to improve my health & retain its good state, spot any patterns according to the data listed across my Apple Health stats, etc.

Understanding and organizing my health information so I’m better prepared to ask the right questions whenever I sit in front of my doctor is the biggest benefit of this new ChatGPT feature. I’m now awaiting the moment when Voice Mode becomes a part of ChatGPT Health so I can ask it if eating Cookie Crisp cereal at 3 am two times a week is good for me or not…

More from Tom’s Guide

• I asked ChatGPT how to improve my luck — here are the 7 winning habits it told me to build
• I finally tried Kimi AI — and these 7 beginner prompts helped me unlock its useful features
• Does your Mac need new buttons? Great news — the Dune keypad offers just that

There go the Seahawks' hopes of going back-to-back. For the first time since the docuseries' launch in 2001, the reigning NFL champions are the focus of “Hard Knocks”. It may, however, be a poisoned chalice. Mike Macdonald and the Seattle fanbase won't need telling that, over the past 25 years, the Liev Schreiber treatment has served as a surefire death knell for Super Bowl ambitions.

Here's how to watch “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" online from anywhere with a VPN.

There is, however, one caveat. Until now, “Hard Knocks” has tended to spotlight struggling teams that have been desperate for the attention, almost certainly because those with genuine Super Bowl aspirations didn't want the disruption or distraction. The Seahawks are coming off one of the most dominant campaigns in NFL history.

Not for the first time, Macdonald is doing things his own way. The 39-year-old led the Hawks to their second ever Super Bowl title in only his second year in charge, behind a fearsome defence that's been dubbed "The Dark Side". Anchored by Byron Murphy II and Devon Witherspoon, it was the top scoring defense in the league.

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the Offensive Player of the Year after posting a franchise-record 1,793 receiving yards, and journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold sensationally reached the summit with his fifth team.

Although it's been a stable off-season at Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), the Seahawks have lost one key weapon. For the vast majority of last season they went completely under the radar. This time, there's a target on their back.

Read on as we explain how to watch "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" online from anywhere.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in the U.S.

In the U.S., "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, August 4.

Episodes air in the same slot each week.

The five-part series is also available to stream on HBO Max, which starts at $10.99/month, going to $18.49/month for ad-free streaming and $22.99/month to access it on up to four devices and in 4K. For even better value, you can pay for a whole year upfront and effectively get 12 months for the price of 10 on any of its tiers.

HBO can also be added to streaming services, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Abroad when it's on? Use a VPN to get around the geo-restrictions that will prevent your favorite streamer from working. Read on for all the details.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" on your preferred service?

You can still tune in as normal thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in Canada

You can watch "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" in Canada on HBO and the Crave streaming service at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT each Tuesday, starting August 4.

Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month for its Standard With Ads plan all the way up to $22/month for ad-free Premium. Savings can be made if you sign up for a year.

Crave subscriptions start at CA$11.99/month, but you'll get more bang for your buck by bundling it with Disney+ or TSN.

Episodes will also air on Wednesdays on TSN. You can get streaming access to the network of channels via TSN+, which costs CA$8/month or CA$80/year.

Outside Canada when it's on? Use a VPN to get around the geo-restrictions that will prevent Crave and TSN from working.

Can I watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in the U.K.?

HBO Max is home to all things "Hard Knocks" in the U.K., but at the time of writing there's been no word on when "Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" will air.

If you're in the U.K. on vacation or for work from the U.S., Canada or Australia, you can still catch the show by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in Australia

NFL fans in Australia can watch "Hard Knocks: Seattle Seahawks" on HBO Max, with episodes dropping each Wednesday from August 5.

HBO Max pricing in Australia starts from Au$11.99/month or AU$119.99/year, but you can pay extra for more features.

If you're not home in Australia right now, you can still catch the show by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.

'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' — Need to Know

'Hard Knocks: Seattle Seahawks' trailer

What is the 'Hard Knocks' curse?

Every team to have been featured on "Hard Knocks" has failed to make it to the Super Bowl that season.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get NFL Sunday Ticket for the 2026-2027 season
• The best streaming VPNs
• How to watch 'Super Bowl Champions: The 2025 Seattle Seahawks' for FREE

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Samsung has packed a bunch of upgrades into the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the one noticeable absence is the lack of any sort of active cooling system. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a built-in vapor chamber to prevent heat build-up, and similar features have existed in non-folding flagships for over a decade.

The question isn't why hasn't Samsung added a vapor chamber to its foldables yet, it's whether that actually matters. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has the same super-powered Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip as the S26 Ultra, and I was curious how much heat would actually build up in both phones — and more importantly, where it ends up.

So I grabbed my trusty thermal camera, the Flir One Pro, and set up the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra alongside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max side by side. Then, by running 3DMark's Solar Bay Extreme Stress Test, I recorded just how much heat all four phones produced.

Is it getting hot in here?

If you look at the video of all four phones, you can see that the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts heating up the fastest, hitting around 30C/86F in around a minute. The iPhone 17 Pro Max isn't that far behind, though the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 7 both seem to be heating up a lot more slowly in their folded state.

The S26 Ultra seems to concentrate most of its heat in the top left corner, on the opposite side of the phone to the vertical camera bar. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a large section of heat across its top half, where the raised plateau camera bar is — which makes sense considering Apple designed the camera bar to help dissipate heat.

As the videos approach the 4-minute mark, the S26 Ultra starts to approach 40C/104F, while the two foldables only just hit 30C/86F. The iPhone isn't that far behind Samsung, and in the case of all four phones the heat seems to be mainly concentrated in the top half of each device.

By the time the 10-minute run is almost complete, parts of the S26 Ultra and iPhone have exceeded 40C/104F, while the foldables both seem to be hovering between 35C/95F and 37C/99F. At this stage the heat seems to have covered the entirety of the four phones, though only the iPhone and S26 Ultra have such high concentrations.

When I picked up the phones after closing 3DMark, I found that the S26 Ultra definitely felt the hottest, especially around the camera bar. Not quite enough to instantly burn yourself, but hot enough that you don't want prolonged exposure to it. The iPhone was similar, though didn't feel quite as hot, while the two foldables didn't feel that much different from normal.

Unfolding the heat

Of course these readings were taken from the front of the phone, while the two foldables were all closed up. How much of a difference would unfolding them make? As it turns out, quite a lot.

As soon as the benchmarking test started, heat bloomed out of both phones in the top right — right where the camera bar is. Unsurprisingly given its more powerful hardware, the temperature climbed much higher on the Z Fold 8 Ultra, though the Z Fold 7 wasn't that far behind.

Within 20 seconds the temperature had jumped past 30C/89F, and after a minute the Z Fold 8 Ultra had already climbed past 40C/104F. 20 seconds later the Z Fold 7 joined it, and in both cases the heat was concentrated in the top right corner before slowly spreading out over both halves of the phones.

The temperature plateaued pretty quickly, landing a few degrees higher than 40C and hovering around that level. The majority of the heat remained concentrated on the right side of the phone too, with minimal transference over to the left half.

This explains why the heat build-up seemed so slow in the previous test. The majority of the heat will have also been concentrated at the back of the device where the thermal camera couldn't pick it up as easily.

Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra can get pretty hot, but so does the Galaxy S26 Ultra and both phones seem to heat up to similar temperatures. Or, at least they did during identical Solar Bay Extreme Stress Tests — different processes will obviously have different effects.

The way the heat spread out was completely different, though. The Galaxy S26 Ultra recorded the highest temperatures in the top left side of the phone, on the opposite side of the phone to the cameras. Teardowns have revealed that this is where the vapor chamber cooling pushes the excess heat, so it's natural that this would see the most extreme temperatures. The same goes for the iPhone 17 Pro Max and its own raised camera bar.

The unfolded stress test showed that the Z Fold 8 Ultra (and Z Fold 7) don't have that advantage. While the heat appears in that top corner by the cameras, it quickly spreads across the entire right side of the phone. Apparently, the heat struggled to bypass the hinge, which is an interesting observation.

In the case of the Z Fold 8 Ultra the heat isn't being actively routed away from core internal components — like the battery or chipset. That means it has no choice but to spread out until it reaches the edge of the phone and radiates away. You can actually see that happening in the thermal video as the heat spreads out from the very top of the phone.

While concentrating the heat in one area seems like a bad thing, if it's a spot with few major components then letting the heat spread across the entire phone is even worse. Because it means the heat isn't actively being siphoned away from the components that are most affected by extreme temperatures. Over extended periods of time, that will lead to degradation and reduced performance and affect the phone's lifespan.

One thing I did notice when I accidentally closed 3DMark on the Z Fold 8 Ultra at the end of the test, is that the temperature started to drop pretty rapidly once the stress test stopped running. Which should mean that short periods of high-performance activity shouldn't pose a long-term problem. As long as you don't do it too often.

If you are doing anything performance heavy, make sure to take the appropriate measures to keep your phone as cool as possible. Our tips for helping your phone survive a heatwave will also apply here, which means avoiding direct sunlight, stop charging and so on. You can speed up the heat removal with things like fans or phone coolers, and you should absolutely avoid forcing your phone to cool down with appliances like the fridge — that's just going to cause even more issues.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve tested the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and it proves Apple really needs to solve this one thing
• I tried the new Galaxy AI video tracker on my Z Fold 8 — and it fixes my biggest problem with phone videos
• I asked Siri AI and Gemini a series of increasingly bizarre questions to see how they responded —here's what happened

I’ve always had a soft spot for cottage-style gardens. Their romantic charm, informal structure, and lush, overlapping plants get me every time — a look I’m constantly trying to replicate in my own yard (with varying degrees of success!).

If I had to pick one plant that captures that timeless cottage vibe, it would be lavender. You’ll spot it everywhere, from edging sunny borders to spilling over decorative pots.

With its unmistakable mass of fragrant purple blooms and silver-grey foliage, lavender may not have the show-stopping drama of a garden rose, but it’s a subtle beauty with an irresistible scent, making it an indispensable favorite that’s also loved by pollinators.

However, despite all of these qualities, this almost perfect plant has one major drawback — it tends to go woody after a couple of years. Instead of a lush shrub, it can start to look bedraggled and ruin the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

But my head has been turned by an alternative. Nepata, more commonly known as catmint, has the same qualities as lavender, but it doesn’t succumb to a woody end. What’s more, if you thought lavender was easy to care for, nepata is even easier, and it flowers for longer, too.

The problem with lavender

There’s no denying that lavender has a part to play in our gardens, and as Victor Castro, owner of the Nursery Project USA on behalf of Palmstreet, says, “Growing lavender adds a beautiful pop of purple to any yard, and it is also a smart choice to support pollinators.”

And although it is relatively easy to grow and survives well in a dry climate, it does have a few problems.

“Lavender can almost thrive with some neglect, but if you don’t make sure to prune it every year, it will become woody faster, losing its pretty color,” says Castro.

Pruning lavender with a clean and sharp pair of the best pruning shears is the easiest way to prevent it from becoming woody and will improve its blooms and quality of life.

“All you need to do is cut the stems back by about a third, and this encourages fresh growth with lots of fragrant blooms each year,” Castro tells me.

If you fail to prune your lavender, or prune it incorrectly, you can end up with a woody plant that looks unattractive.

Apart from pruning it wrong, too much water is an issue. “Growing lavender plants can be tricky as they are likely to suffer from root rot if overwatered and if their soil drainage is poor.”

To overcome these issues, he suggests planting lavender hedges and shrubs in full sun and well-drained soil. I enjoy growing lavender directly in the ground and in pots, but I’m extra careful when watering lavender in containers. I always ensure that I’ve placed crocks in the bottom of my pots to aid drainage, and I don’t water too much or too often.

Why nepeta makes a good alternative to lavender

If you were casually strolling along a pathway planted with nepeta, without close inspection, you’d probably assume it was lavender. The plants share the same purple blooms and airy habitat, which is why the two can often be confused.

“Its lavender-blue colored flowers look similar and give off an aromatic scent with soft, gray-green foliage on thin, arching stems typically ending with blue or violet flowers,” says Castro.

It’s a similar scenario to how hydrangeas can be replaced with viburnum, giving the same beautiful aesthetic, but with added fragrance.

So, why choose nepeta over lavender? I never think of lavender as being difficult to grow, but Castro says nepeta is easier, as it withstands difficult weather.

“It can thrive even with neglect in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade,” and he adds that it’s an easier choice over lavender because it can often thrive in areas where lavender struggles.

It’s also quicker to bloom and lasts for longer, starting in early spring and lasting all the way through to early fall. Lavender, by contrast, doesn’t typically start until late spring and finishes in mid-summer. And although lavender gives off a pleasant aroma, Castro says nepeta is also fragrant: “Its light scent is often described as a mix between spearmint and lavender.”

Not surprisingly, it’s part of the mint family, which makes it edible.

Lavender is often planted in wildflower gardens to attract pollinators, but nepeta offers a rich source of nectar too. Castro says honeybees, hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies will all flock to the food that’s easily accessible from the open, tube-shaped flowers.

How to care for nepeta

“Nepeta is a wonderful choice over lavender because it’s super easy to grow, adapts well to many well-draining soils and thrives in full sun, with partial shade,” says Castro.

Once established, nepeta is drought-tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions over too much moisture in soil.

“Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings, and water deeply but infrequently to encourage the development of deep roots,” says Castro

Regular pruning and deadheading are essential to keeping nepeta happy. “Once flowers start to appear, usually in late spring to early summer, consider cutting the plant by about a third of its height. This encourages fresh growth and often leads to a second bloom later in the season,” says Castro.

Overall, nepeta is very forgiving, and it will also survive harsh winters right down to USDA hardiness zone 3. So, if you're struggling with woody lavender, nepeta could be a good swap.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to extend the life of your lavender — experts share their tips
• What plants to prune in August — expert advice on how to gain better blooms
• The 7 best fragrant hedge plants to keep your yard fresh this summer and beyond

“A B-movie with A ideas” is how director Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki) describes her work on horror sequel “The Puritan II” in “MaXXXine,” the third movie in Ti West’s “X” trilogy, and that description could easily apply to West’s horror series as a whole. Beginning with 2022’s “X” and continuing through its 2022 prequel “Pearl” and 2024 sequel “MaXXXine,” West and star Mia Goth created a franchise that has already cemented its place among horror classics, and all three movies can now be streamed on Hulu.

I saw each film when it was initially released, but rewatching them all back-to-back recently made West’s achievement even more impressive, as he offers a master class in cinematic homage across three movies. Not only does he borrow from the rich history of horror, as might be expected, but also from the disparate sources of both classic Hollywood and vintage adult films, filtering all of those influences through his own unique sensibility and Goth’s mesmerizing screen presence.

My favorite among the three films is still the first, “X,” but all of them have their unique strengths, and all are anchored by Goth’s indelible dual performance as two women who dream of stardom. While Pearl Douglas sublimates her showbiz failures into homicidal rampages that persist for decades, Maxine Minx refuses to let anyone get in the way of her rise to fame, even if that means resorting to violence. Both women are complex, fascinating figures who belong in the horror pantheon.

‘X’ sets the stage for a brilliant trilogy

A newspaper headline in “MaXXXine” refers to the events of “X” as “The Texas Porn Star Massacre,” and West is clearly paying homage to Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” with a movie set in Texas in 1979, just a few years after the release of Hooper’s slasher classic. There’s more to “X” than just a tribute to a genre landmark, though, and West puts his own stamp on the slasher movie while also delivering a compelling period piece set during a pivotal period in the evolution of adult film.

Maxine is just one part of a small crew who arrive at a remote farm owned by Pearl and her husband Howard (Stephen Ure) to film a porn movie called “The Farmer’s Daughters.” Maxine’s fiancé Wayne Gilroy (Martin Henderson) is the owner of the strip club where she performs, and also an aspiring producer with big dreams about porn’s commercial potential. Director RJ Nichols (Owen Campbell) wants to create something more artistic, and Maxine doesn’t care either way, as long as it’s a stepping stone on her way to stardom.

The elderly Pearl and Howard aren’t too pleased to discover what their tenants are planning to do, but their violent reaction isn’t rooted in self-righteous judgment. For Pearl, it’s about jealousy, and Goth, under some truly stunning old-age makeup, makes Pearl both tragic and terrifying, as she brutally attacks the unsuspecting filmmakers.

“The story can’t just suddenly change midway through,” RJ complains when his sound recordist girlfriend Lorraine (Jenna Ortega) decides she wants to appear on camera, but that’s exactly what West pulls off in “X,” shifting from a stylish and funny look at a scrappy adult film production to an equally stylish and gruesome backwoods slasher picture.

‘Pearl’ deepens the killer’s tragic backstory

West seamlessly switches genres and approaches for the lush, old-fashioned melodrama of “Pearl,” a prequel set in 1918 and featuring Goth as the younger version of the title character. “Pearl” is still a horror movie, especially during its gory and unsettling climax, but it also borrows from the “women’s pictures” of filmmakers like Douglas Sirk and the tradition of heightened film noir presented in lurid color. Pearl herself dresses in a way that recalls Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” which makes her decidedly non-wholesome actions even more horrifying.

Young Pearl lives on the same farm where she and Howard will reside decades later, and she’s already married to Howard, who’s overseas fighting in World War I. She’s stuck with her cold, domineering German immigrant mother Ruth (Tandi Wright) and her invalid father (Matthew Sunderland), who requires constant care. Like Maxine, Pearl dreams of stardom, but she’s also a budding psychopath, casually killing animals before escalating to the kind of murders that viewers have already seen her commit in “X.”

Even so, she’s a sympathetic figure, less pathetic than her older self but still hopelessly lost, with her naïve visions of appearing in films like the ones shown at the picture house in town. That’s where she meets the handsome projectionist (David Corenswet), who talks about his bohemian lifestyle and plans to travel to Europe, and shows her an illicit “stag film,” an earlier version of the porn that Maxine is making in “X.”

The centerpiece of “Pearl” is a bravura eight-minute monologue that Pearl delivers to her sister-in-law Mitsy (Emma Jenkins-Purro), laying out her hopes, dreams and fears even as she confesses to multiple killings. Of the three movies, “Pearl” is the most fully realized showcase for Goth’s acting, and she delivers an intense performance that is equal parts heartbreaking and disturbing.

‘MaXXXine’ brings the trilogy to a satisfying close

Although it received mixed reviews compared to the more widespread positive response to the first two films, “MaXXXine” is just as impressive a stylistic exercise, drawing on giallo movies and erotic thrillers for a story of Hollywood sleaze set in 1985. After emerging from “X” as the traditional slasher-movie final girl, Maxine is now living in Hollywood, attempting to transition from adult films to more mainstream fare, which is how she meets Elizabeth Bender.

Her experience in Texas catches up with her, though, as a mysterious black-gloved killer stalks and kills her fellow porn performers, while a pair of police detectives (Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Monaghan) set their sights on Maxine. Although she’s less of a haunting figure than Pearl, Maxine is still compelling to watch, as she weaponizes her self-confidence to take on film-industry doubters as well as more nefarious adversaries.

After channeling Tobe Hooper for “X” and Douglas Sirk for “Pearl,” West channels Brian De Palma for “MaXXXine,” up to and including De Palma’s penchant for convoluted plots and multiple drawn-out endings. While the third act is a bit shaky, “MaXXXine” is just as much a B-movie with A ideas as its predecessors. West combines genres and eras to create an indelible horror trilogy that is uniquely his own.

Stream the “X” trilogy on Hulu now

For my latest head-to-head matchup, I’m putting the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Mazda CX-5 to the test to uncover which of these compact crossover SUVs is better across all the metrics I judge. Now, as much as I’m constantly vouching for the long-term savings of comparable compact crossover EVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, these mainstream, gas-powered options still benefit from lower starting prices.

Both the Forester and CX-5 offer standard all-wheel drive, family-friendly versatility, and the effortless convenience of instant gas station fill-ups without the EV price premium. They come with as-tested prices of $40,465 and $41,080 for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, respectively.

They’re obviously priced higher than their entry-level trims, but still far less than comparable EVs. While they’re both crossovers at heart, they target completely different drivers. The Forester acts as a boxy Swiss Army knife built for maximum visibility, cargo capacity, and all-weather confidence — while the CX-5 trades some utility for style, delivering an upscale cabin that feels far richer than its price tag suggests.

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Specifications

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Design

While both vehicles hit the mark for their target drivers, I prefer the Mazda CX-5’s pure aesthetic appeal that could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. As with the CX-50 and CX-70 I’ve tested, Mazda’s signature design language paints a stylish outline featuring sculpted curves, a prominent front grille, and an athletic posture that wouldn't look out of place wearing a premium badge.

Inside, I’m completely surprised by the transformation — it looks dramatically different from the previous generation. It definitely reminds me of the minimalist styling of the Polestar 4 and Volvo EX30 with its streamlined dash layout, strategically placed switchgear, and upscale accents that make it feel far more premium.

In contrast, the Subaru Forester Wilderness prioritizes function over fashion — and rightfully so, seeing as that's the identity it's carved out for years now. Its boxy silhouette, chunky plastic body cladding, higher ride height, and rugged accents give it an adventure-ready look that outdoorsy drivers will appreciate.

However, it lacks the visual grace and high-end cabin refinement of the Mazda. If you want a crossover that turns heads in a suburban driveway or a restaurant valet line, the CX-5 is the clear choice.

Winner: Mazda CX05

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Fuel economy

While neither of these gas-powered crossovers can match the ultra-low operating costs of an EV, every mile per gallon counts when fueling up at the pump. Across my real-world testing, the Subaru Forester Wilderness edges out the Mazda CX-5 to take the win, proving slightly more efficient overall despite its rugged-focused setup.

Over 126 miles of driving, the Forester Wilderness averages 27.2 mpg, outperforming the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, which achieves 26.2 mpg over 102.2 miles. Where the Subaru really shines is during extended highway stints — recording a best long-distance fuel economy of 32.2 mpg compared to the Mazda’s 28.2 mpg.

Interestingly, the CX-5 took the lead on quick trips, delivering an impressive 34.3 mpg best short-distance run compared to the Subaru’s 28.2 mpg. However, for drivers looking for better efficiency on longer road trips and higher overall average mileage, the Forester takes the crown.

Winner: Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Driving performance

Out on the road, both crossovers deliver punchy power when I need it—but they go about it in very different ways. The Subaru Forester Wilderness pleasantly surprises me with how remarkably quiet it is even under heavy throttle, while supplying strong performance getting up to cruising speed. In fact, I think it makes daily commuting and highway overtaking feel effortless.

However, when it comes to pure driver engagement, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus takes the win. Where the Subaru prioritizes efficiency, Mazda relies on a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers immediate gear shifts. Paired with tighter body control and responsive steering, the CX-5 behaves more like a zippy hatchback than a high-riding SUV. If you value a quiet, comfortable cruiser, the Forester delivers — but if you’re like me and prefer an engaging drive, the CX-5 takes top honors.

Winner: Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Comfort

When it comes to pure cabin comfort and everyday use, I much prefer the Subaru Forester over the Mazda CX-5.

The Forester Wilderness excels where it matters most on long drives, offering a noticeably roomier cabin with plenty of rear legroom that gives adult passengers room to stretch out. During a recent heatwave, its frigid AC system cooled the interior down in record time — while the heavy-duty all-weather floor mats are way better suited for extreme conditions.

The only real downside to the Subaru's cabin experience is its soundproofing, which at highway speeds, the wind and road noise penetrate the cabin far more than they should.

Over in the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, I love the sportiness of the interior with its cleaner, more modern-looking layout that feels undeniably elevated. However, its driver-assistance tech holds it back because the adaptive cruise control has a habit of accelerating too aggressively to get back up to speed.

Winner: Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Value

While both vehicles sit around the $40,000 mark as tested, the Mazda CX-5 delivers a far superior return on investment when it comes to daily tech, convenience, and equipment.

That’s because the CX-5 packs features you typically expect from premium luxury brands. For example, I’m really thrilled by how its infotainment software looks and feels significantly more modern and responsive.

Meanwhile, the head-up display keeps key driving stats right in my line of sight, and dedicated physical buttons on the steering wheel let me quickly toggle the 360-degree camera and lane-centering system. And when driving late at night, I really appreciate how the adaptive headlights physically swivel as I turn the wheel.

The Subaru Forester Wilderness does have its own practical charms — I love that it includes Tiptronic paddle shifters on the steering wheel for quick manual gear drops, along with a dedicated storage nook that keeps my phone secure.

However, its tech package falls short. The center display suffers from washed-out viewing angles in bright light, the backup camera feed looks low-quality, and the overall software layout feels antiquated compared to the slick Mazda setup.

Winner: Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Verdict

It’s not a landslide, but the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus takes the crown as the overall winner in this $40K crossover comparison. While its as-tested price tag sits slightly higher than the Subaru's, it more than justifies the cost through its upscale style, vastly superior infotainment software, responsive driving dynamics, and thoughtful daily conveniences like the head-up display and adaptive headlights. It looks, feels, and drives like a vehicle competing in a higher price bracket.

That said, the Subaru Forester Wilderness remains an exceptional choice for a specific type of buyer. If your daily routine demands maximum rear legroom, rugged all-weather readiness, superior visibility, and the peace of mind that comes with higher ground clearance for off-road trails, the Forester is tough to beat. But for drivers seeking an engaging, modern, and near-luxury daily driver without stepping up to EV prices, the Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice.

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AI advice has centered around one thing: writing better prompts. I’ve tried hundreds of prompt libraries that promise perfect results every time. And, some of them are helpful, while many don't make much of a difference.

From my testing, I’ve found the biggest improvement in my results don't always come from the prompt, but from giving AI access to the documents I already use every day.

Once AI could see my notes, research, PDFs and just about everything else in my Google Workspace, it started working more like an assistant that understood the context behind my questions.

If you already use Google Drive, here are seven ways to put that context to work.

1. Turn a folder of research into a polished first draft

Prompt: Using the documents in this folder, create a presentation that explains the key findings. Organize it with clear headings, note where sources disagree and flag any claims that need additional verification.

Instead of copying and pasting information from half a dozen documents, point AI to your research folder and explain what you’re trying to write. The difference is immediate. Rather than relying on whatever information it already knows, AI builds its response around your research.

2. Compare documents in seconds

Prompt: Compare these two documents and create a table showing every meaningful change. Highlight anything that affects pricing, deadlines, responsibilities or key decisions.

Need to know what changed between two versions of a proposal or contract? This happens to me all the time when a Google Doc only does so much (or completely loses the first draft). Upload both files and ask AI to compare them. What normally takes half an hour of excrutiating detail becomes a task that finishes in seconds.

3. Ask questions about years of notes

Prompt: Based on my meeting notes from the past six months, what projects have been mentioned most often?

or: What action items have I committed to that don’t appear to be finished?

Most of us have hundreds of documents sitting in Google Drive that we rarely open. Instead of digging through folders yourself, let AI search the context. It’s a much faster way to rediscover information you’ve already created.

4. Turn PDFs into action items

Prompt: Summarize this document, list every action item, note important deadlines and explain anything I should pay particular attention to.

Long reports are useful, until you actually have to read them. Whether it’s a quarterly report, a school handbook or a user manual, AI can pull out what you need to know. That way, instead of getting a generic summary, you’ll end up with something you can actually use.

5. Find connections you didn’t know existed

This is one of my favorite uses for AI. Give it several related documents such as a brainstorming session, customer feedback, meeting notes and a project plan and ask it to look for patterns.

You might discover recurring issues, overlooked ideas or themes that weren’t obvious when you read each document individually.

6. Bring old work back to life

I use this trick all the time now. My Google Drive is full of documents that seemed great at the time, but I shelved for a later date. AI can help change that. For example, a webinar transcript can become a blog post, meeting notes can become a checklist, a presentation can become a newsletter, or an old report can become a social media campaign. The possibilities are truly endless.

Instead of starting from scratch every time, you’re building on work you’ve already done.

7. Let AI learn your writing style

Prompt: Using these three emails as examples of my writing style, draft a new email to ask my boss for a raise. Match my tone and sentence length, but don’t copy any wording directly.

One underrated benefit of working from your own documents is consistency. Instead of asking AI to “write like me,” give it examples of your previous work. While I would never encourage anyone to use AI to do the writing for you, this is a good way to speed up difficult-to-write emails with a little AI assistance.

I've done this countless times with difficult neighbors, refund requests and questions to ask my doctor. The AI helps me say what I might have otherwise missed.

Bottom line

I've discovered a world of possibilities around my Google Docs that I never knew existed. In fact, many of the documents in my Google Workspace were written pre-AI, so exploring them now with AI has been really fun and eye-opening. Give it a try next time you're looking for the perfect prompt, just take a look at the files already sitting in your Google Drive and unearth workflows you've been missing.

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Managing a collection of over 10 houseplants is rewarding, until you plan a getaway and realize you have no one to watch them.

Asking a neighbour to tend to a full indoor jungle feels like a huge ask, but going sitterless doesn't mean leaving your greenery to wither. Over the years, I’ve refined a low-effort prep routine that successfully keeps every single pot in my home alive and well until I return.

In fact, after my last trip, my spring onions had sprouted higher than ever! Whether you're heading off for a short weekend break or an extended summer vacation, here is the exact strategy I use to holiday-proof my entire collection without calling in favors.

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The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is getting pretty positive review, and it looks like this wide format device is the shape of foldable phones to come. That includes the iPhone Ultra, which is expected to launch this fall.

Based on the iPhone Ultra (aka iPhone Fold) rumors thus far, it looks like Apple’s device is going to be slightly heavier and thicker but sport a very similar passport-style design. So how is Apple going to stand out, especially with an asking price that could reach $2,400 or $2,500 — at least $500 more than Samsung’s device? Here’s three ways the iPhone Ultra could beat the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

No crease at all?!

Samsung worked to greatly minimize the appearance of the crease on the Fold 8. And the result is indeed impressive.

Thanks to Flex Titanium technology, the Fold 8’s display uses a titanium-alloy film to achieve a more stretchable panel. Meanwhile, a titanium plate supports the display module from beneath, allowing for tighter bonding and eliminating air gaps.

The crease is still there, but it’s less noticeable than on the Fold 7. However, Apple is apparently working on a truly crease-free display for the iPhone Ultra and is reportedly partnering with Samsung Display to make it happen.

Apple is apparently pulling this off by employing liquid metal alloy components inside the hinge mechanism. At the same time, Apple is reportedly working on a laser-drilled display metal plate to redistribute stress evenly across a wider bending zone.

Fully optimized apps

This is likely going to be the biggest difference between the iPhone Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8. There are plenty of apps that are optimized for the Fold 8’s 7.6-inch display with a dual-pane layout, such as Gmail, Calendar, YouTube and TikTok.

I especially like how you can watch vertical videos on one side while looking at comments on the other on TikTok, but on YouTube Shorts you have to close comments to keep scrolling, which is dumb.

However, there are also several high-profile apps on the Fold 8 that look like stretched-out phone apps. This includes X, with a lot of wasted space on either side of the content area. With Slack, you don’t get a dual-pane layout, which you do get on the iPad mini. And on Instagram, the comments cover the content (for now).

The iPhone Ultra likely won’t have this problem, as it will reportedly offer the same app scaling benefits as iPads, even if it’s still running iOS. Samsung says that Instagram’s layout will get an update sometime between July and August, which is nice, but there will still be lots and lots of apps that will “just work” on the iPhone Ultra on day one.

More efficient chip

If you believe the rumors, the iPhone Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 are going to have similar size batteries. The Fold 8 has a 4,800 mAh battery with silicon carbon tech, while the iPhone Ultra is tipped to pack a 4,883 mAh split dual-cell battery that may also use silicon carbon.

So at least on paper the iPhone Ultra and Fold 8 have similar battery capacity. But Apple’s A20 Pro chip could make a big difference. The chip will likely use a 2nm process, making it more efficient than the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

That efficiency should turn into more endurance, and the Fold 8 already turned in a very good runtime of 14.5 hours in our battery test. We’ll see how much of a boost the A20 Pro provides.

What about the iPhone Ultra price?

Assuming Apple has these three major advantages over the Galaxy Z Fold 8, there’s still the price to contend with. The latest rumors have the iPhone Fold costing over $2,000 with some estimates putting in the $2,400 to $2,500 range.

That would be as much as $600 more than the $1,900 Galaxy Z Fold 8. But Apple has another secret weapon up its sleeve in the recently announced Apple Upgrade program. It will be able to entice buyers with lower monthly payments to help spread the cost out over time, even though it’s just a glorified leasing program.

iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Outlook

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has raised the bar for wide-screen foldables with its super light and thin design, as well as smart AI upgrades like Now Nudge and My FanCam. It’s a very good foldable.

However, the iPhone Ultra could surpass the Fold 8 with an even less noticeable crease, a much better app experience and even longer battery life.

Which foldable would you buy? Let me know in the comments.

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When I sat down with Matt Damon's personal trainer to talk about his workout routine for The Odyssey, I wasn't sure how much Gabe Stump, DPT, would reveal.

After all, people would (and do) pay a lot of money to look as lean and jacked as Damon does right now. So I was pleasantly surprised when Stump took me through the details of his workout plan for the actor, whom he's been working with for the last four years.

As a trainer, I'm very familiar with upper-body workouts. Like Damon, I try to get two upper sessions into my weekly routine. Armed with Stump's secrets, I tried Damon's workout plan for myself, and here's what happened.

What is the upper-body workout?

“In an ideal week...We’d do two upper and two lower days, then we’d have a cardio or metabolic day...If we couldn’t get five sessions in, we’d have two full-body days,” Stump reveals when I ask what a typical week looks like. Though, in Hollywood, that can change with a click of the fingers.

On the uppers, they'd hit exercises like the dumbbell bench (press), supported rows, pull-ups, pull-downs, horizontal and vertical press. Lastly, they'd round out with isolation work, like biceps, triceps, flys, reverse flys.

"In a day, we’d be looking at eight movements, mostly staying in that 8-12 range, although sometimes we’d go up to 15. Sometimes we’d go as low as 5-6 (reps) for strength work," Stump tells me.

When I ask how close to failure he had Damon lifting, he tells me they try to keep "two to three reps in reserve."

“I didn’t really want to burn him out on any given workout," he says. Which makes sense, as Stump shares recovery as a key factor, ensuring Damon could get the most from each workout rather than start from a place of fatigue.

After all, you essentially break down muscle fibers through exercise and build them up bigger and stronger through ample rest and protein.

Stump also explains they had pretty basic equipment in Damon's home gym to work with, and on location, it could be even less. For that reason, he stuck to equipment like a trap bar, heavy dumbbells and even some calisthenics.

Finally, I ask what piece of actionable advice any gym-goer should take forward when training toward a fitness goal, and I'm told that something should be repeatable and consistent, meaning 20 minutes three times a week is better than 60 minutes every two weeks. He also encourages those efforts to be close to failure so that you're lifting with maybe two or three reps in reserve.

With this advice in mind, here's an upper-body workout I created for hypertrophy (muscle growth) based on his strength program:

• Superset 1: Dumbbell bench press & diamond push-ups
• Superset 2: Overhead dumbbell press & inverted row
• Superset 3: Supported pull-ups & cable pull-downs
• Superset 4: Biceps curls & triceps dips
• 8-12 reps, 3-4 sets, twice per week.

Here's what happened when I tried it

I've managed to hit this workout twice since programming it based on Stump's workout routine for Damon in the five-month lead-up to filming. I programmed to lift weights close to failure, which I already know how to do for each exercise because I'm familiar with all of them, and I kept rest short between 30 and 60 seconds.

Supersetting is an effective and efficient way to program if you're short on time, as you perform the two exercises back-to-back without rest; this allowed me to work my muscles harder without necessarily needing to lift heavier, as I kept my muscles under tension for longer.

If you're unsure what weight you should be lifting, I highly recommend testing your one-rep max, which is the most you can lift for an exercise for one rep. From here, you can work out what weights you'd need to lift based on a 70-80% (roughly) effort, meaning you have a couple of reps left in reserve, but no more.

It takes some trial and error, but it's well worth doing if you really want to push yourself.

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

This was a really nice, well-rounded upper-body resistance program that uses basic compound exercises, working toward failure without overdoing it on the reps or sets. For most people, you probably wouldn't need as many exercises as eight; six would be enough. And given I went heavy with my weights, I stuck with eight reps.

I liked rounding out with the isolation work on my biceps and triceps. If you're short on time, you could remove a superset or the isolation work, given the routine naturally works the biceps during pulling movements and triceps during pushing movements. That said, if you've seen Damon's arms in the movie, you might decide to stick with those curls and dips.

In one session, you're hitting your back and biceps, chest and triceps, while the standing and inverted work will also make your core work hard to stabilize your body during movement.

I came out of this workout sweaty, fully worked and feeling it all over my upper body, with no stone left unturned (or no muscle left untouched, in this case). And yes, those DOMS were full on for the next few days.

I'm a big fan of simple routines, progressively overloaded and functional (pushing and pulling), without being too fancy or overcomplicated. If you fancy giving it a try, let us know how you get on in the comments.

Of course, just a few sessions won't be making a physical difference to my body just yet, but let's see how that changes in a few months!

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This week’s selection of new movies across the best streaming services is smaller than the packed selections we had throughout July. Fortunately, platforms like Netflix, Paramount+ and Peacock are here to ensure subscribers still have worthwhile new picks to consider.

The headliner this week is Netflix’s “The Last House,” a new original sci-fi thriller with a hooky premise, and two actors capable of acclaimed performances. Other noteworthy arrivals include “Evil Dead Burn” on digital, a charming rom-com on Peacock, and Billie Eilish fans will be delighted to see the singer’s new concert movie arrive on Paramount+.

To save you from wasting precious movie-watching time scrolling through streaming services looking for the latest additions, I’ve rounded up the most high-profile new movies across platforms down below. Plus, check out our guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘Evil Dead Burn’ (PVOD)

The latest chapter in the “Evil Dead” franchise ramps up the blood, guts and gore to a new level. Considering the series’ pedigree as one of the most gruesome in the horror genre, that’s really saying something. “Evil Dead Burn” might be the most twisted “Evil Dead” movie to date. So, if you like your horror with a huge scoop of fake blood, this movie won’t let you down. Just take it from me, this movie is absolutely not for the squeamish.

After the death of her abusive husband, Alice (Souheila Yacoub) is in a state of conflicted grief. Traveling to the secluded home of her in-laws after the cremation service, the already tense family dynamic becomes something even darker when demonic forces are unleashed. The house becomes a survival battleground. Largely shedding the series trademark tension-cutting humor, “Evil Dead Burn” opts for a more twisted approach.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 4

‘Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour’ (Paramount+)

“Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” is a movie that delivers exactly what you’d expect. In the vein of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” concert movie, this is a professionally shot recording of Billie Eilish’s globe-spanning tour to support her latest chart-topping album. If you’re a fan of Eilish’s music, then you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy this concert flick.

For this pro-shot of the sold-out tour, Eilish enlisted the help of James Cameron, yes, that James Cameron. Critics praised the filmmaking skill on display from both Cameron and Eilish, who co-directed. Naturally, fans of the American singer-songwriter were even more enthusiastic, awarding the movie a strong 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The filmed setlist included hits like “Bad Guy,” “Happier Than Ever,” and “Birds of a Feather.”

Watch on Paramount+ starting August 6

‘The Last House’ (Netflix)

Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller “The Last House” drops this week, and while I’ve been critical of the streaming service’s original movie output in 2026, I’m approaching this one with cautious optimism. That’s largely because of the two leads: Greta Lee (phenomenal in 2023’s “Past Lives”) and Wagner Moura (Oscar-nominated for his excellent work in “The Secret Agent). The quality of the material these two stars have been given remains a mystery, but I’ve got faith they’ll both deliver strong performances at the very least.

Adding further anticipation, “The Last House” boasts an intriguing setup. It sees a family of four (Lee and Moura play the mother and father) suddenly sealed inside their home by mysterious forces with no means of escape. Many movies of this ilk are set over a few days, but this one takes place over years, letting viewers watch as the family is forced to contend with dwindling resources, isolation, and no doubt a severe case of cabin fever.

Watch on Netflix starting August 7

‘You, Me & Tuscany’ (Peacock)

“You, Me & Tuscany” is an easy comfort watch. It’s not a romantic comedy with genre-reinvention on its agenda; instead, it offers up two very attractive leads falling in love in an equally stunning setting — in this case, you’ve guessed it, the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Starring Halle Bailey and “Bridgerton’s” Regé-Jean Page, it makes for easy-going viewing. So long as you don’t expect surprises, you might fall under its spell.

Anna (Bailey) is drifting through life in the wake of her mother’s passing. After meeting a handsome Italian, Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), she makes the impulsive decision to visit him at his family home in Tuscany. Due to a misunderstanding, Matteo’s family comes to believe Anna is his fiancée. Playing along with the lie, Anna discovers a sense of belonging in the region’s rustic towns and lush vineyards. But the situation is complicated when she develops an attraction to Matteo’s cousin Michael (Page).

Watch on Peacock starting August 7

‘The Yeti’ (Shudder)

Shudder’s latest movie for horror fans is “The Yeti,” which had a limited theatrical release in April but could find a larger viewership on the streaming service dedicated to all things spooky. But a word of warning: you might want to keep your expectations in check with this monster movie, as it scored a mediocre 44% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set in the remote snow of northern Alaska, an oil tycoon vanishes without a trace, with a rescue team dispatched soon afterwards. What they don’t know is they’ve actually stumbled into a fiercesome yeti’s territory, and the freezing temperatures are far from the only danger they will encounter. Marketed for its use of practical effects, “The Yeti” is pitched as a throwback feature to the era when the monster movie reigned supreme.

Watch on Shudder starting August 7

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Founded in 1956, Tefal is a major brand in the kitchen and dining market, renowned for its non-stick pots, pans and home appliances. More recently, though, Tefal has entered into the realm of floorcare with its wet-and-dry vacuums, otherwise known as the X-Clean line.

The latest entry is the Tefal X-Clean 7, which debuted earlier this year. The machine is touted as able to clean hard floors faster with 20,000Pa suction power and weighing just 1.9lbs / 0.9 kg in the hand.

I was particularly intrigued by the brand's foray into floorcare, as it is synonymous with great kitchen appliances and cookware — I swear by my Tefal Non-Stick Fry pan — so the move felt left-of-field. However, there are only so many pans, pots and cooking utensils one company can make, and the brand prides itself on innovation, so it's only fair to switch things up. (And spoiler alert: the X-Clean 7 adds another good impression on the brand's name.)

As someone whose home features predominantly hardwood floors, which are regularly covered in muddy pawprints and kitty litter, I am no stranger to floorwashers. And after reviewing a few floorwashers and consequently ditching my mop bucket for the wet-dry life, I knew I was well placed to take on this review. But could the X-Clean 7 tackle stubborn stains, puppy accidents and everyday maintenance of my hard floors? I tested it for three months to find out.

Tefal X-Clean 7 review: Price and availability

In Australia, where I'm based, the Tefal X-Clean 7 retails at AU$799. At the time of writing, it has been discounted at various retailers to AU$599, including on Tefal's website. In the U.K., it retails for £449. Unfortunately, it is currently not available in the U.S. The Tefal X-Clean 7 sits in the mid-range price bracket for floorwashers, fitting snugly between most Tineco and Dreame models.

Tefal X-Clean 7 review: Design

After reviewing several floorwashers, I can confidently say this is the lightest one I've ever used. Weighing only 1.9lbs / 0.9kg in the hand, the Tefal X-Clean 7 is easy to push around, carry up stairs and get under furniture with its 180° lay-flat design. However, when both water tanks are full (the dirty tank holds 17 fl oz / 500ml and the clean tank holds 22 fl oz / 650ml), the weight does, of course, increase.

Tefal's design mimics newer floorwashers of late, with a flush-sitting clean water tank atop the brush roller and the dirty tank located at the front of the machine. Tefal's machine eliminated a gripe I had while testing the Tineco S9 Artist Pro, as the opening for the clean water tank sits on top, rather than the side. This caused fewer leaks — you'll always have a small leak if the tank is too full when closing — but I had no issues with it leaking on the floor or during transit. Optionally, you can also purchase Tefal's cleaning solution for the clean water tank, but it's not necessary.

There's a round LED screen above the dirty water tank that displays battery life, cleaning modes and system alerts. The screen has an always-on setting and displays charging and battery life when on the dock. There are two accompanying buttons on the handle — the power button and the mode button, which cycle through the cleaning functions — above the LED screen, alongside the self-cleaning button at the very top of the handle. There's also a voice assistant — which can be switched on and off using a button on the back of the device — that provides alerts. I always knew which mode I was using, how much battery was left and when I needed to clean the dirty water tank.

However, I found the voice assistant was a bit limited in its responses (more on that later) and was rather loud during my first few uses. There is a volume button on the side of the device, and if you're sensitive to noise, I'd suggest cranking it down (or turning it off entirely).

There are three modes on the X-Clean 7: Auto, Max and Eco. If you're not sure which one to use, I'd suggest opting for Auto to begin with, as the X-Clean 7 will automatically detect dirt and adjust water flow and suction power to clean your floors. As per the manual, Max mode is for very dirty surfaces, with maximum suction and water flow levels, and Eco mode is for moderately dirty floors, with medium suction and water flow.

While cleaning in any mode, the X-Clean 7 uses 20,000Pa suction power and claims to deliver up to 50 minutes of runtime in Eco mode and up to 27 minutes in Max mode. Both of these claims are pretty standard for floorwashers. The X-Clean 7's roller also comes with an anti-tangle comb, which uses 164 metallic teeth to prevent any tangles.

The X-Clean 7 also offers great maneuverability, thanks to some seriously speedy self-propulsion. It's similar to an electric bike or e-scooter — it won't drive itself, but it can give you noticeable assistance when removing tough stains without overexerting yourself. The wheels are super durable and have a great range of motion for getting under furniture and into all the nooks and crannies of your home. Plus, when completely flat, it measures at 13cm high, so it'll easily fit under most couches or tables. It'll even light up any hidden dust bunnies, thanks to a strip of seriously bright LEDs on the front of the brush head.

Additionally, the box also contains the dock, a cleaning brush, an extra brush roller, and a new filter for the used water tank. You'll need to set up the dock before use, as it charges the device and runs the self-cleaning and drying programs. Do keep in mind that the dock requires a fair amount of floor real estate, so you'll need a dedicated room (or cupboard) for it.

Tefal X-Clean 7 review: Performance

Over the past three months, I've used the Tefal X-Clean 7 daily on my hardwood floors and tiles in my home. It's helped clean up everyday messes in the kitchen, including spilt coffees, as well as the occasional accident of my not-fully-housetrained puppy. The X-Clean 7 has excelled in every situation it faced.

Before the first use, I popped it onto the dock, and it took 3.5 hours to reach a full battery. After charging, I put it to the test with some (inconveniently) spilled coffee in my kitchen after missing my cup while making my morning brew. And sure enough, Auto mode easily sucked it up without worry. It left a slightly damp patch in its wake; however, it was much less damp than grabbing my mop and swirling it around (and making more of a mess).

After a few minutes, the floor was rather dry and fine to walk on, so I cleaned the rest of my kitchen and connected living room floors. These are the most high-traffic areas in my house, and my floors are often covered in muddy pawprints, crumbs and copious amounts of dog hair left behind by my two Border Collies. I easily cleaned the entire area within 15 minutes on Auto mode, and still had plenty of battery life to spare.

Case in point, our puppy, who hasn't fully taken to housetraining just yet, would have the occasional accident inside, and I found Max mode tackled pee puddles with ease. The maximum suction completely vacuumed up puddles without a trace. And if there was any dog hair lying around, the roller didn't tangle or have any blockages, with most stray hairs sitting in between the teeth of the metal comb. Not only that, I could easily take on any spilled liquids in two passes on Max mode and call it a day, which was very much a win in my book.

Sticky messes took some extra pushes, but overall, the Tefal X-Clean 7 could just as easily tackle a stuck sauce stain. It also did a commendable job of collecting kitty litter and smaller wet crumbs in all three modes.

That said, I didn't opt for Eco mode much — I largely used Auto or Max mode depending on what I needed to clean — but I did use it a few times on my tiled bathroom floors and in my shower when I didn't want to break out my mop. I didn't notice any major differences between Eco and Auto modes in this instance, but it's a nice mode to have if you're conscious of conserving the battery life.

I also don't own a mansion — rather a two-bed, two-bath apartment — and I could easily clean my hard floors in 15 minutes on Max mode, if not less. If you're mindful of which mode you use, you could easily clean your entire house on a single charge. That said, I did have to frequently refill the clean water tank after every second clean, as it is considerably smaller than other floorwashers I've used. This isn't a big drawback — even high-end models, like the Dyson Wash G1, have smaller water tanks — but if you have a bigger home, you may need to refill it more regularly.

The X-Clean 7 can leave a bit of streaking on darker floors, but it didn't bother me too much and would easily fade a day or two post-clean.

Tefal X-Clean 7 review: Ease of cleaning

Like other wet-dry vacuums, the Tefal X-Clean 7 requires regular cleaning and emptying of the water tanks to avoid odor and bacteria build-up. If you leave the voice assistant on, it will remind you to empty and clean the dirty water tank after each use and after a self-clean cycle.

However, I found the voice prompts aren't that detailed and will revert to using the same phrase for at least three manual cleaning tasks. In my case, the device would consistently alert me to empty the dirty water tank after emptying/self-cleaning, and wouldn't let me use the device. In most cases, I had emptied the tank, and the clean water tank was full, so in essence, it should have switched on just fine. However, some of these alerts meant I needed to clean the filter or the pipe underneath, rather than just empty the tank.

I'm not sure why the brand hasn't differentiated these tasks via the voice prompt — or at least provided a different alert on the LED screen — as they are completely different and largely separate from emptying the dirty water tank. Regardless, I just made sure to check all variables after each voice prompt from then on, as I couldn't rely on the machine just needing the dirty water tank emptied.

Aside from this inconvenience, the self-cleaning and drying functions were easy enough to do by pressing the self-cleaning button on the handle. The self-clean function lasted about 3 minutes, and the dock rinsed the roller brush. Afterwards, the self-drying function dries the roller, and the whole process lasts around 30 minutes.

Tefal X-Clean 7 review: Verdict

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the Tefal X-Clean 7 for its powerful suction modes and lightweight maneuverability. It's easy to use, has speedy self-propulsion, and you won't wait long for your floors to dry after a clean. It can easily clean up spilled liquids, stuck-on stains and the occasional hair or crumb under its roller too, making it perfect for homes with pets or kids.

However, it could benefit from larger water tanks and an intuitive voice assistant with more detailed prompts. But if you regularly clean it and keep maintenance low by doing so, you'll have no trouble washing your hard floors with Tefal's X-Clean 7.

Last week, leaked images of the forthcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold popped up, and now Google is officially teasing its phone.

The 15-second teaser video briefly shows hints of the foldable alongside this voice-over: "To switch phones, you have to be open to what's new. And to what opens."

The video is similar to the teaser for the Pixel 11 Pro released last week. The most important information in the video is at the end with the date August 12, 2026, which is when we expect Google to announce the full Pixel 11 lineup.

The Google Store homepage is currently listing pre-orders for the PIxel 11 as starting August 12. I also spotted a pre-order page on Best Buy. Both pages feature a countdown that runs until August 12 at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET/2 p.m. UK.

Release date

This does suggest that you'll be able to pre-order the device before the announcement, which isn't supposed to kick off until 6 p.m. ET that day.

Google devices usually hit store shelves a week or two after the announcement. This means the Pixel 11 series should launch on August 19 or August 26.

As for price, given the ongoing memory crisis, we expect a price increase. Google has managed to keep the Pixel Pro Fold at $1,799 for the last two years, but another $100 or $200 on top of that seems likely.

More from Tom's Guide

• We've tested the best Android phones available right now from Samsung, Google and Motorola
• I asked Siri AI and Gemini a series of increasingly bizarre questions to see how they responded —here's what happened
• Incognito mode is a total lie – and it cost Google $5 billion

We're more than halfway through summer — and if you want to make the most of your patio, deck or backyard this season, now is your last chance for a little refresh. That might sound expensive, but thanks to Walmart's patio and garden sale, giving your outdoor space an upgrade is more affordable than you might think.

From must-have gardening tools and patio furniture to genius storage hacks and eye-catching outdoor decor, I've rounded up tons of Walmart items that will help transform your backyard into a luxury resort. And the best part is, every item is under $50.

Here's everything you need to make your outdoor spaces a little more magical this summer (without breaking the bank).

Quick Links

• shop all Walmart deals
• Summer home accents: furniture and decor from $4
• Patio and garden event: up to 50% off
• Self-Watering Plant Pots 5-Pack: was $28 now $16
• BN-LINK Solar Lights Outdoor: was $29 now $21
• Tabletop Fire Pit: was $49 now $24
• Best Choice Raised Oval Garden Bed: was $93 now $39
• Patio Umbrella w/ Crank: was $93 now $49

Editor's Choice

When Samsung launches the Galaxy S27 Ultra early next year, the flagship phone could be much different phone compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. A slew of rumors and confirmed news in the last few days revealed one massive upgrade and at least two potential downgrades.

First, the upgrade with the rumored debut of a silicon-carbon battery in the S27 series. This news isn't totally surprising as Samsung finally put this newer battery technology in the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The rumor comes from two different sources: The Galox on X and YouTuber TechDroider. Both claimed that the S27 Ultra will get a 5700 mAh silicon-carbon battery.

If the battery rumor is true this would be the first capacity upgrade to the Ultra model since the Galaxy S20 Ultra. That's seven generations of phones with essentially the exact same battery.

While Chinese phone makers have been pushing silicon carbon battery equipped devices since 2024, Samsung has taken a more conservative approach.

“We have been testing silicon batteries for quite some time. We’re looking at being very — I wouldn’t say conservative — but more taking it one step at a time," Samsung's Jay Kim — the executive VP of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series — told Tom's Guide Mark Spoonauer.

Still, the new battery bumped the Z Fold 8 Ultra up to 5,000 mAh, a big boost from the 4,400 mAh lithium ion in the Fold 7.

It doesn't necessarily mean Samsung was always going to put a silicon-carbon battery in its main phone line but signs are looking good.

Worse cameras

One of The Galox's rumored specs is a 50MP 5x telephoto lens and a second telephoto camera in the S27 Ultra. However, regular Samsung leaker Ice Universe threw some water on the rumor claiming that there will be no second telephoto camera.

If true that would be a downgrade from the current setup which features a 200MP main, 10MP telephoto, 50MP periscope telephoto and a 50MP ultrawide. Per Ice Universe, the S27 Ultra would drop the 10MP telephoto lens.

At the same time, Ice put up another post asserting that Samsung is using inkjet printing technology to make the camera module thinner. This could make the camera array smaller overall.

One of the flaws of the S26 Ultra is its massive camera bump, which makes it impossible to set the phone down flat anywhere. As an S26 Ultra owner, it's one of the more annoying aspects of the phone.

If I'm being honest, I'd rather have the smaller camera bump than an extra telephoto lens.

Beyond that, both The Galox and TechDroid suggested that the camera array could spread across the entire width of the phone mimicking what Apple did with the iPhone 17 Pro models. If the S27 Ultra is missing the fourth camera, it seems the iPhone and Galaxy phones will be nearly indistinguishable.

Higher prices

Unfortunately, next year's Galaxy S27 Ultra is likely to be more expensive. Samsung managed to keep the starting price of the S26 Ultra at $1,299 the same as the S25 Ultra.

However, late last week, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon confirmed to CNBC that it will increase prices for its Snapdragon silicon. This means the costs will be put on smartphone makers like Samsung, which can't even get its own memory division to lower prices for the mobile division.

“Cost went up, prices are going to go up,” Amon told CNBC. Amon specifically blamed the supply constraints on memory for the increase. He did say the price increase was "temporary," but with the AI-driven RAM crisis not expected to abate until 2028 at the earliest, it's not clear how long this "temporary" hike will last.

Still, it means the next Samsung phone will likely be more expensive.

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It's no secret that Amazon makes some of the top smart home tech on the market — and right now you can score up to 70% off Ring Video Doorbells, Fire TV Sticks, Blink security cameras and more.

A few of my personal favorite finds include the Ring Battery Doorbell on sale for just $69, while the all-new Fire TV Stick HD has dropped to only $19. Plus, you can get the Blink Mini 2K+ and save a whopping 46%.

From boosting your home's security to revamping your entertainment setup, I've rounded up the best Amazon devices that will upgrade your smart home. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon device deals
• Fire TV Stick HD: was $34 now $19
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• Blink Arc w/ 2 Cameras: was $99 now $43
• Blink Wired Floodlight Camera: was $99 now $44
• Amazon 40" 2-Series 4K Fire TV: was $249 now $209

Fire TV Stick Deals

Ring Deals

Blink Deals

Fire TV Deals

Just a few weeks ago, Apple announced price increases on several of its products. That sucks, but fortunately there are a lot of ways to save if you know where to look!

One of my favorite deals right now is the Apple Watch 11 on sale for $299 at Amazon. It's $100 off right now and close to its lowest price ever of $279. If you're rocking an older model, now is a great time to upgrade — the battery life has finally gotten an upgrade and lasts up to 24 hours on a charge (up to 38 hours on low power mode.)

I've listed all my favorite Apple deals below, so keep scrolling to check them out. For more ways to save, see our Apple promo codes coverage, and our golden rules for saving on Apple produces.

Quick Links

• shop all Apple deals on Amazon
• iPhone 17 series: free w/ unlimited @ T-Mobile
• EarPods (Lightning): was $19 now $14
• AirPods 4: was $129 now $99
• AirPods Pro 3: was $249 now $199
• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS/40mm): was $249 now $219
• Apple Watch 11 (GPS/42mm): was $399 now $299

iPhone

Accessories

AirPods

Apple Watches

MacBooks

Kimi, a Chinese-developed AI model that rivals the likes of ChatGPT and Claude, has experienced a surge in popularity as of late. Beijing startup Moonshot AI is behind it and has recently unveiled its advanced Kimi K3 model.

On its own, Kimi AI is efficient at handling some of the heavy lifting users ask of it. Those include parsing massive PDFs, digesting entire codebases and running complex multi-step technical workflows. It also excels at tasks that involve Chinese language optimization and is less likely to experience hallucinations, since it defaults to structured, step-by-step analysis.

With all that information in mind, I went into my first meeting with Kimi AI to see what basic and complex tasks it could manage. These seven prompts did a great job of showing me how Kimi AI can provide users with complex subject simplification, skill building, info extraction from PDFs and more.

Spending some time with Kimi and unmasking its capabilities

When the time finally arrived for me to put Kimi AI through its paces, I requested that it generate a collection of prompts that every beginner should test out with it first. After checking out all the prompts it spit out, I recognized how many of them are targeted toward the common tasks I give to other chatbots.

Explaining the most complex subjects in a way that makes it understandable for a teenager, role-playing as a specific professional to deliver steps to success and helping a user choose between two options before making a major decision are among those aforementioned tasks I regularly delegate to AI tools. But one of Kimi AI’s suggested prompts emphasized its signature ability to condense data-loaded PDFs.

Here are the seven beginner prompts it gave to try out on my own:

• The Simplifier: Explain [complex topic] like I'm 15. Use an analogy from everyday life, and highlight the 3 most common misconceptions people have about it.
• The Role-Play Expert: You are a senior [profession] with 20 years of experience. I am a beginner trying to [specific goal]. Give me a 5-step action plan, and for each step tell me the biggest mistake beginners make and how to avoid it.
• The Decision Framework: I need to choose between [Option A] and [Option B] for [specific situation]. Build me a decision matrix with criteria that actually matter for this context, score each option, but also tell me which criteria I might be overweighting or ignoring.
• The Executive Summary Extractor: I have a [X]-page PDF [attach file]. Please read through the entire document and produce a structured summary with: (a) the core thesis or main argument, (b) a bullet-point breakdown of every major section, (c) all key data points, statistics, and dates mentioned, and (d) a list of any conclusions or recommendations. If the document is too long, process it in chunks and maintain continuity between sections.
• The Research Synthesizer: Summarize the current consensus and the main points of debate about [topic] as of [current year]. Cite specific thinkers, studies, or developments, and tell me what a reasonable person could disagree about.
• The Creative Constraint: I want to write a [short story/email/presentation] about [topic], but it needs to feel [tone: e.g., urgent but warm/authoritative but approachable]. Give me 3 radically different opening hooks, then help me develop the one I choose.
• The Skill Builder: Teach me the core mental model for [skill] in 10 minutes. Use a mini-case-study I can follow along with, give me 2 practice problems to solve, and then review my answers when I tell you what I got.

A pro tip that Kimi made clear is that constant interaction with one’s prompts will produce even stronger results (which is a given at this point for anyone like me who uses AI tools daily:

The magic happens when you iterate. My first answer is a draft. Tell me "make it shorter," "add more detail on step 3," or "rewrite that for a 10-year-old," and you'll see how much better the second round gets.

As expected, Kimi AI proved to be just as competent at handling my assignments. It did a phenomenal job at simplifying the topic of neuroscience, helped me decide between choosing either an Audeze Maxwell 2 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless gaming headset for my PS5 and performed a deep research session into the rising resistance against data centers.

Bottom line

After my first session with Kimi AI, I made the easy decision to slot it into my bag of AI tools that I use all the time. Moonshot AI’s tool can stand side by side with ChatGPT by allowing OpenAI’s model to polish my edits for creative projects, while Kimi AI conducts heavy background research and technical analysis into the main topic behind that project.

But on its own, Kimi AI has the power to carry out the tasks I give to its competitors and the duties that it does exceedingly well.

As a bonus, here are two more beneficial prompts Kimi AI users should put to good use:

• The Architecture Onboarding Guide (for digesting entire codebases): I have a zip file/folder containing a codebase [attach or describe]. First, identify the tech stack and folder structure. Then trace the main execution path from entry point to core logic. Finally, generate a 'new developer onboarding guide' that explains: what this app does, how the major components talk to each other, where the business logic lives, and which files a beginner should read first.
• The Debug Detective (for complex multi-step technical workflows): I'm encountering [specific error message or buggy behavior] in my [language/framework] project. Here's the relevant code and context [paste code/logs]. Walk me through a systematic debugging workflow: (1) list the 5 most likely root causes in order of probability, (2) for each cause, give me a specific one-line command or code snippet to verify it, (3) once I tell you the results, help me implement the fix and write a regression test so it doesn't happen again.

More from Tom’s Guide

• I gave Claude Opus 5 and Kimi K3 15 impossible prompts — the winner surprised me
• I tried HyperTexting for a week to escape social media algorithms — and realized I don't actually want them gone
• 'I use AI, but I don't want AI making my choices': Tom's Guide readers sound off on Google AI search

It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve been obsessed with Lies of P since I first played it at launch back in September 2023. This action-Soulslike was my personal favorite game of that year (despite extraordinarily strong competition). So, when the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived last summer, I was desperately hoping Lies of P would head over to the hybrid console ASAP.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait very long. Just over 12 months after the Switch 2’s launch, and nearly three years after its initial release, Lies of P: Complete Edition comes to Nintendo’s platform this week (on Thursday, August 6). I’ve had the chance to check it out early, and it’s pretty much exactly what I hoped: The same great Lies of P game, now on Switch 2.

Its release timing feels particularly appropriate, as Lies of P launches on Switch 2 just a few weeks ahead of the hotly anticipated Elden Ring: Tarnish Edition. So, if you need a game to hold you over until revisiting FromSoftware’s behemoth, this excellent Soulslike is the perfect title for the occasion. It remains a must-play for fans of challenging action-RPGs.

Lies of P is still one of my favorite Soulslike games

In short, Lies of P takes clear clues from the Dark Souls series, created by FromSoftware, the developer of Elden Ring. It’s a demanding action-RPG that emphasizes challenging combat encounters, build-crafting, and memorable boss battles that might take you dozens of attempts.

Loosely based on Carlo Collodi’s “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” you play a living puppet, referred to as P, who must venture through the gothic city of Krat in the aftermath of an event known as the “Puppet Frenzy,” in which the once servient puppets turned on their human masters.

It’s an intriguing setup, and Lies of P does a great job offering players small snippets of story, rewarding curiosity and a willingness to piece together the overarching narrative via optional collectibles. But as much as I enjoy the rich lore of Lies of P, it’s the punishing combat that shines brightest.

Lies of P might be part of the “Soulslike” genre (named for the aforementioned Dark Souls), but its closest comparison is actually FromSoftware’s 2015 PS4 exclusive Bloodborne. Combat encounters are fast and fluid, with the best strategy revolving around relentless pressure and, if you can nail the timing, making use of parries to stun enemies.

The game also packs some of the most well-designed boss encounters of any Soulslike. You’ll square off against all manner of towering foes, from an electrified police robot to a mutated Archbishop spewing blue goo. I don’t want to veer into spoilers, but several of Lies of P’s best bosses rival even the works of genre originator FromSoftware. And the final boss is a doozy.

Even if wholly new ideas are thin on the ground — though the game's weapon combining system is unique — Lies of P mixes the best elements of its Souls inspirations to deliver a consistently satisfying action experience. Each victory is hard-earned, and levels beg to be explored.

The game also has several built-in guardrails to help you pick your level of challenge. There are multiple difficulty settings (originally added post-launch, but available on Switch 2 from day one), and the majority of bosses allow you to summon a helpful NPC companion, which makes things considerably easier. Lies of P doesn't have to be brutally tough, if you wish.

Even if a high degree of difficulty sounds off-putting to you, Lies of P is one of the more approachable games in the Soulslike genre for newcomers.

Lies of P feels at home on Switch 2

Almost three years post-release, and after a bunch of GOTY nominations, Lies of P is mostly a known quantity at this point. So, turning attention specifically to how this new version plays on the Switch 2. I’ve been largely impressed with the experience on Nintendo’s excellent hybrid console.

As you would expect, Lies of P on Switch 2 isn’t the premier version. It looks and runs better on PS5, Xbox Series X, or a powerful gaming PC, but the Switch 2 edition is no slouch. Its biggest drawback is that objects in the distance can appear low quality. This is particularly noticeable with blurry background character models, and the framerate takes a hit in handheld mode — though a day-one patch will add a 60 fps mode.

Perhaps the biggest downgrade I’ve found comes in loading times, which are a little longer than I’d like. 15 or so seconds doesn’t sound like much, but in a Soulslike, when death can come fast and frequent, this could be a minor pain point for new players when learning the ropes. But veterans, armed with previous knowledge, will likely endure few loading screens.

As noted up top, this is the “Complete Edition” and comes packaged with the high-quality Overture expansion, alongside all previously released DLC, including the overpowered Azure Dragon Crescent Glaive weapon, released as part of a collaboration with Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. It’s unlocked from the start and makes the early game a breeze. In fact, it’s so powerful, I’d suggest new players avoid it, as it breaks the difficulty curve.

Overall, this is a strong port of an excellent game; whether you’ve experienced Lies of P before or are stepping into Krat for the first time, the game feels at home on Switch 2. And because of its largely linear level design and manageable scope, it’s a great game to pick up to fill the time until Elden Ring arrives later this month and eats up your gaming time.

The Soulslike genre has exploded in popularity in recent years, with numerous developers attempting to recapture the very particular alchemy that saw FromSoftware rapidly rise to one of the industry’s most respected (and beloved) studios. Many have tried, but few imitators have got as remarkably close to matching the quality of a true Souls game as Lies of P.

All of this is to say, Lies of P: Complete Edition is a must-play on Nintendo Switch 2. This was the Switch 2 port I was desperately awaiting since launch, and now that it’s here, it’s no disappointment. Playing Lies of P once again on Nintendo Switch 2 has only deepened my obsession.

More from Tom's Guide

• Lies of P: Overture is a massive expansion — and it’s absolutely brutal
• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
• I solved the biggest issue with my Switch 2 in under a minute

Remember when devices were trying to get rid of buttons, and now more and more companies are working to add AI-centric ones? Step forward, Aina, a company offering something a little unique.

Its new keypad, Dune, is essentially a small macro pad you can throw in a bag to take on the go with your MacBook. And while I wasn’t sure I needed a context-specific series of buttons attached to my Mac, I couldn’t believe how intuitive it was.

Get work Dune

Dune is a small three-key keypad that plugs into your MacBook’s USB-C port on the left-hand side, with three colored, metal buttons, a solid shell that feels built to last, and a very welcome rubberized base to avoid scratching desks and tables.

Above the buttons is a window showing an LED inside, and my only gripe is that being able to look inside and see some of the circuitry feels like it goes against the rest of the design inspiration here - everything is so clean and fine-tuned that it feels as though the light that goes on when you press a button was a little bit of an afterthought.

Still, that’s genuinely my only nitpick here with the design. I have the Midnight MacBook Air (still rocking an M3 chip), and the paint chips like nobody’s business. As a result, I was worried about having an additional metal chassis potentially locked alongside it, but the Dune sits beautifully, with no wiggle from the USB-C port.

So what does Dune do?

Here’s the fun part: Dune basically does anything you need it to. During the setup process, you can flag some key apps you use day-to-day. For my sins, mine include Teams, and Dune instantly offered some useful shortcuts attached to the hardware buttons, all displayed in the bottom-left corner.

Muting my mic, turning off the camera with a single touch, or simply bringing the meeting to the front of my active windows are all things I have to do regularly, so having the option to hit a clearly defined button for that is ideal.

Hitting a button to bring up a fresh Claude chat and using the other two buttons to instantly “yay” or “nay” its responses speeds things up by a few seconds each day, which soon adds up across a week, a month, or a year.

Dune also cycles its context-specific commands depending on your active window, so pressing the buttons becomes muscle memory.

At present, the in-app marketplace is still being populated, but there are some solid options already. Being able to open your Mac’s clipboard, or instantly send a screenshot to Claude or update a Slack status are very useful, and I’m excited to see how things pan out from the perspective of power users getting their hands on Dune.

Sticking with Claude, however, it’s clear this is where Dune’s real appeal lies. In fact, you can build your own workflows for Dune using Claude, be those scripts, app-specific contextual actions, and more. Will you get the same joy from another AI app? It’s hard to say, but if you already have Claude, this is a genuinely intuitive way to build a better Mac.

A curio, or a must-have?

There are some considerations, of course. For one, if your Mac is docked while you work, then a more traditional macro pad is likely to be more useful. For another, you’ll need a USB-C port free to be able to use Dune.

And yet, I can see myself packing it for every trip where I’m just taking the laptop and don’t need to plug into a variety of other peripherals.

For something that must’ve required plenty of thought, it somehow feels so simple to use. Muting meetings, triggering agentic AI, or just having a place to run a shortcut without trying to remember the keyboard combo I set up years ago is genuinely useful.

Now that I’ve used Dune, I’m very keen to see where it goes from here and how it evolves. As someone who uses a Stream Deck but doesn’t take it on the go, I’m happy to have an alternative that’s much more portable, and that leans nicely into agentic AI.

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A four-leaf clover, a rabbit’s foot and a horseshoe are mentioned around me a lot whenever I’m in the company of someone trying to hit it big.

The folks I know who have scratched off lotto tickets strewn all over the place and regularly wear the expression of defeat at the casino wish they’d had one of those items on hand to increase their luck. I can relate to them in that sense—I’ve always been keen on finding out what it takes to get lucky more often than not.

I ran to ChatGPT to inquire about everything it takes to improve my luck and expected to be treated to some advice about hanging dream catchers all around my house and adding a bunch of evil eye bead bracelets to my wardrobe. But to my surprise, the chatbot offered advice that gave me realistic, practical routines I can incorporate into my life to get those “lucky breaks” everyone wishes for.

Here are the seven (there goes that lucky number!) pieces of practical advice ChatGPT put into my head that are all about improving my luck from both a personal and professional standpoint.

Boosting my luck by creating better opportunities for success in the long run

The first portion of ChatGPT’s response that made a ton of sense to me was this:

People often talk about "luck" as if it's random, but research and the habits of consistently successful people suggest that many "lucky breaks" come from increasing the number and quality of opportunities that come your way. If your goal is to feel luckier over the next year, these seven strategies have an outsized payoff.

Afterward, I was met with a collection of seven tips that did a commendable job of shifting the focus from hoping for good luck to actively engineering more chances for it to come to fruition. The one that laid out one of the easiest paths to success was about putting myself in the sort of situations where lucky moments are more likely to happen.

ChatGPT stated that constantly being around ambitious people, attending conferences & community events with like-minded individuals, participating in online communities where fruitful conversations are the norm and learning new skills that intersect with my existing expertise are the best moves to make. This quote summed up its guidance quite nicely: Many "overnight successes" are simply people who spent years in rooms where opportunities naturally emerged.

ChatGPT’s advisement also produced six other tips that should boost my luck and help me develop the sort of routines that will benefit me the most:

• Increase your "surface area for luck": The more people, ideas, and experiences you expose yourself to, the more opportunities you'll encounter. Try to attend one new event each month, start conversations with people outside your industry, say "yes" to invitations you would normally decline (within reason), and share your work publicly. Luck often looks like someone saying, "I thought of you because..."
• Become exceptionally easy to remember: People create opportunities for people they remember. Build a recognizable reputation: be known for one or two specific strengths, publish your insights consistently, and help people without immediately expecting something in return. When an opportunity appears, you want your name to be the first one that comes to mind.
• Create more "lottery tickets": Most successful people don't rely on one big opportunity—they create dozens of smaller ones. Examples: pitch multiple story ideas instead of waiting on one, experiment with different projects, apply for opportunities even if you're unsure you'll get them, and reach out to interesting people regularly. A 10% success rate is fantastic if you're taking enough shots.
• Stay curious instead of certain: Many lucky discoveries happen because someone noticed something others ignored. Ask questions like: "What am I missing?" "What's changing right now?" "What are smart people suddenly paying attention to?" Curiosity uncovers opportunities before they become obvious.
• Make yourself unusually reliable: Talent gets attention. Reliability gets opportunities. When people know you'll meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and deliver quality work, they'll recommend you more often, multiplying your "luck."
• Reflect on your wins and near-misses: Luck isn't just about what happens—it's about recognizing patterns. Each week, ask yourself what unexpected opportunity appeared, why it happened, and how you can increase the chances of that happening again. Small patterns compound into major advantages.

After reading through all of ChatGPT’s tips, it became evident that depleting my bank account via lottery ticket purchases, crossing my fingers every time I hit the blackjack table and doing my lucky dance before heading into a job interview won’t do me too much good.

The takeaway

Instead of hoping and relying on superstitious items to increase my chances of amazing things happening to me, ChatGPT’s counsel made it clear that adopting advantageous habits will work much better for me in the long run.

Getting lucky means I’ll need to stop waiting until I’m “ready,” trying to optimize every decision I’m presented with and obsessing over outcomes that I have no control over.

As a final gift, ChatGPT generated a prompt that should assist me and everyone reading this right now:

Act as my opportunity strategist. Based on my current goals, identify five situations this week where I could create my own luck. For each opportunity, explain why it matters, the smallest action I can take in the next 24 hours, the people I should meet or contact, and what I'm likely overlooking. Prioritize actions that have the highest upside with the lowest time investment.

More from Tom’s Guide

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Prime Video kicked off August by adding 52 movies to its library, giving Prime members plenty of new options to stream. But if you don’t pay for a membership, those additions aren’t much help. That's where Prime Video’s free, ad-supported library comes in, offering a surprisingly solid selection of movies at no extra cost. The only downside is that Amazon doesn’t announce when new free titles arrive, so you have to do a bit of digging to discover what’s been added.

That’s where I come in. I’ve scoured through Prime Video’s free movie section to find the titles actually worth watching, because, as you can imagine, free movie libraries can often be filled with flops. You don't even need a Prime subscription to watch them. All you need is a free Amazon account, meaning you can enjoy these movies without paying for another streaming service.

Whether you’re in the mood for post-apocalyptic action-thriller, a romantic horror, or an unhinged superhero comedy, these are the free Prime Video movies worth adding to your watchlist.

‘Snowpiercer’ (2014)

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho in his English-language directorial debut, “Snowpiercer” is an acclaimed sci-fi thriller based on the 1982 French graphic novel. The film presents a visually striking frozen world where humanity’s last survivors live aboard a self-contained environment divided into distinct sections. While “Parasite” remains Bong’s best film in my opinion, “Snowpiercer” is still a claustrophobic sci-fi masterpiece that’s well worth experiencing at least once.

In a post-apocalyptic future, a failed climate-change experiment plunges Earth into a global ice age. The remaining survivors live aboard the Snowpiercer, a massive, self-sustaining supertrain that continuously circumnavigates the globe. Inside, passengers are strictly divided: the wealthy live in luxury at the front, while the impoverished are forced into overcrowded tail cars at the back. Led by a man named Curtis (Chris Evans), the tail-section residents launch a violent revolt, fighting their way toward the front to seize control of the train’s engine.

Stream for free on Prime Video

‘Dredd’ (2012)

If you’re missing Karl Urban from “The Boys,” or just need something fun, then you’ll want to stream the action-packed sci-fi film “Dredd.” Based on the iconic comic book character, this movie is a gritty, stripped-back take on the futuristic world of Mega-City One. It’s a lean, mean, ultra-violent flick that built a passionate cult following by delivering the kind of adaptation fans had been hoping for after the 1995 Sylvester Stallone movie. Even better, Urban kept Dredd’s helmet on for the entire film, which is dedication.

“Dredd” follows Judge Dredd (Karl Urban), an elite law enforcer in the sprawling Mega-City One, who is assigned to evaluate rookie Judge Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) during a routine patrol. After investigating a brutal crime inside a massive apartment complex, the pair become trapped by Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), a powerful gang leader who controls the building and refuses to let them leave. With their escape blocked and enemies closing in, Dredd and Anderson must fight their way through the tower while completing their mission.

Stream for free on Prime Video

‘Warm Bodies’ (2013)

It’s weird putting romance and horror together, but when done right, the combination can create a unique kind of entertainment. “Warm Bodies” is a perfect example of a film that nails both. The rom-com side of the story is even told entirely through the inner monologue of an undead flesh-eater, giving the movie its unusual charm. While it’s not pure horror and certainly softens some of the genre’s traditional tropes, it brings humor, sweet coming-of-age energy, and genuine heart to the zombie genre, making it a standout entry in the early 2010s.

Eight years after a zombie outbreak, R (Nicholas Hoult) is an unusual member of the undead who spends his days wandering through an abandoned airport with little memory of his former life. During a hunt for supplies, he encounters Julie (Teresa Palmer), a human survivor from a fortified settlement, and unexpectedly saves her from an attack. R hides Julie away from the other zombies, and the pair slowly begin to understand each other as they overcome the dangers surrounding them. However, R gradually regains his humanity through their connection.

Stream for free on Prime Video

‘Fargo’ (1996)

“Fargo” is widely regarded as one of the Coen brothers’ finest works, and I have to agree. This classic thriller packs crime, dark comedy, and drama into a brilliantly unique cinematic experience. If you didn’t know, the film famously opens with a title card claiming that the events took place in Minnesota in 1987, creating the illusion that viewers were watching a true story. In reality, the entire tale was a work of fiction, with the Coen brothers using that framing device to make the film’s bizarre events feel even more believable.

Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is a struggling Minneapolis car salesman who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife, Jean (Kristin Rudrud), believing he can collect a large ransom from her wealthy father. However, the plan quickly falls apart when the criminals’ actions lead to multiple deaths, attracting the attention of Brainerd police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand). As Marge begins investigating the case, Jerry struggles to maintain his story as the situation becomes increasingly difficult to control.

Stream for free on Prime Video

‘Kick-Ass’ (2010)

If you’re into crude humor and superhero comedy with a heavy dose of violence, “Kick-Ass” should be on your watchlist. The film offers a wildly unconventional spin on the superhero genre, earning a strong cult following and remaining one of the most unique comic book adaptations. Think “Spider-Man” meets “Kill Bill” vibes: you get colorful superhero costumes and teen comedy alongside brutal, hard-R action and slick, “John Wick”-style fight choreography. I’d honestly be surprised if this film doesn’t make you laugh.

Dave (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is an ordinary high school student who decides to become a real-life crime fighter despite having no experience or training. After creating a homemade costume and taking the name Kick-Ass, Dave’s first attempts at stopping criminals leave him badly injured, but a video of his actions spreads online and turns him into a local celebrity. Soon, he crosses paths with the highly skilled father-daughter duo Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz), who are pursuing their own mission.

Stream for free on Prime Video

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Storing your files in the cloud is convenient until it isn’t. That’s why more and more people are turning to Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices to keep their data local instead.

Whether it’s family photos and videos, a massive library of ripped DVDs and Blu-rays, or critical work files, keeping your data at home has serious perks. Plus, just like with the best cloud storage, you can still access your personal files from anywhere with an internet connection.

While NAS devices used to feel intimidating to set up and configure, Ugreen has done an impressive job of making them accessible to everyday users. Even if you aren't particularly tech-savvy, backing up your files locally and accessing them across your computer and smartphone is very straightforward.

After trying out Ugreen’s consumer-friendly DH4300 Plus and its flagship iDX6011 Pro — which is capable of running local AI models — the company sent over two of its latest enthusiast-focused devices: the DXP2800 GT and DXP4800 GT. If you’re trying to decide between the two, here is everything you need to know to pick the right enclosure for your storage needs and workflow.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Specs

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Pricing

The two-bay Ugreen DXP2800 GT costs $509 while the four-bay Ugreen DXP4800 GT costs $699. Keep in mind that these are both diskless enclosures — the 64GB of built-in flash memory is strictly reserved for the UGOS Pro operating system, so you will need to budget separately for hard drives or SSDs.

Additionally, both models are compatible with Ugreen’s US3000 mini UPS. This uninterruptible power supply provides protection for your NAS in the event of a power outage or surge via a battery backup that gives you enough time to safely power down your system.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Design

At 9.1 x 4.3 x 7 inches, Ugreen’s DXP2800 GT is the smaller of its two new AMD-powered NAS devices. Given its smaller, two-bay form factor, this NAS is much more compact and can be used on your desk or tucked away on a shelf near your router.

By comparison, the DXP4800 GT is slightly larger at 10.1 x 7 x 7 inches. Its extra width accommodates two additional drive bays, bringing the total to four. At the same time, you also get an SD card reader on the front.

Unlike Ugreen’s first globally available NAS devices — the DXP2800 and DXP4800 — which were powered by Intel chips and featured a dark aluminum finish with matte black accents, the company has switched things up with the GT series. These new models are black with rose gold accents, which, in my opinion, gives them a more premium look overall. They stand out a bit more too, but in a good way.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Ports and networking

Regardless of which device you choose, you’re getting a high-speed 10Gbps USB-C port and a 10Gbps USB-A port on the front panel. You can use these to quickly offload data from flash drives and external hard drives directly onto your NAS — and on the DXP4800 GT, you can do so via an SD card reader, too.

Next to those front ports, status LEDs keep you informed on drive activity alongside a LAN indicator to show network connectivity. Below these sits the power button, complete with its own central LED light.

Around back is where things get a bit more interesting. Both the DXP2800 GT and DXP4800 GT feature an HDMI 2.0 port, a high-speed USB 3.2 Type-A port, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, a reset button, and a barrel DC power connector. With the DXP4800 GT, however, you get an additional 10 GbE port — bringing total networking up to dual 10GbE.

Having that second 10 GbE port gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to setting up and using the DXP4800 GT. You can combine both ports through link aggregation to double your potential bandwidth to 20 Gbps. This can be particularly useful if you have multiple people using this NAS at the same time to do things like edit 4K video.

Alternatively, you can use it to connect the DXP4800 GT to your main PC for blazing-fast file transfers while keeping the second port connected to one of the best Wi-Fi routers so you can access the NAS from the rest of your home network.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Storage

With two drive bays, you can load up the DXP2800 GT with up to two 32TB hard drives (HDDs). Both standard 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs or SSDs are compatible with both models. On the DXP4800 GT, which features four bays instead of two, you can install up to four 32TB HDDs.

When using standard hard drives, these bays are completely toolless. To install a drive, you press down on the release tab, insert your drive, and snap the side retention rails into place. The whole process is simple, making initial setup or hot-swapping drives effortless.

If you’re using 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs, these drives secure to the bottom of the tray using the included mounting screws. I installed several drives this way when I set up the Ugreen DH4300 Plus, and while it took slightly longer, the whole process was fairly simple.

Underneath both NAS units, an access panel provides access to internal upgrades. Both models come with 8GB of DDR4 RAM pre-installed and feature two SO-DIMM slots, allowing you to expand their memory up to 64GB.

For basic file storage and media streaming, the stock 8GB of RAM is more than enough. However, if you plan to run multiple Docker containers, host virtual machines, or manage a large media library with heavy indexing, upgrading their memory becomes essential. You can leave the original stick in place and add a second 8GB module to reach 16GB, or swap out the pre-installed memory for two 16GB modules (32GB total) or use dual 32GB modules to max out the hardware at 64GB.

When it comes to high-speed solid-state storage, both units feature two M.2 NVMe slots supporting up to 8TB per drive (16TB total via M.2). On the DXP4800 GT, these slots sit directly next to the RAM under the bottom panel for easy access. On the DXP2800 GT, the M.2 slots are mounted on the inner left wall inside the chassis, requiring you to pull out the main drive bays to access them.

With all front drive bays and both M.2 slots populated at max capacity, the DXP2800 GT tops out at 80TB of total raw storage, while the DXP4800 GT reaches a massive 144TB.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: RAID

How you configure your NAS’s storage in UGOS Pro depends heavily on which enclosure you choose, as your available RAID options and fault tolerance are dictated entirely by drive bay count.

With the two-bay DXP2800 GT, you can choose between Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1:

• RAID 1 (Recommended): Mirrors your data across both drives. If one drive fails, your data remains completely intact. The trade-off is usable capacity, as mirroring cuts your total storage in half.
• RAID 0 / JBOD: Combines both drives into a single volume for maximum available capacity and speed. However, neither mode offers data redundancy; if a single drive fails, you lose all your data.

Thanks to its four-bay design, the DXP4800 GT unlocks additional RAID options, including RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10:

• RAID 5: Yields the full usable capacity of three drives while allowing your data to survive a single drive failure — offering the best sweet spot between storage efficiency, protection, and performance.
• RAID 6: Uses double-parity across all four drives, allowing your array to survive two simultaneous drive failures.
• RAID 10: Combines striping and mirroring across four drives. You lose 50% of your total usable capacity, but gain top-tier read/write speeds and significantly faster array rebuild times.

If all these technical configurations feel overwhelming, don't worry. During initial setup, UGOS Pro walks you through each option with clear visual explanations and recommends the best setup based on your specific storage needs and workflow.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Power and noise

Although NAS energy consumption depends heavily on drive access and workload, Ugreen rates the two-bay DXP2800 GT at around 16.4W during active drive access, dropping down to 4.2W when its drives are hibernating. Meanwhile, the four-bay DXP4800 GT draws roughly 35.2W under active use and 15.4W while idle.

When it comes to noise levels, I used a dedicated sound level meter to see just how loud the two enclosures were. With both sitting idle, the DXP2800 GT operated at a whisper-quiet 32.3 dB while the DXP4800 GT was slightly louder at 39.0 dB.

To put this into context, the DXP2800 GT is about as quiet as a bedroom at night or leaves rustling in a light breeze. It’s barely noticeable in a room on its own or even sitting directly on your desk — operating at a noise floor similar to a Mac mini M4.

The DXP4800 GT sounds closer to a low refrigerator hum in the background. It’s slightly more noticeable, but with its front-facing SD card reader, creative professionals will likely want it within arm's reach anyway for quick photo and video offloads from their camera.

Ugreen DXP2800 GT vs DXP4800 GT: Which should you buy?

Whether Ugreen’s DXP2800 GT or DXP4800 GT is right for you comes down to your workflow, where you plan to set up either device, and how much storage you really need. At the end of the day, both deliver an impressive step up for power users with AMD Ryzen Embedded horsepower, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and ultra-fast 10 Gigabit networking.

With its smaller footprint and lower noise floor, the DXP2800 GT is an excellent “desk companion” NAS. It works just as well tucked away on a shelf or sitting right next to your monitor in a home office or bedroom. With support for up to 80TB of raw capacity, it provides more than enough storage for a solo editor working with large video files or managing heavy local backups. However, with only two drive bays, your RAID options are inherently limited — especially if you want to maintain disk redundancy without sacrificing half your raw capacity to drive mirroring.

The DXP4800 GT offers greater overall storage capacity, additional connectivity, and — thanks to its four-bay design — much more flexible RAID configurations like RAID 5 or RAID 6. The front-facing SD card reader is a huge quality-of-life upgrade for photographers and videographers, while the dual 10GbE ports let you connect directly to an editing workstation and your local network simultaneously. Alternatively, you can aggregate both Ethernet ports for even higher multi-user bandwidth. On top of supporting up to 144TB of raw capacity, its bottom panel makes accessing and upgrading its M.2 NVMe slots significantly easier.

If you want an ultra-quiet, compact enclosure that delivers 10GbE performance on a single desk, the DXP2800 GT is one of the best two-bay NAS units you can buy. But if you need room for massive storage expansion, advanced RAID protection, dual 10GbE networking, and the convenience of a built-in SD card reader, spending the extra money for the DXP4800 GT is the way to go.

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Open-earbuds are the best workout earbuds. In my mind, this is a fact. But how do you know which ones to buy? For me, the Panasonic RB-F10 are an easy recommendation. They’re lightweight and comfortable for workouts and all-day wear, and have a well-balanced, bright sound that will please most listeners. The call quality is great too, and the 25 hours of battery life lasted me for days on end.

But they’re not without their flaws. The bass performance lacks punch, and elements like drums and cymbals in the midrange are sometimes lost in the background, but this is to be expected when listening with open earbuds. Unfortunately, there’s no companion app for EQ customization to fix these qualms. The buds only have an IPX4 durability rating, which means they have no dust protection.

To learn more about the open-earbuds, read my full Panasonic RB-F10 review.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Specs

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Price & availability

The Panasonic RB-F10 open-earbuds are available to purchase from Amazon U.S. for $99 and from Amazon U.K. for £79. You can pick up the buds in Black or Beige, both of which look slick and understated.

These are hook-style open earbuds, like the Beyerdynamic Amiron 200, which are firm favorites of mine. The Beyerdynamics cost a little more than the Panasonic buds at $199, but the sound from the Beyerdynamics is truly unmatched in the world of open-earbuds. That said, the Panasonic buds fit excellently and are incredibly comfortable, just like the Beyerdynamics, for half the price.

In the same price range are the JLab Epic Open Sport buds for $114, which are secure even with intense movement. However, their hook-style fitment won’t be for everyone. So it’s worth checking out the EarFun Clip 2 for $99. As the name suggests, these clip to the outside of your ear. This style is better suited to glasses wearers too, which I appreciate.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Design

The Panasonic RB-F10 open-earbuds look great. I often find hook-style buds a little jarring, as they can look bulky on the outer ear, but I really liked the look of these buds.

The earbuds and case have a durability rating of IPX4, meaning they’re splashproof and can withstand splashes from any direction. However, they don’t feature any dust protection, meaning you can’t take them to the beach or work out anywhere dusty. This makes them a great option for running in some very light rain, but for anything more I would give these buds a miss and go for something with a higher durability rating like the EarFun Clip 2, which are IP55.

It’s great that these buds have wear detection too, so I’ve been able to pause my music just by taking them on and off without worrying about losing my place in my music or audiobook.

Comfort

The Panasonic RB-F10 earbuds are very comfortable to wear for extended periods. I wore them for a whole evening while running errands before going for a run and wasn’t bothered by them at all. Each earbud weighs 0.31 ounces, making them lighter than the Beyerdynamic Amiron 200, which weigh 0.4 ounces.

Controls

The Panasonic RB-F10 have touch-sensitive controls. These are very sensitive, as even brushing them when I tucked my hair behind my ear set them off. However, there is a slight delay of about a second between tapping and the action. This didn’t impact my listening but was annoying.

Connectivity

The Panasonic RB-F10 open-earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 to connect to your streaming device. They have a 33-foot operating distance, so I was able to leave my phone in the house and head out to the backyard to get on with some yardwork without losing the connection.

You can connect the earbuds to two devices thanks to multipoint connectivity. This made it easy for me to switch between listening to music with my phone and listening to work calls on my computer.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Sound quality

The Panasonic RB-F10 earbuds have a very well-balanced sound for open-earbuds. They suffer in the bass department, but that’s to be expected because of the open design, which cannot deliver bass to the ear in the same way. However, I was disappointed by the lack of EQ customization. Of course, this isn’t essential, but it’s a feature available from most audio brands, including Beyerdynamic, Soundcore, and Sony — the list goes on. Having EQ customization from an app would have allowed me to improve some of the problem frequencies of the buds.

To evaluate bass performance, I listened to Sympathy is a Knife by Charli XCX, which is driven by deep synth. I’ll start by saying the Panasonic buds performed a lot better than other open-earbuds I’ve tested. There were no issues with distortion or crackling — but I wasn't exactly impressed either. The bass wasn’t powerful. It sounded fine, but lacked the power that I’ve come to expect from this track.

I then listened to Na Na Na by My Chemical Romance, a song with very prominent drums, to judge the mids performance. Again, I was a little underwhelmed. While it wasn’t awful, I felt the drums and cymbals became lost in the background and sounded weak. I also listened to Exile by Taylor Swift. Here, the piano sounded crisp and clear, so it’s clear these earbuds thrive with simpler songs.

Finally, I listened to Next To Me by Kingfishr. This is an airy folk track rooted in its vocal performance and acoustic guitar. The harmonies were prominent throughout, and the whole track sounded perfectly bright. This is where the earbuds thrived. The guitar in the background was prominent, and the harmonica was crisp when it came in.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Call quality

The Panasonic RB-F10 earbuds have become a permanent fixture on my desk for taking calls. To make sure I sounded crystal clear, I called my mom, which is my standardized test. Despite having a lot of traffic whizzing past right outside the window of my home office, she could only hear my voice. This showed just how impressive the two beamforming microphones are for environmental noise cancellation.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Battery life

The Panasonic RB-F10 open-earbuds have a total battery life of 25 hours with the charging case. This is more than enough to get me through a couple of days before needing a charge. But if you need more, buds like the EarFun Clip 2 can offer 40 hours of battery. Each of the Panasonic earbuds holds seven hours of battery life, which is enough for me when I’m sitting at my desk all day long or heading out for a run in the evening.

The charging case takes two and a half hours to fully charge via USB-C, but if you’re in a rush you can get an hour of listening with 15 minutes of charging, which I found particularly useful before heading out on a run.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Verdict

The Panasonic RB-F10 open-earbuds have become a staple on my desk for ambient awareness at work and are also great for workouts. The buds are lightweight and comfortable — I can wear them all day long, and the 25-hour battery life meant I wasn’t worried about running out of juice. The call quality sounds great, and the audio is well-balanced for open-earbuds — bright audio quality made them lovely to listen to my music with.

While I enjoyed the overall sound of the buds, it’s worth noting that the bass lacks punch and mid-range frequencies such as drums and cymbals were sometimes lost in the background. This could have been fixed with some EQ customization, but unfortunately there’s no compatible app to pair the earbuds with. However, this is to be expected with open-earbuds due to their design.

I’d recommend these buds to anyone who wants to try out open earbuds for working out or staying aware in the office.

The best carbon plate running shoes all share the same purpose: to help you run more efficiently at high speeds, but they don’t all do this in the same way.

I love ludicrously light and aggressive super-shoes myself, like the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. Still, they’re not the most durable or practical option for anything other than race day, and many runners find them too unstable and uncomfortable for longer events too.

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is a super-shoe that offers more comfort and stability than its rivals, and even if it’s not the lightest and fastest racer I’ve tested, it still performed well for me across a variety of hard training runs.

It won’t be the perfect racing option for runners seeking the absolute fastest shoe they can strap on, but the balanced ride of the On Cloudboom Strike 2 might hit the spot for marathoners looking for a more controlled ride that’s still fast enough to chase PRs.

On Cloudboom Strike 2 review: Price and availability

The Cloudboom Strike 2 launched in July 2026 and costs $250 in the U.S. and £230 in the U.K., which actually makes it one of the more affordable super-shoes on the market, though you can get cheaper options by shopping for older models in sales.

It’s one of two new On racers, sitting beneath the On Cloudboom Strike 2 LS in the brand’s line-up. The LS version has a one-piece LightSpray upper that makes the shoe considerably lighter, but it’s also considerably more expensive at $310/£300.

On Cloudboom Strike 2 review: Design and fit

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is currently available in three colors, with bright green and purple designs joining the white and yellow model I tested in the lineup.

I found that the shoe fit me well in my normal running shoe size. It’s a bit tighter around the toes than other On shoes, but you would expect that in a racing shoe. The traditional upper is not as light as On’s LightSpray material, but does allow you to adjust the fit, and some people find the brand’s LightSpray shoes difficult to get on.

My US men’s size 9.5 Cloudboom Strike 2 weighs 7.2oz, and judging by On’s stats, the LS model would be 1-1.5oz lighter than this. The standard shoe is certainly pretty light, but many top carbon racers are under 6oz.

The shoe has a 5mm drop and stack height of 39.5mm at the heel and 34.5mm at the forefoot to match World Athletics regulations, which limit racing shoe stacks to a maximum of 40mm.

Upper

The Cloudboom Strike 2 has an open-weave upper made from quite a stiff material. It’s breathable and lightweight, and I had no problems with comfort during my testing of the shoe.

I’m a fan of On’s LightSpray uppers, which I’ve tested on the original On Cloudboom Strike LS and On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS, but they don’t fit every foot perfectly, so the more adjustable design of the standard Cloudboom Strike 2 will create a better fit for some.

Midsole

The Cloudboom Strike 2 has a dual-density midsole that uses two layers of the brand’s springy PEBA-based Helion HF foam that sandwich a curved carbon plate (called a Speedboard here).

That’s all quite standard for a racing shoe, but what is novel about the Cloudboom Strike 2 is the CloudTec Sphere geometry, where channels have been cut into the midsole to increase the rebound you get from the foam.

There’s also a large cutout in the middle of the midsole that runs the length of the shoe and shows off the carbon plate from beneath, which helps to reduce weight.

Outsole

It’s rare to see a lot of rubber on the bottom of a racing shoe, with most brands opting for minimal patches in the heel and forefoot to reduce weight, so it’s a pleasant surprise to see the fuller outsole coverage you get on the Cloudboom Strike 2.

This does add a bit of weight but will improve the durability if you’re using it for a lot of training alongside racing, and the Cloudboom Strike 2 has also gripped well for me throughout testing.

On Cloudboom Strike 2 review: Running performance

I’ve run 45 miles in the On Cloudboom Strike 2 so far, doing a series of workouts in the shoe on the track and road, as well as some light trails. Those workouts have included short, all-out reps and longer stints at my half marathon and marathon race paces.

Most of my runs in the shoe have been fast, since it’s a racing shoe first and foremost, but I also did an easy-to-steady progression run to see how it feels at slower paces.

The ride is more subtle than with many carbon shoes that have very soft, springy foams or highly rockered midsole shapes. The Cloudboom Strike 2 does have a bouncy feel, but it isn’t exaggerated, so it feels a little more natural to run in.

It’s certainly quick, too, and makes holding fast paces feel smooth and controlled. I did a series of 2km reps in the shoe at around 5:15/mile pace and 60-second reps at sub-5/mile pace, and it turns over quickly and gives the added "pop" off the toes you expect from a super-shoe.

That said, it doesn’t feel quite as fast as my favorite super-shoes, which are lighter and more explosive. The Cloudboom Strike 2 is more balanced and feels better than those shoes at slower paces, but for all-out performance I’d opt for something like the Puma Fast-R 3 myself, and I look forward to testing the lighter Cloudboom Strike 2 LS.

However, the more stable, natural feel of the Cloudboom Strike 2, coupled with its extensive outsole, means that it’s a shoe that I’d be happy to use for lots of training as well as racing. I even found it a good option for fast runs on light trails because it’s not as soft and wildly rockered as some rivals.

Should you buy the On Cloudboom Strike 2?

If you just want the fastest super-shoe on the market, I don’t think it’s the On Cloudboom Strike 2. The Puma Fast-R 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo top my list, or the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure if you’re looking for a short-distance speedster in particular.

I also think the LS version of the shoe will be a speedier option thanks to its lighter upper, even if the midsole and outsole are the same as on the standard Cloudboom Strike 2.

However, if you need a bit more stability and comfort in your racer, and prefer a more natural ride, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is a strong option, alongside the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4.

Both shoes are good options for regularly fast training as well as race day, and are at the more affordable end of the super-shoe spectrum, with the On being more comfortable and bouncy, while the Puma is lighter.

The carbon plate shoe market is crowded, but I do think the Cloudboom Strike 2 fits a profile some runners will be looking for, especially for longer events like marathons.

"Futurama" is a true classic of the adult animation realm, and the gang are back for more wild adventures as they navigate life in outer space.

Below is our guide to how to watch "Futurama" season 14 from anywhere including how to tune in with a VPN.

The latest season of "Futurama" kicks off with two episodes in which the Professor develops lab-grown meat to help Fry win a hot dog-eating contest, while Bender hunts down a sexy scammer who took advantage of his grandmother. The season also sees space pirates stealing precious cargo from Fry.

"Futurama" Season 14 is adopting a weekly release schedule rather than a binge model, and the classic animated series is even lining up bumper holiday specials for next year. For now, though, there are ten fresh episodes to sink your teeth into.

If you're keen to get up to no good with Fry and Bender and the rest of the crew, check out the following information regarding how to watch "Futurama" season 14.

Watch 'Futurama' season 14 in the U.S.

In the U.S., "Futurama" season 14 drops on Hulu ($11.99/month) on Monday, August 3. There are two episodes to kick off the latest season.

Subsequent episodes will arrive weekly from there on out.

If you're outside the U.S. when the show airs, you can use a VPN such as NordVPN to access your usual services while traveling.

Watch 'Futurama' season 14 from anywhere

Traveling when "Futurama" season 14 airs? A VPN, or virtual private network, can make your device appear to be back in your home country so you can log in to the streaming services you already pay for while you’re away.

We’ve tested all the major options, and NordVPN remains one of the best VPN services right now. It’s fast, easy to use, and works across phones, laptops, tablets, streaming sticks, and smart TVs. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with very little risk.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.S. but want to watch the show as usual, you'd select a U.S. server from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to Hulu and watch "Futurama" season 14 as normal.

Watch 'Futurama' season 14 in Canada

In Canada, you can stream "Futurama" season 14 on Disney+ from August 3.

The cheapest subscription plan starts at CA$8.99/month.

Travelers from the U.S. visiting Canada can also use a VPN to access their home subscriptions.

How to watch 'Futurama' season 14 in the U.K.

You can stream "Futurama" season 14 on Disney+ in the U.K. from Monday, August 3.

Prices start at £5.99/month in the U.K..

NordVPN can help you sign in to Disney+ if you're outside Blighty at the moment.

How to watch 'Futurama' season 14 in Australia

It is the same process in Australia, with "Futurama" set to stream on-demand on Disney+ from August 3.

Disney+ starts at AU$9.99/month in Australia.

If you're traveling and already subscribe to a service carrying the show in your home region, a VPN like NordVPN is the easiest way to keep watching without disruption.

'Futurama' S14 - episode guide

• Episode 1 - Beef: The Professor attempts to create lab-grown meat so Fry can compete in the world hot dog eating championship (Aug 3)
• Episode 2 - Catfish Hunter: Bender travels to Mississippi in search of a sexy scammer who ripped off his grandmother (Aug 3)
• Episode 3 - Our Flag Means Medical Coverage: Vicious space pirates steal a priceless cargo entrusted to Fry and Bender (Aug 10)
• Episode 4 - Lords of the Ring: Synopsis TBC (Aug 17)
• Episode 5 - The Charm Offensive: Synopsis TBC (Aug 24)
• Episode 6 - Late Bloomers: Synopsis TBC (Aug 31)
• Episode 7 - Love at First Scam: Synopsis TBC (Sep 7)
• Episode 8 - Lord Nibbler in the Nothingverse: Synopsis TBC (Sep 14)
• Episode 9 - A New New York Yankee in King Elfo's Court: Synopsis TBC (Sep 21)
• Episode 10 - Final Ending: The Last Conclusion: Synopsis TBC (Sep 28)

'Futurama' season 14 - trailer

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• How to watch 'King of the Hill' season 15 online
• The best streaming services to subscribe to right now
• How to watch 'Rick and Morty' season 9 online from anywhere

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing

After putting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra to the test, there’s no denying that Samsung continues to make some of the best foldable phones around. While the Ultra boasts better specs and performance, it’s the wider aspect ratio of the standard Z Fold 8 that continues to feel like the fresher of the two.

Yet, despite evolving the designs to be thinner and lighter — along with creating a much more subtle crease across their displays — there’s still one major problem that Samsung and Google have yet to solve properly: app scaling and dynamic layout adaptation.

Rumors are persistent that Apple will announce its highly anticipated iPhone Ultra foldable alongside or shortly after the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. While much of the industry's focus remains on engineering a nearly invisible display crease, Apple's upcoming foldable could ultimately beat its rivals in the area where Apple shines most: delivering a class-defining software experience.

If Apple wants to avoid the biggest trap in the foldable space, it must deliver a fluid, tablet-native UI transition system — and Samsung’s current lineup is proof of it.

Apple has already proven the importance of software over hardware

The idea that Apple products "work like magic" isn’t just a coincidence — it comes from how the company allows software to define the product. When Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in 2007, the device lacked features that competing phones had offered for years: there was no 3G connectivity, no physical keyboard, and no stylus.

Yet, it instantly made those rival smartphones obsolete because Apple focused entirely on the user experience. Through fluid multi-touch gestures, smooth kinetic scrolling, and a desktop-class Safari browser, Apple demonstrated why its software was paramount. By prioritizing intuitive software, Apple didn't just compete with Nokia, Palm, and BlackBerry — it completely redefined what a smartphone could be.

And you know what? It could end up doing the exact same thing with the iPhone Ultra.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 is big on multi-tasking, but not so much with layouts

What appeals most to me about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is how it’s a multitasking powerhouse, complete with the ability to run three apps simultaneously side-by-side. While the core value proposition of a book-style foldable is turning a compact cover screen into an expansive inner display, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other book-style foldables fall short of that promise when opening daily apps.

Too often, unfolding current Android foldables results in apps not scaling properly. TikTok is a perfect example: while it looks fine on the cover screen, black bars flank the app’s layout when unfolded on the main display. Another example is how some games I play, like Age of Origins, end up looking stretched out. Worse yet, to get them to scale correctly, I’m often forced to restart the app entirely.

If that’s not enough, there’s also the issue of apps failing to dynamically scale when switching from portrait to landscape. Sure, native Google apps like Gmail and YouTube reorganize themselves seamlessly regardless of orientation, but the vast majority of third-party apps simply don't — and this frustration is shared across virtually all Android foldables I’ve tested.

iPhone Ultra needs seamless scaling

This is where the iPhone Ultra has the opportunity to completely redefine the foldable landscape. Apple doesn't need perfection in a crease-less display, nor does it need to reinvent multitasking — it simply needs to make app scaling invisible.

Apps shouldn't just blow up to fill space when the iPhone Ultra is unfolded because they should adapt using multi-column, iPad-optimized layouts. The UI needs to dynamically transform into a clean, iPadOS-esque interface instantly. Switching between screens shouldn't force apps to restart or clear from memory just to adjust their layout.

If Apple can enforce this level of adaptive scaling across its app ecosystem the way it did with the iPad, the iPhone Ultra won't just be another foldable — it will be the first one that truly feels complete.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried using the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s MyFanCam on my dogs, but I hit a major wall
• iOS 27 finally fixes the most annoying iPhone workaround we all use
• Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't have a crease-free display — but it's the closest Samsung has ever got to one

Paramount+ just added over 80 new movies and shows to start August 2026. The first of the month is typically when the streaming service adds the majority of its new movies and shows, and the dozens that were just added should be more than enough for you to try and watch in a single month.

Settle in and claim your spot on the couch, because these three picks I have ready for you have almost nothing in common. But you'll appreciate them just the same. One is "Disturbia", a teen thriller about a kid stuck on house arrest who becomes convinced the man next door is a serial killer. "Wild Wild West" is a $170 million steampunk Western with a giant mechanical spider and a completely straight face, famous now mostly as the movie Will Smith made instead of "The Matrix." And lastly, "You've Got Mail" is a Nora Ephron rom-com that turned dial-up email into a love story. Whether you're in the mood for suspense, spectacle or something romantic, you're in luck with these three picks.

So, without further delay, let's dive into three newly added to Paramount+ movies I suggest you should stream as soon as humanly possible.

3 Paramount+ movies and shows to stream right now

'Disturbia' (2007)

Genre: Thriller movie

What's it about: After his father dies in a car crash, 17-year-old Kale (Shia LaBeouf) comes apart. After he punishes his Spanish teacher he's sentenced to a summer of house arrest with an ankle monitor. His mom (Carrie-Anne Moss) cuts off his TV and video games, so a bored Kale starts watching the neighbors through binoculars instead. When a news report about a missing woman lines up with the actions of his quiet neighbor Robert Turner (David Morse), Kale becomes convinced the man is a serial killer, and he's stuck inside a 100-foot radius with no way to prove it.

Why you should watch it: "Disturbia" is basically "Rear Window" moved to the suburbs and handed to a teenager, which is exactly what the estate holding the rights to that Hitchcock classic argued when it sued the filmmakers in 2008. A judge threw the case out, ruling that one bored guy spying on a neighbor he thinks is a killer is too broad an idea for anyone to own. Lawsuit aside, this is the movie that proved Shia LaBeouf could carry one. Similarities aside, it's a fun thriller worth watching.

Watch "Disturbia" on Paramount+ now

'Wild Wild West' (1999)

Genre: Western movie

What's it about: It's 1869, and two agents have been charged with stopping a plot against the newly reunited United States. Jim West (Will Smith) is a fast-shooting Army captain who solves most problems with his fists. Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline) is a gadget-obsessed U.S. Marshal. Their target is Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), a legless Confederate scientist kidnapping the country's best inventors to build steam-powered war machines, a scheme that ends with an 80-foot mechanical spider stomping across the desert.

Why you should watch it: Will Smith turned down the lead role in "The Matrix" to make this movie. He wanted to go back to his "Men in Black" director Barry Sonnenfeld, so Neo went to Keanu Reeves instead. What Smith got for the trade was one of the priciest films ever made at that point and five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, which the original TV show's star showed up to accept in person just to register how much he hated it. It's a fascinating iniquity with a great theme song, though.

Watch "Wild Wild West" on Paramount+ now

'You've Got Mail' (1998)

Genre: Romantic comedy

What's it about: Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) runs a children's bookstore on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the one her late mother opened. Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) is the heir to Fox Books, a chain superstore that opens around the corner and starts running her out of business. In person, the two of them can't stand each other. What neither knows is that they've already fallen for each other anonymously, as email pen pals who met in a chat room and have no idea they're trading messages with their real-life rival.

Why you should watch it: "You've Got Mail" is a remake of the 1940 Ernst Lubitsch film "The Shop Around the Corner," which is why Kathleen's store shares that name; Nora Ephron simply swapped the original's anonymous love letters for AOL email. That makes it a near-perfect time capsule of the late-'90s internet, and if you long for those simpler days, you'll fall in love with this gentle rom-com.

Watch "You've Got Mail" on Paramount+ now

Everything just added to Paramount+

Here's the full list of all 70 movies and shows that were just added to Paramount+:

• "Aeon Flux"
• "An Officer and a Gentleman"
• "Anthropoid"
• "Bad News Bears"
• "Big Night"
• "Boomerang"
• "Borg vs. McEnroe"
• "Carriers"
• "City of God"
• "City of Men"
• "Clifford the Big Red Dog" seasons 1-2
• "Clifford’s Puppy Days" seasons 1-2
• "Critical Condition"
• "Deepwater Horizon"
• "Down to Earth"
• "Everybody Wants Some!!"
• "Extract"
• "Fences"
• "Flight"
• "Focus"
• "Garfield and Friends" seasons 1-7
• "Gemini Man"
• "Glory"
• "Good Boys"
• "Good Morning, Vietnam"
• "Goosebumps" seasons 1-4
• "Grease 2"
• "Hacksaw Ridge"
• "Here and Now"
• "Imagine That"
• "Kiss The Girls"
• "Magic School Bus" seasons 1-4
• "Marathon Man"
• "Men, Women & Children"
• "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life"
• "Nightwatch"
• "Out of the Furnace"
• "Overdrive"
• "Paw Patrol: Fire Rescue" (new special)
• "Rio"
• "Road Trip"
• "Serendipity"
• "She's All That"
• "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"
• "Sleepy Hollow"
• "Steel Magnolias"
• "Super 8"
• "Super Duper Bunny League" seasons 1-2
• "The Commuter"
• "The Dutchman"*
• "The Expendables 2"
• "The Expendables 3"
• "The Expendables 4"
• "The Expendables"
• "The Island"
• "The Kid"
• "The Longest Yard"
• "The Machinist"
• "The Perfect Gamble"*
• "The Ring Two"
• "The Ring"
• "The Sum of All Fears"
• "The Untouchables"
• "Tremors"
• "Vacation"
• "War and Peace"
• "Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!"
• "Wuthering Heights"
• "xXx"
• "Young Adult"

*Title is available only to Paramount+ Premium subscribers.

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The best mattress protectors are the unsung heroes of the bedroom — coffee in bed becomes a much riskier prospect without one. So when it comes to keeping your mattress safe from spills and stains, is it better to save or splurge on a waterproof mattress protector?

First things first: a mattress protector is a non-negotiable. When liquids get into your mattress they can cause the materials to degrade, as well as potentially supporting mold growth. If you've bought the best mattress for your sleep needs, you need to keep it safe.

But before you splash the cash on a luxury mattress protector, we did some splashing of our own. I poured water, coffee, wine and other liquids on a $119 Purple Mattress Protector and a $21 Linenspa Mattress Encasement to see which kept our mattress sparkling clean. Here's the one I trust with my Sunday evening Syrah...

Meet the mattress protectors

How we tested our mattress protectors

We wanted to put our mattress protectors through the wringer: how would they cope if a very clumsy person had a feast in bed?

To do this, we wrapped each protector around a white mattress (to better show stains). We then tossed a variety of substances onto them both. Primarily liquids, we also tried some heavier, oiler substances as well — hand lotion and guacamole.

Each substance was left for five minutes, to give it time to soak in. We then blotted any excess and lifted the mattress protector to see what lay beneath. In other words, was there any seepage?

Finally, we washed the mattress protectors to see how easily each stain was lifted.

Test 1: Hand lotion

Greasy skincare can leave mattress stains, plus it's a nightmare to clean up. We rubbed a blob of hand lotion into our protectors to see what happens...

Test one, and Purple was off to a flying start. The waterproof mattress protector stopped any hint of lotion from reaching to bed. Plus, the shiny surface was easy to wipe excess from.

But the Linenspa wasn't going to get left behind. No hand cream made it to the mattress and we could wipe away the cream with ease.

Test 2: Guacamole

Chunky guacamole served as a counterpoint to our wetter tests. And, without being crass, has a remarkable resemblance to vomit. (I'm saying this as an avo-enthusiast.)

Easy to wipe up and zero seepage — a success for the Purple Mattress Protector.

Similarly, the Linenspa held its own against the guac test. So while we don't advice chips and dip in bed, it shouldn't end in disaster.

Test 3: Water

I keep a bottle of water by my bedside for the morning. If I take a sip before my hand-eye coordination has woken up, that can result in spillage.

You really don't want water seeping into your mattress. It can settle in the materials causing damp and, in some cases, mattress mold. If you've noticed yourself sneezing in bed, it's worth checking for signs of mold.

So how did our protectors do in the water test?

Purple kept the water spill contained and prevented it from going through to the bed. This is particularly good for families who might deal with bed wetting instances. Expect easy clean up and the mattress to stay fresh.

Again, the Linenspa prevented anything sinking into the mattress materials. However, the water spill quickly spread out and left a lot of the surface damp. If an accident occurs, everyone will know.

Test 4: Coffee

Who doesn't enjoy the occasional cup of coffee in bed? But if your lazy Sunday morning ends in disaster, here's what you can expect from these mattress protectors.

The coffee spill settled where we poured it on the Purple Mattress Protector, although blotting did cause some spread. But it all stayed on the surface, with nothing sinking into the bed below.

A splash of coffee turned into a swimming pool on the Linenspa Encasement but the good news is, it didn't sink into the mattress.

Test 5: Wine

Now for the big one — red wine.

No judgement if you enjoy a glass of wine in bed after a long day, but a wine spill is a big no-no for a mattress. Alcohol is not good for memory foam and red wine stains are difficult to remove.

We splashed a glass of bottom shelf Syrah onto each mattress protector and waited five minutes. Here's how it went:

One the Purple, the wine pooled immediately. And sat there. After five minutes we employed a barrage of paper towels to mop it up. But no wine made it to the mattress.

There was a similar result on the Linenspa, although the initial spread made blotting the wine trickier. No stain, though.

As a bonus, this video also shows just how long it takes one person to take a mattress encasement off a queen sized bed. I easily hit my step goal for the day after this.

Test 6: How well does each mattress protector clean up?

So you've spilled your wine and guacamole all over your bed. Thankfully, your mattress is fine. But, oh no, your mattress protector is covered in stains!

Fellow tester Frances Daniels took both protectors home and washed them that evening. This resulted in a few hours between the tests ending and the mattress protectors getting cleaned. (At home, you should aim to wash quicker.)

She placed the protectors in a cold wash using a non-bio detergent. Each mattress protector was left to air dry before being tumble dried.

The Purple Waterproof Mattress Protector showed more signs of staining than the Linenspa, even after cleaning.

We suspect this is because liquids spread further on the Linenspa, reducing the build-up in any single place.

On the Purple Protector, the liquids pooled. This made it easier to blot up but might have led to the darker stains you can see above.

Verdict: Which mattress protector should you buy?

We threw everything at these mattress protectors. Literally. There were no more liquids left in our Sleep Lab to test.

The result? Two sparkling clean mattresses:

Neither protector allowed any liquids to get through to the mattress beneath. Both beds were bone dry, meaning your errant spill is unlikely to sink into the materials. So being clumsy with a cup of coffee shouldn't lead to a moldy bed.

And while both protectors showed some signs of staining, for the most part they cleaned up well. If you clean quicker than we did (our Sleep Lab is equipped with a lot, but not a washing machine), expect less staining.

So it's conclusive, right? Save your money and go for something cheap?

If it's just waterproofing you want, the yes. The Linenspa formed a super effective barrier against all our liquids. If you want to protect against sweat, urine, or your Sunday morning breakfast in bed, it'll do the job.

But the Purple protector did better at containing liquids. A small splash of water spread far and wide on the Linenspa, making it harder to clean. (And potentially disturbing anyone else in the bed.)

The Purple Mattress Protector is also quieter and softer. And as someone who has wrested to get the Linenspa Encasement on a mattress, the Purple is much, much, much easier to use.

Our favorite sleep essentials

If you're looking to find what new movies and shows Netflix is adding this week, I've got you covered. The streaming service is adding 23 new movies and shows this week. But there are quite a few titles still worth adding to your watchlist.

Top of the list is "The Last House" season 2. This new sci-fi thriller flick stars Greta Lee and Wagner Moura in a fight for survival. I can't wait to see it. If thrillers aren't your thing, though, you might prefer "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3. This drama series may be centered around teens, but messy relationships and near-death experiences are for all ages.

There are some other options if those headliners don't speak to you. "Let's Marry Harry" tries to succeed where "Too Hot to Handle" and "Perfect Match" failed and find a partner for Netflix reality star Harry Jowsey. Meanwhile, "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" is a new documentary that will have you ready to never eat a chicken sandwich again. Finally, for those who don't mind subtitles, "Death Inc." season 4 marks the end of a beloved Spanish comedy series with a twisted sense of humor.

Those aren't the only movies, shows and live events to add to your watchlist this week, though. Here's the full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days, along with my top picks for what you need to stream. Don't forget to check out everything new on Netflix in August 2026 for even more movies and shows to check out.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'The Last House'

Genre: Sci-fi thriller movie

What it's about: "The Last House" centers around a family of four. Led by mom Riley (Greta Lee) and dad Jason (Wagner Moura), they suddenly find themselves trapped in their house. But as the days turn to weeks, they realize the whole world was trapped, and they're now the only ones left.

Why you should watch it: I'd be game to watch anything with Lee and Moura in it. But this movie looks seriously creepy. So I'm even more sold than I already was.

Watch "The Last House" on Netflix starting August 7

'My Life with the Walter Boys' season 3

Genre: Teen drama series

What's it about? "My Life with the Walter Boys" stars Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie Howard. She's been orphaned, so she leaves Manhattan and starts over in Colorado with the Walters. But as if the culture shock wasn't bad enough, the Walters have seven boys, and they come with plenty of drama.

Why you need to watch it: If you thought this show would manage to avoid "Game of Thrones" comparisons, I have bad news. In season 2, Nikki, who had been dating Alex Walter (Ashby Gentry), declared her feelings for Cole, another Walter brother. But if you can get past the Targaryen-esque love triangle, people do seem to love this coming-of-age drama.

Watch "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3 on Netflix starting August 6

'Let's Marry Harry'

Genre: Reality dating series

What it's about: Harry Jowsey was a breakout star in multiple Netflix reality shows. There's just one problem. He could never find love. In this new series, Netflix aims to fix that. By the end of eight episodes, hopefully one of the 20 women competing for his heart will have said yes, but it'd be incredible television if they didn't.

Why you should watch it: "Too Hot to Handle" and "Perfect Match" were unable to find Harry the one. What's that they say about insanity? Something about doing the same thing and expecting different results? Hopefully, "Let's Marry Harry" holds to a different saying: third time's the charm.

Watch the first seven episodes of "Let's Marry Harry" on Netflix starting August 5

'Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy'

Genre: Documentary movie

What it's about: Stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan is ditching the hour-long special. Instead, he's doing a 28-day experiment to determine how bad it would be to eat fast food fried chicken every day for a month. He might get more than just a few unwelcome pounds.

Why you should watch it: Look, we already did "Supersize Me." So if you liked that piece of investigative documentary filmmaking, "Big Chicken" might be for you. Otherwise, this could be a skip. After watching the trailer, it just feels like a movie that's been done before.

Watch "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" on Netflix starting August 5

'Death Inc.' season 4

Genre: Spanish black comedy series

What it's about: "Death Inc." (or "Muertos S.L.", in its native Spanish) centers around the employees of the Torregrosa Funeral Home. After the death of its owner, Gonzálo, his right-hand man Dámaso (Carlos Areces) seems certain to take over. But things take a twist when Gonzálo's widow, Nieves (Ascen López), decides to run it, aided by her hapless but enthusiastic son-in-law, Chemi (Diego Martin).

Why you should watch it: This is the show's final season, and things are sure to be chaotic until the very end. Chemi has given way to Dámaso, something long anticipated. But now that Dámaso has the reins, it turns out running a funeral home is really hard. This may require subtitles, but the trailer looks like a fun time.

Watch "Death Inc." season 4 on Netflix starting August 7

Everything new on Netflix: August 3-9

AUGUST 3

• "Eighth Grade"
• "Five Nights at Freddy's 2"
• "Sing"
• "Spoiler Alert"

AUGUST 4

"Badly in Love: Season 2" (JP) (Netflix series)

School's back in session in Okinawa as yankiis gather from across Japan. Will they find love and friendship — or will chaos erupt at their seaside campus?

• "Best Medicine" season 1
• "Beyond the Lights"
• "The Cocktail Lab" season 1

AUGUST 5

"1670" season 3 (PL) (Netflix series)

Obsessed with reclaiming his nobility status, Jan Paweł becomes oblivious to the trouble brewing in his family and among the villagers of Adamczycha.

"Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

In a bold 28-day experiment, comedian Mo Gilligan tours the UK and US on a fried chicken diet to uncover the impact of the craving — and industry behind it.

"Inside The Trustor Scandal" (SE) (Netflix documentary)

Key insiders revisit the snowballing financial scandal that followed the illegal purchase of a Swedish investment firm in the '90s — and who exposed it.

"Let's Marry Harry" (Netflix series)

Heartthrob Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match) is done playing the field. This time, he’s handing the reins of his love life to those who know him best. After years of dating in the spotlight — and getting it wrong — his closest confidants are stepping in to make the tough calls. From a carefully selected pool of potential matches, they’ll decide who stays and who goes, guiding Harry toward what he truly wants: authentic love and marriage.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" Part 2 (CO) (Netflix series)

In that instant, the keys to Melquíades were revealed to Aureliano Babilonia: the first of the line is tied to a tree and the last is being eaten by ants.

• "Soul Surfer"

AUGUST 6

"My Life With the Walter Boys": Season 3 (Netflix series)

A medical crisis forces Jackie and the Walters to find a new normal as a risky hobby, unexpected visitors and evolving romances present new challenges.

• "Tortilla Soup"

AUGUST 7

"Death Inc." season 4 (ES) (Netflix series)

Torregrosa's future is at stake. Dámaso's directorial dreams are finally within reach — until Chemi emerges as a new contender to run the funeral home.

"The Last House" (Netflix film)

A family of four are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out, and must work together to survive against both their dwindling resources and the mysterious, looming threat that is keeping them trapped.

"Operation Safed Sagar" (IN) (Netflix series)

As the Kargil War erupts between India and Pakistan, the Golden Arrows squadron of the Air Force takes flight on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.

"Our Sticky Love" (KR) (Netflix series)

An ambitious prosecutor loses her memory and moves in with a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Can this sticky situation turn into real love?

"Ricky Gervais Alley Cats" (GB) (Netflix series)

Outrageous misadventures run wild as feral cats cause chaos on the streets in this no-holds-barred animated comedy from Ricky Gervais.

AUGUST 8

"The Ribbon Hero" (JP) (Netflix film)

When the monstrous Nergal devastates her kingdom, Princess Sapphire reawakens as the Ribbon Hero and fights to save her new home from the same dark fate.

AUGUST 9

• "Lazareth"

Leaving Netflix This Week

Leaving 8/5/26

"Spider-Man"
"Spider-Man 2"
"Spider-Man 3"

Leaving 8/7/26

"Labyrinth"

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Headphones that are specifically labeled for children tend to feature a ton of drawbacks, especially when it comes to sound quality. That said, why we recommend specific kid headphones is because most of the ones we test feature volume limiters designed to protect little ears from future hearing damage or loss.

With that in mind, the iClever Q950 might be the best kid headphones I’ve ever tested. They’re comfortable and sound amazing for kids’ cans. No, they won’t replace the best headphones for adults, but a kid won’t complain, and even most grown-ups will enjoy listening to this set. Read my full iClever Q950 review to find out why.

iClever Q950 review: Specs

iClever Q950 review: Price & availability

The iClever Q950 cost $69 at Amazon, but we’ve seen them a bit lower at $59 during sales events. Even at full price, these are pretty good value for money.

The Q950 competes with other iClever offerings like its colorful Auraa headphones ($39) and the Puro Sound Lab BT2200s ($99) or the extremely low-cost $20 JBL Junior 320s. I don’t think you’d go wrong with the other options, especially if you’re trying to save a buck, but personally, I’d recommend the Q950 as the middle ground. Plus, they sound better than the other offerings.

iClever Q950 review: Design

Compared to most kid headphones, the iClever Q950 look more sophisticated while also clearly being made for children.

Compared to the usual grays, blacks and whites that make up adult headphones, the Q950 are quite colorful but not quite as garish as they could be. Largely that has to do with the bright blue or purple hues. The holders have a pleasant metallic sheen.

Outside of colors, these are pretty durable headphones; I performed a couple of drop tests and twisted the headphones around a few times and never felt afraid that I was about to break them, though I’m sure an enterprising tot could destroy them.

They’re over-ear headphones with extendable ears that fold in, but can also turn out to lay flat if you want. They won’t disappear, but it gives you some flexibility, especially when trying to store them in a backpack. For extra protection, the Q950 does come with a bulky carry case that can hold charging wires and the 3.5mm wire. The case isn’t as bag-friendly, but you can stuff some Pokémon cards in there if you want.

Comfort

With comfort in mind, one of my personal bugaboos with over-ear headphones is the headband. If I notice the band during a listening session, it becomes grating. I never noticed it with the Q950, which is one of the highest compliments I can pay.

Despite my adult ears, the ear cups didn’t squish them, and they fully cover a kid's ears, meaning there isn’t sound leakage. I was able to wear the iClever headphones for a full workday without noticing them.

At 9.9 ounces (238 grams), these are some of the heaviest kid headphones I’ve tested. As an adult, I didn’t find the weight uncomfortable, but while 8 or 9 ounces isn’t much for grown-ups, it does add up for your kid.

My son tried the headphones, and he didn’t find them uncomfortable, but he has complimented lighter headphones like the JBL Junior 320 when we’ve had them before. In comparison, those headphones only weigh 4 ounces, less than half the weight of the Q950.

Connectivity

The iClever Q950 comes with both wired and Bluetooth connectivity. I’m a big proponent of 3.5mm wired connections when they’re available. These headphones come with a 3.5mm wire that sends the audio pretty cleanly. I can’t tell how they’ll hold up in the long run but for now it seems pretty sturdy.

Q950 features Bluetooth version 6.0; the most recent version which offers better connection stability and reduced power consumption. This is a huge get for headphones meant for kids. Not every headset has this version, including major releases from this year, like Apple’s AirPods Max 2, which still use version 5.3.

I was able to cleanly connect to an iPad mini and my Galaxy S26 Ultra with no noticeable dips or drops. That’s all you need, especially if you’re on a road trip and using movies on the tablet to distract.

iClever Q950 review: Sound quality

As mentioned up top, the Q950 headphones might be the best-sounding kids headphones that I’ve tested to date. Now with that praise, if you’re dropping down from a high-end set like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 or the Sony WH-1000XM6, then you’ll notice a huge difference.

But compared to other kid headphones, the Q950 have an open, warm sound. The trebles and mids are clean without losing depth, meaning you should hear what the music is meant to sound like. Conversations in podcasts have a warmth that I found pleasant.

The bass is surprisingly punchy. No, you won’t mistake these cans for a set of Bowers drivers. But as someone who grew up on a steady diet of Paul Oakenfold passed through terrible headphones and winMX, the Q950 are pretty decent.

It’s honestly surprising how good these sound. I doubt it’ll turn your kid into an audiophile straight away, but they’ll be able to appreciate what they’re hearing, especially as they start playing their own music.

iClever Q950 review: ANC

Unfortunately, there is one big flaw you should know. Most kid headphones now feature active noise cancelling, which is marketed as a way to keep your kids from turning the sound up when outside noises get too loud. The Q950 does feature an 80 dB volume cap, which is good. However, I found that the ANC actively made the sound worse, flattening it or making it feel too quiet. It’s a surprising flaw for such a prominent feature.

As an example, I was listening to a podcast and decided to try out ANC while my partner was in a meeting. Tapping the button suddenly felt like I’d been sucked into an aural void, and I thought I’d accidentally hit a half-mute button I didn’t know existed. Music felt similarly pillowed.

Normally when I use ANC, like on the JBL Tour One M3, it just deadens outside noise. I don’t think I’ve ever felt the feature fundamentally change the sound of what I was actively hearing. It’s not necessary to use ANC, but if you or your child is bothered by too much outside stimulation, this is a significant drawback to the Q950.

iClever Q950 review: What the kids are saying?

My son tried out the Q950 over a couple different sessions with an iPad mini, once on a road trip and once at home. He liked that the headphones were comfortable, though he initially thought they were the iClever Auraas, and at first glance they do look similar.

He didn’t have much to say about the sound, though he said he liked it. He doesn’t really care about ANC, but he did say he never had to turn up the audio even despite a nagging little sister.

iClever Q950 review: Verdict

The bar can be pretty low for kid headphones when it comes to audio quality and iClever Q950 clears that bar with flying colors. Honestly, you could buy a set for yourself, and I don’t know that you’d be disappointed.

The weight and ANC are potential problems, but if your child isn’t bothered by headphone weight and doesn’t use ANC, these are good headphones. Plus, at $69, they won’t break the bank, making them one of the best pairs of kid headphones you can buy.