So far this year, I’ve been behind the wheel of more than 80 vehicles — ranging from practical family crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 all the way to supercars like the Chevrolet Corvette. There are also a dozen electric cars that continue to impress me with their ridiculous performance, such as the Audi RS e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan. Yet, out of everything I’ve tested, the keys I was most reluctant to hand back belonged to none other than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

On paper, there’s a lot to love about this featherweight roadster. From its $43,135 as-tested price tag to the cool factor of dropping the roof for an open-air cruise, it commands attention everywhere it goes. But there’s far more to the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club 6MT — and after spending a solid week with it, I regret not buying one years ago. Here’s why.

2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications

Available in both automatic and manual

Arguably, the biggest reason the Mazda MX-5 Miata is my favorite drive of the year comes down to the gearbox: it’s only the second manual car I’ve ever tested. I locked down the basics with the Toyota GR Corolla a few months back, so the learning curve wasn’t nearly as steep this time around.

While the GR Corolla was an exhilarating trial by fire, I had a noticeably easier time working the Miata’s clutch. Finding the bite point in first gear felt intuitive, and subsequent shifts grabbed onto each gear with confidence. Unlike my past experience sweating bullets trying to launch on a steep incline, hills were a total breeze.

Crucially, Mazda doesn't gatekeep the roadster experience, offering drivers a choice between a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. With stick shifts becoming increasingly rare, keeping both options available broadens the Miata's appeal to hardcore enthusiasts and casual cruisers alike. Equally as impressive, I average 32.9 mpg in my week's worth of testing, which beats its 29 mpg combined EPA-estimated rating.

A fun open-air driving experience

Since it’s a convertible, it’s no surprise that it gets plenty of attention when the top drops. Dropping the roof on the MX-5 Miata RF couldn’t be more effortless: there are no manual latches to wrestle with, and a simple flip of a console switch automatically folds away the three-piece hardtop in roughly 13 seconds.

Heading into it, I anticipated the drive would be noisy and windy with the roof down, but that was far from the case. To my surprise, airflow around the cockpit is remarkably well-managed. It felt like cruising inside an invisible bubble — calm enough to easily hold a normal conversation with a passenger at cruising speed.

Best of all, the roof tucks itself into a dedicated stowage bay rather than eating into the cargo hold, leaving trunk capacity completely unaffected. While it’s certainly among the smallest trunks I’ve tested all year, the space is deep enough to handle luggage or a modest grocery run without compromise.

It’s remarkably affordable — for a convertible

In an era where the average new vehicle easily surpasses $48,000 and well-equipped daily drivers routinely push past $30,000, finding a dedicated sports car that won’t break the bank is a breath of fresh air. Even the fully loaded 2026 RF Club trim I drove topped out at an as-tested $43,135. For perspective, everyday commuters like the Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Sentra, and Hyundai Elantra can easily approach that $30,000 mark — yet none of them come close to the curb appeal and fun the Miata brings to the table.

If you want to stretch your budget even further, opting for the classic Soft Top (ST) is an easy way to save serious cash. Bypassing the power hardtop shaves roughly $3,000 off equivalent trims and opens the door to an entry-level Sport model starting right around $31,000. That still gets you the exact same responsive chassis, energetic 181-hp engine, and top-down driving thrill for thousands less.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, picking a sports car over a sensible crossover boils down to intent. The Mazda MX-5 Miata clearly lacks the cargo room and five-passenger utility families count on, but it trades practicality for pure fun.

If you're shopping for an unbeatable weekend toy, a charming second car, or simply want head-turning sports car theatrics without spending a fortune, the Miata stands in a league of its own. My only true regret is that I didn't try driving stick shift much earlier — especially since the Miata is one of the easiest manuals to learn on, all while remaining remarkably affordable by today’s standards.

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Nothing brightens a home quite like a vibrant bunch of hydrangeas. With their colorful blooms and distinctive cone-shaped clusters, it can be disappointing to watch them droop and lose their hue.

But what does it mean when those beautiful flowers start turning green?

I called on a gardening expert to reveal the reasons why your hydrangeas are fading to green — and top tips to help your blooms last longer throughout the season.

Why do hydrangea flowers turn green?

So if hydrangeas are known for their vibrant blooms, what's causing them to (surprisingly) turn green?

"As many hydrangea blooms mature, they naturally develop green tones,” states Paul Parker, plants and bulbs specialist at J. Parker’s. “This is part of the normal ageing process and often adds interest late in the season, particularly in autumn arrangements.

“Green tones are a natural stage in the life cycle of many hydrangea blooms, although the timing and extent of this colour change can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.”

Parker also notes that while hydrangeas are generally reliable shrubs, a few routine factors can influence their growth and blooming performance.

”Factors such as extreme weather conditions and incorrect pruning can lead to poor flowering. Proper care helps them perform at their best rather than keeping them alive.”

Luckily, there are some top care tips you can follow to protect your hydrangeas during the harsh winter months.

Top hydrangea care tips this winter

Harsh temperatures can often take their toll on your plants, and so you’ll need to safeguard hydrangeas against cold and frost ahead of time.

“To safeguard your hydrangeas from harsh weather, apply a layer of organic mulch around their base,” advises Parker.

“This will help retain moisture, provide some protection against cold temperatures, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches include composted bark, woodchip, straw, or leaves. These materials decompose over time, adding extra nutrients to the soil.”

Additionally, you’ll need to protect plants from heavy snowfall. “After a period of heavy snow, gently brush excess snow from branches using a broom to reduce the risk of damage caused by its weight, particularly during prolonged periods of bad winter weather."

Other top tips include removing damaged or diseased stems to keep your plants healthy all season. And it's recommended to leave faded flower heads intact through winter. This can help protect developing buds for spring, while adding seasonal texture in the garden.

And if you want to double your hydrangea blooms, check out this simple hack to multiply your plants for free.

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If one more audio brand releases earbuds/headphones with "AI features", I'm going to scream.

And, as it turns out, so will 98% of Tom's Guide readers. Or, put bluntly, so will you. Of 200 responses, only five readers said they specifically look for AI features in the best earbuds and best headphones. Most readers voted sound quality as their most important feature: 135 people, specifically. ANC came second with twenty-seven votes. Yes, first place received five times as many votes as second place.

This got me thinking: Why? Why do audio brands keep pushing AI features down our throats when we so clearly don't want them? Do said brands worry they'll be "left behind" in the AI race? Do brands consider sound quality, ANC, and call quality last year's news? Or is it something else...? Let's dig in.

Results at a glance

I ran a poll for three weeks here on Tom's Guide. I asked, and you all answered! Here are the exact results.

As you can see, sound quality is by far the most important feature for you. ANC came second with 13% of the vote, then call quality and other came joint third with 6% of the vote. Second-to-last we have battery life, 4% of the vote. And, trailing last, we have AI features — with just 2% of the vote.

I could've predicted that sound quality would win, but I was genuinely surprised when I saw AI features lost by that much. I thought it would get more like... maybe 10%. I thought some people really liked having AI in earbuds, but evidently not.

Case study: Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro

I loved the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro headphones. They were my biggest surprise of 2025 and I ended up recommending them to pretty much everyone. I even got my sister a pair for college! They're the perfect headphones for studying thanks to the incredible ANC, comfort, and foldability.

So when I reviewed the successor, Space 2 Pro, they left me with a sour taste in my mouth. This was especially sour because I wasn't expecting it. I was expecting another Space One Pro: slam-dunk, instant favorite. But it wasn't.

The reason? The AI features. I feel like Anker put so much effort into AI features, it forgot what the Soundcore Space 2 Pro were: headphones. For music. And ANC. Not glorified chatbot earmuffs.

Don't get me wrong, I still awarded the Space 2 Pro 3.5 stars — this means "very good." And the headphones are very good. Sound quality is great, call quality is great, and ANC is great. Triple whammy there... as long as you ignore the purported AI functionality in the Anker app.

Let me set the scene: the Soundcore Space 2 Pro are advertised as having the "world's first neural-net compute-in-memory AI audio chip". If you don't know what that means, you're not alone!

Amanda Caswell, AI Editor here at Tom's Guide, translated this into real terms. "AI-powered audio processing inside that's efficient enough to run continuously on a tiny, battery-powered device.

"So this could help with smarter noise cancellation, voice isolation, always-on listening (to detect words). But "neural-net" is the chip that runs artificial neural networks trained to recognize and process sounds, such as speech, background noise and potentially voice commands."

And there's a lovely chatbot in the Anker Soundcore app! However, Anker's marketing doesn't actually specify that the Space 2 Pro are compatible with the in-app chatbot. Might it be my fault that I assumed the app features would work?

If I connect headphones to my phone, download the companion app, open the companion app, see a big "AI chatbot!" tab that can supposedly adjust my EQ in real-time, I'd assume it works, right?

Well, yes? Surely?

Take a look at this. These are real screenshots from the Anker app.

When I asked Anker's representative about this, I was told, "Currently, Anka on Space 2 Pro only supports activation via “Hey Anka” and basic voice interactions or chats.

Other features, including voice controls, audio playback and text-based interactions in the app, are still in development, not ready for release."

So why are the features present in the app? I've been in further contact with Anker, which has informed me it is looking into the issue — so that's a win!

But the most frustrating part is this: I don't actually care if headphones or earbuds have (useless to me) AI features or not. I won't mark down audio products for simply including things like Live Translation — if it works, it's actually a huge plus, like with the AirPods Max 2 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

When I reviewed the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max, which can accurately transcribe calls and meetings directly to the app, I gave them four stars and our coveted Recommended badge.

So what was different with the Space 2 Pro, then? Same audio brand, same AI features, right?

Hm.

The Liberty 5 Pro Max's AI features actually worked. If the AI features work, regardless of my personal dislike of AI, I mark it as a positive and go on about my day. I don't write a 2,000-word long-read about the state of AI in earbuds and headphones (...).

And do you know what the worst part is?

The Space 2 Pro sound amazing. They don't need any gimmicky AI features. If Anker had positioned them as straightforward, comfy, great-ANC wireless headphones, they'd have received a 4.5-star rating.

Case study: Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE

Now let's go to the opposite side of the earbud/headphone coin: the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE.

The Melomania A100 SE came out in October 2026. I loved these earbuds enough to award them four stars and the sought-after "Tom's Guide recommended" badge. The sound quality is supreme, they're comfy, and they have excellent battery life. The only thing holding them back is the mediocre ANC, but if you're not part of that 13% of readers who prioritize ANC, this shouldn't be an issue.

And the best part — they're just $149. At that price point, there's not much competition. Naturally, there's the AirPods 5 at $129/$149 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 at $149, but the Melomania A100 SE are (literally) music to my ears. Pardon the cliché, but I said what I said.

Michael Laws, a product manager from Cambridge Audio, doesn't seem to think the Melomania A100 SE need AI. "We haven’t put resource into implementing AI features, because so far we haven’t found it’s a requirement when listening to your favourite music on the go. That’s not to say we won’t explore further if there prove to be ways in which, for instance, AI can “help” with different listening profiles."

I completely agree. AI is not a requirement at all. There's a reason why wired audio gear is making a comeback. Consumers are literally rejecting AI being forced into every aspect of our lives. Just this year, Sony has relaunched its original Walkman headphones, and Bose is releasing wired earbuds.

I don't think it's a coincidence. I think people are voting with their wallets, and showing audio brands what they really want.

My takeaway

"One thing that always gets commented on is the sound; that’s our bread and butter," said Cambridge Audio's Laws.

For me, too, sound is my bread and butter. I would much rather have earbuds and headphones that make my music sound alive than a chatbot built into the app — that doesn't even work.

I'm not saying these AI features can't be useful. Live Translation would be useful if it worked, but it's too slow to benefit real-time conversations. On top of that. we've coexisted with machine learning since the '70s — autofocus is machine learning. DSPs in various audio products, from mics to earbuds, use machine learning.

But what is new is a generative AI chatbot in my headphones' companion app. And I'm so over it. If this trend continues, I'll switch to Bose's new Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds (whenever they come back in stock).

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Spare a thought for the push-up, that most humble of body-weight exercises, and almost certainly the best known. It is as simple as exercise gets — lie on the floor, support your weight with your arms, lower to the ground, push back up, and repeat — it can be done almost anywhere and it is hugely effective, building strength and definition in the arms, chest, and shoulders. It also works the core, if you’re doing it properly. And if you want to challenge yourself, just do a few more. It is, I would suggest, a perfect exercise. And why mess with perfection? On the other hand, why not?

Which brings me neatly to the Hindu push-up, a dynamic variation on the basic move. It’s not new, having been a core training move for Indian wrestlers since at least the 19^th century. Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, an undefeated giant of the sport (he was known, deservedly, as The Great Gama) purportedly did 3,000 Hindu push-ups every day as part of his savage training regimen.

The basic push-up is hard for beginners and even if you do them regularly, adding reps is tough, but the Hindu push-up is much harder, so I would not recommend this move for newcomers. However, if you’re up for it, it will improve your flexibility and work your back, glutes and legs in addition to the benefits listed above. If you do Pilates or yoga, you will probably find this a little more comfortable, in terms of form, at least.

How do I do it?

• Begin in a downward dog position, hips high, so you form an inverted V with your body. Make this as pronounced as you comfortably can (a sharp V, rather than a curve), which will help you perform the move effectively. Keep your head in line with your spine — don’t look ahead. You should be up on your toes, too.
• From here, keeping your legs straight, bend your arms, lower your hips and move your body forward and down in a sweeping motion. Your chin should come close to the floor, as should your forearms. Be patient, as you may struggle with this part of the move to begin with.
• Continue sweeping forward as you arch your back and raise your torso, straightening your arms again, so that you move into what is called cobra position.
• From here, reverse the motion, moving smoothly backwards by raising your hips high to return to starting position. That’s one rep.
• Aim for five to 10 reps and two or three sets to begin. But don’t try to overdo it.

I did the Hindu pushup every day for a week. This is what happened

I am inherently suspicious of any move that involves or is adjacent to yoga, as I am not nearly as flexible as I’d like to be, but I’ve been doing pushups for as long as I’ve been exercising (as with most people, I imagine, it was the first body-weight move I ever attempted — thanks, Dad).

For that reason, I approached this challenge with a mixture of confidence and trepidation, which is enormously confusing. I suspected I’d be undone by the inverted V and end cobra position, but I found I could do both reasonably well. What got me was the incredible strain it put on my arms, which was also what impressed me.

The ups and downs of a tough move

On day one, I struggled mightily with the movement from downward dog and was inclined to come up too early, which put a strain on my lower back. Bad idea. I restarted, going more slowly. This made for better form but an astonishing level of stress on my triceps as I swept down and then up into the cobra position, or as close as I could get to it.

Afterwards, I felt the effort in my arms, across my shoulders, and, to a lesser extent, in my lower back (in a good way). I managed two sets of 10, with some wobbling towards the end of each set. I strongly recommend you use a mat for this move, as your feet will slide back on a bare floor. When I finished, my triceps let me know someone had been working them in a way they did not recognize.

The following day, I still had the not displeasing ache in my triceps, which I do not feel after traditional push-ups (mind you, I could just add more reps). This time, I worked on controlling the downward and upward movement, rather than the weight-bearing part of the move. I kept my elbows close to my sides (do not let them flare out) and completed three sets of 10. Obviously, I had not become stronger after one day, so this considerable improvement was entirely down to better form.

Embrace your limitations

For the rest of the week, I continued to pay close attention to my form. If you begin in the high inverted V position, your arms will not be too far forward when you sweep down, which will make things easier. Not easy. Easier. Very slightly easier. I began to enjoy the effort and the flowing motion when things were going well.

That said, I never went beyond three sets of 12 — this is a difficult, challenging move and I would only recommend it if you’re already very comfortable doing regular push-ups and have no lower back issues (you might want to check with a medical professional before you try the Hindu pushup). But if you do feel you are ready, then I can heartily recommend this exercise.

By the end of the week, I was feeling it across my chest, as well as in my upper arms and shoulders, and I was more than happy to be adding some flexibility work to a strength move. The ache in my muscles stayed with me for the week, which suggested the move continued to work my arms and chest in a way regular push-ups do not. I won’t be doing 3,000 of these every day, but that’s only because I have no desire to preface my name with The Great. I’ll settle for The Didn’t Fall On His Face…

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Enjoying an NFL stadium encompasses so much more than the action on the field. When you watch a game with 70,000 (give or take) other folks, there’s a communal aspect to the event, one that includes tradition, technology and, of course, plenty of food. And not every NFL stadium experience warrants equal billing. Some traditions just run deeper, events feel richer, food tastes better and memories last longer.

Scouring stadiums is part of my gig. From donning a hard hat and climbing into the petals that make up the Mercedes-Benz Stadium retractable roof to exploring the bowels of Lumen Field or wandering the tailgating lots of Arrowhead Stadium to exploring every inch of SoFi Stadium, I’ve toured dozens of stadiums. Sometimes I’m with architects as they explain how sketches turned to steel, or next to chefs as they craft the latest concourse-ready concoction (salivating as I prepare to sample the creation, of course) or ensuring I don’t get grass stains as turf managers explain the intricate care required to keep the field in pristine shape. So I explored NFL stadiums for you, selecting seven spots worth the trip to gain a full picture of all that the NFL has to offer.

Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City Chiefs

Key Stats: Opened in 1972, Arrowhead Stadium hosts 76,000 fans. Known for its ocean of parking lots around the stadium—more than 19,000 parking spaces—the Truman Sports Complex turns into a tailgating mecca.

The Vibe: Clad in the red of the Chiefs, the Arrowhead Stadium fan knows their football and comes for a day of celebration that includes food, chants and raucous exuberance (a powerful 142.2-decibel crowd roar in the stadium’s history punctuates this) that just may feature two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes running the offense.

Tailgating: If you’re going to tailgate in one NFL Stadium across America, this is where to do it. Set up shop in your own parking spot or enter the Chiefs’ Tailgate District for food trucks, entertainment and experiences, all four hours before the game starts. Tailgating is a way of life, with recipes passed down through generations and fans setting up in the same stall for years.

Technology: You don’t go to Arrowhead for the glitz and glamor of technology (part of why the Chiefs actually plan to move away from the stadium), so take in a bit more of an old-school charm, although the venue features an HDR display Arrowvision board in the east end zone, while hundreds of Sony 4K displays pepper the venue. A continuous LED ribbon board encircles the seating bowl. Arrowhead features high-density Wi-Fi, 5G DAS, walk-through security, mobile ticketing and, for the players, an underground field heating system.

The Food: Obviously K.C. features barbecue. And plenty of it. Find your favorite, whether the popular Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que or the Smoak BBQ for the brand-new pork belly bomb with cream, Boursin, parmesan, sour cream-and-onion chips, candied thick-cut bacon and red pepper jelly.

Insider Moves: Register with the team as a designated driver and receive a free water or soda.

The Must-Experience Moment: Have we mentioned the tailgating? Taking in the Chiefs Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction for fans but exploring tailgating before kickoff reigns king.

The Bottom Line: Experience the Midwest hospitality in a sea of red by eating your way through the day, from well before the game to during it while experiencing a classic football experience inside the Arrowhead Stadium bowl.

Lambeau Field – Green Bay Packers

Key Stats: Opened in 1957, Lambeau Field and its 81,000 seats is the second oldest stadium in the NFL.

The Vibe: No other NFL venue says community like Lambeau. Tucked into the fabric of Green Bay and its neighborhoods, the team is as much a part of the local way of life as any professional sports team in the country as the only publicly owned professional team.

Tailgating: Yes, please do and try it out in the stadium parking lots, neighborhood lawns, church parking lots and nearly anywhere you can wedge a vehicle and a grill into the same spot.

Technology: You’re not here for the tech, but you’ll find it at the field level where the stadium became the first in the United States (in 2007) to use a hybrid natural grass and artificial turf concoction. There’s also an underfield heating system (installed in 1967 and updated since), the first in the NFL. While still highly traditional, Lambeau Field features ultra-high-definition LED boards in both end zones with integrated stats and replays and a wrap-around LED ribbon board. Fans can stay connected with high-density Wi-Fi and 5G DAS and enjoy digital ticketing, walk-through security and grab-and-go self-checkout.

The Food: Maybe its cliché, but its cliché for a reason: Get the Johnsonville brat with the Sargento fried cheese curds. They’re a must and quintessential Green Bay. If you want to step it up, the “horse collar” makes a 10^th anniversary return, a Johnsonville kielbasa sausage topped with beer cheese sauce, beer mustard and sauerkraut on a horseshoe Kaiser bun.

Insider Moves: First timers can find a stadium worker and get a first-game pin or button. Also, keep in mind most of the seats are traditional aluminum benches, so you can bring in your own cushion or rent a cushion and seatback for $10.

The Must-Experience Moment: Take in the neighborhood feel on the way into the stadium but also stop at Titletown on the way for live entertainment and activities. The must-stop moment comes inside the main stadium and the Packers Hall of Fame to view the team’s Lombardi Trophies. Of course, make sure to watch for a Lambeau Leap when a Packer scores a touchdown.

The Bottom Line: Buy a cheesehead and embrace the historic nature of Lambeau Field, taking in the community feel and history of the stadium and surrounding site while watching a game with a passionate fan base.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta Falcons

Key Stats: Opened in 2017 for 71,000 fans, a 16-story-tall window looks out from the stadium to downtown Atlanta.

The Vibe: Decidedly more urban and modern than the first two classics on the list, Mercedes-Benz Stadium also has a more social feel and not the intensity you may get from some NFL venues.

Tailgating: Atlanta features tailgating lots but also tailgating on grassy lawns in The Home Depot Backyard, a distinct differentiator for the venue.

Technology: Take in the Halo Board inside the venue. At 58 feet tall and ringing the entire seating bowl, the 63,000 square feet of technology was a first of its kind in sports and rewrote the way teams presented the fan experience. Plus, the steel petals that form the roof make one of the most intriguing retractable roof designs in stadium history (although the roof typically remains closed for games). There’s also a 101-foot-tall “Mega Column” LED wrap and over 2,000 LED displays across the venue. The more than 4,000 miles of fiber optics include under-seat Wi-Fi and 5G with walk-through security and Just Walk Out tech on the concourse.

The Food: You can afford it! The leader in fan-friendly pricing, a hot dog is only $2, nachos $3, pizza $4 and a cheeseburger $5, to name a few. The $20 Board features chicken strips, fries, nachos, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, a soft pretzel, popcorn and a drink in one box. Of course, you can go bigger with some specialties, such as a Big Dave’s Cheesesteak with grilled ribeye (still only $11 without the onions and $12 with).

Insider Moves: It’s all about the fan-friendly food, where the soda purchase gets you a free refill throughout the game.

The Must-Experience Moment: Take in the falcon statue outside gate two on your way in and then make sure you participate in the call-back “Rise Up” chant as you’ll be prompted to throughout the game.

The Bottom Line: An urban, modern experience, Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes some of the best of what a stadium experience should be and mixes in social and technological aspects to create a fresh stadium feel.

Lumen Field – Seattle Seahawks

Key Stats: Opened in 2002, the stadium seats 68,000 fans, including about 70% of them under a 760-foot-long metal roof that helps reverberate crowd noise back to the field.

The Vibe: The Seahawks get loud with their 12^th Man moniker, fighting with Arrowhead Stadium for the title of loudest stadium in the NFL (in 2011 nearby University of Washington recorded seismic activity from the stadium during a playoff touchdown and their loudest decibel reading is 137.6).

Tailgating: Sadly, no, the dense urban location of Lumen Field eliminates tailgating from Seattle, so fans instead flock to nearby restaurants and bars or experience some of the street food on Occidental Avenue surrounding the venue.

Technology: Known for its ability to handle the crush of phone use, connectivity is typically impressive at Lumen Field as there’s enterprise-grade high-density Wi-Fi and 5G DAS. The stadium features numerous locations of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and there’s even checkout-free pro shop outlets and Amazon One biometric scanners at stores and concessions. Both end zones feature Mitsubishi Electric diamond Vision HDR boards and express walk-through security.

The Food: Grab a Seattle Dog (they add cream cheese and grilled onions in the Emerald City) along Occidental Avenue on your way in or get one inside the stadium. This season try out the special menu created with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with jerk salmon nachos and jicama steak noodles.

Insider Moves: With no tailgating, Lumen Field allows fans to bring their own single-serve food items into the venue if in a clear bag.

The Must-Experience Moment: Hike to the top of the Hawk’s Nest for a unique look at Lumen Field and then turn around to see downtown Seattle (with views of Mount Rainier a bonus on a clear day). Oh, don’t miss the raising of the 12^th Man Flag during pregame.

The Bottom Line: A distinctly Pacific Northwest experience with an extra dose of noise, Lumen Field ensures a sea of blue fans will yell their way through a game with much of the focus on the in-bowl experience.

U.S. Bank Stadium – Minnesota Vikings

Key Stats: Opened in 2016 for 66,000 fans, the fully enclosed stadium features a 240,000-square-foot ETFE transparent roof, the largest in the United States.

The Vibe: You best like purple, as Vikings fans fill U.S. Bank Stadium with a loud passion that proliferates purple throughout.

Tailgating: With a downtown stadium, tailgating has a limited footprint in Minneapolis, but the Vikings Village creates a fan festival atmosphere with food, entertainment and activations.

Technology: That ETFE transparent roof comes fritted to deflect heat and UV while letting natural light into the venue. LED video displays pop up in both end zones while a continuous LED ribbon board covers both the lower and upper seating bowl and hundreds of additional HD monitors fill the site. High-density enterprise Wi-Fi and 5G DAS help with connectivity, and the stadium features walk-through security.

The Food: The signature Skol Dog features bacon jam and purple potato chips, but there’s also those gooey cheese curds at Curds & Cakes. Another popular option is the raid burger, a double-bacon cheeseburger with buffalo cheese curds and an onion ring. Of course, there’s a chuleta kan kan pork chop available with pickled veggies, guacamole and tostones.

Insider Moves: Instead of going to the west gate like most fans, gain entry quicker at the north or south gates.

The Must-Experience Moment: Don’t miss the Skol Chant, always done before the start of the game and often revisited in the second half.

The Bottom Line: Experience a passionate fan base in the comfort of an indoor venue that still has a feel of being outside with the transparent roof. There’s plenty to do in and around the stadium to keep you entertained beyond the football on the field.

Highmark Stadium – Buffalo Bills

Key Stats: It’s brand-new, opened in 2026 for 61,000 fans and with a cantilevered canopy that covers approximately 65% of all fans.

The Vibe: The hard-nosed culture of Buffalo Bills football comes to life in the outdoor venue. Even in the brand-new Highmark Stadium, the region embraces the elements and celebrates the industrious feel of western New York.

Tailgating: Like much of Buffalo, tailgating comes with a layer of extra. The tailgating culture permeates the vibe of Buffalo and the table smashing—there’s even a smashed table highlighted inside the stadium—is now a staple of the experience and one of the top tailgating sites in the country, all led by the Bills Mafia. It’s no different with the move across the street.

Technology: The best technology comes in the form of fan comfort, with the new stadium now featuring infrared heating sent to most fans in the bowl, a first-of-its-kind snowmelt system on the roof and an underfield heating system. There’s Cisco Wi-Fi 7 and its 1,300 access points, along with hyper-directional DAS help with modern connectivity. And fans enjoy AiFi Tech’s cashier-free markets and walk-through security.

The Food: You’ve gotta get wings when in Buffalo, right? Check out the Highmark wings and Mumbo wings in the stadium but don’t look past the poutine and pierogies or the blue & red burger with Treasure Cave blue cheese, red onion and bacon jam. If you want another taste of Buafflo, go for the beef on weck with a Wegmans kimmelweck roll, top round, au jus, horseradish and dill pickle.

Insider Moves: If you own a Toyota, show your keys at the Toyota Fast Pass at gate two for quick entry.

The Must-Experience Moment: You must swing through the tailgate experience before the game, taking in the culture of Buffalo at every step. With a new venue, make sure you visit the “family circle” of bison outside the stadium and then head up to level three for views out to the surrounding area.

The Bottom Line: This is Buffalo, but with a bit more comfort. The new Highmark Stadium looked to preserve the feel of outdoor football in the elements for the players, but brought in some fan-friendly comforts—a canopy and heating, for example—for the fans while accentuating the Buffalo traditions of tailgating.

SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles Rams/Chargers

Key Stats: Opened in 2020 for 70,000 fans, the most expensive stadium ever built ($5.5 billion) sits 100 feet below ground due to its proximity to LAX and features 20 million holes in the aluminum panels that make up the stadium’s skin.

The Vibe: It’s a spectacle of immense proportions, from the expansive site to the architecture to the technology. SoFi Stadium is a venue unlike any other; while just doesn’t have the diehard football feel of some of the classic venues on the list (or not on this list, mind you, with apologies to Baltimore and Pittsburgh) that means it trends more corporate, befitting its status as a multi-time Super Bowl host.

Tailgating: It’s not a culture that permeates the venue, but it’s still available on site, although a fan zone filled with food trucks is more the feel at SoFi.

Technology: Yes. Plenty. The world’s first dual-sided video board, dubbed Oculus, is 120 yards long, 70,000 square feet in size and offers 4k resolution, remaking what’s possible with in-venue video. It’s a site unlike any other in sports. There’s also continuous LED ribbon boards wrapping multiple levels of the seating bowl, thousands of Sony 4K/IPTV displays in the concourses, In addition, there’s Wi-Fi 6 from Cisco with 2,500 access points (some under seats or in handrails), 5G DAS, walk-through security and plenty of touch-screen ordering kiosks and grab-and-go concessions.

The Food: We’ve got burritos aplenty, from chopped brisket to shrimp, but check out the Chile relleno burrito and the fish tacos. Of course, you can always go for the pastrami frites or the twinkie burger featuring a beef patty, American cheese and a Texas twinkie (a brisket-stuffed jalapeno).

Insider Moves: If your seat is high up, wander down to standing-room-only spaces to catch a new view of the game, hit the American Airlines Plaza button bar on level six for a free custom button and think about using the Uber Eats app to skip concession lines and pick up your food at a dedicated spot.

The Must-Experience Moment: Really, to take in all of what SoFi Stadium has to offer, wander the entire site both outside the venue and once inside, grasping the uniqueness of the architecture and the experience that goes beyond the football.

The Bottom Line: SoFi Stadium is about more than football. It’s about the experience across the grounds. For a completely different football gameday, check out SoFi Stadium.

For years, phone manufacturers have sought to legitimize their imaging chops by partnering with camera brands. Nokia with Zeiss in the aughts. Huawei with Leica in the late teens. Xiaomi with Leica. Sony and Vivo with Zeiss. OnePlus and Oppo with Hasselblad. And now there’s Honor with Arri. While some of these partnerships have merely been branding exercises, others have resulted in significant improvements in camera performance.

Honor and Arri’s collaboration is definitely one of the more meaningful ones. I recently spent time with both companies in Los Angeles to learn more about what they are doing together. I was also able to go hands-on with Honor’s global Magic9 Pro Max and compare it to Arri’s Alexa Mini LF cinema camera in Arri’s studios. Finally I created a short movie using the Arri Cinema mode on Honor’s Magic9 Pro Max, which is shaping out to be one of the best camera phones around. Here’s what I learned.

The collaboration

If you’re not familiar with Arri, here’s what you need to know. Since 1917, this German company has earned a reputation for making intuitive-to-use, individually-calibrated cinema cameras designed to work reliably in the most demanding conditions using industry standard rigging and workflows. Arri started with compact film cameras but beginning in 2010, it became one of the leaders in digital cinema with its Alexa cameras.

Besides cameras, the company offers an entire ecosystem of cinema products, including lenses and lights. Today, Alexa cinema cameras are known for the “Arri Look”, which combines industry leading dynamic-range, excellent low-light performance, accurate colors, and beautiful skin tones. If you’ve watched movies like "Sinners," "Oppenheimer," "Dune," "Blade Runner 2049," and "Gravity," you’re familiar with the Arri Look.

To achieve this, Alexa cinema cameras capture footage using Arri’s LogC3 gamma curve to preserve dynamic range and color data. 3D Look-Up Tables (LUTs) are then applied during production to convert the LogC3 footage to SD or HD target color spaces, and Arri offers a Look Library with 87 unique LUTs. Custom LUTs are also an option, and this allows filmmakers to achieve the exact look they want for their movies.

We’ve covered Honor here on Tom’s Guide before, but let me give you a quick refresher. Honor started life as one of Huawei’s sub-brands, making a range of more affordable smartphones, from budget to flagship, marketed at a younger demographic. In 2020, Huawei sold Honor to a group of investors (Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co. Ltd.), and the company’s been thriving on its own ever since.

Today, Honor makes some truly impressive smartphones, including the Magic V6, which battles Oppo’s Find N6 for best book-style folding phone on the market. The company is also a leader in silicon-carbon batteries and mobile imaging, as exemplified by the highly innovative and insanely cool Robot Phone. But while Honor’s hardware is always outstanding, its software leaves a lot to be desired.

Honor and Arri’s collaboration started with the Robot Phone, which first implemented the Arri Cinema mode, Arri LogC3 capture, and Arri Looks, and is continuing with the Magic9 Pro Max, the company’s flagship. While the Robot Phone is China only, the Magic 9 Pro Max will be launched globally. Unfortunately, I can’t share much information about the global Magic9 Pro Max, but I can discuss its cameras and the Arri Cinema mode.

The cameras

As I mentioned above, I recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with Honor’s global Magic9 Pro Max in Los Angeles. This flagship is already available in China, and while Honor didn’t share any specs for the global model beyond the cameras, you can draw your own conclusions by checking out the specs for the Chinese model. I expect most of these will carry over, but there will likely be some changes, based on past experience.

The Magic9 Pro Max packs three rear cameras: a 200 MP f/1.6 24mm 1/1.28" main shooter with 3-degree “gimbal-grade” OIS, a 200 MP f/2.6 85mm 1/1.4-inch 3.5x telephoto with OIS, and a 50 MP f/2.0 12mm ultrawide with AF. In front, there’s a 55MP f/2.0 25mm selfie camera (without AF). These shooters are complemented by Honor's in-house H1 imaging chip, co-developed with Arri, which was first introduced on the Robot Phone.

Honor optimized this AI-powered ISP (Image Signal Processor) for cinema-grade video capture and computational photography, while also making it power efficient (18.8 TOPS/W). This chip handles real-time RAW-domain parallel image processing and natively supports 10-bit Arri LogC3 capture, Arri Wide Gamut 3 (AWG3), custom LUTs, and Arri Looks. It offers up to 14 stops of dynamic range and improves the signal-to-noise ratio by 8dB.

Another first is that the Magic9 Pro Max’s 200MP main and telephoto cameras get a CIPA 8.0 image stabilization rating, offering gimbal-grade stabilization. The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) is an international industry group that sets standard testing procedures to measure imaging performance. CIPA 8.0 means that with these shooters, the shutter speed can be set 8 stops slower while keeping handheld shots sharp vs. no stabilization.

Arri Cinema mode on the Magic9 Pro Max supports resolutions and frame rates up to 4k 60fps, standard 16:9 or wide 2.39:1 (CinemaScope) aspect ratios, and AVC (H.264), HVEC (H.265), or APV 10-bit 4:2:2 codecs. The phone offers 14 different preinstalled Arri Looks, but more LUTs can be imported from within the camera app, and Honor offers Arri’s full Look Library with 87 unique LUTs for download on its website.

The Magic9 Pro Max also features a four-microphone array (one directional and three omni) that, combined with Honor’s proprietary AI-based DSP (Digital Signal Processing), replicates the phase-cancellation properties of a professional interference-tube shotgun microphone and enables cinema-grade audio capture. Five audio presets are available: standard, long-range, close-up, voice isolation, and voice boost.

Finally, the Magic9 Pro Max is the first Android handset to feature a selfie camera with a 1:1 (square) aspect ratio, making it possible to capture landscape or portrait photos and videos without sacrificing resolution regardless of the orientation of the phone, just like the Center Stage front shooter found on Apple’s recent iPhones. I’m honestly surprised it took over a year for this feature to come to Android.

And if all of this isn’t enough, the Magic9 Pro Max offers two teleconverter kits (200mm / 2.3x and 500mm / 5.8x) and a SmallRig Pro Expansion Kit (which includes a cage, two quick-release handles, a Bluetooth wireless shutter, teleconverter and filter mounts, plus a cooling fan). Measuring 81mm and weighing just 88g, Honor’s 200mm teleconverter is the lightest and smallest of its kind on the market today.

The results

I was able to compare Honor’s Magic9 Pro Max with Arri’s Alexa Mini LF in Arri’s studios. The company built two stages with different lighting, hired two actors, and set up rigs in front of each stage. Each rig consisted of a Magic9 Pro Max mounted on top of an Alexa Mini LF, with the phone and cinema cameras both capturing LogC3 footage of the same scene, and the 4k output of each displayed on identical monitors using the same Arri look.

Other than the cinema camera having a shallower depth-of-field than the phone, it was difficult telling the footage apart. Dynamic range was similar, and so was low-light performance; colors were virtually identical between the phone and cinema camera. In other words, the Magic9 Pro Max’s output closely matched the Alexa Mini LF’s in the same conditions, which is impressive, especially since one of the stages was dimly lit.

One of the rigs was mounted on a dolly, and we had the chance to take turns operating the cinema camera (panning and tilting the camera while someone else was moving the dolly), and remotely pulling focus, which was a lot of fun. Above is a video containing identical side-by-side 4k footage captured in Arri’s studios with the Magic9 Pro Max (left) and Alexa Mini LF (right), so you can see the results for yourself.

Next, I went hands-on with the Magic9 Pro Max at Griffith Observatory, taking pictures and capturing LogC3 footage using the Arri Cinema mode. Below is a short film I made using a series of short 16:9 LogC3 clips shot with the Magic9 Pro Max. I imported these clips into DaVinci Resolve and applied one of the 87 LUTs from Arri’s Look Library to each clip. The results speak for themselves.

Not only does my short film exude the Arri look, the way the Magic9 Pro Max’s camera system handles stabilization, focus, exposure, and white balance throughout these clips is outstanding. The clip of the hummingbird in the video above is particularly impressive considering I captured it hand-held with the telephoto. I haven’t captured footage of this quality on any Android phone before, which is why I always use iPhones to record video.

Samsung and Oppo’s flagships do a very good job, and I hear great things about the Vivo X300 Ultra, but in my experience, iPhones are the ones to beat when it comes to video quality — especially the Pro models that support ProRes and Log. So, it looks like Honor and Arri’s collaboration is changing the game. And if you’re wondering what regular video capture looks like with the Magic9 Pro Max, check my Instagram reel below.

When it comes to photography, the Magic9 Pro Max does a wonderful job. Then again, Honor’s flagships have been delivering top notch image quality for a while now. As you can see below, the Magic9 Pro Max’s telephoto stands out as the star of the show. Is it Oppo Find X10 Pro Max good? Not quite, but it’s close. Honor’s 50MP ultrawide falls short of Oppo’s 200MP setup. In fact, the Arri Cinema mode doesn’t support the ultrawide.

Bottom Line

After going hands-on with Honor’s global Magic9 Pro Max, a few things are abundantly clear. Honor and Arri’s collaboration goes far beyond a mere branding exercise, and definitely raises the bar for mobile videography. Arri Cinema mode, Arri LogC3 capture, and Arri Looks, together with the Magic9 Pro Max’s camera system and Honor’s in-house H1 imaging chip, deliver meaningful improvements in video quality, and I’m here for it.

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In the last two years, gaming has gotten exponentially more expensive. From President Trump's tariff wars to the ongoing AI-caused RAMageddon, prices have not been kind to our wallets.

We're in the tail end of the current generation of consoles when prices historically start to go down, but both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are more expensive than at launch. Then there's the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched last year with a price tag that's $200 higher than its predecessor.

With that in mind, I looked around the market today to figure out which gaming console is worth your money. I also asked my fellow Tom's Guide gamers, and while several different consoles were picked, one leapt to the top of almost everyone's list.

Read on to find out which console we think you should buy in 2026.

Quick links

• Nintendo Switch 2
• PlayStation 5
• PlayStation 5 Pro
• Steam Deck
• Steam Machine
• Xbox Series X

The price of gaming in 2026

As mentioned, nearly every console has seen a price hike in the last two years, largely blamed on rising component costs and, in 2025, tariffs.

In 2026, the Switch 2 and PS5 both received price hikes. Nintendo Switch 2 was the most recent victim, going up $50 from $449 on September 1.

Sony's PlayStation 5 lineup prices shot up $100 or more for the PS5, PS5 Digital and PS5 Pro in March of this year. That was the second hike following an increase in August 2025.

And that's before we get to the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, which both saw price increases, the Steam Machine before it even released.

Here's how much each console will cost you right now:

I've highlighted the base prices for these consoles. It should be noted that most offer larger storage options that are slightly more expensive, or digital-only versions that are cheaper than their disc-supporting sibling.

The PS5 Pro and Nintendo Switch 2 only have one storage size option. However, the Switch 2 comes in multiple bundles that feature games including the launch title Mario Kart World and the more recent Nintendo Switch Sports Resort bundle; those cost $549 and $529, respectively.

Nintendo Switch 2

Of the consoles highlighted here, the Nintendo Switch 2 — despite the recent increase — remains the least expensive option available.

It's also just an excellent follow-up to the original Nintendo Switch. The larger size gives you more real estate, the display is gorgeous, and the performance boost is a welcome upgrade to years of downgraded ports.

Personally, the revised Joy-Con 2 controllers are flat-out better, snapping to the console and feeling more comfortable in the hand, even when playing with just a single Joy-Con in multiplayer titles.

Backwards compatibility is one of the best features of Nintendo's latest console. While there isn't a standout game that you need to buy the Switch 2 to play, between the best Nintendo Switch games and the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, there are a lot of titles to occupy your time.

To name a couple of worthwhile titles, Mario Kart World is an interesting take on the long-running kart racing series, even if it comes with a few speed bumps. And for those looking for something a bit cozier, Pokémon Pokopia is a delight that I still can't wait to play more of.

PS5 and PS5 Pro

The PlayStation 5 is a great console. It's everything surrounding Sony's machine that has become a problem. From the company controversially killing physical discs to the annoyingly high current price, it's hard to recommend.

Still, some of the best games of the current generation are on the PlayStation. Our picks for the best PS5 games include a slew of titles that you can't play anywhere else, alongside cross-platform games that you'll want to play only on PS5.

At $649, the base PS5 isn't cheap, but it's still a good console.

A couple of months ago, I might have suggested the PS5 Pro for the gamer who doesn't mind the big price tag. But the high-end PS5 has been mostly unavailable recently, and even used machines are selling for more than $1,500. Look, the performance and visuals are excellent, but not at that price. If you can spend that kind of dough, consider one of the best gaming PCs instead.

However, as my colleague Jason England points out, "PC gaming as a hobby is just too damn expensive to get into right now, whereas the PS5 is just annoyingly overpriced (rather than remortgage the house levels of money)."

Steam Deck and Machine

Steam Deck

Valve may have taken the biggest hit from the tariffs and component price increases. Honestly, if it weren't for the hikes, I'd put the Steam Deck head-to-head against the Switch 2.

Earlier this year, Valve discontinued the LCD version of the Steam Deck and started selling only the OLED variant at a new, significantly higher price. The 512GB Steam Deck OLED now costs $789, up $240 from $549, while the 1TB variant now costs $949, up $300 from $649. As of this writing, both models are available for purchase from Steam.

Valve specifically blamed rising memory and storage costs for the increase.

Before other companies caught the handheld fever, the Steam Deck was one of the best consoles available. And it's still our overall pick for the best handheld gaming console.

The OLED display is vibrant; it has a light, ergonomic design and improved cooling. It also has one of the stronger batteries in the category. Valve claims it'll last you three to 12 hours depending on the games you play, but we found it closer to three most days.

For comparison, the recently released Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 ($200 more expensive) hit 2 hours and 47 minutes in our battery tests.

Lastly, compared to Nintendo and PlayStation, you can take advantage of Steam sales to update your library. Those sales often bring even popular games down to amazing prices, whereas Nintendo rarely discounts its games, and PlayStation can be stingy about what gets discounted and for how long.

Steam Machine

Even before the Steam Machine dropped this past summer, it was clear that Valve was disappointed in the price, and then the $1,049 tag was revealed.

In our Steam Machine review, we found that the Machine is a great intersection between a gaming PC and a console. However, at $1,049, the underpowered internals are disappointing and honestly make the higher prices of other consoles seem reasonable.

That said, some graphics updates and a little investment in a microSD card recently had us reconsidering the Steam Machine. It's not quite ready to take over your living room yet, but for the curious, it might be worth picking up.

Xbox Series X

Microsoft has raised the price of the Xbox Series X three times since May 2025. What once cost $499 for the disc version is now a hefty $799. The last increase, in June of this year, was blamed on AI and rising component costs.

So, is it still worth the squeeze?

Here's the thing: if you can get your hands on an Xbox Series X, it has a lot to offer. Game Pass is genuinely a good value for discovery and trying games.

While the Xbox Anywhere push was a bit of a fluff, it still works. Start a game on Xbox, finish it on your PC, or play it on your phone or handheld console in the cloud. The Xbox controller remains one of the best in the business and that's just the base model. The Elite and third-party options are even better.

But at $789? It's hard to justify, especially as everything else is more expensive.

Alternatives

Handheld consoles

While console prices have been going up, the niche handheld console market has been steadily growing with new devices from major manufacturers including Asus, Lenovo and MSI.

For the most part, handheld consoles are expensive and run on a modified version of Windows 11. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally is the outlier at $599, offering real value but lacking AAA performance; if you're an indie gamer, maybe that doesn't matter more than the lower price.

Price can get quite high, though; the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is probably the best PC gaming handheld we've tested, but at $1,799...I mean.

The outliers

If you don't mind getting a little silly, there are tons of retro gaming devices that pack in hundreds of classic titles or are made for a singular game like Tetris.

There are also devices like the Evercade Nexus that offer a Linux- or Android-based system that can play older games, and it even has physical cartridges.

If you're tired of the rigmarole of modern gaming, there are fun, odd little devices that are far cheaper than anything new you can get today.

Tom's Guide's top pick

With all of that laid out, which console do we think you should buy?

I polled my colleagues, and a majority picked the Nintendo Switch 2 as the console to buy. The PS5 came in a close second, though the price is clearly an issue.

"$500 is pretty fair for what you're getting handheld and docked, and already a wildly stacked library," Phil Rodrigues said.

Anthony Spadafora added that the Switch 2 "delivers the most console-like experience" with its snappy UI, fairly quick loading times, and lack of ads or other nonsense on the home screen.

For my part, I agree. The Nintendo Switch 2 at that price offers real value and plenty of enjoyable games. Even if you don't prefer the Nintendo aesthetic, the Switch 2 can actually play third-party games like Elden Ring or the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

In an age of more PC-like gaming machines and ever-higher prices, the Switch 2 still feels like a console with a matching price. That alone is worth the recommendation.

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A small Ohio town with just 6,600 residents has become an unlikely example of how communities can push back against the massive infrastructure powering the AI boom.

On November 3, voters in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, overwhelmingly approved a measure prohibiting the construction of large data centers within city limits. Nearly 77% voted in favor, following months of opposition to a proposed $900 million data center and natural gas power plant.

Organizers initially believed they needed 155 signatures to put the proposed ban on the ballot. They collected 301, only to discover that the actual requirement was higher and that many of their signatures had been rejected. With hours remaining before the deadline, they were still 20 valid signatures short, as accounted in substack post from the president of the national nonprofit Farm Action, Angela Huffman.

I spoke to Ms. Huffman, one of the residents who helped organize the campaign, about how her community challenged a nearly billion-dollar development and what other towns facing similar proposals can learn from the experience.

It started with a $900 million proposal

Upper Sandusky sits in northwest Ohio, surrounded by farmland. Huffman's family has farmed about 10 miles outside town for six generations.

In June, Smartland Energy proposed developing approximately 146 acres near the northern edge of the city. The roughly $900 million project would have included data centers and a 150-megawatt natural gas power plant.

For residents, the proposal raised questions about electricity, water, infrastructure and the long-term future of their community.

Upper Sandusky was already dealing with infrastructure questions surrounding a major new soybean processing plant. Another industrial development raised concerns about how much additional demand local systems could handle.

Huffman, whose work at Farm Action focuses on corporate power in agriculture and rural communities, had already been examining the potential impact of data center expansion nationally.

Now those concerns were reaching her own backyard

When asked about the proposed data center, Huffman said, "We saw it as a threat to our rural way of life." She added that everyone had questions, "what's this doing to our water supply? How is this going to impact our electricity bills?"

Residents also questioned whether the city's existing industrial zoning rules were appropriate for a project of this size.

According to Huffman, people wanted to understand what the development would mean for their community before officials approved it.

A Facebook post helped turn concern into action

The initial organizing effort began with something familiar to many small communities: a local newspaper article shared on Facebook.

Huffman told me that a resident shared coverage of the proposal from the local newspaper called, Daily Chief Union in a community Facebook group. The post attracted hundreds of shares, bringing the development to the attention of residents who might otherwise never have heard about it.

Huffman connected with the person who posted the article, and together they began organizing a response.

Their dedicated Facebook group eventually grew to approximately 700 members, a significant number for a town of 6,600 people.

But organizing online was only part of the effort

Residents began attending public meetings, requesting government records and pressing city officials for information about the project.

Huffman tells Tom's Guide, "Many people were initially uncomfortable speaking publicly, particularly when it meant being quoted in a newspaper or potentially creating tension with neighbors."

Still, residents continued showing up. As opposition grew, Smartland Energy withdrew its zoning request, although the company continued efforts to build local support, including holding a public information event at a church.

I asked Huffman if she attended Smartland Energy's information sessions and she said, "No, I'm not sure how many people did."

Once the company withdrew the proposal, it didn't mean the development had been permanently abandoned, so residents continued organizing.

The community's first victory bought them six months

On July 6, Upper Sandusky City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and associated power-generation facilities.

The temporary pause gave officials time to examine the implications of large data center developments and consider new regulations. It also gave residents time to pursue a longer-term solution.

Huffman tells Tom's Guide that the community had originally requested a 12-month moratorium. Although the city approved only six months, organizers recognized that the pause created an opportunity to put the question directly before voters.

Working with attorneys from Conserve Ohio, a statewide organization that has supported similar campaigns, residents drafted a charter amendment. The proposal would prohibit construction of data centers with an electrical demand or peak load exceeding 25 megawatts within Upper Sandusky's city limits.

Huffman notes that having a lawyer is key for towns hoping to fight against big tech. She says their town's lawyer was pro bono, and encouraged communities to either find a lawyer that will offer their services for free or even pay for a legal assessment at the very least.

But even with a lawyer, to get it on the November ballot, residents needed enough valid signatures from registered city voters. That's where things nearly fell apart.

They almost missed the ballot by 20 signatures

According to Huffman's account of the campaign, organizers were initially told they needed 155 valid signatures.

They collected 301 and submitted them on August 3, believing they had comfortably exceeded the requirement. But election officials accepted only 192.

Worse, organizers discovered that the city's charter actually required 212 valid signatures.

After months of meetings, organizing and legal work, the entire effort was suddenly in jeopardy because of a 20-signature shortfall.

With just hours remaining before the filing deadline, residents headed back out to collect more. On August 5, they submitted an additional 50 signatures. Officials accepted 37, bringing the final total to 229.

That was just 17 more than required.

Midterm elections sealed the town's fate

Nearly 77% of voters supported the ban. On November 3, Huffman and other organizers returned to their local polling place, this time to watch residents decide the outcome.

In her published account, Huffman describes arriving at 6:30 a.m. and remaining until polls closed at 7:30 p.m., spending the day outside holding signs and talking with voters.

The results were decisive. According to the Daily Chief Union, 1,893 voters supported the charter amendment, compared with 568 who opposed it.

The result followed months of uncertainty, including a withdrawn development proposal, a temporary moratorium and a petition drive that nearly missed its deadline.

Upper Sandusky wasn't alone. Other Ohio communities also approved restrictions on data center development during the November election, reflecting broader concerns about how these facilities are approved and who gets a say in the process.

Why residents are concerned about AI data centers

The rise of generative AI has created enormous demand for computing infrastructure. Training and running advanced AI models requires powerful servers, cooling systems and significant electricity. As technology companies expand their operations, new data centers are being proposed across the country, including in rural areas with available land.

Developers and industry supporters argue that data centers can provide construction jobs, tax revenue and infrastructure investment.

But residents also want to know how much of that economic benefit will remain in their communities, particularly when projects require substantial investments in electricity transmission, water systems and other infrastructure.

During our conversation, Huffman identified several concerns that motivated residents in Upper Sandusky, including potential increases in electricity bills, water consumption, noise, environmental impacts and the possibility of changing the rural character of the community.

Tom's Guide contacted Smartland Energy to ask about the project's future, its potential economic benefits, projected resource requirements and the company's response to the election result. The company did not respond by the time of publication.

The local newspaper played an unexpected role

One of the most interesting parts of my conversation with Huffman was the credit she gives to the local newspaper. The Daily Chief Union covered Smartland Energy's original proposal, bringing attention to a development that many residents might otherwise have missed.

That reporting was subsequently shared on Facebook, where it helped connect people concerned about the project.

Huffman emphasizes how important local journalism remains in rural communities, particularly when major companies propose developments that could permanently alter the surrounding area.

In Upper Sandusky, newspaper reporting helped residents understand what was being proposed before decisions were finalized.

It ultimately became an early catalyst for the organizing campaign.

The fight isn't over

Although the November 3 vote restricts large data centers within Upper Sandusky's city limits, it doesn't prohibit development throughout Wyandot County.

Much of the surrounding area consists of unincorporated townships, some without comparable zoning protections.

Huffman says residents are now working with people in those areas to explore additional restrictions, including asking county officials to consider a moratorium and zoning changes.

That leaves an important unanswered question: Could Smartland Energy or another developer pursue a large data center just outside the city limits?

For now, the city charter amendment applies to qualifying large data centers within Upper Sandusky, not to every possible project in the surrounding county.

The bottom line

As AI companies continue expanding their infrastructure, more Americans are finding themselves in the middle of debates over data center development.

Upper Sandusky's experience shows how one community responded, beginning with a local newspaper article and a Facebook post before moving into public meetings, legal assistance and a ballot initiative.

For a town of 6,600 people, that's a significant outcome and one Huffman encourages other communities with proposed data centers saying, "You can do something about it. You're not alone."

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• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate
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If you've recently found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., wondering how it's possible that yet again you're unable to sleep through the night, frustration is probably running pretty high.

It may be comforting to know you're not alone. A 2025 U.S. News and World Report survey found that, remarkably, 89% of Americans regularly wake up during the night, and 46% had a sleep goal of trying to reduce nighttime awakenings.

But help is at hand, in the form of Dr. Tom Chambers, a certified somnologist and Chief Medical Officer at Theta Sleep, Dr. Shelby Harris, a board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist and psychologist with BetterSleep and Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online.

We've spoken to these three sleep experts to explore the common causes of 3 a.m. wake-ups, the fixes that can help you sleep through the night and when you should consider speaking to your doctor. Read on to find out more...

Why do I keep waking up at 3 a.m.?

Staring at the clock (or worse, getting a dose of bright light from your phone as you check the time) at 3 a.m. while sleep eludes you can prompt one frustrated question: 'Why?'

"There are so many reasons why we might wake up at 3 a.m. or any other time overnight. Sometimes this is completely normal, some times there are things that we can tackle head-on with changes to our sleep routines, and some are suggestive of something more serious and might mean people should speak to their doctor," ESRS-certified somnologist Dr. Chambers explains.

Below are some of the common reasons behind 3 a.m. wake-ups, as explained by the sleep experts we spoke to.

Normal nighttime wake-ups

You might be surprised to know that up briefly during the night is actually very normal, we often don't even remember it. According to research, healthy adults can wake as many as five times a night in between sleep cycles, but likely won't recall them all in the morning.

"It's not uncommon for a proportion of these wake-ups to end up being awake for a little while longer. It's when these wake-ups result in you spending hours awake ruminating on other things that this becomes an issue," Dr. Chambers says.

Wake-ups related to sleep environment and sleep routine

Some causes of nighttime awakenings are related to our sleep space and what we do in the lead up to bedtime (a.k.a our nighttime routine). Dr. Chambers delves into this:

• A room that is too hot or too cold: "This is common during hot summers and cold winters when the need for air conditioning, fans, or heaters makes it tricky to maintain the right temperature overnight."
• Too much fluid before bed: "This will make you wake up needing to pee overnight! [It] can be very common especially in health conscious individuals wanting to make sure they stay hydrated."
• Caffeine and/or alcohol: "Caffeine both disrupts sleep and acts as a diuretic (means you need to pee). Alcohol sometimes gives the illusion of better sleep and helps people fall asleep but it also acts as a diuretic and disturbs you usual sleep cycles."
• A loud room and/or a disturbed sleep environment: "Bed partners snoring or making noise, pets, a loud street, living near train tracks, and loud neighbours all can contribute to waking us up at 3 a.m. when we're in a lighter sleep stage."
• Light: "Even tiny amounts of light can be disruptive to sleep and causing nighttime awakenings."

Stress, hormonal changes and aging

Another cause of nighttime awakenings can be chronic stress or anxiety, which can raise baseline cortisol levels. Since our Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) causes levels of cortisol to naturally rise in the early hours (from around 3 a.m), a stress-induced rise in your baseline cortisol levels may lead to an unwanted wake-up during this process.

"As the night goes on, your sleep naturally gets lighter, so by 3 a.m. it doesn’t take much to wake you. Stress is a major factor in this, because cortisol starts rising toward morning and can kick in early when you’re under pressure," says Dr. Harris.

Hormonal changes — including estrogen and progesterone fluctuating — that occur during perimenopause and menopause can also disrupt sleep.

"Hormonal shifts like perimenopause can bring night sweats," says Dr. Harris, while Dr. Chris Winter, a double boarded sleep specialist previously explained that other impacts of these shifts can include anxiety, temperature changes, and more fragmented sleep.

Both aging and hormonal changes can also contribute to waking at night to use the bathroom.

Shore says that 3 a.m. "is also a common time to urinate, and we find this happens more as we get older due to a reduction in certain hormones, particularly around menopause," though she adds that "changes can happen in men too, and changes to bladder efficiency."

Aging itself can also lead to disrupted nights, as according to the National Institute on Aging, shorter, light sleep in older adults can feature more nighttime awakenings.

Clinical sleep disorders

Dr. Chambers points out that clinical sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and chronic insomnia can also all cause 3am wake-ups, and require medical advice.

"Sleep apnea is incredibly common and often undiagnosed," he says, adding that the broad symptoms of the disorder include snoring, multiple bathroom trips at night, daytime tiredness and waking up feeling unrefreshed or with a headache.

"Often patients will wake up at 3 a.m. because they've stopped breathing during their sleep. They're wide awake as their oxygen levels have dropped, triggering a fight-or-flight response," the somnologist adds.

A paper published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment cited multiple studies that showed restless leg syndrome increased nighttime awakenings in those with the condition, while Dr. Chambers points out that "if you're regularly awake at 3 a.m., not falling asleep for a long time afterwards, and this impacts your daily life, it is almost diagnostic of clinical insomnia."

6 ways to fix your 3 a.m. wake-ups and stay asleep all night

While some causes of 3 a.m. wake-ups can't be addressed by lifestyle changes alone, there are fixes to your sleep environment and nighttime routine that can help you avoid nighttime awakenings and sleep through the night more easily.

1. Don't overdo bedroom temperature control

"Temperature control is very important during sleep and room temperature can have a big impact," says Dr. Chambers.

According a paper published in Frontiers for Young Minds, "a thermal environment that is either warmer or cooler than the optimal range can increase wakefulness during the night."

Research has shown that the ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping sits within the range of 65 to 70 F (18 to 21 °C).

So while it may be tempting to crank up your heating overnights as the weather gets cooler (or, in warmer months, do the same with home cooling systems), Dr. Chambers cautions against it.

"Don't leave your heating or air conditioning on all night," advises the somnologist.

2. Consider a cut-off time for drinking liquids

It's important to "ease up on fluids in the evening," says Dr. Harris.

Although it's essential to stay hydrated, and a relaxing cup of chamomile or peppermint tea may even help your sleep, research shows that volume and timing matter.

One study explored liquid consumption two hours before bedtime, and found that all participants who drank 500ml or more experienced nocturia, and had a higher number of nighttime awakenings than the groups who drank less.

If bathroom trips are waking you up over the course of the night, one option is to give yourself a cut-off time for liquids before bed.

Dr. Chambers says that "in people who are waking up multiple times overnight to pee (and don't have a medical condition causing this) we'll sometimes suggest not drinking fluid after 7/8 p.m. in the evening."

3. Don't overthink it

"I think we have to understand that the 3 a.m. wake-ups are perfectly normal, especially if we are falling back to sleep within 20 minutes," Shore says.

Frustratingly, overthinking a nighttime wake-up is only likely to make it last longer.

"Often people wake up and worry that they are not falling back asleep; they watch the clock and start counting how many hours they have left. This can further drive wakefulness, meaning the body starts producing wake-promoting hormones."

She suggests having a winddown routine you can focus on instead if you wake up during the night, which gives your brain something else to focus on and allows you to relax.

This could include deep breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 technique or box breathing, both of which help to slow heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Or you could try progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and releasing muscles throughout your body and can help relax you and relieve stress and insomnia.

"It's about trying to distract your brain and switch it off again so you can fall back to sleep easily," says Shore.

4. Keep clocks out of the bedroom

A tip that follows on naturally (and is linked to) not overthinking 3 a.m. wakeups is to not focus on the time itself if you find yourself awake during the night.

"It may also help to remove any clocks from your bedroom; if you can’t see the time, then it's one less thing to worry about," says Shore.

If you can't do without a clock, or your phone, in the bedroom, Dr. Harris has a suggestion: "Turn the clock away so you’re not watching the hours tick by," she says.

5. Reduce or limit caffeine and alcohol

"Caffeine lingers for hours, ultimately making your sleep shallow," says Dr. Harris.

Shore agrees that "Caffeine can drive wakefulness," and adds that "it is also a mild diuretic, meaning it can increase urination." She notes that people who enjoy a cup of caffeinated tea to relax before bedtime may actually be driving nighttime wakeups to take trips to the bathroom.

Shore adds that alcohol "initially has a sedative effect but then can act as a stimulant too, driving wakefulness." Indeed, multiple studies have shown that alcohol can cause wakeups during the later part of the night and early morning.

Not only that, Shore says "it can dehydrate you as well as increase urination, definitely none of the things you are wanting to do throughout the night!"

To avoid all of the above, "stop drinking alcohol three hours before bed and try to cut off caffeine by noon so they both have time to wear off," advises Dr. Harris.

6. Optimize your sleep environment

"The ideal sleep environment is one that is cool, dark, and quiet," says Dr. Chambers.

To avoid middle-of-the-night wake-ups caused by noise, light and overheating, you may need to adjust a few elements of your sleep space.

"Keep pets out of the bedroom where possible," says Dr. Chambers, who also suggests "invest in some ear plugs if you're near noise. There's good evidence showing they improve sleep quality in noisy environments!"

We've discussed bedroom temperature above, but if you're someone who tends to sleep hot anyway, cooling bedding can be a wise investment. The best cooling mattresses are designed to prevent overheating at night, though a cooling mattress topper can be a more affordable way to achieve a temperate sleep.

Similarly, while blackout blinds or curtains are one of the most effective ways to avoid light pollution disrupting your sleep, they're also not cheap. A much more wallet-friendly option is a blackout sleep mask — some, like the Aura Smart Sleep Mask, even include bluetooth-controlled speakers.

Other tips for reducing nighttime awakenings and sleeping better

• "Waking up at the same time every day to ensure your body clock is steady," says Dr. Harris
• "The best thing you can try and do for your sleep is, where possible, maintain a consistent sleep routine. Try and get up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day and get plenty of morning light," says Dr. Chambers.
• "Write down what is stressing you out before bed so they’re not waiting for you at 3am," says Dr. Harris.

Waking up at 3.a.m. — when to see a doctor

Modifying your nighttime routine and sleep environment is a great way to improve sleep and minimize disturbances to your rest, but there are times when it's important to seek medical advice — particularly if you're consistently waking up at 3 a.m. for months on end.

"See a doctor if it’s happening most nights for a few months or dragging down your days. The same goes if it comes with snoring, gasping, night sweats, frequent bathroom trips or low mood," says Dr. Harris.

Shore suggests that if you notice a regular pattern of nighttime wake-ups — she says "3-4 times a week for 3-4 months," is "normally the length of time we give to say it's not just a blip or a stressful moment" — and that they are affecting your daily functioning, it's time to seek help from a medical professional.

Dr. Chambers points out that "clinical sleep disorders are incredibly common and if someone is waking up at 3 a.m. in the night every night for a long period of time they should consider seeing their doctor. At least one in four adults has a sleep disorder like insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome."

As a trainer, fitness editor and all-round fitness nerd, I get a lot of joy from seeing the needle move in my own training, but also with my clients. And to set them up for success, we always work on foundational, functional strength and movement patterns — think squats, presses, deadlifts and pulls — and basic mobility before we move on to anything else.

That's because if you can't master the basics, the loads shouldn't increase and your variations should wait, unless you have an injury or health condition which prevents you from performing certain moves, of course.

I teach a lot of people in their 50s and 60s, and while some of these clients love the gym, others want to exercise at home with little gym equipment, so that's when I use a "back to basics" approach, which is exactly what these beginner-friendly exercises are.

Take a look below if you need some inspiration and let me know your thoughts — and you results — in the comments below.

Watch: 3 beginner-friendly moves to start with

Here they are. You can use the best kettlebells or dumbbells, or light plates if you prefer.

1. Arnold press

Normally, I'd have clients learn the overhead press first, then move straight to the Arnold press variation. Why? Because this press uses rotation as you lift, meaning all three of the shoulder heads get stronger, making your routine a bit more well-rounded without having to do more.

You still build pressing power and work your upper chest, upper back and triceps, but with a little twist as you go.

Presses are very functional, too, because they mimic lifting something overhead, like a heavy box, or putting your child on your shoulders. This strength exercise can be loaded gradually to become more challenging, and you can slowly improve core stability and pressing power using just a set of weights.

2. Front rack squat

I'm not against gym machines, but you'll build much more stability and work your core muscles harder using free weights. That's because you don't have the controlled support of a machine to guide you, and this allows you to learn from the very start how to control the load using both sides of your body.

In theory, working with kettlebells and dumbbells should reduce the likelihood of imbalances developing because you must lift evenly with your left and right sides. This is known as unilateral training, and it's one of my favorite ways to build balance and coordination in the body.

Enter the front rack squat. You can load one side of the body or use two weights racked at your shoulders with your elbows pressed high to shelve the weights. You'll need to brace your stomach for balance and sit your hips back to achieve a deep squat, working your legs hard as squats do, but also engaging your upper body with the load at your shoulders.

Focus on an upright torso and press through your feet and legs to stand each rep.

3. Renegade row

Finally, we take a look at controlled core and pulling power.

The renegade row can be performed on your knees or in full plank position, which engages your whole body, including your arms, shoulders, glutes, quads, hamstrings and chest, as well as your core. From here, row one weight at a time toward your back pocket, working the back and biceps.

During renegade rows, you'll be positioned in a three-point hold, which means your body must work hard to resist rotation; developing anti-rotation strength will build a stronger, more stable core.

Aim to lift lighter than you'd normally go for a row, then build gradually. Keep your hips square and press out of your shoulders with your hips aligned with the rest of your body. Pull for the count of one, then lower for the count of two or three seconds.

Why these 3 exercises?

Resistance training as a whole is your anti-aging weapon for healthier joints and stronger ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles as you get older. This is especially true for women, as hormonal shifts and metabolism can take a dive later in life, so the more lean muscle mass you have, the faster your resting metabolism is, and the more protected your body will be.

I recommend starting with 8-12 reps per move per side of the body for 3-4 sets. You can add weight every few weeks, but if you don't have equipment, adjust the reps, sets, or tempo. I recommend at least 2-3 strength sessions per week, mixing a variety of movements to target the major muscle groups every few months to keep your body stimulated and engaged.

If you experience pain at any time, stop and rest. If you're working with an injury or health condition, I recommend seeking advice before starting these exercises.

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

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Strength or cardio? Cardio or strength?

It’s an age-old conundrum faced by beginners and experienced exercisers alike, assuming you can’t improve one without undermining the other.

But hybrid training, the increasingly popular practice of developing strength and fitness side-by-side, flips this principle on its head.

New research suggests doing both could even add years to your life.

According to an observational study following 147,000 health professionals over three decades, mortality risk was lowest among participants who trained cardio and strength.

Compared with doing neither, combining one to two hours of resistance training with a hearty dose of aerobic activity (30-45 MET-hours per week) reduced mortality risk by 45%.

For context, 30 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) hours per week is roughly three times the minimum physical activity guidelines for Americans, equating to several hours of brisk walking, running or other moderate-to-vigorous activity.

Strength training alone was also associated with a strong reduction in all-cause mortality (13%). As was aerobic exercise. But combining both led to the greatest results.

That’s no surprise to Charlie Marchon, Co-Founder and Head of MARCHON Training, who specializes in the field of hybrid training and devised this accessible seven-day plan.

“At MARCHON, hybrid training means developing multiple performance qualities side-by-side. Put simply: strength and conditioning,” he tells Tom’s Guide.

“The science lies in managing the interference effect, so that strength and endurance training don't get in each other's way.”

That, he explains, comes down to how sessions are ordered, how hard each one is, and how much recovery sits between them. “At beginner level the interference effect is small and sensible amounts of each will improve both.”

Here, you’ll find Marchon’s seven-day hybrid training plan, plus advice on how to measure improvement and progress the plan over the course of six weeks.

How to use this hybrid training plan to build strength and cardio

To complete this plan, you’ll need two pairs of dumbbells—one lighter for pressing movements and one heavier for squats, hinges and rows.

The week is divided up into three types of sessions:

• Strength: two full-body dumbbell workouts
• Conditioning: two to three runs, mostly at an easy, conversational pace
• Hybrid: one hybrid circuit, alternating running with dumbbell exercises

While suitable for beginners, exercising six days per week will be a big jump if coming from a standing start.

If you’re short on time or would rather ease in slowly, Marchon recommends stripping it back to just the Monday strength workout, Thursday intervals and Saturday hybrid circuit.

“That three-day version still covers strength, harder running and the hybrid link,” he says.

Monday: Strength A

1A Goblet squat

Sets: 3 Reps: 8-10

• Hold one dumbbell close to your chest.
• Keep your knees wide as you lower with control and drive up to stand.

1B One-arm dumbbell row

Sets: 3 Reps: 10 each side

• Place one hand on a bench to create a stable base.
• Pull the weight off the floor in an arcing motion toward your hip.

2A Dumbbell Romanian deadlift

Sets: 3 Reps: 10

• Tuck your chin as you sit, and move your hips back to slowly lower the weights to mid-shin.
• Feel the weight in your hamstrings, then drive your hips forward to stand.

2B Dumbbell floor press (or bench press if available)

Sets: 3 Reps: 8-10

• Position your elbows at roughly 45˚ to your body.
• Powerfully press the dumbbells straight up, then lower under control.

3A Dumbbell step-up

Sets: 3 Reps: 8 each side

• Step up onto a bench or sturdy chair and drive up to stand.
• Lower with control, completing all reps on one side before switching your leading leg.

3B Side plank

Sets: 3 Time: 20-30sec each side

• Stack your feet and rest on your forearm, then lift your hips while breathing normally.
• Drop to your knees if you can’t initially keep your hips lifted for the full 20-30sec.

4A Farmer’s carry

Sets: 3 Time: 30-40 seconds

• Walk proud with control, moving in a figure-eight if space is limited.
• If your grip fails, drop the weights, pause for a moment, then go again.

4B Single-leg calf raise

Sets: 3 Reps: 12 each side

• Perform these on a step to work a greater range of motion.
• Lower slowly, drive up with power.

Take five to 10 minutes to warm up. Do a three-minute brisk walk or jog to raise your temperature, three minutes of bodyweight lunges, inchworms and glute bridges, then two lighter sets of your first superset before your first working set. For each superset, perform exercise A, rest for 30 seconds, then exercise B, rest for 60-90 seconds.

Marchon says: “A squat and a pull, then a hinge and a push. Every major muscle group gets worked without two exercises fighting for the same muscles back to back.”

Tuesday: Easy Run

20-40min run at an easy pace (3-4 out of 10 RPE)

Warm up with a brisk three-minute walk or easy jog. Swing your legs forward and back then side to side for 10 reps. Do 10 walking lunges, 20 small pogo hops on the balls of your feet, 20m of high knees and 20m of heel flicks. Then you’re good to go. Once complete, walk for five minutes then gently stretch your calves and hips.

Marchon says: “Easy running builds your aerobic base and lets you recover from Monday. The pace will feel slow. Don't try to chase intensity. Hold a conversational pace throughout, meaning you can speak in full sentences without pausing for breath. If you can’t run that long yet, alternate two minutes of running with one minute of walking.”

Wednesday: Strength B

1A Dumbbell reverse lunge

Sets: 3 Reps: 8 each side

• Step back, drop your back knee towards the floor, and drive up through your front heel.
• Hold a wall for balance at first to aid balance.

1B Half-kneeling one-arm overhead press

Sets: 3 Reps: 8 each side

• Kneel on the same side as the working arm and squeeze that glute to aid stability.
• Press the weight from your shoulder straight up without leaning to one side.

2A Dumbbell glute bridge

Sets: 3 Reps: 12

• Lie on the floor with one dumbbell across your hips and knees bent.
• Drive your hips high, pause, then lower slowly under control.

2B Dumbbell bent-over row

Sets: 3 Reps: 10

• Push your hips back to hinge forward to around 45˚ with your back flat.
• Retract your shoulder blades slightly then row both dumbbells to your lower ribs.

3A Single-leg dumbbell Romanian deadlift

Sets: 3 Reps: 8 each side

• Hinge forward with a flat back, allowing the other leg to counterbalance your weight.
• Hold a light dumbbell in the opposite hand to your standing leg, keeping hips square.

3B Push-up

Sets: 3 Reps: 6-10

• Place your hands on a bench or perform these kneeling if required when starting out.
• Maintain a straight line through your shoulders, hips and knees.

4A Suitcase carry

Sets: 3 Time: 20 seconds each side

• Hold one heavy dumbbell in one hand and walk proud.
• Don’t let the weight pull you sideways.

4B Dead bug

Sets: 3 Reps: 6 each side

• Engage your core to press your lower back into the floor throughout.
• Slowly alternate lowering one arm and the opposite leg toward the floor.

Warm up and cool down as per Monday’s strength workout. For each superset, perform exercise A, rest for 30 seconds, then perform exercise B, and rest for 60-90 seconds.

Marchon says: “This session swaps in single-leg and overhead work, so you're challenged in different positions to Monday.”

Thursday: Run Intervals

• Warm-up: 10min easy jog at an effort level of 3-4/10
• Intervals: 6 x 1min at 7/10
• Recoveries: 2min easy jog after each interval at 2-3/10
• Cool-down: 5min easy jog or walk at 3/10

Warm up as per Tuesday’s run, finishing the 10min easy jog with three 10-second sprints to get ready for faster running. The intervals should feel comfortably hard, meaning you can utter a few words at a time, no more. Let your breathing settle during the two-minute recoveries before each next effort.

Marchon says: “The one harder run of the week. Short efforts improve your speed and your heart's capacity without the strain of a long hard run. Aim to run every effort at the same pace. If the last one is much slower than the first, you started too fast.”

Friday: Rest

Walking, mobility, or a gentle yoga class is fine, but keep it light.

Marchon says: “Recovery is where the adaptation happens, so take this day seriously.”

Saturday: Hybrid Circuit

1 Run

Time: 3min

• Run at an effort level of 5-6/10.
• Keep breathing steady and controlled, aiming for the same pace each round.

2 Dumbbell deadlift

Reps: 10

• Hinge at your hips, keeping your back flat.
• Grasp the weights and drive your hips forward to stand.

3 Dumbbell push press

Reps: 8

• Hold the weights at shoulder height, palms facing each other.
• Bend your knees slightly, then explode up to power the weights overhead.

4 Walking lunge

Reps: 16 (8 each side)

• Perform these with just your bodyweight or light dumbbells.
• Take a big step forward, lower yourself with control, then power forward.

5 Burpee

Reps: 8

• Drop your hands to the floor, jump or step your feet back.
• Jump or step your feet back to your hands, then stand tall with an optional jump.

Warm up as per Tuesday’s run, then perform one easy practice round of the stations above with light dumbbells before you start. Aim to complete four rounds, resting one minute between rounds. Use moderate weights. This is about moving continuously, not lifting heavy.

Marchon says: “This hybrid session ties the week together. You run, then lift, then run again while you're still a little tired, which builds the ability to keep moving well under fatigue. Treadmill users can do the runs indoors. Outdoors, run an out and back route of 90 seconds each way and leave the dumbbells at your starting point.”

Sunday: Long Easy Run (optional)

30-40min run at an easy pace (3-4/10 RPE)

Warm up and cool down as per Tuesday’s easy run. Set a pace that means you finish feeling like you could have gone further.

Marchon says: “This long easy run is optional in week one; it becomes a key session as the plan progresses. You can use run-walk intervals if you need. If your legs feel heavy from the week, swap in a brisk walk for 45 minutes.”

How to progress this hybrid training plan after week one

This week-long hybrid training plan sets the template to build both strength and cardio in parallel. Marchon recommends sticking with it for a minimum of six weeks.

“Think long term,” he says. “The real aim is a lasting training habit that keeps improving your strength, fitness, health and longevity.”

That means challenging yourself with slightly heavier weights, running for slightly longer, or repeating an extra few reps, sets, or intervals as your strength and fitness improves.

If your sleep starts to suffer, you still feel sore 48 hours after a session, or something hurts rather than just feels worked, Marchon suggests repeating the week rather than moving on.

“Progress that holds beats progress that breaks,” he says.

After six weeks, Marchon suggests repeating the six-week plan starting with your new weights and run times.

“Minimal kit will take you a long way, but in time you'll need heavier weights and more structured training to keep challenging yourself.”

More from Tom's Guide

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• The 5 best ways to build muscle without lifting heavier weights
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2027 is set to be a big year for Galaxy phones, with leaks pointing towards Samsung offering four new phones instead of the usual three. No, Samsung isn't resurrecting the short-lived "Edge" line, rumors and leaks actually suggest we'll see a Galaxy S27 Pro instead.

This phone is expected to sit somewhere between the Galaxy S27 Plus and the ultra-premium Galaxy S27 Ultra. Considering the gap between the Plus and Ultra models has been closing in recent years, that's a bit of an awkward spot. So how is the Galaxy S27 Pro going to make itself stand out from its cohorts?

Here are five key ways the Galaxy S27 Pro stands apart from the S27 Ultra, and two similarities both phones reportedly share.

How they differ

It's got a smaller screen

Samsung's flagships have a lot of similarities, but screen size is not one of them. The three models we see every year all have different dimensions, and it seems like the Galaxy S27 Pro will be following that pattern. According to information from regulatory databases, the phone will come with a 6.5-inch display.

This means it'll sit between the 6.3-inch S27 and 6.7-inch S27 Plus, with a screen that's almost half an inch smaller than the 6.9-inch Galaxy S27 Ultra. This means that the S27 Pro should have a distinct look compared to the S27 Ultra, and that could be enticing for those that want premium phone features without having to pick the largest model.

It's going to be less powerful

Those same databases point towards the S27 Pro coming with less powerful hardware than the S27 Ultra. The Ultra is expected to come with the newly-announced Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 system on chip, which offers major improvements to computing, graphics and AI processing.

The S27 Pro, on the other hand, is tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. model. We don't know what sort of performance to expect from the moderate variant of the Gen 6 chip, other than the fact it's a step above the Gen 5 chip currently in circulation. But don't expect it to be as powerful as the Extreme version.

However we are still assuming that Samsung will employ custom "for Galaxy" variants of both chips, which offer better performance than the non-Galaxy variant. So that should hopefully still give the Pro a nice performance boost.

Don't expect the S Pen

One of the major selling points for the Galaxy S27 Ultra is the inclusion of the S Pen, which slots into the base of the phone whenever you're not using it. Sadly it sounds like the S27 Pro will not feature this particular feature, and potentially makes it far less useful as a productivity device.

My guess is that part of the reason Samsung hasn't added a built-in S Pen is because the S27 Pro is a much smaller device and there's less internal space to store it. It's unclear whether the phone will support a standalone S Pen stylus, as was the case with Galaxy S21 Ultra and various Z Fold devices. But I'm guessing that this won't happen, and those people wanting the S Pen will have to pay out for the Ultra model.

The telephoto camera won't be as good

Samsung's Ultra phones are known for their powerful telephoto lenses, a trend that will apparently continue with the S27 Ultra getting a 50MP lens capable of 5x optical magnification. Meanwhile the S27 Pro is rumored to offer a zooming lens with considerably less resolution and lower optical magnification.

The most common rumor suggests that the Pro will feature a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical magnification. That's noticeably less than the Ultra, but still higher than the 10MP telephoto lenses we've seen on the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.

However there has also been a rumor that claims the Pro will feature a 50MP camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Obviously those potential specs are very different, and would help the Pro stand apart from the standard and Plus models. That said, whichever way you look at it, the Ultra will have the superior zooming camera hardware.

The battery is smaller

Rumor has it that Samsung will be utilizing silicon carbon batteries in the S27 series, including the S27 Ultra and the S27 Pro. Effectively offering greater battery capacity without increasing the size and weight of the phones by a meaningful degree. However, leaks suggest that the S27 Pro will have the smaller battery of the two, with 5,200 mAh to the Ultra's 5,700 mAh.

Don't get me wrong, that's still larger than the 5,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, it does mean that the Pro may not have as much power to work with as the Ultra model. Whether that will matter in the long run, on account of the smaller screen and less powerful chips, isn't clear — and only hands-on battery testing can answer that question.

How they're similar

It looks like both phone will have a 200MP camera

The S27 Pro's telephoto lens may not be quite as impressive as the S27 Ultra's, but the main camera is gearing up to be more or less the same. Both phones are rumored to have a 200MP main camera, which has become a staple part of the Ultra series in the Galaxy Z and Galaxy Z lineups.

We're not too sure whether the cameras will be identical, though. It's possible that there will be some variations in things like sensor size or aperture, but that doesn't change the fact that the Pro is gearing up to offer the same high-resolution photography as its larger sibling.

It's getting a Privacy Display too

The Privacy Display is easily one of the best things about the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and word is that Samsung will be fixing one of the biggest flaws on the S27 series. Specifically the fact that it dims the screen, even when the Privacy Display is switched off. Oh, and it won't be exclusive to the Ultra model this time round.

The S27 Pro is also expected to get a Privacy Display, paired with the brighter M16 OLED display panel. We don't know a lot about whether the Privacy Display may change next year, aside from the brightness thing. But it's good to see that Samsung isn't keeping an important security feature paywalled on its most expensive device.

Maybe one day we'll even see Privacy Display on a phone that doesn't cost over $1,000.

It should have the same charging speeds

The final similarity between these two phones is that the Pro should have the same charging capabilities as the S27 Ultra. By which I mean 60W wired charging and 25W Qi2 magnetic charging. That's right, Samsung will apparently add magnets to its phones next year, but word is that only the Ultra and Pro models will get that particular upgrade.

Bottom line: What is the Pro for?

So far it seems as though the Galaxy S27 Pro is going to be a middle-ground for the ultra-premium market. It offers a lot more than the standard S27 and S27 Plus, but in a smaller form factor than the S27 Ultra. It looks like there will be some compromises made to account for that size change, but not to the same extreme as other options.

The only real question is how much you'll have to pay for one. Samsung's prices have gone up a lot over the course of this year, and rumor is that the S27 series will also suffer a price hike. Which means the S27 Ultra may be extremely expensive, which is likely to put a bunch of people off buying it. That would mean the Pro is effectively the middle-ground option, offering high-end features but at a slightly cheaper and more reasonable price point. Though I still wouldn't expect it to be a "cheap" option.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple's iPhone 20 'all-glass' revolution just got bad news with this new leak
• Now is the perfect time for Samsung to release a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 9 FE — and it's all because of iPhone Duo
• 5 seriously useful iPhone Duo hacks you need to know

Flagship phones continue to be the most coveted devices on the market, prized for their top-tier specs, robust software suites, and class-leading cameras. Over the past year, I’ve spent months testing many of the best phones on the market — including the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Choosing between these heavyweights isn’t as simple as glancing at a spec sheet or trying them out for five minutes at a nearby carrier store. When you plan to shell out well over $1,299, you need to know how each holds up under daily use.

That’s why I’m pitting all three against each other to break down their key strengths, inevitable weaknesses, and most importantly, which flagship is truly worth your money.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Pixel 11 Pro XL: Specifications

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

Even though it’s the one I’ve spent the least amount of time with, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is a marked improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple didn’t hold back here because out of the dozens of devices I’ve tested this year alone, it earns its title as the best camera phone on the market for several reasons.

First and foremost, the main camera features a mechanical variable aperture lens that provides genuine creative control — some examples of which you can see in the gallery above. Wide open, it yields natural optical bokeh, while stopped down, it captures razor-sharp shots edge to edge.

Apple also finally introduced native manual controls courtesy of Pro Controls — a feature notably absent even on the pricier iPhone Duo. This unlocks granular adjustments for shutter speed, aperture, white balance, manual focus, and ISO without forcing you into third-party camera apps. Better yet, these same manual controls extend directly to video recording.

In low light, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is virtually unmatched. While most modern flagships deliver comparable dynamic range under direct midday sun, Apple pulls ahead once the sun dips below the horizon, as you can see in the nighttime sample shots I shot above.

Beyond imaging, the phone is a powerhouse driven by the 2nm A20 Pro chip. Our benchmark testing confirms it sits a level above its rivals in raw computing and graphics processing, yet it remains exceptionally power-efficient — lasting a staggering 18 hours and 27 minutes on our custom battery test to outlast its chief competitors.

Software remains the only mixed bag. While iOS 27 adds welcome Apple Intelligence features — including personal favorites like Reframe — the platform still lags behind the competition in its suite of AI features. Siri AI feels like a breath of fresh air compared to previous generations, but it still falls short of Google’s Gemini. In daily testing, its limited integration with third-party apps keeps it from feeling truly indispensable.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues to be the undisputed Swiss Army knife of smartphones, with this year’s model bringing several notable hardware upgrades. It’s also the flagship I’ve spent the most time testing, having pitted it extensively against both its predecessors and its fiercest rivals.

One of the standout hardware innovations this year is the native Privacy Display, an exclusive feature unlike anything else on the market. It delivers immediate peace of mind by shielding the screen from prying eyes and shoulder surfers — a constant nuisance during my daily subway commute.

On other devices, I’m forced to install privacy screen protectors that permanently degrade screen brightness and color accuracy. With the S26 Ultra, I can toggle the effect on or off at will.

While the S26 Ultra came up just short of the iPhone 18 Pro Max in my camera face-off, it remains vastly superior in one crucial area: telephoto reach. Samsung’s upgraded periscope telephoto lens doesn't just make distance shooting effortless; its combination of optical sharpness and sensor stabilization allowed me to read the minuscule parking regulations on a street sign from clear across the avenue in our sample shots above.

Productivity and software versatility are where the S26 Ultra builds an insurmountable lead. While Samsung’s underlying Google Gemini integration shares parity with other premier Android flagships, it proves just how transformative mobile AI can be when properly integrated. Gemini’s Task Automation genuinely impresses with its ability to execute complex, multi-step actions across disparate apps. Case in point: I was able to place a Dunkin Donuts order through DoorDash with a voice prompt, and it arrived at my door 30 minutes later.

Then there’s the integrated S Pen, an enduring staple you simply won’t find on rival flagships. It remains an unmatched precision tool for annotating documents, sketching concepts, and signing contracts on the go. Even if you don’t pull it out daily, having a built-in active stylus ready without paying extra for an accessory or specialized case adds tremendous value.

Finally, there is the ultimate fallback whenever I accidentally leave my laptop behind: Samsung DeX. Nothing matches the desktop workflow DeX enables when I tether the S26 Ultra to an external monitor or a pair of smart glasses. It transforms the phone into an actual workstation, proving once and for all that I have a full computer sitting in my pocket.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

For anyone who prioritizes software above all else, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the clear contender — and it continues to defend its title as the best AI phone on the market. I’m not just talking about staples like its stock Android 17 interface or Google’s industry-leading pledge of seven years of major OS updates and Pixel Feature Drops.

While it shares baseline Gemini AI features with other Android devices, Google bakes in exclusive software that makes the overall experience feel far more robust. Standouts include Proactive Assistance, which intelligently surfaces contextual actions based on my on-screen activity; Gboard’s Rambler, which offers unmatched conversational voice dictation; and the Creator Studio suite, complete with a built-in teleprompter for mobile video creators. These newcomers sit on top of proven Pixel essentials like Call Screen, Voice Translate, and Pro Res Zoom.

Speaking of zoom, the Pixel 11 Pro XL delivers the longest digital reach in the lineup’s history, maxing out at 120x magnification. When paired with Pro Res Zoom, computational upscaling reconstructs distant details and cleans up grain with remarkable precision — hold it up against the Galaxy S26 Ultra in our sample shots above to see the difference. Creator-focused additions like Magic Capture and custom Camera Looks add even more versatility to an already formidable imaging setup.

The hardware also earns major praise for its 6.8-inch Super Actua display. In our lab testing, it reclaimed the brightness crown, hitting an astonishing 2,877 nits of peak brightness. Direct midday sun simply doesn't wash it out.

The trade-offs, however, stem from familiar hardware limitations. Google's Tensor G6 chip continues to trail Apple and Samsung by noticeable margins across synthetic CPU and GPU benchmarks, which trickles down into less efficient power draw and noticeably shorter battery endurance. Meanwhile, the new rear-mounted HiLight LED feels more like Google’s latest hardware gimmick than a practical tool — reminiscent of the temperature sensor of generations past.

Bottom Line

Choosing between the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Pixel 11 Pro XL is a much easier call now that all three share the exact same $1,299 starting price. Samsung’s Ultra has traditionally been the most expensive of the bunch, but that’s no longer the case — which makes my final verdict much clearer.

If I were spending my own money today, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the flagship I’d buy. Even though the iPhone 18 Pro Max remains an absolute beast with its record-setting battery endurance and superb camera system, the Galaxy S26 Ultra simply delivers the most versatile package for the price. Between its class-leading periscope zoom, the desktop productivity powerhouse of Samsung DeX, Gemini-powered task automation, the integrated S Pen, and the sheer everyday practicality of the Privacy Display, it does things neither rival can match.

When you’re dropping $1,299 on a smartphone, you shouldn't be forced to compromise on utility. Samsung packs the S26 Ultra with everything I’d want in my pocket to tackle my workday and my daily commute.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 seriously useful iPhone Duo hacks you need to know
• Forget iPhone 18 Pro Max — I tested this wild Android/Hasselblad combo for a month and it's my favorite new camera phone
• Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra rumors — release, display upgrades and everything we know so far

No matter what time of year it is, there seems to be one gardening chore that feels like a never-ending challenge — weeds. This is especially the case in damp fall, when I’m finding my gravel paths and patio pavers littered with unsightly weeds.

And while larger, visible weeds with clear taproots are easy enough to pull out, pesky weeds stuck deep in narrow cracks and crevices are super tricky and time-consuming to remove.

Which is why I was thrilled to discover a kitchen staple that is the ultimate trick for clearing weeds between my pavers.

Baking soda has been a staple in my cleaning routine for years, and there are so many uses for this ingredient — but it can also be used as a homemade, cost-effective weed killer. This is due to its elevated sodium levels, which draw moisture out of plant cells, drying out young weeds. But how effective is this?

I asked gardening experts why baking soda actually kills weeds, and exactly how long it takes.

How long does baking soda take to kill a weed?

Similar to commercial weed killers, baking soda acts as a natural bioherbicide that kills weeds on direct contact with foliage. But how fast does it act?

"Visible damage may occur within about 24–48 hours, although results can vary depending on the size and type of weed, weather conditions, and how thoroughly the baking soda contacts the foliage," states Kathleen Hallal, VP of Landcare and Municipalities at FireHawk Bioherbicide.

"Baking soda can be an effective household option for treating small weeds because its high sodium content can draw moisture from plant tissue and cause the weed to dry out."

Should you clear away the dead plants once the baking soda has done its job? "Once a weed has died, removing the dead plant material is generally a good idea, especially for appearance and to keep the area tidy," says Hallal.

While baking soda works well for eliminating smaller weeds, it cannot penetrate the deep taproot of larger varieties. To tackle larger weeds, you’ll need to pull them by hand or use dedicated tools and products.

How to use baking soda to kill weeds the right way

Bear in mind, applying baking soda properly is vital —or else you risk causing unintended harm to your yard.

“When using this kind of method to kill weeds, it's important to be cautious and apply it carefully, as it may also damage surrounding plants and affect the soil if used repeatedly,” advises Paul Parker, plants and bulbs specialist at J. Parker’s.

“Once the weed has died back, it's best to remove it rather than leave it in place. Wait until the foliage has turned brown and withered, then carefully remove the plant using a small shovel and gloves. Try to remove as much of the root system as possible, particularly with perennial weeds, as any remaining roots may allow them to grow back.”

It’s also worth noting that using baking soda is only a temporary fix for young weeds. And for optimal results, it’s best to use it alongside other conventional weed-control techniques.

“Its main limitation is consistency,” adds Hallal. “Baking soda is not specifically formulated for weed control, so it can be difficult to get even coverage, and the powder can blow away or wash off in rain.”

Additionally, baking soda should be used sparingly, as it could have long-term effects on the quality of your soil. “Over time, excessive sodium can affect soil conditions and potentially harm desirable plants, so it should be used carefully around lawns, garden beds, and landscaped areas.”

However, baking soda is still great for occasional spot treatment for small weeds, particularly when tackling those pesky ones growing in paving cracks or driveways.

In any case, try this household staple the next time you need to banish small weeds - and it should take just 48 hours.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 tips to banish weeds from your lawn that won't harm the grass
• This aluminum foil hack keeps birds away from grass seed — and it actually works
• 5 easy tips to fix bare patches on your lawn this spring

When an extreme sense of listlessness engulfs you, it’s easy to just lie back and enter extreme lazy mode as you attempt to sleep off your bored state.

I’m certainly guilty of trying to defeat my boredom by just staring at the ceiling, closing my eyes and trying everything in my power to envision something fun to do that's out of the norm. When I do find something to do, I’m prone to watching another marathon of First 48, sitting down for my 100th viewing of The Dark Knight or making my mood even worse by repeatedly losing in ranked matches in whatever fighting game I chose to play.

Lately, I’ve been perusing ChatGPT’s massive bank of plugins and have discovered the most beneficial uses for some of them. So far, I’ve discovered how good they can be when you need some assistance for your side hustle, protect yourself from scams, get exposed to movie & music recommendations, etc.

My latest journey into the ChatGPT plugins directory led me to find the best ones that cater to folks who are looking for suggestions on how to conquer their tedium and do something lively.

1. AllTrails

Getting out of the house to bask in the great outdoors is always a viable option worth considering when boredom takes over you. AllTrails stands out as a quality plugin aimed at helping users find their next hiking, walking and biking trail adventure. It’s worth giving this plugin a try by prompting it to help you find either type of trail to enjoy based on the level of difficulty and scenery you’re looking for.

The following list of prompts I’ve placed below should give you a good idea of how to get the best outdoor journey recommendations from the AllTrails plugin:

• I'm a beginner hiker. Find me [number] trails that will help me get more comfortable hiking without feeling overwhelmed.
• Find me [number] beautiful hiking trails I can explore this weekend. I want incredible views, interesting scenery and trails that aren't too challenging.
• I'm looking for a hidden-gem hiking trail with waterfalls, lakes or amazing photo opportunities. Find me some options.

2. Viator

Viator can set you on your way to the best experiences at far-flung locations, but it also works just as well at showcasing amazing attractions near your location. Tapping into its ChatGPT plugin can definitely work to your benefit, since you can use it to potentially find cooking classes, activities that are usually out of your comfort zone that you want to try for the first time, excursions and other types of unforgettable experiences.

Using any of the prompts listed below could lead you to the sort of activities you never once considered and end up enjoying more than expected:

• Find me [number] unusual experiences within an hour of my location that I probably wouldn't think to try.
• I'm looking for something adventurous to do this weekend. Find me experiences that are fun, memorable and a little outside my comfort zone.
• Find me the most unusual food experiences available in my area.

3. Ticketmaster

I’m a fiend for live events. Concerts, Broadway shows, basketball games, stand-up comedy shows and wrestling shows take up the majority of the live experiences I enjoy the most. The Ticketmaster plugin has done a great job of highlighting those types of events in my home state and beyond. It’s worth mentioning your price range whenever you prompt this plugin to direct you to the live events you’re searching for.

The following prompts should give you a good idea of how to get the best live event recommendations from this plugin:

• Find me a live event under $75 that would make a great night out.
• Find me [number] fun events happening near me over the next month. Include concerts, comedy shows, sporting events and unusual live experiences.
• Find me a great live music event that would make for an unforgettable date night.

4. Etsy

The Etsy plugin can be prompted to find you its best products based on what you’re interested in. The online marketplace houses a bunch of DIY kits that might just get you addicted to your newest hobby. Crafters, bakers and hobbyists will get plenty of enjoyment out of using this plugin to find the sort of goods that will get your creative juices flowing.

For anyone reading this right now who wants to use Etsy to discover their next DIY obsession, try out any of the following prompts:

• Find me [number] unusual DIY hobby kits that I can try at home. I want something creative that I've probably never attempted.
• I'm looking for a new hobby that doesn't involve screens. Find me some interesting beginner-friendly craft kits.
• Find me a creative project I can complete in one afternoon for under [price].

5. Emaqi

On its own, Emaqi is a digital manga service that features officially licensed Japanese manga for English-language readers in the US and Canada. I’ve used it as more of a physical manga curator that puts a whole bunch of titles on my radar, which usually ends with me going out to pick them up and spending the day being immersed in them. If you’re looking to start your manga journey or are just on the lookout for titles you may not have known about beforehand, it’s worth testing Emaqi’s near-limitless manga knowledge.

The following list of prompts should help you find your next manga obsession and inject a bit more reading into your free time:

• Recommend [number] manga series for someone who loves mystery, psychological thrillers and unexpected plot twists.
• Find me funny manga that I can read when I want something lighthearted.
• Introduce me to 10 underrated manga series that deserve more attention.

6. Chessy

If you feel like staying in while also working your brain muscles, the Chessy plugin works as a fun option that you should try out. It places you in a battle of wits as you play a game of chess against ChatGPT, where you can prompt it to break the inner workings of the game down for you if you’re just starting. Even experienced players who want to see if their chess skills measure up to those of AI should spend some time with this plugin. Improving your strategic thinking and taking those newly found chess skills to human games is the way to go once you’ve challenged ChatGPT a few times.

The next set of prompts highlights the best ways to turn the chatbot into your finest digital chess challenger:

• Let's play chess. I'm a beginner, so explain the reasoning behind your moves without making the game too easy.
• Let's play chess, but after every five moves, give me a quick assessment of how I'm doing.
• I want to improve at chess. Play against me and point out my biggest mistakes after the game.

7. Trivana

Watching my friends and family get all extra animated during a random hangout at somebody’s house sits on my list of the top fun things to do on the weekend. It’s especially entertaining when screaming matches break out (the friendly type, not the angry type) when everyone’s trying to come up with the right answer to a trivia question. ChatGPT’s Trivana plugin stands out as a great tool that will help you have the most fun out of these group gatherings.

Using the next set of prompts should help you create the best trivia nights for you and your knowledgeable crew:

• Create a [number]-question trivia game show about [topic]. Make it progressively harder.
• Create a competitive trivia game for a group of [number] friends, with funny questions and a final lightning round.
• Test my knowledge of weird facts about the world. I want questions that sound completely unbelievable but are actually true.

The takeaway

Getting out of those dreaded doldrums and finding something exciting to do with the help of those aforementioned ChatGPT plugins is worth trying. For someone like me who’s always looking for the best ways to unwind on the weekend and not let boredom overwhelm me, I’ve used that tactic countless times this year. If you’re looking to try something a little different or just want to continue finding the best activities tied to your favorite hobbies, give these plugins and prompts a chance to see where they’ll lead you next.

More from Tom’s Guide

• 7 ways to use ChatGPT to shop smarter — and the prompts to help you save
• New to ChatGPT? Here's how to learn in 15 minutes — this lesson plan could even work for your parents
• I told ChatGPT to make my chores more fun — these 5 plugins made everyday activities even more rewarding and productive

To truly build core strength, you need to target the deep stabilizing muscles that sit beneath more superficial layers like your abs. And to do that, you need to overload them using the correct exercises.

Below, I share three exercises you can try for a stronger, more stable core. These moves target muscles like your obliques, which run down either side of your waist and assist with movements like side bends, and the deep layer of muscle known as the transverse abdominis.

These exercises set your core alight, but they also build strength where it matters: the muscles that support balance, stability and posture. Read on to learn how to do them with proper form.

Watch: 3 Pilates exercises for deep core strength

I recommend 45 seconds on and 15 seconds off for 5 rounds. Here's a little more about the moves you'll be doing. And remember to check out the video above.

If you experience pain, stop immediately and speak with a personal trainer or medical professional for further guidance.

1. Pallof press

Pallof presses are an anti-rotation exercise, meaning you'll engage your deep stabilizers to prevent turning your body to the side. As you perform them, try to keep your hips square and press your hands away in line with your shoulders.

Move slowly for three seconds out and three seconds in. Ideally, you'd perform this with a reformer, but if you don't have one, you can just as easily tie a resistance band to a non-moving object and use it as an anchor.

2. Ab rollouts

Ab roll-outs are fantastic for working your shoulders, arms, abs, the deeper core muscles and hips. You'll feel this down the front of your stomach and along your waist. Unlike using an ab roller, you should feel secure using the reformer bed, and setting the springs means you'll feel challenged during the roll-out and roll-in phases.

As above, I'd use an ab roller if you don't have access to a reformer bed, but make sure your shoulders stay stacked over the roller. Move out slowly, then squeeze your abs and lift your hips to draw the carriage back in. You should aim to create a slight dome through your upper body to help protect your back.

3. Plank knee tucks

Both feet working together force your transverse abdominis to work harder. Planks target muscles across your entire body, while your hips assist in driving your knees in and your glutes activate to protect your lower back and help stabilize your pelvis.

The slower you move, the harder this becomes. It's completely normal for your hamstrings and quads to burn during this exercise, as well as your arms and shoulders.

Your hip flexors help lift your legs with each rep, but try not to let them take over. If you're feeling the exercise more in your hips than anywhere else, focus on core engagement.

You're looking to maintain a straight spine as you simply draw your knees in, then press your legs away from you. You don't need a reformer bed for this exercise; sliders work well, too.

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

More from Tom's Guide

• Not sit-ups, planks, or crunches: I do this simple Pilates exercise every single day to build a strong and stable core and work on my hip flexor mobility
• Not sit-ups or lunges — I use this simple Pilates exercise to sculpt strong obliques, inner thighs and hip stabilizers
• 'I’m a Pilates instructor, and I recommend these 5 core exercises to help older clients build strength and improve posture'

I write about sleep for a living, but I've been secretly locked in a losing battle against my doomscrolling habits. I'd constantly push bedtime later to watch a few more reels or reply to a couple more messages — and my nocturnal phone habit meant that getting out of bed each morning was becoming a chore.

That was until I stumbled on a hidden feature in my Apple Health App. Now I'm far more disciplined when it comes to using my phone around bedtime, making a conscious effort to give myself time to truly relax in the evening and time to ease into the day come morning.

Below, I dig into how I altered my iPhone settings to help me get to sleep on time and wake up with tons more energy. Plus, Dr. Shelby Harris, a board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist and psychologist, explains why enabling this feature works and why it's so important to restrict phone use around bedtime for better sleep.

The iPhone feature that's helping me get my sleep schedule on track

During my time as a sleep tech tester, I've tried my fair share of sleep gadgets. I'll forever rave about the top-rated sunrise alarm clocks and don't know where I'd be without by trusty Oura Ring to help track my rest. But, understandably, I'm yet to find anything that can physically restrain me from using my phone in bed.

"The biggest problem with your phone at night isn’t the screen itself," explains Dr. Harris, who has over 20 years' experience in sleep medicine. "It’s what’s on it. Social media, videos, and games are designed to keep you hooked, with endless feeds and autoplay that make it easy to lose track of time. Before you know it, “just a few minutes” has turned into an hour of lost sleep."

Our willpower is no match for Meta, basically. That's why it's so important nowadays to have measures and discipline in place to stop the endless scrolling when you should be sleeping.

I recommend everybody turns on Sleep Schedule in the Apple Health app. This feature allows you to set a recurring bedtime and wake-up routine. During sleep time, your phone will automatically shift into Sleep Focus mode where notifications and calls are silenced, your lock screen simplifies and phone screens dims.

Without your phone constantly buzzing at your bedside, it's less tempting to pick up and even gives you the chance to forget about your constant notification feed while you drift off to sleep.

Depending on the Wind Down period you set, you'll get a notification telling you to prioritise your sleep. I get this 15 minutes before my desired bedtime, though I'm keen to push this earlier after hearing Dr. Harris' advice.

The Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine says: "The best approach is to put your phone away, ideally outside the bedroom, 30 to 60 minutes before bed and replace scrolling with something calming, like reading a book or stretching."

How to set up your Apple Sleep Schedule

"The iPhone’s sleep tools help turn good intentions into habits," says Dr. Harris. To set up your personalised sleep schedule, head to the Apple Health app (that pink heart in a white square). Find the Sleep section and scroll down to 'Your Schedule'. Open 'Full Schedule & Options'.

Here you can toggle on Sleep Schedule and link it to your phone's Sleep Focus setting.

There's the option to customise your schedule for different days of the week. However, experts recommend sticking to the same sleep and wake times seven nights a week as this helps sync your circadian rhythm (more on this below).

You can also set a Wind Down period between 15 minutes and three hours. During this time, your phone shifts into Sleep mode. Health will notify you when Wind Down begins, encouraging you to transition from scrolling to rest.

For full peace of mind if you have caring responsibilities, you can select certain contacts to break through the notification block. This means you won't block out any important phone calls through the night.

How does a consistent sleep schedule help you wake up with energy?

Sleeping at consistent times from night to night is quickly becoming the most common sleep advice dished out by experts.

Recent science – including a major study by Vitality Research Institute – indicates the 7:1 sleep rule is the bedrock of quality rest. The rule stipulates getting seven hours of sleep every single night keeping your bedtime within in a one hour window is the secret to sleeping well, waking up energized, and indeed living up to four years longer.

Dr. Harris, who specialises in circadian rhythm disorders, explains: "Your body runs on an internal clock that controls when you feel sleepy and when you feel alert. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, that clock learns to anticipate sleep, so you fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling more refreshed."

Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule helps sync your circadian rhythm. When this is in tune, your body will naturally release sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin around bedtime and suppress them come morning so you wake up without lingering grogginess (scientifically named sleep inertia).

Whereas "Irregular schedules, especially sleeping in on weekends, throw that rhythm off and leave you feeling jet-lagged without ever leaving home," adds Dr. Harris.

With a well regulated circadian cycle, you should release the right amount of melatonin through the night to keep you in a healthy sleep cycle, so you get good quality sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

As your circadian rhythm also controls hormones that promote alertness (cortisol and serotonin), you should also experience more stable energy levels through the day.

Ultimately, the New York-based sleep psychologist advises, "If you focus on one thing, make it a consistent wake-up time. That’s the anchor that keeps everything else on track" — and Apple's Sleep Schedule feature can help you do just that, especially if you're a stickler for late night scrolling.

3 top-rated products for a consistent sleep schedule

Aside from the best foldable phones, I tend to see a lot of innovation around rugged phones built for long-term off-grid living or weekend camping getaways.

I’ve tested my fair share of unconventional ones: from the projector-packing Blackview Xplore 2 all the way to the Sonim XP Pro Thermal with its Predator-like heat vision. Every single one brought something wild to the table, but the Oukitel WP63 packs something I genuinely haven't seen before: a built-in electronic fire igniter.

While most phone manufacturers design their hardware specifically to avoid catching fire (ahem, Note 7), this heavy-duty slab embraces it for emergency survival. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting rugged phones I’ve come across this year.

If the igniter alone isn’t enough to convince you, it also packs a massive 20,000mAh battery, a built-in reverse-charging cable, an all-in-one camping lantern, and a night vision camera.

Best of all, it’s currently 43% off for a limited time, dropping the price from $599 down to $339.

Yes, it can help to start a fire

The integrated lighter on the Oukitel WP63 brings back memories of the push-in cigarette lighters found in old-school cars. The heating element is tucked away on the top edge of the phone, popping open to reveal the recessed coil with a light press. Through the dedicated Lighter app, I can trigger the ignition process, which quickly causes the coil to glow with that familiar cherry-red warmth.

It generates concentrated heat capable of sparking dry materials on direct contact — like scrap paper or dried-up leaves that have been baking under the sun. For safety reasons, the igniter enforces an automatic cooldown period of around 10 seconds to prevent the housing from overheating.

While I was genuinely surprised by how easily it lit the corner of an envelope, keep in mind that nursing that spark into a sustainable fire takes real effort. Because it doesn’t produce an open flame like a Bic lighter or butane torch, having prior campfire-building experience makes a huge difference. After several tries, I managed to get a small bundle of brittle autumn leaves to catch, but it definitely requires patience and bone-dry kindling.

Night vision brings genuine outdoor utility

Beyond its standard 64MP main shooter — which delivers respectable shots when lighting conditions cooperate — Oukitel also throws in a dedicated 8MP infrared night vision camera. For a rugged phone built for the backcountry, it’s an invaluable tool the moment true darkness sets in.

While dedicated night vision cameras I’ve tested offer superior performance, especially in how far their IR illuminators can reach, the WP63’s sensor is still ideal for scanning your immediate vicinity for critters rustling in the brush. If you're out camping, it's especially handy when you have to step out of your tent half-asleep in the dead of night and your eyes haven't yet adjusted to the blackness.

Even though the setup is limited to just a single main camera and a night vision lens, the quality from the primary sensor more than suffices for the quick run-and-gun shots I want to share on social media. And the selfie camera up front isn’t too shabby, either.

Blinding light, powerful speaker

As much as I rely on the flashlight on my phones, they’re dinky compared to the blinding beam produced by the WP63’s rear-mounted camping light. At its brightest, it effortlessly illuminates an entire pitch-dark area, and it has serious endurance thanks to the massive 20,000 mAh battery packed inside. With hurricane season in full swing, I’m confident it could easily hold up through an extended power outage. On top of that, an emergency strobe function unleashes an intense beacon that can be spotted from long distances.

I also want to highlight the 3W loudspeaker mounted on the back, which completely puts flagship phone audio to shame. While most phones tend to distort heavily at maximum volume, this speaker delivers surprising low-end punch and clarity — making it feel like I’m carrying a dedicated Bluetooth speaker in my pocket.

Bottom line

The Oukitel WP63 is an unlocked phone ready to run on virtually any wireless carrier, and I love that it features one of the easiest SIM card slots to access without hunting down an ejector pin.

This Swiss Army knife approach works because it nails the practical essentials for off the grid excursions — headlined by its halo feature, the built-in igniter. That utility is backed by smart additions like an integrated USB-C cable, allowing it to double as a ready-to-go power bank for other gear.

Tipping the scales at over 1.3 pounds, it’s certainly not a device I’d want as my primary everyday carry. But as a secondary backup? It’s an easy sell, especially while it's 43% off. Whether you toss it into a glove compartment for road trips or pack it along for a weekend in the woods, the Oukitel WP63 delivers rugged peace of mind when facing worst-case scenarios.

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I really wanted to love the Fitbit Edge, especially when I unboxed the cute pink version of Google’s latest tracker. I’m a huge fan of the $99 Fitbit Air, which launched earlier this year and immediately became one of the best screenless trackers on the market. Yet after two weeks of wearing the Fitbit Edge, I’m not convinced — here are three things I wish Google had done differently.

Before we dive in, you can read my colleague Dan’s extensive Fitbit Edge review here, as well as our Fitbit Air review on Tom’s Guide.

Fitbit Edge: The good bits

Let’s start with what I do like about the $180 Fitbit Edge. Firstly, I’m a fan of the design and fit of the tracker: it’s comfortable and unobtrusive on my wrist, especially compared to the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 or Fenix 9 Pro, which I’ve recently been reviewing.

It’s dainty, and Google has done a fantastic job of releasing a huge range of swappable straps to suit every style. If you want a fitness tracker that’ll disappear, this isn’t quite as tiny as the Fitbit Air, but it still ticks that box.

I also think this device is pretty well priced. It’s $80 more than the Fitbit Air, but you’re getting a screen and built-in GPS. If you’re after a sports watch, I’d still recommend looking at something like the Coros Pace 4, which comes in at a similar price point, but for a fitness tracker, you’re getting a decent amount for your money with the Fitbit Edge.

Now onto the not-so-good bits.

1. The button

Sure, it’s great to have a physical button on a fitness tracker, and this one is better than the haptic buttons we saw on the Fitbit Charge 6, but I’m a little frustrated by how little the Fitbit Edge’s button actually does.

For example, you’d expect the button to start a run, not just stop it; instead, you still need to tap the screen before you start moving. Any runner knows nothing’s more frustrating than trying to swipe a touchscreen with sweaty fingers, especially on the start or finish line of a race.

The same applies to the stopwatch feature — you’d expect pressing the button would allow you to start the stopwatch, but instead it takes you back to the home screen. I’m never one to complain about a button on a wearable; in fact, the more buttons, the better, but I’m confused why the Fitbit Edge’s button doesn’t do an awful lot.

2. No NFC payments

One thing missing from the Fitbit Edge compared to its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 6, is contactless payments. Google says only 1% of Fitbit Charge 6 users utilized this feature, which is why they decided to remove it from the Fitbit Edge, but it still feels like a slightly odd decision in 2026.

3. Not a lot of customization in workout modes

Most people will be buying a fitness tracker to track their workouts, and I found a few things missing during my testing. Firstly, you can’t customize the data fields in workout modes or reorder them to see the ones most important to you. Again, this isn’t a deal breaker, but when the screen is that small, it would be nice to prioritize the data fields you care about most.

Secondly, I really wish you could do more when you’re on a walk or run. For example, you can’t use Google Maps navigation in workout modes, which is something I used pretty frequently when running or hiking around a new neighborhood. You also can’t control your music from the Fitbit Edge once you’re in a workout mode, which again, is something I didn’t realize I relied on until it was gone.

It’s also worth flagging that the GPS on the device is automatically set to dynamic, which means it switches between using your phone’s GPS and the built-in GPS. When you switch the tracker to using the built-in GPS, I found it takes a hit on battery life, using around 11% for an hour-long run.

It’s worth noting here that I’m probably not the target audience for the Fitbit Edge. The majority of people who buy this tracker won’t be using it for everyday runs or super-accurate GPS maps.

It’s designed for the casual fitness enthusiast who wants to keep an eye on their daily health metrics, and for that user, it does a great job. If you’re an endurance athlete or a serious runner, there are better devices on the market for you. Plus, if you’re not, a lot of these problems can be solved with a firmware update, so I wouldn’t let it put you off entirely.

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• I walked 5,500 steps with the Apple Watch 12 vs Garmin Venu 4 — here's the winner
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The screen on the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR display is downright impressive. We measured close to 2,000 nits of brightness using a 10% HDR pattern. As someone who lab-tests every laptop that comes through Tom's Guide for review, I immediately wondered how Apple's latest display would stack up against the competition.

The numbers don't lie. After digging through our benchmark spreadsheets and comparing the results against 80 laptops tested in our lab this year, I can confidently say that Apple's latest MacBook Pro is the brightest laptop we've tested in 2026.

The setup: How we test for brightness

Everyone conducts display testing differently and uses different equipment, so results can vary by equipment and a publication’s testing standards. This is why it is important to understand how we test.

At Tom’s Guide, we test both a display's SDR and HDR performance. For SDR brightness testing, we display a white image on the screen, set the brightness to 100%, and measure it using our Klein K10-A and DisplayCal software.

For HDR testing, which is where we test a laptop’s maximum brightness, we use the same software and colorimeter, paired with copies of HDR test patterns. With the screen at 100% brightness, these patterns play as a movie in the laptop’s native movie player. We use 10%, 40%, and 100% HDR patterns. These patterns fill the screen with the corresponding percentages on a black background while playing.

And a lab tester’s note. The 10% window is a commonly used benchmark for evaluating peak HDR brightness, particularly in television testing. Smaller windows, such as 2% or 5%, can sometimes produce higher peak brightness readings, while larger windows help illustrate how a display handles brighter content across more of the screen.

In two of those HDR patterns (10% and 40%), the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the PROLED XDR display beat the list of 79 laptops that went through our lab this year. I am talking about both Mini LED and OLED displays. Now that’s impressive!

The results

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the PROLED XDR display is Apple’s current flagship, so it is our primary comparison point. On that unit, we measured 1,949 nits with a 10% pattern and 1,965 nits with a 40% pattern. This sets a new record for us in the lab.

Coming in second is the new Surface Laptop Ultra with RTX Spark. Equipped with a mini-LED display, it reaches 1,444 nits at 10% and 1,311 nits at 40%. In third place is the LG Gram 16, which is also an OLED laptop. It measured 1,067 nits at 10% and 1,033 nits at 40%.

As you can see, Apple's HDR results are nowhere close to what we measured on the Windows-powered OLED laptop. In fact, the new MacBook Pro is nearly twice as bright as LG's laptop.

Even more remarkable, Apple is outdoing itself. In our testing, the miniLED display on the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Pro reached 1,427 nits on a 10% pattern and 1,444 nits on a 40% pattern. The new PROLED panel takes Apple's performance to an entirely new level.

What's also impressive is how consistently the new MacBook maintains its brightness. At 10%, we measured 1,949 nits, and increasing the illuminated area to 40% pushed that figure to 1,965 nits. That's a difference of just 16 nits. This shows Apple's new display isn't just producing impressive peak brightness in smaller HDR highlights; it's maintaining it across a much larger portion of the screen for a better HDR picture overall.

As bright as OLED TVs

As someone who occasionally reviews TVs for Tom's Guide, I couldn't resist putting these numbers into another perspective. How does Apple's latest laptop compare with some of the brightest OLED TVs we've tested?

To be clear, this isn't an apples-to-apples comparison (pun intended). We test televisions in one of their most color-accurate picture modes, Filmmaker Mode, which can limit peak brightness. Meanwhile, our laptop brightness testing prioritizes maximum output. Nevertheless, it's an interesting comparison.

Currently, the brightest OLED TV we tested in Filmmaker Mode with a 10% pattern in HDR is the LG G6, which reaches 2,932 nits. Second among OLED TVs is the Samsung 65-inch S95H OLED TV, which reaches 2,721 nits. A budget OLED TV like the Samsung S90H, meanwhile, reaches 1,496 nits.

Of course, other TV technologies are on the market. The Hisense UR9 currently holds the brightness record. Using Mini LED technology, it reached 4,370 nits — the brightest TV we tested to date.

Considering flagship OLED TVs cost nearly as much as a fully specced MacBook Pro, seeing Apple push nearly 2,000 nits on a portable laptop display says a lot about what you’re getting. It’s nearly TV-level quality.

I am seriously impressed even beyond the nits

Raw brightness is only half the story because image presentation and human perception matter just as much. Apple claims a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio on these new OLED panels, and in person, it truly shows.

When lab testing at home, I had the Lenovo Yoga 9n with an OLED panel on the right, my personal mini LED MacBook Pro M3 Max on the left, and the new MacBook Pro with a PROLED XDR display in the middle. A 4K HDR nature video was playing as I peeked at the screens, and it was obvious which was the best.

On one screen showing a parrot, the difference was immediately noticeable. The new MacBook delivered particularly striking detail in the parrot’s individual feathers, and the greens looked more vibrant. Compared with the Mini-LED MacBook Pro and the Lenovo Yoga 9i, the image on Apple's new display looked considerably more lifelike.

As a final note, my colleague watched the “Dune: Part Three" trailer on the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the PROLED XDR display. While standing behind him as he took pictures, I paid close attention to skin tones and color rendition on the MacBook’s screen, as I do when reviewing a TV.

Having personally tested more than two dozen TVs this year, I can say the color reproduction was particularly impressive. In our lab tests, it covered 99.9% of the sRGB color gamut, which is why I came away with the impression of natural-looking skin tones and that exceptionally wide range of colors in the parrot video.

I was impressed by how closely the overall presentation reminded me of some of the best displays I've evaluated. Apple wasn’t playing around this year, and they have set the bar sky-high for the rest of the industry.

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• I waited years for the iPad mini 8, so why do I feel like Apple is ripping me off?
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November 3, 2026, marked a monumental shift for American politics.

The midterm elections resulted in Democrats earning 54 Senate seats, with Republicans gaining 44. Across several battleground states, such as Michigan, Texas and North Carolina, voters turned out in droves for team blue.

Now, the likes of James Talarico, Abdul El-Sayed, Deb Haaland and several other Democratic candidates have now become elected officials across the country.

There’s a wealth of issues that propelled voters to throw their support behind them, such as the US economy, immigration, healthcare and more. However, another issue that has taken center stage is AI data centers, which have gotten a ton of flak recently due to their harmful effects on the environment and the lack of transparency from the companies building them

So many newly elected officials have already given their opinions on AI data centers and may have swayed voters who oppose them to their side. Here’s what James Talarico and several other US midterm election winners had to say about AI data centers.

James Talarico

Back in July, Texas Senator-elect James Dell Talarico made a call for tighter regulations on data center development during his campaign.

During a news conference held in Austin, Texas, Talarico had this to say: “We’re often told in our politics that we have to choose between policies that are pro-growth and pro-people. I reject that choice, and the plan that we’re outlining today to hold data centers accountable, I think, strikes a balance between welcoming those investments while also protecting working people.”

While speaking with CNBC, he provided his thoughts on the intersection of AI, living costs and government oversight. “I think data centers brings together a lot of the issues that people are concerned about: cost of living, corruption in our government, artificial intelligence, and the fact that our government seems to be MIA when it comes to creating guardrails for this new technology,” he stated. “All of those issues are kind of combined in this problem of data centers, and it’s why it’s so emotional for Texans. We’re the epicenter of this data center crisis.”

One of Talarico's main priorities takes direct aim at data centers as he promises to hold them accountable and keep them from increasing the utility bills of residents living near them in Texas.

“End sweetheart tax deals for big tech companies, guarantee large energy users like data centers fund the infrastructure improvements they need rather than passing those costs on to consumers, require new data centers to use a closed-loop system to reduce water consumption and pollution, set minimum federal requirements for new data center projects to protect our grid, environment, and jobs and ensure transparency, and empower local communities to decide whether they want a data center in their town,” his policy idea stated.

Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan Senate race winner Abdul El-Sayed has famously pushed back on the development of data centers.

Even though he agrees with the concept of moratoriums being placed upon them, El-Sayedstill feels like the corporations backing data centers will still push for future development projects. “You’re talking about the potential for dozens of dirty data centers to pop up,” he noted. “What local communities are waiting for when they’re proposing moratoria is for the federal government to set a floor that protects all of them, and I think the federal government needs to set that floor.”

During a press conference in Saline, Michigan, back in July, El-Sayed noted that the federal government must intervene in the continued proposal of data center development.

“Unless and until the federal government stands up to act, we are going to watch dirty data centers get approved because they’re able to truck local politicians using exactly the same way that corporations get their way in our politics all the time,” he stated. “Political contributions, lobbying, and an army of lawyers. And unless and until we have those terms of engagement at the federal level, I stand with local and state elected officials saying that we cannot approve any more of these until we have federal level guardrails.”

El-Sayed's policy agenda, called “Terms of Engagement for Data Centers,” lays out several ideas meant to push back against the development of data centers in Michigan and the US as a whole.

Deb Haaland

The woman who was elected as the next governor of New Mexico (and is now recognized as the first female Native American governor) outlined a plan in September focused on holding data centers accountable and backing a moratorium on new large-scale development projects until proper guardrails are put in place.

Within that plan, Halland had this to say about her devotion to helping her state fight back against data centers. “New Mexicans are right to be concerned about the fast-paced growth of data centers,” she noted. “Our communities should be protected. That’s why I support a moratorium on data centers until the state adopts clear and transparent accountability measures for this industry. New Mexico has the opportunity to lead the way on how to protect our communities, safeguard our water, boost our economy, and sustain our environment for generations to come.”

Haaland’s proposed plan to keep data center development in check hits on the following points:

• No backroom deals, strong community benefits
• No utility rate increases & reliable energy for New Mexicans
• Protect New Mexico’s water
• New Mexico jobs for New Mexico workers
• Expand renewable energy
• Clean air, land, and habitat
• Clean up your mess
• Accountable to communities

Dr. Amy Acton

Last month, the governor-elect of Ohio spoke to WHIO 7 NOW in response to their question about her opinion on data centers. Dr. Amy Acton clarified that while she’s open to them being developed in Ohio, regulation must be at the forefront of their development. “We’re open for business, but we’re not for sale in Ohio. If you want to do business here, we have meaningful guardrails and you need to comply with it,” she said.

Acton’s official campaign site brought up data centers as one of the priorities she promised to stay on top of. She noted that she wants to make sure “costs for gas, water and electricity need to be covered by data centers and their investors and promised that “Ohio won’t loosen our air quality and groundwater standards for data centers,” among other qualifications.

Acton is only interested in having data centers constructed in Ohio if they’re able to meet the qualifications put upon them:

“I support a conditional moratorium on data centers to ensure they cover one hundred percent of their utility costs, exclusively build with union labor, operate with full transparency, support the needs of local communities, live by Ohio’s environmental standards, and bring jobs to former industrial areas that have been left behind.”

Gina Hinojosa

Just like some of her fellow Democratic election victors, the governor-elect of Texas backs a moratorium on the creation of new data centers. Hinojosa also supports the introduction of stricter regulations on the water & power consumption of data centers, plus she’s seeking an end to tax breaks for the companies behind their development.

While speaking to ABC News last month, Gina Hinojosa noted that she didn't expect the issue of data centers to be such a major topic for her campaign, "but the thing about the data centers is it's a physical manifestation of a government, a governor doing the bidding of the moneyed interests and leaving the people to fend for themselves ... it's also told the story of a larger problem in Texas."

The following YouTube short also offers more of Hinojosa's thoughts on data centers:

Final thoughts

The prevailing trend among many of this year’s midterm election winners is that the development of data centers must be properly regulated. The people living in the states where data centers have become prevalent are not too fond of their harmful effects on the environment, the ways in which they’ve boosted their utility bills and more.

The elected politicians mentioned beforehand, as well as other newly elected politicians such as New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte and Wisconsin's first Black governor David Crowley, agree to oppose the hastening development of data centers without proper guardrails.

More from Tom’s Guide

• 'Google is making clear it will punish those who don’t fall in line': Google will turn off search for schools that ban AI
• Elon Musk spent nearly $500 million on the midterms and lost big — now his AI empire faces a new threat
• 'We would have been better off never developing it': The 'Godfather of AI' warns we may regret creating AI

The new Fitbit Edge features onboard GPS, which is a very good thing for folks who enjoy outdoor workouts, and also just one of the many reasons it's one of the best fitness trackers you can buy.

Unlike the more entry-level Fitbit Air, you can accurately log location, distance, speed, pace, climb, and more with the Edge without needing to carry a paired smartphone.

The Fitbit Edge’s onboard GPS is a battery hog

There is one downside to the Fitbit Edge's onboard GPS though: it uses a lot of battery. Just to be clear, the wearable's overall battery life is pretty solid; I averaged about a week of use per charge while writing the Fitbit Edge review.

However, when using the Edge's onboard GPS for location tracking, it burns through roughly 12% battery per hour. This translates to just over eight hours of use before it's lights out.

But it's not your only option for logging outdoor workouts

Fortunately, there are a few ways to minimize battery drain without sacrificing location tracking insights. Both can be found in the Google Health app under Devices > Fitbit Edge > Device preferences > GPS settings.

Here you can switch location tracking from built-in to either dynamic — which uses both your smartphone and the onboard antenna — or smartphone-only.

The disadvantage of switching off the onboard GPS, of course, is that you now need to haul your smartphone along. But then again, if you're logging an eight-plus-hour workout, it may not be a bad idea to carry a means of communication just in case of emergencies.

More crucially, the non-onboard GPS options significantly reduce battery consumption in my testing. For example, switching to dynamic GPS increases battery life from around eight hours to closer to 25 hours for outdoor workouts.

But does turning off the onboard GPS negatively impact tracking accuracy? The Google Health app seems to suggest that it might, noting that the built-in option offers "high accuracy" while the dynamic one "automatically switches between devices to optimize battery and accuracy." Hmmm..

But are the Edge's other GPS modes as accurate?

To find out if there's really a difference in tracking accuracy between the three GPS modes, I logged three 30-minute walking workouts using each one. As a control, I also logged the walks using my reliable Garmin Forerunner 170 Music, worn on the opposite wrist.

Find the results below:

In my first test using only onboard GPS, the Fitbit Edge delivered impressively similar data to the control, including a step count total that's off by only one.

Next up, the dynamic GPS test.

Test 2: Onboard GPS + phone GPS

When using the Fitbit Edge's dynamic GPS mode, which switches between the onboard and smartphone-based antennas, the Edge once again logged data that falls remarkably well in line with the control across the board.

Finally, let's see how the Fitbit Edge performs in smartphone GPS-only mode.

With the exception of somewhat sluggish pace data, the Fitbit Edge's smartphone-only GPS tracking mode is also right on the money in terms of step count, distance, and climb data.

Which Fitbit Edge GPS mode is best?

Ultimately, all three Fitbit Edge GPS modes delivered accurate-enough results that I'd confidently rely on any of them going forward, but is one definitively the best? That's going to truly come down to the user.

For example, I plan to set and leave the Edge's built-in tracking switched on unless a particularly long hike or multi-day trek is in my future, in which case, dynamic mode will be my preference. Actually, in that scenario, I'd probably opt for something more rugged, like the Garmin Instinct 3, to log my efforts instead.

But for everyday jogs, bike rides, dog walks, urban hikes, and other casual, quick workouts where I don't want the bulk of a smartphone weighing me down, you can bet I'll be sticking with the onboard GPS.

More from Tom's Guide

• I walked 5,000 steps with the Apple Watch SE 3 vs Fitbit Edge — and the results are impressive
• I was having issues with Fitbit’s auto workout detection — until I changed this one setting
• I’ve tested over 100 fitness trackers head-to-head — 3 workout stats I trust the least

With Stranger Things Day now here, it's time to find out whether you've been paying attention to every twist, turn and trip to the Upside Down. Netflix's hit sci-fi series has given us five seasons of unforgettable characters, terrifying monsters and plenty of mysteries to pick apart. And even after the finale, fans haven't stopped searching for answers.

Remember Conformity Gate, the viral fan theory that claimed the ending was an illusion created by Vecna and that a secret ninth episode was waiting to drop? Sadly for anyone holding out hope, that surprise episode never arrived. But that hasn't stopped the theories, Easter egg hunting and debates about what really happened in Hawkins. So, how well do you remember Eleven, Vecna, the Hawkins gang and everything in between? Take our Netflix quiz and see if you can get every question right.

If you’re still in the mood for a challenge, there’s plenty more to test your knowledge on. Try my classic movie quiz next, or see if you can match these 10 stars to their iconic '80s movies, featuring Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and more.

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

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We all know that plugging in your laptop is supposed to make it faster, but new testing of an Nvidia-powered laptop found the exact opposite, with AI performance dropping by nearly 80% when running Linux.

The surprising discovery comes from MindStudio, which tested an MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+ powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark platform. The team wanted to see whether Linux could run on the machine without sacrificing the performance available through Windows.

It could, but there was a major catch. When running OpenAI's GPT-OSS-120B model, the laptop generated 65.4 tokens per second on Windows. Running Linux directly on the same hardware while plugged into a charger brought that figure down to just 13.9 tokens per second.

That's a nearly 79% reduction in AI performance simply from changing the operating system. But even stranger, unplugging the laptop brought much of that performance back.

The surprising problem with Nvidia's AI laptop

Nvidia's RTX Spark platform is designed to bring powerful AI capabilities to laptops. The MSI laptop tested by MindStudio supports up to 128GB of unified memory, allowing users to run large AI models directly on their devices instead of relying on cloud services.

However, MindStudio found that the laptop's AI performance varied dramatically depending on whether it was running Windows or Linux.

Here's how the same AI model performed across the tested configurations:

The performance gap showed up in other tests, too. Windows completed one AI workload in roughly eight minutes, while Linux took 37 minutes to finish the same task.

MindStudio initially considered whether overheating might be responsible, but temperatures stayed between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius. Instead, the team found that the GPU was running at much lower clock speeds under Linux.

On Windows, the GPU reached approximately 2.2 GHz. But when running Linux while plugged in, that speed dropped to around 780 MHz, helping explain the dramatic difference in performance.

Why plugging in makes things worse

The researchers traced the problem to an Nvidia component called Platform Controllers and Framework.

On Windows, this component manages how the laptop distributes power between its CPU and GPU. Linux doesn't currently have equivalent support for the system tested, leaving the GPU unable to reach its expected speeds when plugged in.

MindStudio tested that explanation by disabling the controller in Windows. Performance immediately dropped, and GPU clock speeds fell to approximately the same levels seen under Linux. Restoring the controller brought performance back.

The team also reported that the firmware's power-management information is encrypted, preventing Linux from accessing the settings needed to control the GPU properly. That helps explain the strangest discovery of all: when running Linux on battery power, the laptop produced roughly 61 to 67 tokens per second in separate testing. Plugging it in dropped performance to around 15 tokens per second. So, yea, the laptop actually performed substantially better when disconnected from its charger.

There's a workaround, but it involves Windows

The good news is that users who want Linux-based AI tools don't necessarily have to sacrifice performance. MindStudio found that Windows Subsystem for Linux, better known as WSL, delivered almost identical performance to running Windows directly.

That's because WSL uses the Windows driver system, including the power-management components that allow Nvidia's GPU to reach its full speed.

There are some limitations. The researchers had to adjust WSL's memory allocation to accommodate larger AI models. Installing Linux directly also required additional workarounds for hardware support and memory configuration.

For now, WSL appears to offer the better experience on the tested hardware.

What this means for Nvidia laptop buyers

Keep in mind that these findings are from one study and do not mean that every Nvidia-powered laptop will slow down when running Linux. The testing focused on a specific RTX Spark system, and the results haven't been independently replicated across other laptop models.

It's also important to distinguish these laptops from Nvidia's DGX Spark desktop, which runs Linux and performed substantially better in the same benchmark.

Still, the results raise questions about software support for a new generation of PCs designed to run powerful AI models locally.

For consumers considering an RTX Spark laptop specifically for Linux-based AI workloads, the operating system could make an enormous difference to the performance they actually get.

Until Nvidia provides equivalent power-management support for Linux, buyers may find that keeping Windows installed is the fastest option.

Tom’s Guide has reached out to Nvidia for comment and will update this story if the company responds.

More from Tom's Guide

• Living near an AI data center might not hurt your home's value — here's what new research found
• ChatGPT has a clever new way to fight back against election deepfakes — I tried it and it actually works
• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate

Did you ever wish your AI avatar could dance? Meta chief AI officer Alexandr Wang announced the new feature on X, showing how users can turn their personal Muse avatar into a dancing video and share it with friends.

The feature lets people post their dancing Muse to Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp, or save the video to their phone.

Wang also shared a second demonstration showing that users with a connected Instagram account can create the video directly from Instagram Stories.

It's a playful addition to Muse, Meta's personal AI assistant, which launched in September. While most AI assistants focus on answering questions or completing tasks, Muse also gives users a personalized character they can interact with.

How to make your Muse dance

You don't need a separate video editing app to try the feature. Simply open the Muse app and go to your chat. Then do the following:

• Tap your Muse avatar.
• Select the share button in the upper-right corner.
• Choose to share the dancing video to Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp, or save it to your device.

If your Muse is connected to Instagram, Wang says you can also open Instagram, create a new Story and select your Muse to make it dance.

Meta hasn't specified whether the feature is available in every region or whether any account restrictions apply.

Meta wants your AI assistant in your social feed

The update gives Muse a role beyond the usual AI chatbot experience. More than just interacting with a private assistant, Muse is meant for users to share with their friends.

It's a natural fit for Meta, which already owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Bringing Muse into those apps makes it easier for users to share AI-generated content without relying on a separate video-generation service.

The dancing feature gives people another reason to open the app, experiment with their AI character and share the results. And unlike AI video tools that require users to describe scenes and refine prompts, this feature appears designed around a few taps.

Bottom line

Meta's latest Muse update is just a fun way to get to know Muse, but it also shows how the company is connecting its AI assistant with its social platforms. For anyone who already has a Muse avatar, the feature offers an easy way to create a short, personalized video without starting from scratch.

Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• Living near an AI data center might not hurt your home's value — here's what new research found
• ChatGPT has a clever new way to fight back against election deepfakes — I tried it and it actually works
• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate

November 19, 2026 is a date that’s been etched into my memory, circled in red on my calendar and set up as a day where I’m considering using my PTO to enjoy it.

Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI has made plenty of headlines (some good, some bad). There’s plenty to be excited about from a gameplay perspective, such as its dynamic weather, deep relationship systems and vastly improved behaviors for NPCs (Non-Playable Characters). Not being able to truly celebrate a midnight launch for the game since there’s no actual physical disc for the game is a major bummer, though.

Even with all the controversy surrounding GTA 6, I’m still hyped beyond belief for what is undoubtedly the biggest game release of the year. As soon as November came calling, I tapped into ChatGPT and requested its help with preparing for its impending launch.

ChatGPT gave me a list of tasks to do, games worth checking out and gaming gear I should consider picking up to further enhance my GTA 6 experience.

What it told me to do first

When I presented this prompt (“Grand Theft Auto VI is releasing on November 19. What are the best ways to prepare for its launch?”) to ChatGPT, it gave me a bunch of activities to tend to before the big day arrives. A lot of them stood out as objectives I’ve already considered doing, such as muting any GTA 6-related keywords on social media to avoid spoilers.

The one pre-launch ritual it told me to pay close attention to is to get my console storage ready for the game itself. Rockstar already announced that their latest open-world experience will take up 212 GB on PS5 consoles and pre-loading for that device will start on Tuesday, November 10 at midnight local time (Eastern Time Zone, for me). My PS5 Pro has 685 GB of free storage, so my console is more than ready for the pre-load process.

What it told me I should play to get in the right mindset

Since I want to save my PS5 Pro’s internal storage for GTA 6 and enjoy games similar to it on my Xbox Series X, I felt it was time to sift through a bunch of titles that deliver a mix of open-world crime gameplay, Florida-inspired adventures, immersive driving and incredible storytelling. After I asked ChatGPT a follow-up question (“And what gams should I play to get myself in the right mood for Grand Theft Auto VI?”, ChatGPT curated 10 picks I should consider trying out.

Out of that list of games ChatGPT recommended, five of them stood out as first-time experiences I’ll jump into before November 19 finally arrives (I know you’ll be shocked to know that I haven’t touched any of these games yet…):

• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition: This is arguably the most important game to revisit. It gives you the original Vice City atmosphere: neon lights, beaches, palm trees, criminal empires and an unforgettable 1980s soundtrack. Get reacquainted with the city that inspired GTA VI.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: If there's one game that demonstrates Rockstar's ability to create an incredibly immersive world, it's this one. Experience exceptional environmental detail, memorable characters, unpredictable encounters and storytelling.
• Watch Dogs 2: Explore a vibrant city, hack vehicles, cause chaos and take on missions with a group of hackers. Its humor, social commentary and open-world freedom feel very GTA-like.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered: A ridiculous, over-the-top criminal adventure full of outrageous missions, weapons, vehicles and hilarious situations. For the fun, unpredictable side of GTA.
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Explore a wonderfully detailed Japanese entertainment district, get involved in criminal rivalries and discover dozens of entertaining side activities. It captures the joy of exploring a living city where something interesting is always happening.

What it told me to consider buying to enrich my experience

For my final prompt aimed at getting ChatGPT to build out my GTA 6 pre-launch checklist, I themed it around getting the best gaming gear that could fully immerse me in my return to Vice City.

This is the prompt that I went with: “What gaming monitor, gaming headset, and soundbar should I consider getting to truly enjoy my Grand Theft Auto VI experience on PS5 Pro?” ChatGPT laid out three top picks for each category, but I took special note of the items that it chose as its most viable options:

• My monitor pick: The ASUS ROG Strix XG32UCDS for value, or the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 if you prefer its screen treatment and smart-monitor features.
• My headset pick: Sony INZONE H9 II for a comfortable, straightforward PS5 Pro setup. If sound quality matters more than weight or noise cancellation, I'd lean toward the Audeze Maxwell 2.
• My soundbar pick: Samsung HW-Q990F if you're using a TV and want surround sound. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more practical for smaller rooms.
• One important compatibility warning: If you're buying a monitor and soundbar together, don't assume they'll connect directly. With a gaming monitor, you'll need to verify its audio output options. An HDMI audio extractor or eARC adapter may be necessary, and it must preserve 4K/120Hz, HDR and VRR if you want those features. For a desk setup, a good headset and compact speakers may be more practical than an expensive home-theater soundbar.

After considering all the options ChatGPT gave me, I added the ASUS ROG Strix XG32UCDS monitor and the Sony INZONE H9 II headset to my Amazon wishlist (I can live without a soundbar right now…).

The takeaway

ChatGPT’s pre-launch GTA 6 checklist gave me plenty to do for two weeks and a few more days before Rockstar’s newest release lands. Gearing up my PS5 Pro for the pre-load process, enjoying some similar open-world epics on my Xbox Series X and upgrading my gaming monitor & headset before the big day arrives have become my marching orders.

Now I have everything I need to do, play and buy to get in the right mood before I raise my star level to six during my first rampage through the neon-lit streets of Leonida.

More from Tom’s Guide

• The ultimate GTA 6 setup starts with one of these epic Mini-LED and OLED TV deals
• The best PS5 and Xbox setup for GTA 6 — here are the must-have TVs, controllers, headsets and more
• I'm replaying Red Dead Redemption 2 to prepare for GTA 6 — 5 features that need to return

Sharing a fence line with your neighbor next door can be a blessing and a curse at times. Figuring out where your property ends and what you're legally allowed to do gets confusing fast. You've probably run into this when painting your side of a shared fence or chopping back overhanging branches.

But what can you do if your neighbor’s plants are starting to take over your yard?

While hacking away at whatever crosses the fence seems like an easy fix, you'll want to double-check the rules first. Plus, who's stuck cleaning up the mess?

To prevent a neighborly dispute, I asked experts about the legal rules around encroaching greenery. How should you handle invasive plants from next door, and what is the best way to address the issue with your neighbor?

Here's everything you need to know.

Can I just trim the plants myself?

According to experts, you can trim it yourself, but only cut the foliage that extends to your property line. And if there is any uncertainty, it’s advisable to get a land surveyor in to determine your boundaries.

“I recommend looking up a plot of your property or hiring a land surveyor to ensure that you accurately identify the boundary,” suggests Yury Byalik, J.D., founder of CivilCase.

“Only cut what extends onto your property; you could potentially owe compensation to your neighbor if you go too far and cause the tree to die or fall. Be careful with weed killers, too. Intentionally spraying a neighbor’s tree may result in triple damages!”

So, what precautions should I take when cutting back my neighbor's invasive plants?

“Legally speaking, you're generally within your rights to cut back any plants growing onto your property as long as you don't severely damage your neighbor's plants,” adds Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes.

“One exception here is if you're dealing with some kind of protected species. Conversely, if the plants growing into your yard are invasive or noxious, you will often have more leeway in dealing with them.”

Also, keep an eye out for nasty invasive weeds like Japanese knotweed, which usually need pros to clear out. Want more tips? Check out how to tackle Japanese knotweed and stop it from taking over your yard.

How do I bring this up with my neighbor?

Speaking to your neighbor about such awkward issues can feel like a burden, but it doesn't have to be. Getting it out in the open early will save you a massive headache (and potential costs) later.

“First, take photos and send a polite note,” advises Yury Byalik, J.D., founder of CivilCase. “Begin by taking dated photos of the encroaching plant, including some sort of measuring device, such as a tape measure or fence post, in the frame. This will document just how far the plant has spread.

“Once you have the photos, write a brief and friendly note describing the plant and requesting a trim. A polite initial contact is always wise; it also provides evidence that you notified your neighbor in the event the dispute ever ends up in court.”

Of course, if your neighbors are still uncooperative after discussion, you might have grounds for legal action — especially if the plants are getting out of hand.

“Your next step should be a demand letter, which can resolve the matter before litigation begins,” states Byalik.

“Clearly describe the plant, the damage, how it should be fixed, and a 30-day deadline to do so. Send the letter via certified mail, which will give you proof of delivery.

“Small claims court may also be an option, particularly if your neighbor’s tree has caused significant damage like cracking the patio or raising the fence. In some states, you can sue for the cost of repairs, and you don’t need a lawyer. But if your neighbor’s tree is just leaving its leaves in your yard, a small claims court may not be the best option.”

Ultimately, you’re better off avoiding any legal disputes, so aiming for an amicable resolution to maintain good relations is ideal.

After all, supportive neighbors can be invaluable in the long run.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 rude habits your neighbors hate
• Is it okay to paint your side of your neighbor's fence?
• These 7 plants will create more privacy in your backyard

Elon Musk spent nearly half a billion dollars trying to help Republicans win the 2026 midterm elections. Instead, Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, Texas elected a Democratic governor for the first time in more than three decades, and voters across the country backed new restrictions on AI data centers.

For Musk, those election results might have consequences beyond Washington since the billionaire has invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to power AI. Musk has massive data centers that support his Grok chatbot and agent Grok Bot and has built a significant part of his business empire in Texas. The incoming governor, Gina Hinojosa, has proposed a moratorium on new data center development, making her election particularly relevant to Musk's AI infrastructure expansion in Texas.

Nearly $500 million wasn't enough

According to campaign finance reporting from The New York Times, Musk contributed approximately $474 million to political groups and candidates during the 2026 election cycle.

The money included roughly $216 million for his America PAC and $168 million for the Senate Leadership Fund, which backed Republican Senate candidates.

Musk appeared to acknowledge the losses early Wednesday morning, joking on X, "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time."

Jokes aside, Hinojosa's win is significant since Musk has relocated major business operations to Texas, and SpaceX has plans to expand its computing infrastructure at its Starbase complex in Boca Chica.

According to Reuters, chip research firm SemiAnalysis has identified more than 9 gigawatts of planned or developing computing capacity associated with Musk's AI ambitions, including projects in Texas.

But companies planning new facilities may face longer approval processes, closer scrutiny of their electricity consumption and changes to the financial incentives that made Texas attractive in the first place.

Voters across America sent a message about data centers

Musk's political losses coincided with a broader change in public attitudes toward data centers. According to The Verge's November 4 election analysis, 45 local ballot measures addressed data center development nationwide. By Wednesday morning, results from 33 favored restrictions on construction.

Those restrictions varied considerably. Some communities supported temporary construction moratoriums, while others voted to prohibit facilities above certain electricity-demand thresholds.

In El Dorado, Kansas, voters approved a 10-year ban on data centers with peak electrical demand exceeding 10 megawatts. In Wells, Maine, voters favored a temporary moratorium on large facilities.

The concerns driving these votes have become familiar to residents living near proposed data centers: electricity prices, water consumption, noise, pollution and the question of who should pay for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

An NBC News Election Day poll also found that 76% of respondents opposed having a data center in their community.

Musk's existing data centers already face legal challenges

The political shift aside, Musk's AI infrastructure was already facing challenges. Near Memphis, Tennessee, his company's Colossus data centers rely on enormous amounts of computing power to train and operate AI models.

The operation has also generated complaints from surrounding communities about the natural gas turbines used to provide electricity.

On October 30, a federal judge rejected a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the NAACP over turbines operating in Southaven, Mississippi.

The lawsuit alleges that the turbines require air permits and expose nearby residents to harmful pollution.

These disputes are separate from Tuesday's election results, but they illustrate the regulatory and community opposition that can complicate even projects already under development.

What happens to Musk's AI plans now?

Musk's companies have already committed substantial resources to computing infrastructure, and demand for AI processing capacity continues to drive expansion across the industry.

But now Texas could introduce new restrictions on development and local communities now have more political support for proposed facilities. For consumers, we might see more protections against higher electricity bills, increased water consumption and pollution near data centers. But, none of those changes will happen overnight.

America's data center boom isn't ending, but the companies building the infrastructure behind AI may have a harder time expanding.

More from Tom's Guide

• Living near an AI data center might not hurt your home's value — here's what new research found
• ChatGPT has a clever new way to fight back against election deepfakes — I tried it and it actually works
• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate