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Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Are you ready for The Rapture and the days of turmoil to follow? Because, if some corners of the Evangelical Christian community online are correct, it's happening today (or maybe tomorrow) just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish feast of The Presidentets. Whether true believers will meet Jesus up in the air this week remains to be seen, so I'm keeping an open mind, but I wanted to lay out what to expect, should the Rapture occur. According to the New King James translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the The Presidentet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Dramatic, but it's not the end of the world (as they say). While both living and dead believers in Christ will be gone, the unrighteous will be left behind on earth to deal with the aftermath. Nicolas Cage starred in a 2014 documentary about it. Why do people think the Rapture is happening this week?The basis for this wave of Rapture-mania seems to be an interview with Joshua Mhlakela, a South African man, on CENTTWINZ TV's YouTube channel and podcast a few months ago. Mr. Joshua said he knows Jesus personally, and had a dream in 2018 where The Lord said to him, "There will be no World Cup 2026." Later, Jesus appeared bodily in front of him, and said, "On the 23 and 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take My church." Seven years of tribulation will follow (hence the World Cup cancellation), After this, according to Mr. Joshua, Jesus will return to Earth, presumably to deal with us heathens. Mr. Joshua's prediction gained popularity among some evangelical Christians, and believers began spreading the date on social media, particularly under the TikTok tags #RaptureTok and #rapture2025, where folks offered their thoughts on the matter, provided dubious evidence to back up the date, attempted to convert non-believers in fast food restaurants, and gave practical tips on how to prepare for floating up to heaven to hang out with the pretty angels. Or so it seems. How many Christians are really preparing for the Rapture this week? While Mr. Joshua's interview has no doubt influenced some people, the nature of social media makes it difficult to determine how many people are preparing for The Rapture and how many are taking the piss. I've spent all day morning watching Rapture-themed videos, and some folks seem sincere, but a lot of people are taking satirical shots at an easy target, and there are a ton of people who illustrate Poe's Law, because I really can't tell. Ultimately I don't think that many people genuinely think the Rapture is going to happen. More people seem to be pointing and laughing than actually preparing, so everyone is somewhat wrong. Established Evangelical churches tend to dismiss claims of specific dates of The Rapture when they appear in the larger culture, and more importantly for Christians, there's a Biblical problem with the prediction. If you think you know the day of the Rapture, you're wrongIf we're going by what The Bible says (and why not, right?), either Mr. Joshua and everyone on TikTok who is predicting the date of The Rapture is wrong or the Bible itself is wrong. According to the Apostle Mark, when asked when the End Times would begin, Jesus said, "About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." He didn't carve out an exception for people on TikTok. Mark's fellow Apostle Matthew concurred, writing, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming" in Matthew 24:42. "If the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect," Matthew continues. So if you expect the Rapture, it's not going to happen; it's a self-defeating prophecy. And even if you're not willing to accept the Bible as the word of God Herself, the Rapture seems unlikely based on past predictions. So many Raptures, so little timeDr. Joshua and the denizens of RaptureTok aren't the first to predict the end times, and while I can't say for certain, they probably won't be the last. Hippolytus of Rome predicted the end of the world in 500 AD. German monk Michael Stifel predicted October 19, 1533 would be the last day. Baptist preacher William Miller predicted the Rapture would take place on October 22, 1844, leaving between 50,000 and 100,000 Millerites extremely disillusioned on October 23. Of more recent end-time predictors, none have been as influential as Harold Camping. Harold Camping: King of the Biblical apocalypseHarold Camping, an engineer and broadcaster, is probably the most high-profile modern predictor of the end of the world. He founded Family Radio in 1958 and built it into a Christian media empire broadcasting to more than 150 U.S. markets across the nation. Then, in the early 1990s, Camping became convinced the Rapture would soon be upon us. Using his own brand of Biblical numerology, Camping calculated the Last Day and published it in his 1992 book, 1994?. The date: September 6, 1994. When the world stubbornly refused to explode in the mid 1990s, Camping recalculated. The true date, he said, was May 21, 2011. “Camping was 100% sure,” says Dr. Charles Sarno, a sociology professor at Dominican University of California and lecturer at Berkeley. “He said, ‘The Bible guarantees it,’ and what better warranty could one want?” In the months leading up to May 21, Camping launched an enormous publicity push: billboards, endless radio broadcasts, even RVs shrink-wrapped with doomsday warnings. It worked. “On May 20, the most popular Google search in English was 'May 21st,' ABC News and other major networks reported on it, the BBC covered it; so he got nearly global traction," Sarno says. May 21 came and went, leaving Camping fielding calls from confused listeners on his radio show asking why he'd gotten it wrong. Camping eventually moved the apocalypse again to October 21, 2011, but that one didn’t pan out either, and soon after, he suffered a debilitating stroke and faded from public view, leaving his underlings squabbling for control of the remains of his media empire. Why do people believe in the end of the world?We won't know for sure until later in the week, but whether you use math, history, or the Bible as your guide, you probably don’t need to cancel your weekend plans. Still, the world really is coming to an end—your world, anyway—and it will probably end with you in a hospital bed instead of flying up to Heaven to meet Jesus. If I could swallow it, maybe I'd believe in the Rapture, too. End-of-world predictions offer certainty, drama, the joy of having secret knowledge, and the possibility of heaven without dying, so I don't begrudge TikTok's Doomsday-stans. I feel pity for them, though, because time is going to pass, and life, inconveniently, is going to keep grinding along, leaving them to try and explain why they're still down here with the rest of us mugs. Unless they're right. In which case, don't email me; I'll be up in clouds. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Samsung has made a habit of releasing a handful of phones in its Galaxy S line each year, but the Galaxy S25 Edge is something different. Announced alongside the S25, S25+, and Ultra in January, the Edge is thinnest Galaxy S phone yet. Right now, the 256GB model is marked down to $699.99 on Amazon (its lowest price ever, according to price trackers), which makes it the most affordable entry in Samsung’s flagship lineup. SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge, 256 GB $699.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $400.00 At just 0.23 inches thick, it feels noticeably slimmer in the hand without sacrificing stability. The titanium frame, paired with Gorilla Ceramic 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, keeps it durable, while the IP68 rating means it will survive dust and water exposure. What makes the Edge appealing is that it matches the rest of the series in performance, despite its slimmer build and smaller 3,900mAh battery. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking, whether that’s gaming at 60fps or editing 8K video. Even with the smallest battery of the family, the Edge outlasts its siblings, lasting over 16 hours in PCMag’s video streaming tests—longer than the S25, S25+, and Ultra. Plus, the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is bright and sharp at 3,120 by 1,440 pixels, with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and gaming feel fluid. To round it all off, Samsung’s Galaxy AI features and One UI 7 on top of Android 15 add extra polish, and the seven years of promised updates also mean the phone will stay relevant for a long time. Still, the Edge doesn’t check every box. Unlike the S25+ or Ultra, it skips a telephoto camera, limiting zoom to 2x optical-quality and 10x digital. The stereo speakers sound thin, and charging tops out at 25W wired—half the speed of its siblings. If those details matter, the S25+ at $899.99 or the Ultra at $1,075 are stronger fits. But if you want a slim, premium Android phone that balances power, battery life, and future-proof software, the Galaxy S25 Edge makes a strong case, especially at this price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

When projects stall, managers often feel the pressure to push harder. But more pressure rarely solves the problem. What helps is knowing why tasks get stuck, and then giving people the right kind of support. The DUST model (Difficult, Undefined, Scary, Tedious) gives managers simple tactics to spot bottlenecks and guide their teams through them. Difficult Tasks feel overwhelming when they demand skills or confidence people don’t yet have. Manager’s move: Break the work into smaller steps. Pair the person with someone experienced. Provide coaching and encouragement. Example: Instead of asking someone to “deliver the new onboarding programme,” start with “draft the welcome email.” Small progress builds momentum. Undefined Vague work is easy to delay. Without clear scope, tasks linger and drain energy. Manager’s move: Define success. Be explicit about outcomes, deadlines, and ownership. Example: Replace “a report on engagement” with “a two-page summary of survey results plus three action points, due Friday.” Scary Some tasks trigger fear of failure, conflict, or stepping outside a comfort zone. These quickly sink to the bottom of to-do lists. Manager’s move: Name the fear. Offer reassurance and create psychological safety. Frame mistakes as part of learning. Example: If someone avoids giving feedback, role-play the conversation or share a simple script to lower the barrier. Tedious Repetitive or boring tasks are often postponed until they block progress. Manager’s move: Automate, delegate, or rotate. Ask if the task truly needs to be done. Example: If chasing timesheets consumes hours each week, set up automatic reminders or rotate responsibility among the team. Why Managers Should Use DUST Applying the DUST model helps managers: Identify the hidden reasons behind delays Offer targeted support instead of extra pressure Build team confidence and independence Keep projects moving smoothly Practical Next Step Pick one task that has been stuck on your team’s list. Ask: is it Difficult, Undefined, Scary, or Tedious? Once you name it, you can act on it. That simple step clears the air and unlocks progress. The post How Managers Can Use the DUST Model to Clear Team Bottlenecks appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The onn. 10.1" Android 14 tablet is on sale for $79.99 on StackSocial right now as part of an open-box deal. In this case, “open box” usually just means it’s leftover stock or a store return, so while the packaging might not look perfect, the device itself is tested, in new condition, and comes with a one-year warranty. For under $80, this tablet lands firmly in the everyday-use category (think streaming, browsing, and casual apps) without needing any subscriptions or hidden add-ons. The tablet runs Android 14 right out of the box, which means you’re getting the latest interface and features without waiting for updates to trickle down. The screen is bright enough for watching shows, casual gaming, or scrolling, and the 2GHz octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM handles everyday multitasking reasonably well. Storage is limited to 32GB, but a microSD slot means you can add more space if needed. You won’t mistake the cameras (a 2MP front and 5MP rear) for those on a phone, but they’re serviceable for video calls or the occasional snapshot. Where the device pulls ahead of other low-cost tablets is its battery life: up to 17 hours (according to the manufacturer), which is enough to get through a full day of use without hugging a charger. It also leans heavily toward being family-friendly. Google Kids Space and YouTube Kids are built in, giving parents some peace of mind with curated content, and Play Protect adds another layer of safety by scanning for malware in apps. Features like GPS and Google Assistant make it a handy travel companion too, even if it isn’t replacing a high-end tablet. The biggest trade-off is performance—this isn’t a powerhouse, and heavier apps will test its limits—but as a lightweight, affordable device for streaming, browsing, and keeping kids entertained, it does its job well. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. You can get a three-year license of Adobe Acrobat Classic (valued at $324) and a lifetime license of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows (valued at $219.99) together on sale for $89.99 on StackSocial right now. The bundle is only available to U.S. customers, though. The Acrobat license works on both Mac and Windows, while the Office license is limited to a single Windows PC. And because these are digital codes, delivery is instant, and once redeemed, you can use the software offline without the monthly costs that come with subscriptions. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with cloud tie-ins, recurring payments, or limited trials, the upfront structure of this deal is straightforward. Adobe Acrobat Classic is the desktop-only edition, also labeled as Acrobat Pro 2024. It’s not tied to cloud services, which means everything from editing text and images to converting PDFs into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint happens locally. That’s especially useful if you work with sensitive files and don’t want them traveling online. You also get tools to password-protect or redact documents, along with a refreshed interface that makes features like creating forms or extracting specific pages quicker to find. There are limitations, including no AI Assistant add-on and no browser or mobile support, but if your workflow is mainly on a desktop, those missing pieces might not matter. Plus, the three-year license means you can lock in access without thinking about renewal until 2028. On the Microsoft side, Office 2021 Professional offers the familiar full suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and OneNote. A free version of Teams is included as well. This isn’t Microsoft 365, so you don’t get ongoing cloud-based perks or syncing, but the trade-off is that you own the license outright for one PC. For many, that’s enough, especially if you just need reliable offline access to the programs you already know. The applications themselves include some refinements, like quicker ribbon navigation and more customization for documents and presentations, but don’t expect radical changes from earlier Office versions. The real appeal lies in stability: you buy it once, install it, and it works without recurring fees. Put together, this bundle feels like a pragmatic option for anyone who spends most of their time drafting, editing, and managing documents without needing constant cloud integration. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Not all Prime Days deals are open to just anybody. Since 2023, some of the best offers in Amazon's annual sale are invite-only—meaning you have to sign up for them in advance of the sale going live, and hope you get chosen to receive the discount. These deals have become a common fixture for Amazon's major sales, including this past summer's Prime Day. With Prime Big Deal Days 2025—the fall version of Prime Day—kicking off on Oct. 7, you can expect to see more invite-only deals popping up around the site. Here's how to find and sign up for them, so you have a fighting chance at scoring some great offers. Who is eligible for Prime Day invite-only deals?Only a select number of products will be available via invite-only deals. You'll be able to spot them by the "invite-only" banner visible on the product page. As Amazon explains, you must be a Prime Member to sign up for the invite-only deals, and when you sign up, you're essentially requesting an invitation to purchase the deal, which will come by email—but only if you're chosen to receive it. Here are the steps to sign up: Find an "Invite-Only Prime Deal" that you want to purchase. You can find these deals listed on the Deals page once Prime Day begins. Navigate to the product detail page. Select "Request Invite." If you are not a Prime member, sign up for Prime to be able to request an invite. You will receive an email notification confirming that you requested an invite. The confirmation will be sent to the email that is on your Amazon account. If you don't have an email on your account, add one by navigating to Your Account > Login > Security. How to know if you were approved for an invite-only dealKeep in mind that just because you requested an invitation doesn't mean you'll receive one. If you are selected, you'll receive both a push notification in the Amazon app and email notifying you during the sale. If you're not selected, Amazon will also let you know you didn't get one. You can only buy one of the products that you were invited for, but you can request as many different product invitations as you want. The invitation will last as long as Prime Day lasts (four days this year), or as long as there is stick remaining. Invite-only deals are usually some of Prime Day's most impressive offerings. Last year, for example, Amazon sold a 43-inch 4K Smart Fire TV for just $99, and you'll likely see similar deals this year. Here are more tips to shop smartly for Prime Day, using Alexa to remind you about deals to signing up for deal alerts so you receive notifications related to your Amazon searches and recently viewed items. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. If there’s one area where MacBooks lag behind Windows laptops, it’s gaming. But if there’s another area, it’s display technology. Yep, while Apple still stands behind its trademark LCD “retina” displays, Windows machines have been adopting OLED and touchscreens for years now. Luckily, according to industry experts, MacBook owners will soon be able to plan on having better screens, too. The latest rumors come courtesy of TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as well as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, both of whom have reliable track records reporting on Apple products. While this isn’t the first time Apple has been rumored to be updating its laptop displays, we’ve now got a timeline update. According to a post Kuo made to X on Sept. 17, the MacBook Pro will be the first MacBook to receive an OLED update, and as a bonus, the new screen will also support touch. The upgraded model is “expected to enter mass production by late 2026,” although as is par for the course with these leaks, the post didn’t point to any particular sources to back this up. However, if you read between the lines and look at Kuo’s past spot-on speculations, it’s likely an anonymous source from within Apple. For a little bit of assurance, Gurman, who also frequently relies on such sources, was quick to agree with Kuo’s assertions in his weekly Power On newsletter this weekend, pointing to his original reporting on the topic from 2023. However, the reporter also added that the actual release date might be closer to early 2027, depending on how quickly Apple can get supply out. He also clarified that, technically, the revamp was planned for this year, but was moved back “due to OLED supply issues.” As for the rest of Apple’s MacBook line, neither expert has updates on that end, although Gurman speculates that “if touch resonates on the MacBook Pro, I expect it to eventually come to other Macs as well.” While the benefits behind a touchscreen laptop are fairly self explanatory, OLED is higher on my personal wishlist. The technology’s self-illuminating pixels will help with contrast, yes, but like on the iPhone, they should also aid with battery life. That’s because, while current MacBooks rely on a backlight that spans the entire display, parts of an OLED screen can remain off when not in use. It’s notable that Kuo and Gurman’s proposed timeline also matches with the release of the iPad Pro just last year, which upgraded to an OLED screen for the first time. Given that iPadOS 26 also revamped the iPad user experience to be much more like using a MacBook, it’s likely Apple is currently planning for more parity between its product categories. On that note, Kuo’s post also reminded readers that a potential lower-cost MacBook that uses an iPhone processor could be in the works for later this year, although specifics are still largely in the dark at this point. The analyst, however, did say this model would likely not include touch support, although that could change in the future. As for other rumored Apple products, also still largely in the dark is a potential foldable iPhone, which Gurman says “will be the star of Apple’s 2026 product lineup.” As predicted by my colleague David Nield, the reporter’s sources are increasingly telling him that “users should imagine two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side,” but pricing and release date specifics are still up to the imagination for now. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. As a chronically light sleeper, I've tried everything from white noise machines to sleeping on the couch. It doesn't help that I 1) live above a noisy Brooklyn bar and 2) share a bed with someone who snores and grinds his teeth. My go-to solution had been wearing my Anker Soundcore headphones with some sort of "deep sleep" playlist, but to be honest, sleeping with over-ear headphones is like trying to nap while wearing a helmet. Uncomfortable, potentially unsafe, and a surefire way to destroy my expensive electronics. That's what led me to the Ozlo Sleepbuds, currently available for $299. Unlike my AirPod Pros, which are great for daily use but pierce my eardrums when I lie on my side, the Ozlo sleepbuds have a remarkably low profile. The pre-installed ear tips fit perfectly, creating a secure seal without the pressure points that make traditional earbuds a nightmare for side sleepers. Despite their mixed online reviews, I've found that these smart earplugs really do help me sleep deeper (and possibly saved my relationship). Ozlo Sleepbuds $299.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $50.00 Shop Now Shop Now $299.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $50.00 The app experienceHere's where the Ozlo sleepbuds diverge from typical wireless earbuds, and honestly, it's a double-edged sword. Unlike AirPods that connect automatically via Bluetooth, these require opening the Ozlo app like a control center. You'll need to select your soundscape, adjust volume, and set your alarm through the app interface. Setting up my Ozlo sleepbuds. Credit: Meredith Dietz Initially, this felt clunky compared to the seamless connectivity we're all used to. But after a few nights, I found myself positively reframing this friction as more of a "ritual." Opening the app, placing the buds in my ears, and selecting a soundscape became a bedtime ritual that signaled to my brain it was time to wind down. Wearing my sleepbuds through the nightThe moment of truth came on my first night testing them against my boyfriend's powerful snoring. I opted for the "ocean tide" sound to lull me to sleep. The audio quality is solid, especially knowing these were created by former Bose engineers. So: Did these earbuds completely eliminate my partner's snoring? Not entirely—his snores are truly in a league of their own. But the combination of noise blocking and the ocean tide sound significantly reduced my nightly interruptions from constant to few and far between. Most importantly, when I did hear him, it didn't immediately snap me awake. The soundscapes seemed to cushion the noise, making it less startling. But the street noise from the bar below? Completely gone. The upstairs neighbors walking around? Barely noticeable. These Sleepbuds excel at blocking consistent ambient noise while taking the edge off sudden, disruptive sounds. Another feature I love is the in-ear personal alarm. Instead of a jarring phone alarm that jolts both you and your partner awake, the Sleepbuds gently vibrate and play a soft tone directly into your ears. My boyfriend has never been woken up by my alarm since I started using them. Tips and tricks for sleeping with earbuds inAfter a few weeks of use, I've discovered several ways to optimize the Sleepbuds experience: Find your perfect soundscape: Don't settle for the first one you try. I cycled through several before discovering that rain sounds work better for me than ocean waves or white noise. Create a charging routine: Keep the charging case on your nightstand and make putting the buds back a part of your morning routine. Experiment with volume levels: I really recommend starting lower than you think you need. Your ears adjust to the soundscape within minutes, and too-loud audio can actually be stimulating rather than relaxing. Use the app's sleep timer: If you don't want soundscapes playing all night, set a timer. You might only need the audio to fall asleep, not maintain it. Try different sleeping positions: The low profile means you can experiment with side sleeping even if you've never been able to before. The bottom lineAre the Ozlo Sleepbuds perfect? No. The app dependency isn't ideal, and they won't completely eliminate every noise (I'm looking at you, Greg's snores). But compared to my previous solutions—uncomfortable headphones, potentially unsafe sleeping positions, or relegating myself to the couch—these Sleepbuds rock. If I'm choosing between traditional foam earplugs, regular earbuds, or these specialized sleep buds, I'd pick the Ozlo Sleepbuds every time. My only concern? I'm becoming so dependent that I'll have trouble sleeping without them. But honestly, if that's the price for consistently good sleep in a noisy city apartment with a snoring partner, I'll take it. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Target is no stranger to competition with Amazon sales. They've overlapped their Circle Week sales with Prime Day many times before. Since October Prime Day is around the corner, Target has just announced its own sale for October. Here are all the details you need to know. What is Target's Circle Week?Circle Week is Target’s name for its biggest sale. As the name suggests, it lasts a whole week, and while it used to happen just once a year but, it now occurs multiple times a year. The most recent sale was this summer, and before that, in the spring, overlapping with Amazon's Prime Day and Big Spring Sale, respectively. When is Circle Week?The next Circle Week will take place from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11. That means it begins two days before October Prime Day, which runs from Oct. 7 through Oct. 8. Do you need to be a member to shop the sales during Target Circle Week?Like Amazon's Prime Day sale, you will need to be a Circle member to take part in the sale, but unlike a Prime membership, Target Circle is free. You can sign up for an account on the Target app or Target.com. You can also pay for a Target Circle 360 membership, which grants you early access to the sale as well as other perks, like same-day delivery. If you're a teacher or student, you can save 50% on the one-year Circle 360 subscription through Sept. 13; otherwise, it starts at $10.99 per month. But again, a paid membership isn't necessary to get all the best Circle Week deals. What deals can I find during Target Circle Week?Circle week will focus on apparel; home products like kitchen appliances, storage, floor care, and bedding; fun and entertainment; and Halloween costumes and treats. You'll also find tech products on sale, which we'll be covering as usual. You can shop in person or online, and there will be a "Deal of the Day" for every day of the event that will start at 40% off. While Target hasn't released a list of deals you can expect, you can get a pretty good idea from past Circle Week sales. Here are some of the deals they had at the tail end of the Circle Week last fall. What competitors are also offering sales?Amazon’s October Prime Day will take place from Oct. 7 through Oct. 8, so all the other sales tend to revolve around these dates. Walmart will likely have its Walmart Deals sale, like they've done in the past, and Best Buy will likely have its own sale as well. I'll cover the details of those sales as they are released. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. After years of wincing through aggressive massage gun sessions, I just assumed muscle relief required enduring a little bit of pain. There's a reason for the saying, "hurts so good," right? But it turns out you don't need to suffer to see results: The Rally orbital massager, which I have previously reviewed, has completely changed my hard-ass approach to recovery. Don't get me wrong—percussive massage guns have their place. They're powerful and effective at working out the deepest knots. But after months of inconsistent use, I realized something: I was avoiding my own recovery tool. The aggressive pounding felt like punishment rather than self-care, turning what should've been a daily wellness ritual into something I'd postpone until I was in serious pain. I'd skip sessions when I needed them most, only reaching for my massage gun when my muscles were screaming for attention. By then, I'd need that aggressive percussion just to make a dent in the tension I'd allowed to build up. During marathon training especially, I simply can't let this happen. That's where orbital massages come in. Rally Orbital Massager $499.00 at Rally Shop Now Shop Now $499.00 at Rally Why Rally's gentler recovery changes everythingThe Rally's orbital massage technology works differently than traditional percussive guns—instead of hammering muscles with rapid-fire pulses, picture the circular motion of a car buffer. Luckily, the motion is gentle enough that it feels more like a human touch, as opposed to turning me into a car getting buffed. The Rally has taught me something crucial about sustainable self-care: I'm infinitely more likely to reach for a device that feels good to use, rather than one that hurts. It's a game-changer for consistency. With my old massage gun, I'd psyche myself out before sessions: "Do I really need this? Can I handle the intensity right now?" With the Rally, there's no mental barrier. I can use it while watching TV, during work breaks, or as part of my bedtime routine, without dreading the experience. Building up when you need toHere's the best thing about the Rally: It can double as a percussive massager when you need more intensity. But now, instead of starting with the nuclear option, I work my way up to it. It's more comfortable and, I find, more effective: My muscles respond better to massage when they're already relaxed and have good blood flow. I'll begin with the gentle orbital motion to warm up tissues and increase circulation, then switch to percussion mode if I encounter stubborn knots. I am far from anti-percussion massage—there are times when you need that deeper, more aggressive treatment, like after a particularly intense workout, when dealing with chronic knots, or for trigger point therapy. But now, those hurt-so-good instances are the exception, rather than the rule. The Rally's ability to switch between modes means I'm not locked into one approach. I have the gentleness for daily maintenance and the power for when things get serious. The best recovery tool is the one you actually useBy embracing the gentler, orbital massage as my daily default, I've created a sustainable self-care routine that prevents problems rather than just treating them. Proactive care beats reactive treatment every time. Maybe my muscles are thanking me not because I'm punishing them less, but because I'm caring for them more consistently. Sometimes the revolutionary approach is simply being kinder to yourself, and having the tools that make that kindness effective. If you've been avoiding your massage gun or find yourself using it only when you're already in pain, consider making the switch to orbital massage as your primary recovery method. Your future self (and your muscles) will thank you for choosing consistency over intensity. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Folks are finally starting to get their iPhone 17s, and now that the new phones are in the hands of people who don’t work for Apple, flaws are starting to come to light. Specifically, durability testers are saying that you might want to slap a case on your new phone. Most notably, it turns out that the iPhone 17 Pro has a major flaw with its camera bump. While the lenses themselves are fine, the edges on the raised camera “plateau” (as Apple is calling it) can apparently get scuffed just by hanging out in the same bag or pocket as household items like coins or keys. That’s according to testing by reliable YouTube reviewer Zack Nelson, or JerryRigEverything, who bemoaned Apple’s decision to avoid adding a chamfer or other protective barrier around the camera bump. “I think it was intentional,” the YouTuber says in his video. “So it looks cooler.” According to Nelson, the scratches probably have to do with Apple’s decision to move back to anodized aluminum for this model, as opposed to the titanium the company started using with the iPhone 15 Pro. Aluminum provides better cooling, and strong scratch resistance anywhere that the anodizing process adheres to, but the catch is that without chamfers, those corners tend to get missed during the anodizing bath. For instance, when Nelson tried to scratch the flat parts of the plateau (as well as the rest of the back of the phone), it only produced dust that could be easily wiped off, good as new. But those camera plateau corners remained permanently chipped, even after wiping. This follows a similar report from Bloomberg, which noted that display models of both the blue iPhone 17 Pro and black iPhone Air seemed especially prone to scratches, as well as posts from users, pointing out scratches across all colors and multiple models of the new iPhones, especially after being attached to MagSafe accessories. While it’s possible that some of these scratches could be wiped away, as shown in Nelson’s video, those around the corners look particularly nasty, and I’m not just talking about the camera plateau. How to stop scratches on your iPhone 17While it’s certainly not ideal that your bare iPhone could be susceptible to scratches, there is a simple solution—slap a case on it. That’ll hide your fancy Apple branding, sure, but it will also ensure your phone doesn’t take the brunt of your keys or loose quarters, and add a barrier around those camera plateau edges. This year, Apple has three case options, including a clear plastic, silicone, and a new fabric style case called TechWoven. In testing by YouTuber Arun Maini, or Mrwhosetheboss, the clear case was easily susceptible to scratches by simple household objects, but all other options held up well. That’s a relief for anyone who was burned by Apple’s previous fabric case, FineWoven, which also had its own scratch-related drama when it debuted alongside the iPhone 15 line. Alternatively, you could go third-party. In that case, you’ve got plenty of options. Lifehacker sister publication CNET has praised Otterbox in the past, which I can also attest to by personal experience. For a more premium look, you could also go for Nomad’s leather cases, which I can also give a personal recommendation to. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. It's impressive how far TCL has been pushing the limits of QLED technology. The QM7K is its latest mid-tier QD-Mini LED smart TV and it offers great value for your money. Right now, the 65-inch QM7K is marked down 41%, bringing its price down to $877.99 (originally $1,499.99), the second lowest price it has ever been, according to price-tracking tools. The 85-inch QM6K, which is the more affordable version, is 37% off right now. The QM7K is better in every way than the QM6K except for color accuracy. It has better contrast, brightness, gaming specs, black levels, processing, and other specs, but the QM6K is still a great option for those on a tighter budget. TCL 65-Inch Class QM7K Series QLED, 144hz, 288hz Gaming Rate, Anti-Reflective Screen, Bang & Olufsen Audio, Atmos (85QM7K, 2025) $877.99 at Amazon $1,499.99 Save $622.00 Get Deal Get Deal $877.99 at Amazon $1,499.99 Save $622.00 I personally tested the QM7, which is a slightly older model of this TV, as well as the more budget QM6K, and I can tell you TCL is not skimping out on these TVs. They feel and look truly premium. This QM7K is no different. Its highlights are a bright panel, making it great for sunlit rooms. It has deep blacks and almost no light bloom, giving it that premium picture quality. Gamers will appreciate the 144 Hz native refresh rate and 288 Hz support panel with VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, making it a smooth experience. Since it's a Google TV, it has hands-free Google Assistant and Google Cast, which makes streaming almost anything from your phone or computer a breeze. It can also do the same for iPhones with AirPlay. If you're a color stickler, you might notice that the colors run a little warmer out of the box, according to PCMag's "excellent" review, but that's something you can edit easily in the picture settings. If you want a massive, bright, colorful smart TV with that "wow" factor, get the 65-inch QM7K, but if brightness is not as important to you, consider the 85-inch QM6K. Either option is a great TV for a killer price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

This week's tour of the world of young people careens around like an out-of-control bullet train. Everyone's talking about a pop star with a body in his trunk, a dental trend powered by TikTok, astrology-based beauty tutorials, and a football stat hound's ultimate rabbit hole. It’s a lot to take in. Who is D4vd and why was there a body in his trunk? Everyone under a certain age is talking about the singer D4vd, and it's not because he has a new album out. On September 8, Los Angeles police discovered a body in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke, the birth name of the 20-year-old musician. The body was later identified as the remains of Celeste Rivas, who was reported missing from her home in Riverside on April 5, 2024, when she was just 13 years old. The online speculation is that D4vd was in a relationship with Rivas, but that has yet to be confirmed. The singer has reportedly been cooperating with authorities, no cause of death has been determined, and no charges have yet been filed. If you're wondering who D4vd is, you're not alone: The singer's rise to fame is a quintessentially Generation Z story. His career began with online fame gained through posting Fortnite videos online, but YouTube removed his content for using copyrighted music. At the suggestion of his mom, D4vd began recording original songs using free iPhone tools, which he posted to SoundCloud. The end result was a recording contract, an album, and a couple of songs with over 1.5 billion plays on Spotify. D4vd's biggest hit, "Romantic Homicide" mixes the pop music of the 1970s with 1990s-style lo-fi production, and it's actually good. But D4vd's lyrics are chilling given later developments. "I killed you and I didn't even regret it," he sings on the track, "I can't believe I said it, but it's true." But just because you write a song about killing your lover doesn't mean you're guilty of it. In any case, the story is dark, tragic, and developing, and D4vd is innocent until proven guilty. Hot Generation Z trend: veneersYeah, it's a mood shift to go from murder to teeth, but such is the nature of life in 2025. Anyway, the newest dental trend among younger people is veneers. Whether it's speculation that Gen Z super-celebrity Mr.Beast is rocking a set of artificial choppers, the 250,000 videos posted to TikTok's #veneers tag, or the below deep-dive on the topic from venerable YouTuber Papa Meat, false fronts are very of-the-moment. Maybe the fascination comes from the straight, white teeth of influencers. Maybe it's hyper-awareness of teeth caused by taking too many selfies. Or maybe it's because veneers are sort of funny. Choose your own explanation. Hot Generation Z trend: astrological makeupI'm fascinated with makeup trends and pop occultism, so I'm glad makeup influencers are bringing my two interests together on TikTok. The new hotness among makeup influencers is the “rising sign" beauty trend, where the makeup you wear is determined by your astrological sign. In astrology, your "rising sign" supposedly represents how other people see you. So if your rising sign is Scorpio, you might go with a look that's "intense, dark, and dramatic." If Gemini is rising, you want to go "playful and vibrant." I don't understand how the position of the stars at the time you were born could possibly inform the makeup choices you make next Thursday, but if combining mysticism with style choices makes it a little easier for people to slog through another day, I'm in favor. First AI-animated feature film in production We all knew it was going to happen eventually, and now it has: OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced today that it's producing the first feature film animated solely through artificial intelligence. Critterz, a feature-length version of the AI-made short film above, has a $30 million budget, and production will be finished in nine months, an impossibly short time-frame for a traditionally animated or CGI film. Critterz's animation may be AI, but its script and voice acting are being done the old-fashioned way—by professional Hollywood actors and writers who will gladly let OpenAI pay them a lot of money for making funny voices. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Open AI hopes to premiere Critterz at the Cannes Film Festival, presumably in 2027. Whether anyone wants to see an AI-animated movie remains to be seen. It sounds like a terrible idea to me, but I'm not the target demographic. Anyway, you can check out the first teaser/promo video here. Viral video of the week: Scorigami returns Leave it to Gen Z to come up with a new way to enjoy football. "Scorigami" is a term coined by writer/YouTuber John Bois that describes an NFL final score that has never happened before in the league's history. YouTube channel Secret Base is in the middle of a four-part examination of the phenomenon that starts with the first ever NFL football game played in 1922 and continues to the present, seen through the lens of "this is the only time any two pro teams have ended a game with this score." The series is equal parts sports, history, comedy, and statistics, with fascinating digressions and side trips to explore things like how the NFL owes its entire existence to a random guy's truck breaking down in Texas at the turn of the century and how it's possible—extremely unlikely, but still possible—to score a single point in a football game. In other words, it's the kind of documentary that would be rejected by ESPN for being too math-y and rejected by PBS for being too sporty, but is able to find a home and hundreds of thousands of viewers because YouTube exists. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. The Samsung S90D 4K OLED TV is currently going for $1,697.99 on Woot until Sept. 30 or while supplies last. That’s over $180 cheaper than the current Amazon listing ($1,878.99), and the lowest price it’s hit so far, according to price-trackers. Just a heads up: Delivery is handled by a freight carrier, so you’ll need to provide a valid phone number and address during checkout to schedule it. Prime members get free shipping while everyone else pays a $6 fee. It comes with a standard one-year Samsung warranty and all the essentials in the box, including the stand and a SolarCell remote that charges via USB-C or sunlight. Samsung S90D 4K OLED TV $1,697.99 at Woot $3,297.89 Save $1,599.90 Get Deal Get Deal $1,697.99 at Woot $3,297.89 Save $1,599.90 This is a 77-inch QD-OLED from Samsung’s 2024 lineup, second only to their flagship S95D. It’s powered by their new Neo Quantum 4K AI Gen 2 chip, which helps with upscaling and automatic adjustments depending on what you’re watching or playing. Just know that while HDR10+ is supported, Dolby Vision is still missing. It’s a good pick for gaming with 4K at up to 144Hz, VRR support across the board (HDMI VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync), and a very low input lag in Game Mode. If you’ve got both a console and a gaming PC, you’ll appreciate the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all ports. It’s also fully compatible with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. As for the display itself, it’s what you’d expect from a quality OLED: deep blacks, rich contrast, and no blooming around bright objects. It holds up well in darker rooms and offers wide viewing angles, which is nice if you’re watching with a group. In brighter settings, though, it doesn’t get as punchy. SDR brightness is average, and dark scenes can look a little washed out in harsh daylight. That said, reflection handling is solid for daytime viewing. And while it supports Dolby Atmos over eARC, there’s no support for DTS audio formats, so that’s something to note for Blu-ray fans. Samsung also dropped ATSC 3.0 support for the 2024 models, so no 4K over-the-air broadcasts. And like most smart TVs these days, the built-in Tizen interface has ads; although you can reduce them, there’s no way to turn them off fully. But for everything the S90D does get right, including gaming performance, viewing angles, and a clean panel with almost no blooming, it holds up well as a mid-high-end option for most setups. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The Quiet Skill That Shapes Your Career We spend plenty of time talking about how managers should lead their teams. But there’s less talk about the other side of the relationship: how you manage your boss. When the dynamic with your manager isn’t working, it can drain energy, slow progress, and keep good ideas buried. Managing upwards is the skill of turning that relationship into something productive, where you’re seen as a trusted partner, not just a follower. More Than Flattery or Politics Managing upwards isn’t about playing games. It’s about building influence, understanding how your manager sees you, recognising what they need, and bridging the gap between their perspective and yours. Done well, it makes your work more visible, your voice more credible, and your career path clearer. Watch: Russell Caird on Maximising Your Power In our recent Skills Taster Session, Russell Caird explored how to strengthen your relationship with your manager and maximise both your personal and positional power. Watch the replay here You’ll learn practical strategies for: Understanding different manager styles. Securing time for meaningful conversations. Rebuilding trust after mistakes. Navigating senior stakeholders with confidence. A Shift You Can Try Today Before your next 1:1, ask yourself two questions: How do I see my manager? How do they likely see me? That small shift in perspective can change the tone of the conversation and help you build influence where it matters. The post How to Manage Upwards Without Losing Yourself appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article

At a time when educators are increasingly concerned about technology’s impact in the classroom, the Washington Post published ​an op-ed​ with a contrarian tone. The piece, written by the journalism professor Stephen Kurczy, focuses on Green Bank, a small town in rural West Virginia, home to the world’s largest steerable radio telescope. Due to the sensitivity of this device, the entire area is a congressionally designated “radio quiet zone” in which cell service and WiFi are banned. The thought of a disconnected life might sound refreshing, but as this op-ed argues, there’s one group for which this reality might be causing problems: the students in Green Bank’s combined elementary and middle school. “Without WiFi, the 200 students couldn’t use Chromebooks or digital textbooks, or do research online,” Kurczy writes. “Teachers couldn’t access individualized education programs online or use Google Docs for staff meetings.” Some teachers in the school are frustrated. “The ability to individualize learning with an iPad or a laptop – that’s basically impossible,” explained one teacher, quoted in the piece. “Without the online component of our curriculum fully working, it’s really detrimental to our instruction,” said another. These concerns aren’t merely hypothetical. As Kurczy points out: “Green Bank consistently [posts] the lowest test scores in the county.” He quotes the school’s principal, who blames this on the students’ “lack of access to engaging technology.” The message of this op-ed is clear. At a time when we’re rushing to condemn phones in classrooms, we should be careful not to extend this ire to other ed-tech innovations, as without these, students struggle. It’s a tidy point. But is it true? I decided to dig a little deeper… To start, the claim that Green Bank posts the lowest scores in the county is easily confirmed. But there’s a caveat here: Pocahontas County, which includes Green Bank, is small. It includes only one other middle school and two other elementary schools, so even modest differences in the student populations can create big changes in measured performance. The only other middle school in the county, for example, does boast higher test scores, but it also serves only around 100 students, meaning that a small cohort of more advantaged children could explain the entire gap. (It’s perhaps notable that this higher-performing school is co-located with a hospital and across the street from a country club.) What we really need is time-series data. The classroom iPad/Chromebook revolution took off in the 2010s, so if the lack of WiFi is what’s holding back Green Bank, we should see a unique decline in their performance starting last decade. I couldn’t find time-series data for individual schools, but ​I could for individual counties​ in West Virginia. Given the small size of Pocahontas County and the fact that roughly half of its elementary and middle school-aged students attend the school in Green Bank, if the lack of WiFi is really negatively impacting the student population, this should be reflected in the county-level data on performances in grades 3 to 8. So what do these data actually teach us? First, let’s look at scores on standardized math tests in Pocahontas County over time. These scores had been steadily increasing, but then, around 2017, they began to drop. We then see, starting in 2022, the start of a post-pandemic recovery. The timing here seems to roughly align with the WiFi hypothesis: if iPads and Chromebooks took off last decade, then we might expect to see a negative impact on performance in Green Bank right around this point. To run a proper controlled analysis, however, we need to compare these changes to similar counties in West Virginia that had full access to WiFi. Fortunately, we have these results. The following chart measures both the magnitude of the performance drop from 2019 to 2022 and the magnitude of the subsequent recovery from 2022 to 2024. It compares Pocahontas County to the entire state, as well as to a set of five counties with similar population sizes, demographics, and socio-economic status. The result? Compared to other counties in the state, Pocahontas County schools had a smaller performance drop and larger recovery. Put another way: the county in which nearly half of the measured students lacked access to WiFi did better than other counties with similar student populations and full access to classroom technology. The more plausible story told by this data is that rural West Virginia schools are struggling, and something appears to have made this worse around 2015 to 2017 (most likely deteriorating economic conditions). But the solution to these problems is likely not as simple as getting more internet-connected Chromebooks into the students’ hands. (That being said, the fact that this school is using old technology is a problem, just for other reasons. As Kurczy’s reporting reveals – he wrote an entire book on this town – the teachers in Green Bank are frustrated. They feel left behind by the county, and they are missing out on the productivity gains we take for granted, like the use of shared documents or the ability to easily distribute assignments online.) The big news coming out of Green Bank is that the school district has finally negotiated an agreement with the observatory to allow classroom WiFi, and, I guess, I’m happy to hear it However, the more important reminder here – and this applies to me as much as anyone else – is that when it comes to writing about technological impacts, we have to be wary of motivated reasoning. Just because something feels like it should be true doesn’t mean that it necessarily is. The data often – frustratingly – paints a more nuanced picture. The post Does WiFi Make Students Smarter? appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Here we go again. After hiking the price of Xbox consoles earlier this year, Microsoft just announced it is already raising prices again—the second price hike in four months. Now, even Microsoft's cheapest console, the Xbox Series S, will cost at least $400. As someone who got an Xbox Series S for $150 a few years back, that stings. (Granted, I got a really good deal. Still.) Microsoft is blaming "changes in the macroeconomic environment" for the new prices, so read into that what you will. How much more expensive will the Xbox be?Here is what Microsoft's consoles will cost after the new pricing takes effect: Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (was $380) Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (was $430) Xbox Series X Digital Edition: $600 (was $550) Xbox Series X: $650 (was $600) Keep in mind that even after Sony's own price hikes, U.S. gamers can still get a PS5 for $550 and a PS5 Digital Edition for $500. Yes, Microsoft's consoles technically start cheaper, but the Series S is more comparable to the original Nintendo Switch than an Xbox Series X or a PS5, and $400 is a lot to pay for it—although the original Switch also got its own price hike just last month, and the OLED model of that machine will also now run you $400. If you're comparing apples to apples, though, Sony's console is about to be a good bit cheaper than Microsoft's. Gamers who prize physical media will be the hardest hit, as to get a disc drive on your machine, you have to opt for a non-digital Xbox Series X, which means you're going to get a bigger price increase than your peers. The last jump bumped the Xbox Series S up by $80 and the Series X by $100, while this one increases the Xbox Series S by $20 and the Xbox Series X by $50. On the plus side, Microsoft said pricing for controllers and headsets "will remain the same," which isn't how it went last time around. Maybe that's a hint at the overall console strategy: Microsoft has been investing a lot in cloud gaming recently, and you technically don't even need a console to play its games. In that case, upping pricing on its hardware is maybe a bit less risky for the Halo folks than the God of War ones. And I haven't even touched on Microsoft's most expensive machine. If you're an Xbox loyalist and you want to go all-in on its 2TB Xbox Series X Galaxy Black Special Edition, that will now run you $800, a $70 bump in the price tag. Honestly, at that point, you could probably just get a PC instead. There is something you can do about these price increases, even if it kind of feels like giving in to a ransom: They won't go in effect until Oct. 3rd, so if you were still on the fence about getting an Xbox, now is the time to act. You'll still have to deal with the price hike from May, but at least you'll save between $20 and $70. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. The Apple Watch Series 11 is now available, and just a few days into using a review unit, I’m happy with the upgrade. But whether it’ll be worth it to you is a different story entirely. Before the Series 11, I was still using a first-generation Apple Watch SE. Since I don’t need much from my smartwatch, the SE was enough for me: basic media playback with heart-rate tracking and tap-to-pay. What more could I want? But the Series 11 taught me that I could want much more. Its bigger screen with an always-on display is a nice bonus, as is the thinner and lighter design. The problem is that the Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t the first Apple Watch with those bonuses. If you’re like me and haven’t upgraded in a while, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a great pick. But those with a newer Apple Watch may want to hold off and save their money. What I love most about the Apple Watch Series 11While the Apple Watch Series 11 comes with a new chip and upgrades to both battery life and wireless connectivity, I’ve already mentioned what I value most about it. Essentially, I just like that this thing is super comfortable to wear. At its release, the Series 10 was Apple’s thinnest and lightest smartwatch, but since the Series 11 has inherited its design, it’s now tied with its successor. Apple Watch Series 10 in profile (left) vs. Apple Watch Series 11 in profile (right) Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Both hardly feel like you’re wearing anything at all (while I don’t use the Series 10 on a day-to-day basis, my husband has one that he’s letting me borrow to write this). While my SE’s circular sensor bump often feels like it’s jutting into my wrist, both the Series 10 and 11 feel flat on my wrist, thanks to their thinner bodies. It's a huge relief over an extended period, and it only gets better with the few grams Apple’s knocked off the weight. The display also contributes to the comfort. Both the Series 10 and the Series 11 have an always-on display, and while an always-on display has been available as far back as the Series 5, this is my first time using one on a watch. The Apple Watch display also got 9% bigger starting on the Series 10, so the Series 11 screen is a bit more luxurious than anyone on a Series 9 or before will be used to. The bigger, always-on display helps with comfort because it’s much more glanceable. With my SE, I had to raise my wrist to see my watch screen, and the 10 and 11 don’t need that. At 2,000 nits of brightness, they’re easy to see even if your wrist is at your side and slightly turned, and with OLED and a 1Hz refresh rate, the always-on display is able to update every second without wasting unnecessary battery life. Having my screen turn off was probably the biggest annoyance of using a smartwatch over a traditional watch for me, and now it’s something I don’t have to worry about at all. Apple Watch SE display (left) vs. Apple Watch Series 11 display (right) Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt I’m pleased enough with the improved comfort to shell out money for a Series 11 after returning this review unit. I was worried that, because the Series 11 starts at 42mm while my first-gen SE is 40mm, it might feel a bit too big. In actuality, while I still prefer a small watch, it’s turned out to be the better size for me. What else can the Apple Watch Series 11 do?If you’re upgrading from an older watch, the Series 11 also gives you access to a lot more sensors. But to be honest, most are overkill. For instance, you can use it as a dive computer down to 6 meters (or about 20 feet), which isn't particularly handy for most people. But there are some advanced features worth caring about. First, it’s easier to control this smartwatch than older Apple smartwatches. With watchOS 26, the Series 9, 10, and 11 got support for both the wrist flick and double tap gestures, and they’re both pretty convenient. Think of them as “dismiss” and “confirm,” respectively. You can use wrist flick to turn down notifications, and while you can customize double tap a bit more, the idea is that you’ll use it to start a song or navigate your smart stack without using your hands. Essentially, the goal is that these features keep you from having to fumble with your watch screen if you’re otherwise occupied. For instance, I got a phone call while working out with the Series 11 this morning (where it was much more comfortable on my wrist than my SE), and quickly rotating my wrist away from my body was all I needed to do to decline the call. Normally, I would have just let it ring until it went to voicemail, so this was a nice way to save myself the distraction. Aside from the new gestures, the Series 11 also has a few new health features. Like with the depth meter, whether you’ll actually use them depends on who you are, but there are a few in particular that I’m happy to have. For instance, like my colleague Beth Skwarecki, I’m not too enthused about Sleep Score, which tries to break down your sleep quality into one number but seems too generalized for me to get much use out of. Hypertension notifications, on the other hand, are a big deal to me. Hypertension notifications weren't available on my SE (and still aren't on any SE, for that matter). Instead, you need an Apple Watch Series 9 or above. What these notifications do is passively track how your blood vessels respond to your heart rate using a PPG, then send you a notification if your watch notices significant irregularities over a 30-day period. One of the reasons my husband picked up an Apple Watch Series 10 was so he could use the ECG to track his heart rate over time, rather than just when he was working out. This helped him figure out that his heart rate would sometimes be way too high after drinking caffeine or while going to bed, which his doctor eventually diagnosed as AFiB. He might have missed out on this if he didn’t have the data to back it up, but he’s now gotten it treated, and says he feels a lot more stable across the day, with no random spikes (plus, AFiB has the potential to get pretty serious if left untreated, so his doctor is glad he was able to catch it early). If these Hypertension Notifications, which do a similar thing but for high blood pressure, can help my husband keep his heart healthy, then I’m all for them. He does have to regularly check his blood pressure as part of his ongoing treatment, and while the Apple Watch can’t give him specific numbers, it should help him passively determine what his numbers mean and if he needs to be worried. Plus, I’m interested in trying them, too. The CDC says that “of the 75 million Americans who have hypertension…about 11 million of them don’t know their blood pressure is too high and are not receiving treatment to control it.” Given how well my husband’s Apple Watch helped him diagnose his AFiB, it brings a little extra peace of mind to have it checking for high blood pressure, too. What’s new on the Apple Watch Series 11?The catch is that the Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t the only way to get these new features. The thin and light display is on the Series 10, “wrist flick” and “double tap” are on the Series 9 and above, and so are Hypertension Notifications. The Series 11 is a great upgrade over my SE, but if you’ve been more up to date with your Apple Watch, you might not want to get the newest model at all. You'd likely be buying Series 11 for only three things. First, the Apple Watch Series 11 has a 5G modem. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 are the only Apple Watches with 5G connectivity, whereas older models use LTE, which is a type of 4G. That means these watches are faster, but because 5G is also more efficient than 4G, will also save some battery life when using online features. Second, the Series 11 has an improved Ion-X glass display. This uses proprietary tech, and Apple says it’s two times more scratch resistant than the Series 10. It’s only available on aluminum models, as titanium models use a slightly less durable sapphire crystal display instead, but it’s also on the SE 3 (the Ultra 3 instead opts for sapphire crystal). And third, the Series 11 has a longer battery life. While I haven’t had the Series 11 long enough to test its longevity, Apple is claiming 24 hours of battery life on the Series 11 (or 38 in Low Power Mode) versus 18 hours on the Series 10 (or 36 in Low Power Mode). I have a trip coming up, and I’m curious to see how these claims hold up while I’m adventuring away from a plug for a long period of time. Still, while all of these are nice-to-haves, none of them are as flashy as, say, the thin new body that came with the Series 10. Additionally, if you have a Series 10 and are already careful about scratching your watch or don’t have a cellular plan for it, then you’re not going to get use out of anything but the improved battery life. I both do and don’t recommend the Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 10 (left) vs. Apple Watch Series 11 (right) Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Which brings me to my final point. The Apple Watch Series 11 is a great watch if you’re a few years behind on upgrades, but it's probably worth skipping if you have a Series 10. It’s been a major quality of life improvement for me over my first-gen SE, which came out in 2020, but if it weren’t a different color than the Series 10, my husband might not have been able to tell it apart from what he already has. That’s why, once I have to return this review unit, I’ll probably spend the $400 to get one. That’s the same price that the Series 10 has been at until now, and while you can currently find the Series 10 at a mild discount at third-party retailers, the new battery life is probably worth the extra $40-50 for me. But my husband, on the other hand, will keep kicking with what’s already on his wrist. I assume that’s what a lot of other people will do: Upgrade if you’re a few years behind, but otherwise wait. But there's one other option. (Well, OK, two options if you want to go premium and get the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 3). You could just get an Apple Watch SE 3 instead. Releasing alongside the Series 11, this is a major upgrade over the SE 2, starting at $250 and upgrading that model to include an always-on display, sleep apnea notifications, temperature sensing, 5G, fast-charge, and both the wrist flick and double tap notifications. But it’s not quite as thin as the Apple Watch Series 11, the screen isn’t as big, and it can’t do ECG tracking or Hypertension notifications. I’ve been so thoroughly spoiled by the Series 11 that I’m not sure I can settle for that, but for others, it might be just the sweet spot. View the full article

Google’s Gemini AI seems to be everywhere these days. It’s in your Gmail, it’s on your phone, and soon, it’ll be in your browser. While Google’s AI browser integration was already live for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, it's now rolling out to everyone—and getting a bunch of new features, too. If you’re suddenly seeing a new Gemini button in the top right of your Chrome browser (in the same pane as your tabs), then you’ve already been hit with the update. If not, you may need to use the three-dots button in the top right corner and select Gemini in Chrome to turn it on, assuming you want to. How to use Gemini in ChromeWhen you click the Gemini button, or summon it via a keyboard shortcut (Alt + G by default), you’ll be able to try out the same features Google’s paying customers have had access to for a while. That means Gemini will be able to answer questions about the webpage you’re on, or just answer general questions unrelated to what you’re browsing. Or, if you’re in a Google app or on a Google website, it’ll be able to take some simple actions for you, like jumping you to a specific spot in a YouTube video. Additionally, Gemini can also now work across your tabs and compare information between them. Simply start a dialogue with Gemini by tapping the button in the top right corner, and at the bottom of the window, click “Add tab” to give Gemini another source of data to consider. Weirdly, while these updates are already pushing live to average folks, Google says businesses will need to wait a couple of weeks, so they can get “enterprise-grade data protections and controls.” As of now, aside from the new access, it’s not the biggest update, especially because to try it, you need to be on Windows or Mac, have your language set to English, and be in the U.S.. Google stresses that the Gemini Assistant on Android can also help you browse Chrome, and that it’s working to bring more direct Gemini in Chrome access to both its Android and iOS apps. More AI browsing is comingGoogle says it also has big things in store for the feature, with “agentic browsing” set for the “coming months.” This will supposedly let Gemini in Chrome complete tasks, like booking a haircut for you, or ordering your groceries. Alternatively, it’ll also help you browse a bit more easily, as Google says it’s working to let you ask Gemini questions about your browser history when you want to go back to a specific page. For instance, “what was the website where I saw the walnut desk last week?” could take you back to a shopping page you only vaguely remember. A more powerful address bar is apparently in the works that will let you ask questions of Google’s AI model without having to navigate to it first. For now, Gemini in Chrome will start suggesting questions to ask it about whatever page you’re on, right in the address bar. The update includes a few security updates too, although they mostly seem to work in the backend, supposedly using AI to better block scammy ads and notifications. Now that’s the type of AI integration I can support wholeheartedly. How to turn off Gemini in ChromeAll that said, if you’re a bit skeptical about Gemini in Chrome, you can turn it off. Simply navigate to Settings > AI Innovations, and you’ll be able to turn off the Gemini button, as well as disable its keyboard shortcut. You can also restrict its permissions: Set everything to off, and it’ll be like it was never installed in the first place. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Apple's new sleep score, now available on the Apple Watch and in the Apple Health app, grades how well you slept on a scale from 0 to 100. Since it grades you retroactively, I can look back at my last month (or even years) of sleep scores to see how the new numbers compare to the scores I’ve gotten from Oura and other wearables. I tried this out, and one thing stood out: Apple is way too easy on me. I’m kidding, sort of. Yes, Apple’s scores are consistently higher than those I get from other wearables, but it’s not like I can definitively say Apple is wrong or Oura is right. I think of a sleep score like a grade on an essay: A bad essay will probably get a bad grade, and a good essay will probably get a good grade, but it’s not like every teacher in the world would agree that your take on Moby Dick’s symbolism deserves exactly a 92%. You may feel like you got away with something if your mid essay comes back with an A+, but as long as the prof is consistent with their grading scheme, you can’t say your grade was wrong. That’s why the accuracy of sleep scores doesn't matter a ton, in my opinion. The World Sleep Society more or less agrees, saying not to read too much into individual scores, but instead keep an eye on trends, like whether your sleep seems to be getting better or worse over time. How Apple's sleep scores measure up to Oura, Garmin, and WhoopWith all of that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to compare my last month or so of Apple sleep scores to those I get from the Oura ring, plus a few data points from my Garmin and Whoop devices. Apple calculates your sleep score based on your sleep duration, bedtime consistency, and interruptions. Competing devices each have their own algorithm. Apple can calculate its score based on the data from any device, not just an Apple Watch, so in some cases the Oura and Apple scores are actually using the same underlying data. Here are the results: Apple is the red line at the top—usually grading me higher than its competitors. Credit: Beth Skwarecki Apple says that over the past month, my most frequent sleep score level is “excellent,” earned on 17 nights. I also had a “high” sleep score on 10 nights, with just one night of “OK” sleep, one of “low” sleep, and no nights “very low.” My major takeaway is that Apple’s scores are almost always higher than those I get from other devices. That said, they tend to go up when the others go up, and down when the others go down, which means that all of these scores are probably useful when looked at from a big-picture point of view. Subjectively, I don’t think my sleep has been all that good lately. I’ve been staying up late more often than I’d like, and waking up tired more often than not. I’d judge it as mostly OK, occasionally poor, and sometimes good. But that’s just, like, my opinion, man. It is true that there’s probably nothing medically wrong with me, and I don't think my sleep is drastically poor—so maybe Apple’s rosy outlook is just a better way to think about my sleep. It’s OK to be a straight-A student sometimes. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. If you’re going to commit to an Amazon Prime membership, you might as well squeeze as much as you can out of the deal. And there's a good amount of juice to squeeze there. The price you pay for Amazon depends on many factors, but regardless of how much you're paying, it's worth it for most people (we did the math). If you're on the fence about signing up, October Prime Day, Amazon's fall version of Prime Day, is just around the corner. It's a great time to sell your soul—or take advantage of the 30-day free trial. How much does Amazon Prime cost?The standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, but there are other tiers that some people might qualify for. For example, the new Amazon Prime Student program allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to get all of the Prime perks for half the cost—$7.49 per month or $69 annually. The benefits of Amazon Prime I'll be the first to admit I didn't know all of the benefits that Amazon Prime offers to its members. There are a lot more perks than people think. Here are the most impressive ones (and check out the full list): Fast and free shippingFast free shipping on millions of items: Depending on where you live, shipping can take one or two days, and some even come on the same day—and it’s always free (if being shipped by the Amazon store). Pre-ordered items can be delivered on their release date for free. The option to have items delivered inside your garage with a smart garage device (depending on where you live). Earn rewards for future purchases when you select free no-rush shipping. The option to have all your weekly orders delivered on a specific day, to reduce waste from boxes. The ability to try before you buy when you order clothes or shoes, meaning you have seven days before you get charged for the items you decide to keep. Deals, savings, and salesSubscribe & Save deals that allow you to place recurring orders and save money when you do so. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card: Cardholders get 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods purchases. So Prime members who use this card extensively can earn rewards that offset the annual fee. A free year of Grubhub+, normally $9.99 per month, which gets you free delivery on eligible orders, lower service fees, exclusive deals, and other perks. Sharing with family or friends: Prime benefits can be shared with other members of your household. The more users, the more value per person. Medical careAmazon Health: Prime users get One Medical access for an additional $9 per month. Through your devices, you’ll have 24/7 access to on-demand virtual care, plus real-life access to primary care offices in a number of U.S. cities. It accepts most major health insurance plans, too. Amazon Pharmacy: Access to free two-day delivery and other savings on medications. Streaming and digital perksPrime Video: Prime includes unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals, which normally costs $9 per month. Amazon Music Prime: A music streaming service (which is different from the other three music streaming subscriptions) like Spotify. Prime Gaming: A perk that offers free video games, content, and a free channel subscription on Twitch each month. Amazon Luna: A cloud gaming platform that offers new free games every month for Prime Members. Amazon Photos: A storage solution on Amazon Drive (which extends to members of your Family Vault). E-books and audiobooksPrime Reading: Free access to over 1,000 books and magazines for Kindle or Fire tablets and Kindle apps. Amazon's First Reads: You get up to three free e-books every month from a curated list of books handpicked by editors. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. If you think fitness trackers are just about step counting and heart rate, get with the times. This week, performance wearable Whoop announced it will integrate clinical laboratory testing directly into its ecosystem, partnering with Quest Diagnostics to launch Whoop Advanced Labs this fall. This adds to a growing trend of more and more wearables aiming to be comprehensive, one-stop health platforms. How Whoop will track bloodworkWhoop members will be able to purchase Quest's clinical laboratory testing, schedule an appointment for testing, and receive test results within the Whoop app. The feature is designed to analyze biomarkers spanning metabolism, hormones, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and nutrient status—all data that goes far beyond what can be captured through wearable sensors alone. The vision is that Whoop subscribers will be able access the types of clinical testing that physicians order (like from Quest Diagnostics) to deliver patient care. "At Whoop, we're committed to empowering our members with a highly comprehensive view into their health and performance," said John Sullivan, Chief Marketing Officer at Whoop. A third-party provider will review test requests, order tests, deliver results through the Whoop app, and provide phone consultations when requested. Whoop Advanced Labs is set to launch later this fall, and members can join the waitlist now at whoop.com/waitlist. Do you really need to monitor everything?Again, Whoop isn't the first wearable company to head in this direction. Ultrahuman, the maker of the Ring AIR smart ring, launched its Blood Vision feature earlier this year. This feature can help people catch health issues early and take proactive steps to address them. At the same time, it raises questions about whether consumers actually need this level of health monitoring from for-profit wellness companies. In my opinion, this all points to a sort of "medicalization" of everyday wellness. While access to health data can be empowering, it can also create anxiety and lead people to over-monitor aspects of their health that might not require constant attention. After all, blood biomarkers can fluctuate for many reasons, and abnormal results don't always indicate health problems. Looking aheadAs Whoop prepares to launch Advanced Labs this fall, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this deeper level of health monitoring. For now, it looks like the line between fitness tracker and medical device will continue to blur. Anecdotally, the company's existing user base already skews toward serious athletes and health optimization devotees; in other words, the sort of people who would be interested in comprehensive biomarker tracking. Anyone interested in Whoop's blood testing integration can join the waitlist for Advanced Labs. Whether they'll actually want to know everything their blood is telling them is another question entirely. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. You may have heard of the Pomodoro technique before—perhaps even here at Lifehacker—and might already be aware it’s a solid productivity hack. But applied in another way, i can actually be more than that: This technique is also an excellent study tool that can help you maximize your focus and retention. It's time-tested, variable, and available to you whether you want to do it the old-fashioned way or call in the help of an app. What is the Pomodoro technique?Although it has a fancy name, the technique itself is simple: If you have a large task to complete, you should break it down into pieces and schedule breaks to reward yourself in between finishing bits of it. The scheduling is the key part: When following the classic Pomodoro model, you have to set an alarm for 25 minutes and 25 minutes only. So, work for 25 minutes, and when the alarm goes off, take a five-minute break, maybe to grab a snack, refill your coffee, or scroll social media. When the five minutes are up, get back to work. Do this over and over, but every four cycles, give yourself a bigger break, up to a half an hour. In the event something distracts you—whether it’s your phone or another person—you have to reset your timer, so try instead to be direct and tell them you’re busy and will be able to reconnect with them in a bit. Then, put them off until you get your five-minute break or even after your whole task is finished. This works because you are aware you’re getting that little reset once your 25 minutes are up. You can throw yourself into the task knowing there’s a little treat coming down the pipeline. And while you rest up, your brain is processing everything you just learned. How to use Pomodoro for studyingWe usually discuss the Pomodoro technique in terms of working professionally, especially when there’s a big project you need to complete, but its origins actually come from the academic sphere. The method was invented by Fancesco Cirillo, a developer and entrepreneur, but he came up with it when he was a student. It’s actually named for the little tomato-shaped timer he used when he was studying. Those methods are certainly still viable, but the popularity of his technique has also birthed a cottage industry of specialty timers. On Amazon, you can get a Pomodoro-specific timer for under $20. These offer different preset time allotments, so you don't have to stick to the 25 on, five off model—but I'll get to that in a moment. You can use this method to study for a test by breaking up the content you need to review. You go by chapter, by content, or by “chunk,” if you’re using the chunking method to divvy up your study load (which you should be). It’s a good way to stay on task if you get easily distracted and dividing your topics up will help you remember them better. It’s not ideal for quick cramming sessions, however, since you need at least two hours to get four “Pomodoros” in. Do this on a day you have plenty of time to devote to studying—and, of course, relaxing. Pomodoro variations that work for studyingAs noted, the classic Pomodoro technique involves 25 minutes on and five minutes off, but you needn't be so rigid—there's a reason those Pomodoro timers don't lock you to those intervals. Twenty-five minute increments worked for Cirillo and countless adherents after him, but they may not work for you. I do recommend starting with the classic technique, but if you're not finding yourself falling into a state of deep work during those blocks of time, you have to switch things up. There's a lot of flexibility to the method, so feel free to experiment. For instance, one student invented "Animedoro" a few years ago. This approach involves working for longer intervals, around 40 to 60 minutes, then getting 20 minutes to relax and do something you enjoy—like watching an episode of anime, which tend to be about 20 minutes long. With longer working time, you have a better chance of getting into deep work and focusing, plus not getting discombobulated when your timer suddenly goes off. Another approach is called Pomodoro 2.0 and it involves adding 15 minutes to your work period every time you return to your task, so you focus longer and longer as you go. You still need to take breaks, of course, and you can even make those incrementally longer too. Or maybe you prefer to work in quick bursts. You can try variations where you study for just 10 minutes before a short break, giving yourself a sense of urgency as you try to see how many flashcards you can study in that time. The point is it's up to you: A period of work interspersed with breaks is the only core element of the method, and you can approach it in whatever way you find most useful. Just keep in mind that you'll get better results if you commit to a set structure, even if it takes some time to adjust to it. Pomodoro apps can helpI'm a fan of those Pomodoro timers because they keep me off my phone, which is a major distraction—it's a slippery slope from setting an alarm to checking a notification and then finding myself in a Reels hole 10 minutes of my allotted study time. Then again, the phone can be useful if you're using it productively. Many focus timer apps can be used with the Pomodoro method, and will even block other apps during the work-time increments you set, or otherwise penalize you for getting distracted when you should be focusing. (If you need suggestions, I've previously written about a few of my favorites.) There are also Pomodoro-specific apps—including my top pick, FocusPomo—that exist purely to help you structure your study or productivity time around the famous technique. If using your phone alarm seems risky and buying a tabletop timer off Amazon feels antiquated, look into one of these. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. It's not often I find sales on the Kindle Paperwhite, especially the latest version—but right now, the 12th Gen, 2024 "like-New" 16GB Kindle Paperwhite is $106.99 (originally $143.99 and $159.99 for a "new" one). The Signature Edition, with an automatically adjusting front light, double the storage, and wireless charging, is available for $126.99 (originally $179.99) and the Kindle Scribe, with note-taking capabilities, starts at $269.99. That's the lowest price for all of these devices, according to price-tracking tools. These deals on used Kindles usually sell out fast, so get one sooner rather than later if you're interested. Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $106.99 at Amazon $143.99 Save $37.00 Get Deal Get Deal $106.99 at Amazon $143.99 Save $37.00 Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) $126.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal Get Deal $126.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $53.00 (32 GB) Our fastest Kindle with auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and weeks of batter Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $126.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal Get Deal $126.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $53.00 (16GB) Your notes, documents and books, all in one place. With built-in AI notebook summarization. Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe $269.99 at Amazon $359.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $269.99 at Amazon $359.99 Save $90.00 SEE 1 MORE The Kindle Paperwhite is the most popular reading tablet from Amazon, and it's the best for most people, according to PCMag's "outstanding" review. It offers many improvements over the 11th-generation version from 2021—mainly a larger seven-inch display and a much faster boost in performance. It still retains all of the great attributes that made the previous version great, like a fully waterproof design with an IPX8 rating, enough storage to hold more than 10,000 books, and unlimited cloud storage. If you want an ad-free experience with some better features, get the Signature Edition. If you're not sure if this is the right Kindle for you, you can see if the Colorsoft version is a better fit for you. It offers color, so it can make reading manga or comics more lively. We also have a breakdown of every kind of Kindle to help you decide. If you already own the 11th generation, there might not be enough here to warrant an upgrade, unless you just want the latest Amazon has to offer. However, any devices older than that may be worth an upgrade for features like Bluetooth compatibility, which is great for audiobooks. The screen features a 300 ppi (pixels per inch) display with 16 levels of background lighting, and optional warm lighting as well. I use this feature to read before bed and not strain my (or my partner's) eyes. I also love the absurdly long battery life. This one is estimated at up to 12 weeks on a single charge, depending on your use and brightness settings. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Memory is a tricky thing. Scientists have figured out how many units of information you can store in your short-term memory (around seven, though there are great workarounds for remembering more than that), but if you really want to remember something, you have to go over it a bunch of times until it lodges deeper in your brain. There are quite a few ways to do that if you have some time to devote to the practice of repetition, but if you’re getting ready for a test at school or a presentation at work, you might not have too long to go over the content again and again and again—but you do, if you make a personal podcast. This technique requires you to make an effort only once, then calls on you to relax and absorb the information more passively, making it ideal for studying or reviewing when you are short on time or heavy on other tasks. How to make a “podcast” to help you studyNext time you want to retain the details of something you’re studying, open up the voice notes feature on your phone, because you’re going to make yourself a little study podcast. You could simply read your notes out loud into the mic; it’s the simplest option, and a good one. (If you’re memorizing a speech, just perform the whole thing. That's what I did in high school, when I was a forensics nerd and felt that using even a single notecard during a speech meet delegitimized my entire presentation. For what it's worth, I won a lot, which I partially attribute to being off-book while everyone else used aids.) You do have other, more intensive, options though. You can record separate “episodes” for each mini-topic you’re studying, which will help you organize your thinking and provide an easy way to focus if you need brushing up in a particular area. Use your preferred note-taking method or a reading-and-retaining technique like SQ3R to create outlines that are concise but make sense and hit on the points you most need to study, then write your scripts according to those notes. That part will take a while, but all of it, combined, will help you start to remember what you're supposed to be remembering. You don’t have to worry about the thing actually being pleasant for others to listen to, so make it useful for your own study style. A few approaches you could take include asking yourself review questions out loud, pausing, and stating the right answer or reading entire passages from your textbook into the mic. You could even try out different characters and turn it into a role-playing scenario. Don't get too involved with it, though, unless that sort of creativity helps you focus; it's better to stick with facts and straightforward audio. The most important part comes after you’ve recorded your personal podcast: You have to listen to it. You have to listen to it a lot. Play it through the speakers of your car or through your headphones on the train to make your commute productive. Play it at the grocery store, when you’re doing errands around the house, and when you are relaxing at night. Fall asleep listening to it. The first few times, you'll listen pretty actively, but even having it running as background noise will shove that information into your brain. A second option for your study podcastIf you're going to do this, a major component of what makes it valuable is the part where you have to review the material, outline the script, and say it all out loud into your microphone. That's a big chunk of the studying right there. Still, if you don't have time for that or you are worried you won't highlight the most important parts if left to your own devices, there's another option that works well. Google's NotebookLM is an AI tool that pulls only from the material you give it. That means that unlike competitors such as ChatGPT, it doesn't answer your questions by searching the entire internet. Rather, it searches through PDFs, YouTube videos, links, and other resources you provide—and that's it. One of its coolest features is that it can create "podcasts" for you based on those materials, in addition to its ability to create flashcards and quizzes. These podcasts sound like real ones you might listen to in your everyday life: They have different voices and characters who speak conversationally but factually about the content of whatever you uploaded to the software. I love NotebookLM and use it all the time to organize my work. It's free to use and generates podcasts quickly, so it's worth considering here, too. Why a personal study podcast worksPicking things up from your personal podcast is an example of rote learning, the process by which we memorize things based on repetition. But it has other advantages, too. For instance, even when you’re compiling the notes and deciding what to include in the mini podcast, you’re studying—you’re making decisions about which concepts are most important, how they flow together, and how you can present your mastery of them to others. Even if you choose to let NotebookLM do it, you're still making decisions about which materials from your class or project to upload to the software and how to organize it, which is also studying. Reading is all well and good, but you remember things better when you process them in a variety of ways. From organizing your notes to speaking them aloud and listening to them read back to you, every part of this process will help you more thoroughly process and recall the content. Each of those is commonly used on its own as a standalone study technique, so imagine how effective they’ll be together. View the full article