33 Newer Tech Products That Can Only Make Life Easier
When people see this cleverly-shaped toaster and tiny see-through air fryer in your kitchen, they're going to think you're a genius.
1. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??)
Reviewers especially love this lamp for small spaces, since it doesn't take up valuable surface area!
Promising review: "I love the way the light looks and the many colors, but honestly I love the flexibility of the neck. I can manipulate it to fit the function of what I am doing. I have used it as reading light and mood light by the bed. I had no problem reading my book at night. I have used it as a task light to do arts and crafts. More recently, I have used it at work and it now has a permanent spot at my desk. The light was a great value for the money for me." — Terese
Get it from Amazon for $35.99.
2. A two-slice slim toaster to fit virtually *anywhere* in your tiny kitchen, and to look gosh darn adorable doing it. Bonus — these long slots make it ideal for larger slices of bread, like your beloved sourdoughs.
Psst — if you're looking to save space in your kitchen and don't want to sacrifice on aesthetic, check out Bella's matching line of compact, affordable kitchen appliances!
Promising review:"The narrow width of this toaster helps free up real estate on my small countertop, plus it accommodates two slices of toast, English muffins or bagels as well as a regular width toaster. It comes in a beautiful teal color which I love. And the three toast levels ensure you don't burn food and the quality of the toast is just right — from light to brown. I highly recommend it!" — Joyce Hill
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four styles).
3. An iPhone 14 Pro Max privacy phone screen protector with some real "XOXO, Gossip Girl" vibes — when you tilt this gradient tempered glass protector, nobody will be able to snoop on what TikToks you're watching (or catch you texting your situationship mid-drinks 😬).
www.amazon.com
There are options for the iPhone 14 Plus/13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, too!
Promising review:"It's been about five months since I purchased this screen protector, and I have to say, that it's held up well. The screen is beautiful when the screen is off. I've had a lot of compliments on the screen protector, and after five months and few light drops, it hasn't cracked or gotten scratched up (minus a few wear on the screen like light scratches). Well made and overall, a great screen protector. Installation is pretty easy with the kit it comes with, and I still have the second unused that I may end up switching if at some point the screen actually cracks." — Timothy Jay
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99.
4. An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack!
Amazon
Promising review:"I love everything about this! Easy to use! Works great for phones or Kindles! Decently priced, lightweight, and very sturdy! The soft pillow provides a comfortable lap experience while reading!" — Kimberly
Get it from Amazon for $35.99.
5. A foldable smart walking pad that packs up so neatly you'll feel like a magician at the end of your walking sesh. This slim profile, remote-controlled treadmill even has super sensitive gravity sensors throughout to decelerate or accelerate if it senses you getting too close to back or front.
This walking pad goes from 0.5mph to 3.75mph.
Promising review: "Good, simple walking pad at a solid price point. It works well, and is easy to move and store. The folding mechanism functions well, and the wheels roll easily. Controlled relatively easily with the remote or app. Doesn't seem especially noisy, considering that it's a small treadmill. Very small footprint once it's folded and tucked away." — Joel Wills
Get it from Amazon for $319.99 (clip the $80 off coupon on the product page for this price).
6. A 3-in-1 charging station so you can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, *and* AirPods all at the same time, like a lil' hub for them to juice up at the end of the day. This also functions as a night-light with three different brightness levels so you can read at night or gently wake yourself in the morning!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am very pleased with this purchase. It charges quickly. It has a sleek design that looks nice and not bulky on my bedroom night stand. The reading light is great because it functions well without disturbing my husband. Easy set up and customer service." — Carla Daniels
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
7. Plus a tiny 3-in-1 portable charger you can fold down to the size of a little macaron, but expand to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at the same time. If you have trips on the horizon or you're a busy human in general, you need to get yourself one of these adorable UFOs, fast.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are fabulous for travel — they charge three devices from just one USB port, especially [helpful] when frequenting hotel rooms. The first one is now permanently stationed bedside to help clean up the clutter, and this will go into my briefcase for future excursions. Compact, and effective!" — see2xu
Get it from Amazon for $76.49 (available in four colors).
8. A wireless remote control outlet plug with a small remote that lets you turn devices on and off from across the room, whether it's a light fixture, a fan, a garbage disposal, or any other household electronic you don't feel like getting up or crouching down to turn on and off. You can even install the remote on the wall for easy access!
Promising review: "Oh my goodness. This light switch is the best. Got it for my 89-year-old aunt to use with her nightstand light. I affixed the control button to her headboard of the bed. The push buttons are large and that makes it perfect. Thank you!" — Karla
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
9. A brand spanking new *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to pack in smaller clutches and purses when you're commuting. It's also glare-free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action.
Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen).
10. A USB-rechargeable portable water flosser that gets the job done just as effectively without having to lug a planet-size device in your bag. A lot of reviewers love the small profile of this gizmo so much they use it as as every day one at home, too!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Great travel product. It is exactly what I was looking for. Super portable to throw in my work bag and easy to put together. Love that it USB charges. Great combinations of water pressure." — MJ
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
11. A guided visual "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid friendly!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Mindset is a small business that specializes in calming personal care and decor products.
Promising review:"I started meditating over a decade ago. Intermittent in the beginning, progressing deeper, and finding new joys over time. With Breathing Buddha, the last thoughts have dropped away as counting breath always seemed to keep me conscious of, well, counting. Granted, I have always dropped the counting after a handful of breaths, but Breathing Buddha has made for a delightful transition as I realize it doesn't have to count at all. It is a lovely concept, well executed, and very easy to start using." — Lynn
Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in two styles).
12. A super useful, delightfully cheap charging station end table, which features two outlets and two USB ports to power lamps and gadgets and charge your devices. Reviewers love this compact, lightweight piece for bedrooms and tight living room spaces that can use the extra outlets!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Good for small spaces. I needed this end table for a smaller space next to my couch. It fits perfectly and I love that it has an outlet and USB ports. The bottom will also fit an 11-inch basket so I can store things in there if needed." — Darcy Neuman
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three colors).
13. A slim profile ink-free thermal Bluetooth printer you can boss around from your computer, phone, or tablet to quickly print black and white images on thermal paper — excellent for printing shipping labels, articles, or quick memos on the go. Travelers also love how ridiculously portable it is!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the portable ink-free Bluetooth printer in action.
This requires thermal paper to operate — grab 100 sheets on Amazon for $18.69!
Promising review: "This specific printer is lightweight but very sturdy. The app is super easy to use; it's got a media library that has layouts and other clipart styles. The printer is also relatively quiet and I have not had any issues with loading the paper straight, you just have to be dedicated to inserting the paper. Do not be super gentle with the paper or it will print on the paper crooked. Customer support is awesome and the quality if nice and worth the price, in my opinion. The paper, as stated in other reviews, is costly however I think not paying for ink evens it out." — Kapizanami
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (clip the $6 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in three colors).
14. A crossbody iPhone wallet that's a *much* more cost-effective solution than the $98 Bandolier version, with all the same cuteness and functionality.
Amazon
Promising review: "Bought with hesitation for traveling! Didn't think I'd like it that much but cannot believe how much I loved this thing! It looks like real leather and it's well made. Held my phone very snuggly. Lots of room in the wallet part. I got this for travel because I didn't want to have to carry a purse all day. This was amazing to have! It held my cash and cards and left me hand free which was sooo nice. The strap is long enough so you can talk on the phone comfortably with it still connected." — Dee
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in iPhone four sizes and four colors).
15. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container.
Amazon, www.instagram.com
Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action.
Each air fryer comes with the"PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying!
Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $179.99 (available in three colors).
16. An Apple-compatible locator tag that functions just like an AirTag, but at a more affordable price. Bonus — this even comes with a waterproof case, making it even more handy for keeping track of important objects (and even more important pets!!).
Promising review: "Perfect tracker with a stylish touch! They function perfectly with the Apple Find My app, and I use them for my backpack, keys, and luggage. No more worrying about lost things thanks to the extremely accurate tracking and easy setup! I adore that I can rely on it to protect my AirTag in any conditions. This is the perfect tracker if you're an iOS user searching for something dependable, useful, and stylish! I give it 5 stars! Highly recommended!" — JoyfulGenius
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in six styles and in a four-pack).
17. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯
Amazon
You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water.
Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
18. "Plaud," an AI voice recorder and notes generator that's basically a personal assistant that fits in your pocket. This gadget not only transcribes audio from meetings in real time, but uses ChatGPT to create summaries, minutes logs, and to-do lists based on the audio. Now, those meetings that couldn't be emails can get condensed into one!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
This is also an EXCELLENT tool for students who want to summarize lectures!
Promising review: "Love this product! Very user friendly, and the app is easy to navigate. Can transcribe and summarize meeting notes in a couple of minutes and allows you to choose what layout (meeting notes, transcript, mind map) you would like. Allows you to edit notes if needed and replay the meeting. This handy device can record phone calls. Just place it in the holder and attach to your phone, and switch the button to the phone option for those on-the-go phone conferences. Very helpful and convenient!!" — Rachele
Get it from Amazon for $159 (available in two colors).
19. Birdie, an indoor carbon dioxide monitor that — bless her dramatic heart — flips over and "dies" if the air quality in your home goes down, prompting you to open a window or run an air purifier so you can breathe easier. Once Birdie is happy with the air quality again, she'll pop back up!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Super easy to set up, and it works! We set ours up, and after charging it and mounting it, the bird fell down. We opened the windows, and about 10 minutes later, the bird went upright. People have commented how cool it look, going to buy as a gift for a family member as well." — M English
Get it from Amazon for $149 (clip the $40 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in five styles).
20. A fast-heating straightener brush with four different temperature settings to get the job done fast, effectively, and as healthily as possible — the teeth are coated with keratin ceramic to protect hair and minimize breakage, and the curved comb shape makes sure you get *right* to the root.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
This is designed to work on all hair and curl types!
Promising review: "I have fine curly hair and have always used straighteners, and they did okay, but never got down to the root of my hair. With typical straighteners my hair starts curling again by the end of the day. I am amazed at how well this did, and will never go back to any other straightener. My hair stayed straight all day and cut my hair straightening time in half. Amazing product and extremely affordable." — Twin tornadoes
Get it from Amazon for $30.99 (available in five styles).
21. And a travel-size version of The Knot Dr. by Conair, which is an all-in-one hairdryer brush that looked at the mega-expensive Dyson AirWrap and said, "Game, set, MATCH." This affordable option works on all hair types so you can give yourself a full volumized blow-out at home in the fraction of the time it takes with an ordinary blow-dryer, without spending the big buckaroonies on expensive hair tools.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Exactly what I needed and works great. I have a large brush dryer and took too much room when traveling. I was hesitant about buying a smaller one because my hair is very curly and didn't think it would work because of the lower watts. But it did! It's light, smaller, and will take up less room in my suitcase. I highly recommend it. Love it!" — Ana Estrella
Get it from Amazon for $33.95.
22. A delightful aesthetic cord wrapper you can attach to your kitchen gizmos to neatly tuck the cords out of sight when they're not in use. These ones are especially precious because of the subtle scalloped edges (which also help keep the cords in place when they're wrapped)!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I cannot stand cords and any sort of clutter. I have been looking for something like this product for a long time. They are super easy to use, functional, and have a cute design. I am very happy with them and hope they hold up well." — Lulu P.
Get a set of two from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two colors and multipacks).
23. An electric travel kettle for all the tea, coffee, and oatmeal monsters out there who want instant, portable access to their lifeblood. People love this for at-home use when they're not traveling, too — it boils SUPER fast for quick cuppas, and has a small profile that makes it easy to put away.
Promising review:"This gorgeous lil' portable kettle has been the best companion during all my travels this year! I drink a LOT of tea and am religious about making my special elixirs and healing potions every morning. I appreciate how quickly it heats up, and how long it keeps water hot. I have always followed the directions and use common sense when handling it, and have never had any issues with anything so far. Very satisfied with this purchase! Would highly recommend." — Sassy Mama
Get it from Amazon for $27.53 (clip the 15% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in six colors).
24. A self-cleaning electric toilet brush to go full YEE! HAWWWW! on the grime in your toilet bowl. If you're dealing with hard water stains, this is an excellent way to get the toilet bowl sparkling again without having to scrub hard. When you put it away, the base will light up blue to let you know it's sanitizing the brush!
Promising review: "I always have a ring in my toilet because I have hard water and this brush does a wonderful job of cleaning it right off! It is so easy to use and I love the blue light that automatically comes on after cleaning to get rid of bacteria. This brush actually makes cleaning toilets fun!" — Ashley Picard
Get it from Amazon for $27.19 (available in white, black, and a two-pack).
25. Ray-Ban's Meta Smart Glasses, which are enabled with Meta AI to basically make you feel like you're an undercover operative living in the ~future~. These voice-enabled glasses can take pictures and videos from your "perspective" whenever you ask, so you can seamlessly take pictures of trips and still live in the moment. This also also a great tour guide — it can get information about your environment, scan QR codes, and take calls with tiny, discreet speakers.
www.amazon.com
This was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2024 — check out more of Oprah's past picks on Amazon's gift shop!
Promising review: "I love them! I feel like a spy wearing these! They come in handy when I want to be hands-free! The sound quality is amazing! The video and picture quality is great!! 👍🏽 These are the best. besides, right now, I feel special because everyone is curious because I'm the only one I know that has them! Great product!" — Stillbeauty
Get it from Amazon for $299+ (available in three colors).
26. A set of succulent-shaped outdoor lights to help light up your path when you get home at night *and* make your entry way so darn cute that it'll look like a family of fairies just moved into your attic.
www.amazon.com
27. Our Place's new Splendor Blender, a super strong, ridiculously beautiful personal blender perfect for making smoothies and shakes on the go — particularly because it comes with an adorable personal cup and drinking lid set. Also, a moment for this aesthetic, please?? Our Place never misses.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This blender is perfect! It can be left on the counter because it is so pretty and it's super strong. Everyone loves to make their own individual smoothie in the house, it blends big frozen strawberries with no problem, and it's aesthetically lovely! We love it!" — Amazon Shopper 77
Get it from Amazon for $125 (available in four colors).
28. A vintage-inspired essential oil diffuser to waft calming scents through your space and add a subtle touch of ~quiet luxury~ by serving double time as decor.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
(According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA.)
Promising review:"This really is a game changer for my space, it covers a really large area and smells so good. Plus this holds so much water. This is the perfect size to sit on the end table in the family room. You can hardly tell it's there, but when you, do it's a beautiful display." — Customer
Get it from Amazon for $48.99 (clip the $9 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two styles).
29. A moon lamp candle warmer so you can get all the celestial vibes *and* the coziness of a soothing candle wafting through your space (without worrying about an open flame)!
Amazon
Promising review:"I received this as a gift for my birthday and it looks absolutely beautiful. The heat level, timer, everything about it is amazing!!!!" — Kristen
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available as a regular candle warmer).
30. A stylish fitness smartwatch that's a chic, affordable, user-friendly version of all the tricked-out expensive ones that aren't half as cute anyway. This water-resistant watch not only takes calls and texts and monitors your sleep, but has 70 different activity modes for fitness tracking, including the ability to track your heart rate, steps, and calories for each workout.
Promising review: "This watch is elegant and simple all at once. Can be worn with any genre of clothing. Easy to use and has all the sort after features. Love the sleep monitoring app. Great value at price point. Functions like expensive brands." — Barbara Hubbard
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors).
31. A portable, extendable power strip to save your technologically-dependent butt when you end up in a hotel with one (1) measly outlet. Even if it's an absurd distance from the bed, this will extend so your gadgets are all close by, and easily charge all of them at once.
32. A Wi-Fi–connected, voice-controlled Café Couture Oven with 14 essential cooking modes so you can air fry, CrispFinish, bake, broil, roast, and more, giving you so many truly elite cooking options that — gasp — you may never order takeout again?? Bless this near-sentient oven for doing all your bidding for you!
Amazon
This was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2024 — check out more of Oprah's picks on Amazon's gift shop!
Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things! Size perfect! Not too large, not too small, it's the Goldilocks of countertop ovens. And it's so pretty, too. Does everything you want it to do. After reading reviews about how people just hand wash the basket, I was skeptical, but I have to tell you, no matter what you cook in, it is soooo easy to hand wash and comes out looking new. The air fry option is truly the best I've experienced thus far, not to mention the other, like, 10 cooking options you have. The price is shockingly low for this beauty, and I cannot recommend it enough." — Karen
Get it from Amazon for $328.96 (available in three colors).
33. A sleek waterproof smart sensor bathroom wastebasket so you can feel like you have magic germ-prevention powers when you're doing the otherwise boring task of throwing away your snot-filled tissues and used makeup wipes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psst — this takes two AA batteries!
Promising review: "Great little trash can. Easy to assemble — the three wooden legs are simple to attach. It fits well in small spaces. Lid opens and closes by a wave of the hand to the sensor located in front. Holds a grocery size bag. Very sturdy, and although it's lightweight, it does not look cheap. Great value for the money." — Anita Gordon
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in white and black and in multipacks).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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The pair are fiercely loyal and emotionally in sync. They are both strategic and decisive. Whilst Ricky is a tactical thinker, Noddy is the more emotionally intuitive of the two. Ricky works as an area manager for the Gas Emergency Service while Noddy is a construction operations manager. SHABINA (50) & SID (52)/ Location: Ilford, Essex Relationship: Married The married couple of 30 years from Ilford are devoted parents now ready to prioritise themselves. With Shabina working in the civil service and Sid being a London Underground ticket inspector, they believe their secret weapon is their mix of sharp instincts and analytical thinking. Lifelong Spurs fans with a shared sense of humour, they're embracing this rare opportunity for adventure together. Sid is impulsive and likes to get stuck into things whereas Shabina is more cautious. The pair believe their love of competition is something that brings them closer together. ASAAD (32) & JAMILAH (34)/ Location: Newcastle Relationship: Siblings The pair are a close-knit brother and sister duo from Newcastle, bonded by shared values, resilience, and a deep family connection. With Jamilah focused on building a future for her teenage son and Asaad navigating starting a family with his wife, they're embracing this adventure as a chance to relive their youthful spirit and pursue life-changing goals together. The pair are a positive force, competitive, and confident in both their own and each other's abilities. Jamilah is a community relations manager and Asaad is a wind turbine engineer. Both live in Newcastle. ROB (57) & ALEX (48)/ Location: Camden, London Relationship: Married The married couple of 25 years bring a shared drive for excellence to the proceedings. Alex, a multilingual former gymnast and corporate finance advisor, and Rob, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, are high achievers motivated not by money but by the thrill of competition and the chance to win as a pair. Alex is ambitious and a perfectionist, whilst Rob is the calmer and more patient of the pair. Alex was raised in Singapore and now lives in London with Rob who grew up in Birmingham. STEVEN (53) & SHELLEY (51)/ Location: Bromley, London Relationship: Married Married couple for 28 years, Steven and Shelley are devoted partners navigating the next chapter of their lives as they approach an empty nest. With Steven's adventurous spirit and Shelley's desire to broaden her horizons, they're embracing this opportunity to reconnect, explore the world, and focus on themselves after years of raising a family. Steven is very excitable, tending to act first and think later; Shelley, on the other hand, likes to have a plan and brings a more calming energy to the pair. Based in Bromley, South London, Shelley works as a housing officer and Steven is a black cab driver. SAM (34) & LUKE (34)/ Location: Bridlington and Manchester Relationship: Best friends Sam and Luke, lifelong friends from Bridlington, bring resilience and camaraderie to the challenge. Luke is a single father living in Manchester, working as an English teacher at a secondary school, he is both generous and intelligent. Sam is a charity coordinator, trainee goldsmith, and model who rebuilt his life after losing his leg in a motorbike accident. He is adventurous, resilient, and loyal. The pair know each other inside out and have great banter together, they're ready to take on a new adventure. Each mission hides a multiple-choice question (often themed around the location or Bond trivia) but, before they can answer, the pair have to complete the physical and mental challenges. A correct answer moves them up the money ladder and closer to the £1 million jackpot. A wrong answer sends them home immediately. If they make it through all the missions and questions they qualify for the final mission in London. If they clear that stage they will unlock the full £1 million prize. Only then can they walk away with the jackpot. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I replaced my Steam Deck with a modern Game Boy, and it's the perfect love letter to my inner '90s kid
Back in the '90s, I was a Game Boy kid — I even loved those late night drives back from vacation where you had to wait for passing street lights to see what was on the (non-backlit) screen! But the real beauty of it was the games were purposely built for on-the-go play to instantly hook you. That's something I believe has gone missing in 2025. We're surrounded by vastly more powerful systems like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Xbox Ally, which do allow for incredible-looking games that tell infinitely better stories with vast amounts of gameplay depth. But with all that complexity, they can take a while to get to the good part, whereas Game Boy games ditched all of that unnecessary guff and just got to the point. But with any sort of old tech fondness, am I looking at it through rose-tinted glasses? I do miss my Commodore 64 (even got a keyboard in honor of it), but when I went back to it, you realize that it just didn't age well. Is that the same with Nintendo's handheld? Well, after daily-driving the ModRetro Chromatic for a few weeks, I can safely say that's not the case. Game Boy games still slap, and the Chromatic is the best way to play them. Let me tell you about it. The Chromatic ticks both boxes of being a seriously premium device, and a truly authentic Game Boy. Whether it's the magnesium alloy body and Gorilla Glass (or Sapphire for an extra $100) screen cover giving serious durability and high-end feels in the hands, or every element from the sub-pixel structure of the display and the feel of the buttons being authentic to the original, this is one of the best ways to play retro games in 2025. There's a lot of things I miss about the original Game Boy, but if there are two things I definitely don't long for, those would be the cheap plastic and the display without a backlight. The Chromatic addresses both of these head-on, and feels all the more premium for it! First, you're getting a 2.6-inch 160x144-pixel IPS display with great color and backlighting, so those play sessions don't have to end when the sun goes down. The subpixel structure has also been worked on to be as authentic to the original Game Boy as possible, and it really shows whether you're in or outdoors thanks to that bright backlight. Also shout-out to the ultra-loud speaker in here too — great clarity and prime for blasting out those 8-bit soundtracks. And second, there's a rock solid magnesium alloy body here, which feels great to hold and gives you a real confidence in its durability. Pair that with either Gorilla Glass atop the screen for scratch resistance, or you could pay an extra $100 and get Sapphire, and my two biggest bugbears about the original handheld have been resolved. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So if you're like me, chances are you've gone back to the family home and found a shoebox full of old games that you're keen to play. A lot of the cheaper retro systems you can buy on Amazon pack a software-level emulator. It does the job, but can bring with it pesky bugs and issues of lag between you pushing buttons and the character moving on-screen. The ModRetro does this differently with a Field-Programmable Gate Array architecture (FGPA). Basically, rather than throwing the Game Boy game through a software emulation layer, the Chromatic replicates the hardware — the game is actually played without any of that software trickery needed. That guarantees a lag-free gaming experience across all the Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges I threw at this handheld, and the authenticity is backed up by all the small-but-critical decisions made too. The sub-pixel structure and color balance are tuned to match Nintendo's hardware, the PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) buttons have been tested to replicate that same tactile feel. You could even play multiplayer just like in the past with an optional Link Cable. All of this comes together to give you the best look back at your childhood, and not only that, but ModRetro is taking some notes from modern day to enrich the gaming possibilities too. ModRetro is producing its own game cartridges too. Each Chromatic comes bundled with a copy of Tetris, but there are other addictive titles like Dragonyhm and Toki Tori — Ultimate Edition to be had too. But this is where the modern inspiration comes in, because using a feature called Cart Clinic, developers can actually push updates to their games. Just plug it in via USB-C to your PC or Mac, fire up the software and apply the patch. Most recently, this has opened up the insanely addictive Battle Mode in Tetris: the best multiplayer mode from the original title on Game Boy. Basically, as you wipe out lines, those lines are then added to the competing player's screen. It's crazy good fun, and a real showcase example of how you can continue to support these games even after they've been pushed on silicon! Retro fondness in gaming is something we all have, but can be quickly disappointed by when actually going back to said games. To really make it hit right, you need hardware that stays true to the original formula, while embracing modern day tech to enrich the experience. The ModRetro Chromatic does that 100%. With its premium build quality and attention to detail, it's a spectacular Game Boy revival that even comes with charm…literally…each game comes with a charm you can attach to the handheld. Whether it's a quick blast on commutes to work or a round of Tetris between sets at the gym, the Chromatic has never left my side, as every time I pick it up, all the memories come flooding back. Tactility, personality and addictive games. What more could you want from a portable? Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Jim Rinnert, longtime art director for In These Times magazine and a theater enthusiast, dies
Jim Rinnert was the longtime art director for In These Times magazine and a theater enthusiast who co-wrote an award-winning multimedia theatrical work based on the writings of avant-grade theater and cinema artist Antonin Artaud. Also an AIDS activist, Rinnert in 1985 created a fund to provide financial support for members of the Chicago theater community who had been affected by the AIDS crisis. That fund eventually was expanded to become Season of Concern Chicago, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to theater practitioners unable to work due to illness, injury or circumstance. 'He was the artist in our family, and we just loved him,' said his nephew, actor Randall Newsome. 'He was generous … and he produced things.' Rinnert, 80, died of a stroke suffered at Beacon Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, on July 19, said his husband of 10 years, Brent Fisher. A former West Town resident who had moved to New Carlisle, Indiana, in 2022, Rinnert recently had been hospitalized for heart problems, Fisher said. Born and raised in the southern Illinois town of Flora, James Hubert Rinnert attended Flora High School and then served in the Army at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War as a personnel specialist. He then earned a bachelor's degree in English from Eastern Illinois University. After college, Rinnert taught for a year in Australia, and had several jobs in Chicago, including working for the Kelley Girls employment service and cataloguing Hugh Hefner's personal movie collection at Chicago's Playboy Mansion, Fisher said. In 1976, Rinnert joined In These Times, then a progressive startup publication, as a typesetter. He eventually became the publication's art director and he also contributed articles to the publication. 'I was really impressed with his creativity,' said longtime In These Times senior editor Salim Muwakkil. 'A lot of times you get the feeling that what a progressive publication is doing is kind of a freelance or less-technical orientation, and Jim was progressive-friendly but very competent, and that was welcome.' Fisher said Rinnert loved to promote his view that art is 90% contemplation and 10% creativity when asked how long it took him to finish a piece of artwork. 'His artwork was often a creative reaction to something that personally and deeply affected him,' Fisher said. Rinnert's interest in theater dated to his time in college, and upon arriving in Chicago, he found himself drawn to the city's grassroots, off-Loop theater scene. Rinnert's partner at the time, Tommy Biscotto, had been a stage manager at the Organic and Goodman theaters. In the late 1970s, Rinnert joined forces with Biscotto and a onetime college classmate, J. Pat Miller, to create 'The Artaud Project,' a show based on the writings of French actor, writer, poet, playwright and visionary Artaud, who died in 1948. Artaud called his vision of theater the Theatre of Cruelty, which he described in essays as not sadism, but rather 'a theater that wakes us up: nerves and heart.' Rinnert wrote and directed the show, which starred Miller and was staged at the Victory Gardens Theater, then located at 3730 N. Clark St. in the Lakeview neighborhood. The Tribune's theater critic in 1980, Richard Christiansen, in a review, gave Rinnert and several colleagues credit for the 'technically sophisticated' show and called it 'a compulsively watchable work that offers interested theater audiences the opportunity to experience a genuinely experimental piece.' 'The Artaud Project' won a Joseph Jefferson Award, Chicago's top theater prize, in 1980. Rinnert had a really inquisitive mind, said Mary Griswold, the production's set designer. 'The whole idea of 'The Artaud Project,' with the video at the same time, and devising it so that you as a spectator knew where to look — it was a complicated, intricate scheme of blending live-action and taped things with Artaud's original material and other scripted material that Jim wrote,' she said. Fisher said Rinnert was drawn to Artaud's works and writings on theater. 'But the motivation was creating a piece that would showcase J. Pat Miller, his close friend, as ideally as it did,' Fisher said. After 'The Artaud Project,' Rinnert continued to write, including several plays and a screenplay, though none were published or produced, Fisher said. At the time of his death, Rinnert had been collaborating on authoring a history of the Organic Theater Company, titled 'Scream, Bleed, Take Off Your Clothes: Stuart Gordon and Chicago's Organic Theater Company.' Among the book's coauthors include Griswold and actors Cordis Heard and Michael Saad. 'He was probably the best writer of all of us, so a lot of times he would blend together what others of us had written and do an editing job,' Griswold said. Biscotto, Rinnert's partner in the 1970s and '80s, was diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma in 1982, at the start of a mysterious and growing health crisis largely affecting the gay community. Biscotto's diagnosis preceded the creation of the term AIDS, and after Biscotto's death from AIDS-related complications in 1984 and Miller's death from an AIDS-related illness the following year, Rinnert helped form the Biscotto-Miller Fund, which was aimed at providing financial support to those in Chicago's theater community affected by AIDS. In 1987, Rinnert helped create Season of Concern Chicago, a nonprofit group that now provides financial assistance to the Chicago theater community. Season of Concern took over managing the Biscotto-Miller Fund. Rinnert retired from In These Times around 2007. Rinnert also is survived by a brother, Max. A celebration of his life will take place 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Vault Gallery, 2015 S. Laflin St., Chicago.
