Latest news with #couch
The Verge
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
I tried ‘Bricking' my phone to fix my brain
'We need to talk.' Nobody likes to hear those words from their spouse. Especially when it's delivered in a grave tone as you rot on a couch in a grubby blankie, staring like a zombie while doomscrolling. 'Wut?' I said, very intelligently. What came next was a compassionate but firm speech about how I was in dire need of an intervention. My attention span, my spouse said, was utterly shot to hell. They'd just asked my opinion about something happening on the TV show we were watching. I hadn't heard them. At all. Apparently, they'd repeated the question three times. Instead, I'd been engrossed in… actually, I couldn't tell you. 'You have a problem,' they said, tapping my phone. 'You can't put it down.' I launched into an impassioned self-defense. A close friend was going through a tough time, and I was worried about them. My bestie was asking my opinion on a dicey work matter. Those texts could not wait! Plus, it was a busy week at work, and I was keeping an eye on something in Slack. And I'd only picked up my phone during our sacred viewing of Love is Blind to look up a factoid about the tea the show producers had kept hidden, and then I'd seen an ad for a new sunscreen and — oh. 'It's not a 'you' problem,' my infinitely patient spouse said. 'I do it, too. Which is why I think you should Brick yourself.' For the second time that night, I uttered a very intelligent, 'Wut?' As it turns out, my spouse heard about Brick from a podcast and had been using it for months. It's an app that 'bricks' distracting apps and their notifications. Similar to other screen-time apps, you can create modes that let you pick and choose which distracting apps to block. For example, a 'deep work mode' that blocks all social media. But unlike other screen time apps, this one gets a bit nuclear. Brick comes with a physical key — a small NFC-enabled square about the size of an AirPods case. You tap your phone to the key to brick it, and you must tap the device again to unbrick it. If you lose the key, you can't unbrick your phone. The company gives you only five 'emergency unbrick' codes to manually override blocked apps in a pinch. Once you use one, it's gone. Forever. If you use the codes up and lose the key, well. You've got to factory-reset. There's even a 'strict mode' that prevents you from deleting all apps while your phone is bricked. As in, you won't be able to bypass it by deleting and redownloading blocked apps. My spouse had lost their Brick. Apparently, that's why they hadn't been on social media in weeks. They were adamant that my attention span — and therefore my life — would dramatically improve if I tried it too. So I gave it an honest go. It went poorly. The main problem is that Brick requires you to be intentional about being present. I was addicted to being omnipresent. I became so worried about losing the key — and therefore my connection to Knowing Things — that I carried it with me everywhere. When you carry the key with you, it becomes stupidly easy to just unbrick your phone whenever temptation or mild inconvenience strikes. My failure was useful, though. It underscored everything my spouse said about how my attention span had eroded over the past five years. Humbling as it was, I had to look at how I got here. As a caretaker, I'd gotten used to allowing every notification because I was afraid of missing an important one. As executor of my mother's estate, I'd been trained to jump at every email and to pick up every unknown call because it could be a bank representative, an unpaid bill collector, or a long-lost friend wanting to know what happened. And, well, in journalism, you're incentivized to pivot at a moment's notice if news breaks. It's hard to fully unplug when a small portion of your brain is always on call. Despite the dopamine rush I get from answering notifications, it's a bad way to live long-term. I love reading. I used to be able to devour A Song of Ice and Fire books in a single sitting. I was one of those dorks who read nearly 100 books a year. But in the last year, getting through a single chapter was a Herculean struggle. But where I noticed it most was while watching TV shows and movies. At first, it started with recognizing an actor but not knowing from where. I'd reach for my phone, look them up, and go back to watching. Simple. But somewhere along the way, particularly while watching thrillers or horror movies, I became unable to handle the anxiety of not knowing what would happen next. The internet is glorious for that. Some people hate spoilers, but I devoured them. I started avoiding movie theaters, not just because they were expensive, but because my hands would itch with the urge to look things up. And once you pick up your phone, something else will grab your attention next. It wasn't until I saw Old Friends and John Proctor is the Villain that it hit me. In a Broadway theater, a grumpy usher will kick you out if you're on your phone. (Or, Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone might snatch it from your hand.) The not-knowing was uncomfortable at first. But sitting with that discomfort also allowed me to feel delighted when moments of the shows surprised me. I remembered that not knowing isn't always a portent of disaster. It can be a good thing. Maybe I'd failed with Brick because of my tendency to optimize for every scenario. Right off the bat, I'd created a Work mode, a Writing mode, a Reading mode, a TV mode, a Fitness mode, and so on and so forth. Who in their right mind is going to remember to tap a device every time they switch gears? I put maybe two hours of work into selecting which apps to block for each without knowing what I actually needed. That only frustrated me when I required something from my phone. Ultimately, I put myself in a situation where I couldn't possibly succeed. But what if I just used Brick for one scenario: Watching TV. I remembered that not knowing isn't always a portent of disaster. It can be a good thing. I've since edited my Brick's TV mode. When enabled, the only apps I can use are Messages and utilities like the Clock, Calls, or the Wallet app. People can reach me in real emergencies, but once a show starts, I now put my phone face down on the table and take off my smartwatches. I'm trying a thing where, if I have an insatiable burning need to know something during an episode, I write it down on a memo pad. So far, I've learned the world doesn't end if I am late to respond — even if people, usually other chronically online friends, get tetchy with me. My attention span hasn't been fully rehabilitated. My spouse and I are currently rewatching Law and Order SVU, and every time there's a cameo, I nearly lose my mind trying to figure out who it is. But I miss fewer plot points. I laugh more because I'm not missing Ice-T's infamous zingers. I'm still struggling with longer movies and prestige shows, but I've started reading more easily again. I can't prove these two things are related, but it feels like they are. I don't know that I'll ever find the perfect balance between being connected and disconnected. Brick still doesn't work for me in every scenario. I don't think this is a solution that'll work for everyone in the same boat. But this experiment has been a helpful reminder that you don't always have to go big and fix everything at once. Sometimes, all it takes is a tweak to get a small win. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go rescue my Brick key from my cat. I like a little peace, but I'm not ready to lose an emergency unbrick code just from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Victoria Song Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Analysis Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Column Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Features Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Phones Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Puppy Does What's Expected After She Learns How to Climb a Couch
It's fascinating how pups learn new things. Take this little Golden Retriever, Moose, for instance. After days of practice, the little fur baby finally learned how to climb a couch without any support. She is not only proud of her achievement, but the pup is now focused on the next big goal — to find her perfect cozy position. The owner made sure to share her pet's feat on social media, and as expected, the puppy and the couch video are being loved by many across the internet. Climbing on a tall couch is no easy feat to achieve for tiny pups, but this Golden Retriever, Moose, does the impossible. After trying for days, finally, the 'puppy learns how to get on the couch.' The fur baby's owner captured Moose's achievement before sharing it with the world via the Instagram account @goldengirlmoose. If you are thinking the little Golden girl must have stopped at this, you couldn't be more wrong. Soon after climbing, sniffing the grey couch, and having the top view, Moose ticks off the next big agenda on her checklist — to find a perfect cozy position. After a quick inspection, the puppy settles in the middle of the couch, marking her territory. Looking at Moose's accomplishment, the owner also feels that the canine's new spot 'looks cozy.' The playful and comical 'Funny' music of Gold-Tiger merges well with the puppy's couch video. But what won the netizens over is Moose's new throne. One person mentioned in the comment section of the clip that the pup has got the 'Best spot in the house.' While another user commented, 'She looks so proud.' Another individual warned about the potential chaos in the future, writing, 'life is never the same after they learn.' Moreover, the puppy's couch video made another user believe, 'And now it's her throne!!' The post Video: Puppy Does What's Expected After She Learns How to Climb a Couch appeared first on DogTime.
CNN
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Can you trust social media to sell you a couch? I tried the viral Albany Park Kova sofa to find out
Your couch is arguably the most important piece of furniture and decor in your home, where you and your family will spend countless hours each day interacting, unwinding, entertaining and more. And with so many direct-to-consumer furniture brands operating solely online these days, there's a strong chance that you might never actually sit on your couch until its already purchased and set up in your living room. So social media comes in handy, then, when it comes to gaining a better sense of what you're actually getting yourself into as you make this major purchase. But can TikTok and Instagram be trusted with such a big decision? That's the question I've been grappling with specifically in relation to the Albany Park Kova collection. A mainstay of my FYP, the Kova couch looks extremely comfortable and seems to be priced well, but is it all the influencers and creators out there say it's cracked up to be? Here's what I found out. Albany Park Kova Sofa and Ottoman The Albany Park Kova sofa has gone viral on social media for its pillow cushions and ease of assembly. It's available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, and you can choose from 33 fabric options. It started with the Restoration Hardware Cloud Sofa, aka the viral Cloud Couch. That ultra relaxed, sink-in feel of this couch's pillow-like cushions captivated the internet — and celebrities, who could actually afford the starting price tag of over $1,700 for a single armless section and more than $2,200 for a corner — back when it launched in 2015. But now, a decade later, that comfy, cushy vibe has been adapted by many furniture brands into sofas that are far more accessible in terms of price, but no less cozy and sought after. Related article The best couch and furniture deals to shop before prices increase The Albany Park Kova collection is one of the most popular pillow-cushioned options available today. I've personally seen dozens of videos on TikTok of creators putting the couch together with ease (at least according to their picture-perfect edited videos) before flopping onto the finished product and singing its praises. You'd be hard pressed to find a couch, especially for a smaller space, that's absolutely perfect, but there's a lot to love about the Albany Park Kova. My experience is based on the 86-inch sofa with a storage ottoman, and for the upholstery, I opted for the performance boucle fabric in mocha, a pinkish brown hue. First, delivery was relatively seamless. The couch arrived in five large, very heavy boxes. My delivery guys were able to drop them off inside my apartment building, and because I'm on the ground floor, I was able to push them into my living room myself. But if you live on a high floor of an apartment building or you're planning to put this couch upstairs in your home, just know that you'll need some help to actually get the boxes there. Prev Next Assembly was intuitive and straightforward, though again, I do recommend having a second pair of hands around to help. All the pieces of the couch are packaged securely, but not so securely that unwrapping them is much of a challenge, and once you remove the plastic wrap from around the cushions, they puff up pretty much instantly. There are no tools required to put the couch together; the feet simply screw into the base, so that process is a total breeze. Meanwhile, the bases attach to the arms and backs via metal brackets that nest together by sliding one into the other. In a YouTube assembly tutorial video, it looks like these brackets fit together without too much effort; in reality, they don't — this was by far the most challenging aspect of assembly and the reason I recommend having at least one other person around to help, and preferably someone with some muscle. Lucky for me, my mom happened to be staying with me, and we only got the pieces to fit completely together when one of us was bracing the base while the other threw their entire body weight against the arm/back. It wasn't the most difficult furniture assembly task we've ever encountered, but we did break a sweat. If you got a sectional (and you probably did), the sections have a gator clamp that pivots out from under the base and easily clicks into its counterpart. Initially, I actually forgot this step, but it's vital. You'll notice that the sections move around quite easily if you forgo it, which actually speaks to one of the brand's selling points: The ability to easily reconfigure the couch if you opt for one of the bigger sectionals. Finally, you're ready to put the cushions into place. For the actual couch, they're simply placed on top (the seat cushions have a textured side that faces down to prevent slipping and sliding), with the cushion for the ottoman is zipped into a cushion cover that's sewn on. Speaking of the ottoman, I highly recommend opting for the version that includes storage! I've been able to fit two regular and one large bolster pillow inside with room to spare, and this piece actually arrives fully assembled, so you don't have to mess around with assembling any hinge systems. I've been living with the sofa for over a month now, even sleeping on it for over a week, and I've been impressed with its level of comfort and durability. I expected to need to fluff up the pillow cushions rather often, but I've actually only needed to do that a couple times, as they hold their shape nicely. The performance boucle fabric has also surpassed my expectations: Despite my best attempts to deter her, my cat loves to scratch at the fabric, but so far there's no evidence of damage (this was not the case with my previous couch). It's also spillproof; liquids just roll off the fabric, rather than soaking in. For me, the Albany Park Kova lives up to the hype it's received on social media. It's priced well; comes in a variety of sizes, configurations and fabrics; assembly was more than manageable; the upholstery is impressively durable; and most importantly, it's really, really comfortable. If you're looking for a sofa you can really sink into, it turns out social media hasn't steered you wrong — this time. How deep is the Albany Park Kova couch? How deep is the Albany Park Kova couch? The Albany Park Kova's seat depth measures 29 inches for each section. Here at CNN Underscored, we rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure everything we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this article, editorial director Chelsea Stone tried the viral Albany Park Kova sofa to see if it lived up to the hype it's received online.
.png%3Ftrim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
19-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
I took a gamble on this $650 cloud couch — here's my verdict six months later
Shipping Despite being a large household item, shipping was free, and the couch conveniently arrived flat-packed in six boxes, making for easy maneuvering within my apartment block. Five of the boxes arrived ahead of the scheduled delivery date, but the final one arrived a few days later. While this sounds problematic, the final box contained just the arms, so we could still assemble the couch as planned. If it was an essential piece though, this would have been frustrating. Having done some further research, the staggered arrival of the parts is commonplace, so something to bear in mind. Assembly Now this is where the couch really came into its own because we fully assembled it in just half an hour. The boxes and parts were lettered (the backrest an E, for example), and the instructions were clear and easy to follow, with each piece connecting simply — and importantly, no additional tools were required. The pillows and cushions did arrive vacuum-compressed, so they took around 12 hours to fully inflate. There also was a slight chemical smell to the couch, but this wore off after 24 hours. Design and comfort There's no denying that I was drawn to this couch because of its RH cloud sofa-inspired design but for $3,300 less. It's by no means the same quality, and the shape is arguably quite different. But, with the price in mind, the design is impressive. There are three colors to choose from — beige, black, green, and gray — I opted for the beige, and, I'd say it's more cream (with yellow tones) than beige, which I'm pleased about. The black legs are made of plastic, and I'm looking to replace them with something a little more chic to elevate the design a little. I also need to add a few bold-colored throw pillows to spruce it up. That said, it's not unpleasant on the eye. In terms of comfort, the foam cushions were firm at first. But having had it now for six months, they have softened up, so you do sink into it when you sit down — not quite like you would if they were feather-filled, but it's still comfortable to sit on. The back pillows feel supportive and have a nice amount of bounce, but prepare to wait a little while for them to bed in; the more you sit on it, the comfier it gets. It's not the deepest (29.1-inch), but the seat itself is wide (35.8-inch), so there's plenty of room to lounge, plus the addition of the chaise means you can fully recline. Speaking of the chaise, the pillow top is secured with velcro and is made from the same foam as the couch cushions, making for a nice place to rest your legs. Overall, it serves us very well. The covers are removable and machine-washable, it required very little assembly, and it's comfortable. For the price, I cannot complain — and it's a great pick for your first apartment.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Best couch brands for 2025, from Crate & Barrel to Ikea
A great couch is more than just a piece of furniture — it's the heart of your living space, where conversations unfold, weekend naps happen, and memories are made during family movie nights. But finding the perfect couch — the right balance of comfort, durability, and design — isn't an easy task. There are seemingly endless styles and fabrics, not to mention comfort, which is surprisingly subjective. What feels perfectly plush to one person might feel too soft (or too firm) to another. Add in the challenge of online shopping, where you can't test the seat depth, cushion fill, or fabric texture in person, and it's even harder to know what you're really getting. And let's not forget that final layer—price points and delivery options. Finding the best couch isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a mix of personal preference and smart design. But if you know where to start, you're more likely to find just the right thing. Whether you're curious about relatively new brands like Joybird or want to learn more about tried-and-true options like La-Z-Boy, our selection of the best couch brands has everything from sleek, modern sofas to plush sectionals for big families and even modular options to use in an apartment now and a home later. With more than 15 years of experience as a product reviewer, Brigitt Earley has covered all kinds of furniture: sofas and couches, beds and sheets, desks, dining tables, and more. She knows which brands to go to for the most stylish and durable pieces (plus which ones to avoid) across all price points. Scroll on for a list of the top couch brands, according to years of research. (Ikea) A classic for budget-conscious buyers, Ikea offers an impressive range of styles (including sleeper sofas and futons) at friendly price points. Its couches are simple, functional, and comfortable enough for daily use. Some are even modular, which is ideal for those moving into a first home or apartment. While assembly is part of the deal, the retailer offers a solid overall value. (Joybird) Another highly customizable option, Joybird offers a huge range of fabrics, colors, and finishes to suit your personal style and current décor. Many of its couches have retro-inspired designs (such as the Eastwood sofa) and are built to order. Overall, it's a great choice for those who seek out mid-century furniture that makes a statement in their living room. For bold, affordable furniture with personality, try Novogratz. Its compact and colorful couches are available through big-box stores and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. If you're looking for something for small spaces, dorm rooms, or stylish seating without spending a fortune, Novogratz should be your go-to destination. As part of the Wayfair family, AllModern's couches are sleek and on-trend but won't break the bank, thanks to budget-friendly prices and fast, affordable shipping. The designs lean toward minimalist and contemporary but come in all different shapes and sizes, from smaller sofas to larger sectionals and even sofa beds. If you're on the hunt for modern, modular furniture that's easy to assemble, comfortable, and durable, consider Burrow. Most of the couches come in customizable styles, so you can choose everything from leg finish to arm style, and, of course, color. The brand also offers spill-resistant and pet-friendly fabric options, as well as couches with extras, including built-in USB chargers for a great combination of style and function. Article Known for its clean, Scandinavian style, this direct-to-consumer brand makes high-quality couches at reasonable prices. You can expect sofas that are simple, durable enough for daily use, and most importantly, comfortable. There is a variety of colors for customization, too. Sometimes, creating your own couch is the only way, and that's exactly what Interior Define lets you do — offering customization options for fabric, color, cushion fill, legs, and even total depth (38-inch or 42-inch) and chaise length (63-inch or 73-inch). The brand says its modern couches are all made by skilled craftsmen with kiln-dried solid wood, making them 'exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting'. Visit now Known for its American-made furniture, classic designs, and top-tier craftsmanship, Room & Board manufactures couches that are built to last. Each one is made with a wood frame and high-quality upholstery that's meant to stand the test of time. Styles are varied, too — choose from both contemporary and traditional options to suit your style. Visit now For high quality, look no further than Room & Board (Room & Board) Though Lovesac makes a variety of furniture pieces, the brand is best known for its modular 'sactionals', which are essentially highly customizable sectionals. The fabrics are machine-washable and durable to hold up to heavy use, as well as the rigors of pets and kids, making Lovesac the perfect option for families. You can even add features like built-in speakers and USB ports for added function. La-Z-Boy has been a household name in comfort for decades, and it still reigns supreme, thanks to its plush sofas and reclining sectionals that are specifically built with relaxation in mind. The designs do skew more traditional, but in recent years, the brand has rolled out some more modern silhouettes with the same comfortable feel and reliable construction the brand is known for. You can rely on West Elm for its range of functional yet comfortable sofas (West Elm) For stylish, trend-forward designs with mid-century modern appeal, look to West Elm. A favorite among millennials, the brand offers plenty of stylish pieces — smaller sofas as well as big sections — with a variety of customization options at fair prices, especially considering their eco-conscious manufacturing practices and durability. A staple for classic, comfortable furniture in timeless styles, Pottery Barn offers a range of largely customizable couches you'll have for years on end. The sofas are especially great for families since they come in stain-resistant fabrics and typically feature deep, cozy seats meant for sinking in and staying a while. Visit now For a great balance of high design and practical comfort, browse Crate & Barrel couches. The well-crafted pieces come in both traditional and modern silhouettes and are made with quality fabrics and sturdy materials. The retailer is the perfect option for those who want a designer look that stands up to real life. Visit now If you're looking for furniture that's a bit more modern and edgy than its sister brand, Crate & Barrel, turn to CB2. It's a top pick for design-forward shoppers and urban dwellers thanks to the clean lines, luxe fabrics, and a variety of bold color options. Founded in 2017, Albany Park has quickly gained popularity for its stylish, comfortable, and easy-to-assemble couches. The buying process is simplified, thanks to a smaller selection of modern designs with plush, cloud-like cushions. The company even has modular options for those who want more flexibility and customization, as well as plenty of stain-resistant choices for families seeking durability.
