logo
33 Newer Tech Products That Can Only Make Life Easier

33 Newer Tech Products That Can Only Make Life Easier

Buzz Feed23-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

13 Habits Men Do Alone At Home
13 Habits Men Do Alone At Home

Buzz Feed

time4 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

13 Habits Men Do Alone At Home

Some people consider it a true luxury to have alone time at home, especially if they have a family to care for. So we asked the married men of the BuzzFeed Community, "What's the first thing you do when your family leaves the house, and you're finally by yourself?" Here's what they had to say: "Make a disgustingly huge meal, pop those pants off, and read in complete silence." —Anonymous, 36, Boston "Lounge around naked. Before I got married and had kids, I was basically an at-home nudist. It's comfortable, involves less laundry, and is better for the skin. We're fairly casual with nudity at home now, but not just sitting around or doing everything naked. I miss that feeling of freedom." "Binge-watch my shows (automotive, survival, construction, etc). Take a bath, relax, and do some R&R." —Anonymous, 38, Utah "My wife has this wildly strong aversion to meat on the bone, and the sound of crunching and chewing. So, if she goes out for the evening, then it's a wings and Doritos night for me. I can eat in peace without her being bothered or complaining about the crunching of chips. That and watching old cartoons from the '80s and '90s." "Honestly, I dance around and sing at the top of my voice. Secondly, have some 'private' time." —Anonymous, 39, Edinburgh "Xbox. I know it seems obvious, but just being able to play for hours at a time and not miss the cut scenes that advance the story in the game is bliss." "I would go to the beach during the day, then buy a bunch of frozen pizzas, ice cream, fudge, rent (before streaming) all the movies I wanted to watch, and make a strong cocktail. Usually, her dog would clean up the leftovers. We promised never to tell. Oh, it was heaven." —Anonymous, 54, California "I like to slip slowly into a comatose state, doing minimally as possible for survival until about the last hour of freedom, where I do all the cleaning and house projects until my wife gets home." "I make lamb chops or steak — because my wife doesn't like them — sit out on the back porch, smoke a cigar (she doesn't like the smell), listen to music loudly (she says it hurts her ears), and hope she doesn't come home early." —Anonymous, 58, Pennsylvania "Get stoned and watch the most violent, curse word-filled movie with the surround sound on full blast!" "If my better half is leaving for a work trip or a few hours, I'll usually cook something she doesn't enjoy and pour a wee dram or three of Scotch. Normally, our dog isn't permitted on the sofa when we're eating, but I look the other way. Sitting on the sofa, dog's head on my lap while watching a game or a movie I enjoy is probably boring, but I'm happy. If it's a multi-day trip, I'll try to tackle a couple of small projects around the house." —Anonymous, 55, Washington DC "I usually tidy up the house a bit first, just so I don't have to look at a mess and so the wife will be happy when she gets back. Then I plan my meals, shooting for trying places the wife and kids wouldn't want to try. Then I usually plan a few activities they wouldn't want to do, like visiting a new brewery or seeing what sort of live music events might be happening in the evenings. Once all of that is planned, I fill the rest of the time playing video games, watching shows or movies they wouldn't want to watch, reading, or napping." "Having time ALONE that isn't more than just a few hours is a luxury I don't get to experience often anymore. I love my partner, but thanks to our work schedules, we're rarely apart aside from when we're at work. So when she goes away for the weekend for whatever reason, I RELISH the opportunity. But in reality, I don't actually do much different than I usually do — the big difference is that I can do it in COMPLETE SILENCE. Not talking to each other is NOT the same thing as being alone." "I can read or watch whatever I want without feeling guilty about not talking, I can eat whatever I want without having to consider what she's in the mood for, I can work on projects on my own time, or I can just play video games for hours on end! Or, I could watch movies or TV shows that I haven't finished or started yet, which I don't usually do if I know she's not gonna be into it. And, of course, I might have to run errands, but I can do it on my own time in SILENCE. It's very important to me to have someone who respects that I NEED space every once in a while, and she does. In fact, I worry about people who CAN'T be away from their partner for long, if at all. The best advice I can give is to make sure you're with someone who respects when you need personal space or isn't worried about leaving you alone for a few days. In my opinion, it's unhealthy otherwise. I've been in relationships before where I can't even go home for the holidays without being accused of cheating while I'm away! What kind of crap is that? (Not discrediting people who have actually been cheated on a bunch, but if you're worried your partner is out cheating, maybe you should get a new one. Just saying.) And for when she gets back, I'll usually get some steaks a few days ahead of time so we have something to cook easily, and she'll love coming home to that."—Anonymous, 31, Michigan Men, do you have a certain ritual that you do when you're home alone? Tell us what happens in the comments below:

Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray: A Deep Dive into the Home Release of Toho's Masterpiece
Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray: A Deep Dive into the Home Release of Toho's Masterpiece

Time Business News

time9 hours ago

  • Time Business News

Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray: A Deep Dive into the Home Release of Toho's Masterpiece

Introduction 'Godzilla Minus One,' Toho's 2023 cinematic masterpiece, has become a cornerstone in the kaiju genre and a global sensation. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this film not only revitalized the Godzilla franchise but also reintroduced the King of the Monsters in a darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. With the release of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray , fans now have the chance to experience this landmark film in stunning high definition from the comfort of their homes. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray release, exploring its features, historical context, technical details, collector's value, and why it's a must-have for kaiju enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. 1. Overview of 'Godzilla Minus One' 'Godzilla Minus One' is set in post-war Japan, taking place shortly after World War II. The country is devastated, both emotionally and economically, and then comes another catastrophe—Godzilla. Unlike the heroic or morally ambiguous portrayals in some modern iterations, this version of Godzilla is a terrifying force of nature, echoing the creature's original 1954 incarnation. The film's critical success stems from its humanistic storytelling, character development, political themes, and special effects. It blends emotional depth with sheer cinematic spectacle—qualities that translate remarkably well to the Blu-ray format. 2. Blu-ray Release Date and Availability The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray was officially released in Japan on May 1, 2024, with English subtitles included, delighting international fans. In the U.S., the physical Blu-ray arrived in stores and online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart in early June 2024. Both standard and limited collector's editions are available, with some special retailer-exclusive bonuses. Editions Available: ● Standard Blu-ray: 1080p video with DTS-HD audio, Japanese and English subtitles. ● Collector's Edition: Includes 4K Ultra HD disc, bonus features disc, art cards, steelbook packaging. ● Digital Edition: Offered via platforms like Apple TV and Vudu. 3. Technical Specifications The technical quality of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is nothing short of superb. The transfer captures every detail from the cinematic release, and in some cases, the home experience even enhances appreciation for the VFX and sound design. Video Quality: ● Resolution: 1920×1080 (Blu-ray), 3840×2160 (4K UHD) ● Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 ● HDR10 and Dolby Vision support (4K UHD) Audio: ● Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ● English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (subtitled) ● Immersive surround sound perfectly captures monster roars and destruction sequences The colors are crisp, contrast is excellent, and dark scenes are handled with finesse—a critical element for a film that often relies on shadows and atmosphere. 4. Bonus Features Breakdown One of the major draws of the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is the treasure trove of special features included, especially in the deluxe editions. These features offer insight into the making of the film and the vision behind the monster. Key Bonus Features: ● Director's Commentary: Takashi Yamazaki shares his thoughts on creative choices, VFX challenges, and thematic inspirations. ● Behind-the-Scenes Documentary: A 45-minute deep dive into the film's production, including special effects, miniatures, and on-set interviews. ● Monster Design Evolution: A segment exploring the evolution of Godzilla's design and how it pays tribute to the original 1954 creature. ● Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes ● Storyboard Comparisons ● Cast Interviews Fans and aspiring filmmakers alike will find immense value in these extras. 5. Packaging and Physical Design Aesthetics matter to collectors, and Toho has gone all out with the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray . The steelbook editions are embossed with Godzilla's monstrous silhouette, rendered in black-and-white to echo the original film's tone. Inside, fans will find: ● An exclusive fold-out poster ● Character cards featuring the main cast ● A booklet of behind-the-scenes concept art For kaiju collectors, this packaging makes the Blu-ray more than just a movie—it's a display-worthy centerpiece. 6. Why It Stands Out Among Godzilla Films The Godzilla franchise spans over 35 films, but Godzilla Minus One stands out due to its: ● Human-centric narrative: The film centers around Koichi Shikishima, a kamikaze pilot struggling with guilt, providing emotional weight rarely seen in monster movies. ● Realistic setting: Post-WWII Japan is shown with haunting authenticity. ● Return to horror roots: Godzilla is terrifying, ruthless, and symbolic. ● Modern yet practical VFX: A mix of CGI and practical effects creates visceral realism. All of this is perfectly preserved in the Blu-ray release, which has become a new benchmark for kaiju home video formats. 7. Critical Reception and Awards Upon its initial release, 'Godzilla Minus One' received widespread acclaim and was even nominated for—and won—an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The Blu-ray release capitalizes on that acclaim by delivering a pristine home viewing experience. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% IMDB Rating: 8.5/10 Metacritic: 84/100 Reviewers universally praised the Blu-ray's audio-visual fidelity and its thoughtful bonus content. 8. Audience Reactions Fans have lauded the Blu-ray on forums and social media, especially for: ● Its emotional storytelling ● Authentic Japanese audio with clear English subtitles ● The incredible visual clarity of Godzilla's destruction scenes ● The deeply immersive surround sound experience Quoting a Reddit user from r/GODZILLA: 'The Blu-ray made me cry all over again. That hospital scene in HD? Devastating. I'm so glad I bought the steelbook.' 9. Comparison to Other Godzilla Blu-rays The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray stands above other entries in the franchise's home releases. Compared to the 2016's 'Shin Godzilla' or the Legendary Pictures' MonsterVerse films like 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters,' this version offers: ● A more grounded, personal story ● Better preservation of Japanese cinematic aesthetics ● Less reliance on over-the-top CGI ● A more extensive collection of bonus content 10. A Must-Have for Collectors For collectors, the Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is essential. Whether you're a casual fan, a die-hard kaiju aficionado, or a film historian, this release brings value: ● Display-worthy design ● Rare insights into Toho Studios' production ● Award-winning film preservation ● Limited edition variants that will likely increase in value Many fans are already seeing price hikes on secondary markets for exclusive editions, especially those bundled with theatrical merchandise. 11. Future of Godzilla on Blu-ray With the success of 'Godzilla Minus One,' fans can expect more premium home releases from Toho. There's already buzz around: ● A potential director's cut ● A Godzilla retrospective collection featuring all eras (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa) ● Expanded Godzilla Minus One universe material like documentaries or spin-offs Streaming may dominate modern media consumption, but Blu-ray remains the gold standard for collectors and purists. Conclusion The Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray is more than just a home release—it's a cinematic event reborn in high definition. With its technical excellence, rich bonus content, and emotional storytelling, it captures everything that made the original theatrical release so memorable. For fans of monster movies, Japanese cinema, or just high-quality physical media, this Blu-ray is a must-own. Whether you're revisiting the destruction of Ginza or experiencing Koichi's journey for the first time, this release ensures that the legacy of 'Godzilla Minus One' will echo for generations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Caitlin Clark's Personal Decision Turns Heads Before Aces Game
Caitlin Clark's Personal Decision Turns Heads Before Aces Game

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Caitlin Clark's Personal Decision Turns Heads Before Aces Game

Caitlin Clark's Personal Decision Turns Heads Before Aces Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Caitlin Clark had a disappointing performance in the Indiana Fever's 88-77 loss on Thursday to the Golden State Valkyries. Advertisement In her third game back from a quad injury, Clark had 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds while shooting 3-for-14 from the field and recording six turnovers. "I'm not gonna play perfect for 44 games," the second-year guard conceded at Fever practice. "I didn't play very well at Golden State, and to me, I wasn't defeated after the game." In an attempt to turn things around ahead of a huge matchup with the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Clark made a noticeable change involving someone very close to her. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images In practice photos posted to Instagram by the Fever, fans noticed that Clark had changed shoes after Thursday's loss. Advertisement She was photographed wearing her custom Nike Kobe 6 Protro shoes featuring her dog, Bella, that she debuted in her comeback from injury against the New York Liberty on June 14. "Bella is coming back for round 2," said a popular comment on the team's Instagram post. "the bellas!" another exclaimed. "CC needs to retire the shoes she wore in San Francisco," added one fan. "The bellas 😍" said a comment. "I kinda think The Bellas are the official 22 lucky shoe," one reply said. "Bring back the Bella's tmrw," urged another fan. The shoes feature a printed image of the Clarks' family dog, a golden retriever. She joked with the media that her teammates thought Nike used a stock photo, but it was a real image of her beloved dog on the insole. The shoe's tongue is pink to match. Advertisement Clark put up a monster game in the "Bellas" with 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds on national television as the Fever handed the Liberty a 102-88 loss, their first of the season. She did not wear them against the Connecticut Sun or the Valkyries this week. Whether or not she goes with them on Sunday against the Aces, fans were excited to see the personal touch return to the court with the Fever star. Related: WNBA Veteran Sends Clear Message on Caitlin Clark Incident Related: WNBA Fans Refuse To Accept Truth About Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store