Latest news with #Aura
Tom's Guide
18 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I ditched my $229 smart sleep mask for a $9.99 Amazon alternative — and I fall asleep faster
Late last year, when the days were getting shorter and mornings were getting darker, I had the opportunity to try the $229 Aura Smart Sleep Mask. The Bluetooth app-controlled light-blocking Aura Smart Sleep Mask offered 100% blackout technology and soothed me with rainforest soundscapes and guided mediation played through its ultra-thin speakers, while its built-in sunrise alarm helped me wake up on dark winter mornings. However, there were a few drawbacks. For a start, it was uncomfortable whenever I slept on my side, as the high-tech design dug into my temples when I lay my head on the pillow. It also felt a little heavy, and would often shift when I moved around at night. Now that summer has arrived, even the sunrise alarm feature holds no appeal as it seems redundant on the brighter summertime mornings. And that's why I turned to my trusty low-tech satin sleep masks. You can buy the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask from just $6.99 at Amazon, and it comes in 13 different patterns and colors. I now have no less than 10, and keep coming back to them while my Aura mask collects dust — here are the five reasons why. You can get the Aura Smart Sleep Mask for $229 at Aura Circle, which may seem expensive when compared to the SMUG's $9.99 price tag, but the price can be justified by all the tech it packs in. You can control the Bluetooth smart mask with the Aura app, which allows you to personalize a soundtrack (known as a "dreamscape") to be played through the built-in speakers. This includes building a "dreamscape" (featuring everything from waterfall sounds to guided breathwork) to help you fall asleep, and customizing a wake-up alarm (including an imitation sunrise and invigorating birdsong) to help you wake up. However, despite the brand's claim that it's side-sleeper friendly, I found the tech-heavy design to feel tight and uncomfortable, especially when I slept on my side as the eye cushion dug into my temples. In contrast, the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask is a low-tech eye mask made from a silky satin material that's comfy, light, and breathable. The stretchy strap is elastic and wrapped in the same silky material as the mask, so it has a one-size-fits-all design that doesn't feel harsh on the skin or hair. Its mask is also big enough to cover your eyes and block out any light. Aura Smart Sleep Mask: $229 at Aura CircleThe Aura Smart Sleep Mask is app controlled so you can customize your vey own sleep program to help you fall asleep and wake up. Available in black or grey, the Aura Smart Sleep Mask costs $229 and comes with extras such as a 30-night trial and a one-year warranty. SMUG Satin Sleep Mask: from $6.99 at AmazonAvailable in a wide range of patterns and colours, the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask has a design that uses a silky smooth satin fabric all over, including on the elasticated strap, for a comfy and gentle feel for the eyes, face, and hair. One design is $6.99, and another $8.99, but most are $9.99. It currently boasts a 4.4 star rating on Amazon, with over 70% of customers awarding the mask five stars. The SMUG Satin Sleep Masks are so affordable that I've acquired quite the collection, with over 10 designs stuffed in my pyjama drawer. (Don't believe me? See above picture.) I've never seen any SMUG Satin Sleep Mask for more than $9.99, and you can often find certain patterns for even cheaper. For instance, a SMUG Satin Sleep Mask in a peach design is now down to $6.99 at Amazon. The mask also comes with a 30-day return policy and free delivery. The Aura Smart Sleep Mask could be irritating when I slept on my side, with the heavy mask and straps digging in to the side of my head and never seeming to fit exactly right on my head, despite an adjustable design. When I altered it to fit my head shape it felt too snug, but I'd always wake up without the mask on whenever I loosened it It just wasn't side-sleeper friendly (and a front-sleeping tester told me it wasn't comfy when sleeping on her stomach either), a big issue for me as I prefer to sleep on my side. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask is comfortable no matter what position you sleep in and the elasticated one-size-fits-all strap never feels too loose or too tight. Another issue I had with the Aura Smart Sleep Mask was the fabric it uses. While it was indeed as soft as the brand claimed it would be, the fabric wasn't as kind to my skin as silk fabrics such as satin are. There's also the 3D "Hug Cushion", which ensured a snug fit to effectively block out light, but left me with marks on my face when I woke up in the morning. I've also tried other satin masks besides the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask, their elasticated straps aren't covered with the satin material used for the eye area, which means it feels harsh against my hair and back of the head. I've even bought satin masks where the dye had not only run onto my bedding, but also my face. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask, on the other hand, is made entirely of silky smooth fabric (even the elasticated straps are covered in the ruched satin materials) which feels gentle against my face and hair, and never leaves marks on my skin. Another problem with the Aura Sleep Mask is that you have to be careful when cleaning it. The mask itself is not washable as it's electronic, and while you can wash the removable hug cushion, the brand suggests replacing it every three to six months for hygiene reasons, which isn't particularly sustainable. Plus, the stiff, tech-heavy design means it isn't the most travel-friendly. I take the SMUG Satin Eye Mask everywhere, from overnight stays to long-distance flights, and the lightweight design means it's easy to roll up and stuff inside backpacks and luggage. As for cleaning, I've used these masks for over a year and they always hold up in the washing machine in a gentle cool cycle. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask has 663 ratings on Amazon, with an overall score of 4.4 stars, and 71% of customers (that's over 470 people) awarded the mask five stars. Most praise goes to the material, with many customers commending the cool, breathable fabric that feels light on their eyes and skin; the way it blocks out light; and the comfortable fit that stays on all night.
Stuff.tv
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
The JBL-infused Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro's sound reactive lighting put a big smile on my face
Music festival season might now be in full swing, but not everyone fancies muddy fields and moshing crowds. Govee's second-gen smart light/speaker combo blends stadium-strength sound with the light show to match – just on a scale small enough to squeeze into your bedside table. The Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL ($180) was first revealed at January's CES show, and is finally going on sale later this month. I've had the sleek-looking lamp illuminating my office for the last week. It's a tech world team-up, with JBL supplying a punchy 2.5in full-range driver (plus the EQ tuning to go with it) and Govee focusing on the visuals. The bowl-like shape and second, down-firing LED mood light reminds me of the Harman Kardon Aura speaker, except here the Govee Table Lamp is an opaque white. It's distinctive enough when powered down, but underneath there's a whopping 210 individually customizable RGB LEDs, which throw out a full 360 degrees of pulsating patterns and eye-catching colours. They cast a vivd glow over whatever surface you place the lamp next to – more subtly during daylight hours, but with real flair at night. There's nothing subtle about some of the lighting modes, while others can be a lot more relaxing. All those LEDs shine brighter and look clearer than the ones Govee used for its last table lamp, so you can use 'em to create DIY images and patterns through the firm's Home app. Or just pick from the 100+ preset lighting scenes, including a bunch that react to whatever tunes you happen to be piping through it via Bluetooth. Govee has sped up reaction times to a rapid 32ms, so the lights don't lag behind the audio. Get some high intensity electronica going with some of the wilder scenes and it's quite the party-starter. The Table Lamp 2 Pro can do serious, too, putting out 600 lumens of adjustable white light. It's switchable between 2700K and 6500K, so you can pick one colour temperature for work and another for relaxing once you clock off for the day. There was easily enough shine here to be the sole illumination in my home office. Being able to set a bunch of presets to the mode button on the lamp itself is a nice touch, saving you from reaching for your phone just to escape a rainbow onslaught in favour of something calmer. There's no carry handle, but the 5200mAh battery inside means the Table Lamp 2 Pro can bring the party pretty much anywhere. It'll do four and a half hours of Bluetooth streaming at 50% light brightness and 50% volume. The power brick is proprietary though, so charging somewhere away from its usual home isn't as easy as your typical Bluetooth speaker. I've mainly left it plugged into mains power, so it's always accessible to my Alexa and Google voice assistants. There's Matter connectivity on board, too. I was blown away by how loud the speaker can get; when sat a few feet away I could leave it at the lowest volume setting and hear tunes perfectly clearly. This was actually a problem at night, because it wouldn't go quiet enough for bedtime listening without sound travelling to the next room. 40% was so loud I could hear it downstairs – on the other side of the house. With the doors closed. You can also pair 'em in stereo mode if you've got two to hand, though that could result in a noise complaint from your neighbours. I didn't have two to test the theory. Happily JBL's tuning ensures you get enjoyable amounts of low-end oomph and a clean, clear mid-range. The high-end is a little sharp and shrill depending on the track, and there's no custom equalizer to dial things back either, but at the lower volume levels the tone didn't leave much to complain about. The Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL will be on the Govee website and Amazon US from June 23, for $180. It'll head to Europe and the UK later in the year. Stuff Says… A sleekly styled smart lamp with tons of colorful customisation, that also happens to double as a potent portable speaker. The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro sounds the part as well as looking it. Pros Bright, colourful illumination Properly loud Bluetooth audio Cons Proprietary charger Doesn't get quiet enough for nighttime listening
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Luxury Nordstrom Finds Better Than Caviar
A towel warmer to make your shower time the most luxurious thing you've ever experienced, by ending it with a perfectly warmed towel. Remember how your parents used to wait for you outside the pool with a towel open? Yeah, this is the grown-up version of that. Price: $109.99+ (available in three colors) An Aura digital photo frame that'll rotate through all your photos so you can actually relive that trip you took last summer instead of completely forgetting everything that happened. Plus, you can invite friends and family to add their photos too!! Like the review mentions below, this would also make a great gift if you're trying to help the people in your life experience these indulgences! I got one of these frames a few months ago and I absolutely love it. It's sitting on my bookshelf and rotates through pictures I took on vacations years ago, pictures of my daughter, and so much more. My parents also have one, and we can send pictures of my daughter to it so they can always have the most up-to-date pictures of her!Promising review: "This was a wonderful Mother's Day gift! It was easy to set up and easy to add photographs. I love that other family members can also add their pictures. We all live in different parts of the country, and I feel connected through the photo slide show. Also, a nice way to keep all of those pictures taken on our phones!" —Denise ClackPrice: $199.99 (available in two colors) A pair of Dearfoams cable-knit chenille slippers that'll feel like you're walking on a cloud while also having your feet hugged. You're going to dream of waking up and sliding into these bad boys. Price: $30.80 (available in sizes S–XL, two widths, and six colors) A Nodpod weighted sleep mask which is basically a weighted blanket but for your eyes. Sometimes you just need a little gentle pressure on your head and face to enter a true state of relaxation. Your stress is going to melt away. 😌💤 Promising reviews: "I didn't know how much I needed this. The weight is soothing, and the design is awesome. I can use it sleeping on my back and also as a side sleeper. One side is velvety, and one is like a jersey. I sleep more deeply and fall asleep faster." —ClassicFunMomIL"I work night shifts in the hospital. I used to sleep in a…closet. I've tried everything, and FINALLY, I can sleep in bed during the day. It's the weight and the light-blocking together that make it just right for me. Five stars all the way!" —sleepydoctorPrice: $34 (available in seven colors) A cashmere throw blanket that'll look gorgeous laid out on your couch, but more importantly, will feel spectacular when you're bundled up in it. Your movie marathons just got a ~major~ upgrade. Price: $299 (available in four colors) A smart Pura car scent diffuser with smart technology that can tell it when you've stopped driving, so it doesn't continuously dispense. Plus, this will last you wayyy longer than traditional car air fresheners. You may become the designated driver when your friends realize their cars smell terrible compared to yours. BuzzFeed contributor Ashley Schumacher has this and says, "Pura has SO many great scent options, including the cult-fave Capri Blue Volcano, which is the first one I grabbed when I bought this! Oh, and did I mention the diffuser knows when your car is moving and will automatically shut off when it's not in motion to save battery life and scent disks? TRULY a magical addition to my fam's car."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 $64.99 A hair towel designed to wrap up your hair and keep it in place!! No more redoing it every five minutes because it falls out when you move your head even the slightest bit. It's designed for all hair types and best of all, it decreases dry time by up to 50 percent!! Promising review: "I've tried every hair towel, cap, turban, drying scrunchy available. The Volo towel is the perfect size (large enough for my thick hair), soft, gentle, and drying that I've come across. I finally found it! Will be ordering an extra." —FBCPNWPrice: $44 (available in three colors) A set of three boxes of truffles because let's be honest, chocolate >>>>> caviar. There are three flavors included: milk sea salt caramel, caramelized biscuit, and milk chocolate. I'm drooling just writing this. 🤤 Price: $89.95 A pure silk pillowcase designed with your delicate skin and hair in mind. These will have you waking up refreshed and ~almost~ as put together as basically any character in a movie during those *I woke up like this* scenes. Promising reviews: "Nice luxurious gift. Excellent quality." —WmGunn"So glad I bought this pillowcase. It really works to keep my hair smooth while I sleep. It is also very soft and cozy." —Brentwood MomPrice: $105+ (available in queen or king size and 10 colors) A Dyson Airwrap because it's finally time to believe the hype and invest in one for yourself. You're going to love all the different looks you can create from curls to natural blowouts. Reviewers say it is absolutely worth the splurge. Promising review: "This product is worth every penny! It works very well, the more you use it, the better you get at it, and styling my hair at home was never this easy and quick. I highly recommend it, and I have to say that, before buying it, I was a bit skeptical I'd love it. But after having bought it, I changed my mind after my very first use of it." —SambablossomPrice: $599.99 An LED light therapy eye mask designed to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, under-eye circles, and more. This is a treatment that usually costs hundreds at a spa, so obvi the financially responsible choice is to buy this and be able to use it whenever you please!! Promising review: "I was a little skeptical at first. But after using it for the very first week, I saw a noticeable difference in the dark circles under my eyes. Now it's been two months, and my wrinkles have disappeared. I look much brighter and awake. Now, my husband is using it religiously!" —teamfitPrice: $189 A Longchamp tote that looks ~fancier~ than traditional totes but still functions as the Mary Poppins-esque bag you want. Many reviewers rave about this being a great diaper bag alternative cause it can hold anything they need for them and their kiddo. Promising review: "I love this handbag! I bought it to replace an identical one that I've used heavily for 10 years. It has lots of storage space. Because it's waterproof, you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain or putting it on the floor of an airplane when traveling. I use a mild soap and water to clean the exterior." —Lynne VSPrice: $165 (available in eight colors) A candle trio designed to burn softly and slowly (for about 40 hours each) and will have your house smelling scrumptious. Nothing is more luxurious than lighting a candle and relaxing in a clean house. The included scents are flora iris, evergreen essence, and souchong dé $108 A pair of Waterford crystal champagne flutes so you can make a toast to celebrate all the wonderful treats you bought yourself. Promising review: "These flutes are incredibly beautiful and fragile. I purchased these for my granddaughter's wedding. They are so elegant, I have decided to buy her a full set plus cocktail glasses. If you love Waterford, you will love these flutes. Would highly recommend." —gemladyPrice: $100 for a set of two A waffle weave duvet cover and sham set that's better than any of the luxurious hotel bedding you've ever slept in before. You may find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning... Promising review: "I love this set. It is soft, easy to care for, and makes my bedroom look so much nicer. Worth every penny." —SallyFRipplePrice: $122.15+ (originally $349+; available in sizes full/queen or king/California king and two colors) An Anastasia Beverly Hills brow definer to transform your sparse brows into the full brows of your dreams. You can make 'em bushier than a bunny's tail if that's the vibe you're going for. Promising review: "I've been using the Anastasia Soft Brown Eyebrow Pencil for over five years, and I absolutely love it! The larger size is a game changer for me — it's so much easier to use compared to the smaller versions. The formula is smooth, and the color is perfect for achieving that natural look. Highly recommend this product for anyone looking to enhance their eyebrows with ease!" —TombonzPrice: $13+ (available in two sizes and 12 shades) A deco-style 18-karat gold-plated hinge bracelet so gorgeous you can wear it to a black tie wedding or to dress up your jeans and T-shirt look. The serpentine vibes wrap around your arm and add a little ✨glam✨ to your 'fit. Price: $60 A luxurious santal and vetiver body wash that smells so delicious, it's absolutely worthy of being in a spa. There are honestly not many better ways of indulging yourself than unwinding in a hot shower with all your favorite products. Promising reviews: "The most luxurious body wash, the most wonderful scent. It feels like a luxury spa! Won't use anything else." —KLBKLB"It's heaven in a bottle. Love the fragrance of the body wash. Spa-like feel." —Skybarbie5Price: $36 A Blundstone Chelsea boot designed to stand up to hard work, but cute enough that you can wear them every day. Your feet deserve to look good while still feeling good! BuzzFeed contributor Ashley Schumacher has this and says, "I just got my first pair of these after *much* research on a boot that was going to hold up over several seasons. A handy sizing tip from the Blundstone community: half sizes for this brand are more of an indication of width. So, if you are a size 9 but want a wider fit, go with a 9.5. It'll give you a little more wiggle room without lengthening the shoe itself! So far, I LOVE these. They're easy to break in, and they look great with jeans, long winter dresses, and my fave overalls."Promising review: "I have literally worn them every day since I got them. Instantly comfortable and manage to look perfect with every outfit." —Ann LoriPrice: $199.95 (available in sizes 6–11, two colors, and in lots of other styles) A set of two caviar spoons if you think treating yourself to caviar is the most indulgent and delightful thing you could do. These are made to help preserve that delicate flavor that can be altered with other types of spoons. Price: $59 A cashmere and wool sweater because there's something about ~cashmere~ that just screams indulgence. This oversized number is sure to become one of your favorite pieces to throw on when you wanna be comfy but also cuter than just a traditional sweatshirt. Price: $240 (originally $400; available in women's sizes XS–XL and three colors) A two-pack of the famous Nordstrom decaf whole bean espresso so you can enjoy a cup o' joe in the afternoon without worrying about ruining your sleep. With a brown sugar and candied ginger aroma, you're gonna wanna brew a cup every few hours just to keep that delicious scent floating around the house. Promising review: "This is outstanding espresso. It is full-bodied without being the least bit acidic or bitter-tasting. It actually does have a subtle chocolaty flavor to it, as advertised. I do wish there were an option to purchase a single bag at a time for freshness; that would be my only complaint. That said, these bags are well sealed, and as they are only 12 ounces each, I go through them pretty quickly anyway." —TmclPrice: $31 for a two-pack (also available in caffeinated) A wide chain ring more unique than any of the other rings you're currently sporting. This knit-like texture is sure to be a conversation starter amongst all your friends. Price: $425+ (available in women's sizes 6–12 and three colors) A YSL perfume sure to become your new signature scent, so you can feel empowered while smelling divine. Reviewers love the ~floral fusion~ smell that has a musk undertone, so it's not overpoweringly floral. Plus, this bottle is so stunning you may just wanna find a way to repurpose it when you run out. Promising review: "The Libre line is my absolute favorite perfume lineup. They all keep their scent throughout the day, and I don't have to worry about reapplying. I get so many compliments on this perfume!" —SarahGPrice: $36+ (available in five sizes) A Béis carry-on roller bag so you can ditch the dingy bag you've been using for years, which has that wonky wheel that thumps every time it rolls around. This one has 360-degree swivel wheels, built-in compression straps (great for us over-packers), and a TSA-approved lock. Plus, it'll easily fit in the overhead bin, so you don't have to worry about checking it. It comes with two drawstring pouches to store dirty clothes, shoes, or other small items you wanna keep track review: "This bag is GOATed. I recently used this for a two-week trip to Europe — three cities in two weeks. (I should note I packed my toiletries in my personal item.) I wanted to pack exclusively carry-on as I would be using different modes of transportation through the EU. Using packing cubes, I was able to bring plenty of clothes and two pairs of shoes. The padded handle is such a great, thoughtful touch. Especially navigating the ancient, cobblestoned streets of Europe. If you're on the fence about purchasing this functional and sleek bag, hopefully, this review has convinced you. Based on how much I love this suitcase. I recently purchased the large check-in for my domestic trips. And bought this one as a gift. 10/10 recommend!" —spro927Price: $268 (available in five colors) And a charming Maison de Sabré leather AirTag charm because we all know tracking your bag is now a must (thanks, airlines, for losing stuff all the time!!), so you may as well turn the AirTag into something cute!! Promising review: "Got this for my daughter and she loves it." —dnasmythPrice: $65 (available in five colors) A dry brush to elevate your pre-shower routine while helping you discover your softest skin. Just brush in clockwise motions to promote lymphatic drainage, cell renewal, detoxification, and renewed skin. Price: $26
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ziana Zain is proud of niece Ernie Zakri, now a famous singer
KUALA LUMPUR: Ziana Zain never imagined that the little girl who sang her song at a wedding ceremony some 27 years ago would grow up to be a famous singer. Ziana, 57, was referring to her niece, Ernie Zakri, 32, who is now a renowned female vocalist with a string of hit songs such as 'Masing Masing' and 'Aura'. Proud of Ernie's achievements, Ziana admitted that she also never expected to share the stage with her niece. They are both set to perform at the 'Empat Live In Kuala Lumpur 2025' concert at the Mega Star Arena KL on Oct 18. "In 1998, Ernie sang the song 'Berpisah Jua' at my wedding. She was also my flower girl," Ziana recounted in jest. "Even though the song choice was 'wrong,' who would have thought that the 'chubby' little girl wearing a ribbon on her head would now be a singer?" "She used to watch us (Ziana and her brother Anuar Zain) sing. Now, Ernie and I will share not only the stage but also the fans," she was quoted as saying in a news report today, referring to the recent press conference for the 'Live In Kuala Lumpur 2025 Four Concerts' held here. "For me, this is a very interesting combination because it involves two different generations." Apart from Ziana and Ernie, Anuar Zain and Ernie's husband Syamel will also be performing at the concert. Ziana admitted she was thrilled that her dream of staging a concert with all four of them is finally coming true.
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Samsung Embeds Israeli Surveillance App on Phones Across MENA
Rabat_ Social Media Exchange (SMEX)—a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa — is warning that Israeli-linked software secretly embedded in Samsung phones across the MENA region poses a serious surveillance threat. According to SMEX, Samsung's A and M series devices either come preloaded with the app 'Aura' or install it automatically through system updates, without the user's consent. The application reportedly collects a wide range of personal and device-specific data, including IP addresses, device fingerprints, hardware details, and network information. These data points, SMEX warns, can be used to easily identify users—especially when location tracking is enabled on any apps installed via Aura. This creates a grave security risk in a region where Israel has repeatedly used technology as a tool of surveillance and violence. While the app's privacy settings claim users can disable data collection by turning off 'AppCloud' in the app list, deletion requires submitting a form that does not exist—effectively making it impossible to fully remove unless the user possesses advanced technical knowledge. In 2022, Samsung MENA partnered with Israeli tech company IronSource, integrating its Aura software into Galaxy A and M series phones across the region. The partnership was publicly marketed as a way to 'enhance user experience' with AI-powered apps and content suggestions. However, the scale and stealth of the data collection have triggered growing concern, which became terrifyingly real in September 2024, when Israel carried out a terrorist attack in Lebanon using booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies allegedly linked to Hezbollah members. These devices were remotely detonated in public spaces, killing 42 people, including children and health workers, and injuring over 3,500—many left with long-term serious physical injuries and psychological trauma. Disturbingly, the attack was praised by pro-Israel politicians and Western media outlets—a reaction that ignored the chilling implications for anyone with a cellphone. If digital proximity to a targeted individual is enough to get you killed, then no one is safe from the expanding reach of Israel's tech-driven warfare.
