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A great philosopher once said, "You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore." Elon Musk is finding that out the hard way.
If you'll recall, back in Nov. 2022, Musk sent what we here at Mashable called "his weirdest email so far." The email, titled "A Fork in the Road," followed a string of odd choices from the billionaire after he bought and began running the platform then known as Twitter. In that email, Musk issued an ultimatum demanding employees click yes to working "extremely hardcore." Well, now that little stunt had cost X hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ireland's Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that a former senior executive for Twitter was wrongly terminated when he declined to click the yes button in Musk's email, reported the Irish news outlet RTÉ. The WRC ordered X to pay the ex-employee, Gary Rooney, a record €550,000 or roughly $605,000.
SEE ALSO: Elon Musk sends Twitter employees his weirdest email so farThe email from Musk came on the heels of the self-crowned chief twit firing roughly half of Twitter's workforce. He effectively demanded his employees work unspecified hours under high-intensity conditions. Rooney apparently balked at agreeing to those "hardcore" demands on a one-day deadline. Rooney claimed he was let go after not clicking yes, RTE reported. The WRC, in fact, ruled Rooney had been fired for not clicking yes, RTE noted, and said it was an unfair termination because Twitter didn't have substantial grounds to let him go.
WRC adjudication officer Michael MacNamee wrote in the ruling: "No employee, when faced with such a situation, could possibly be faulted for refusing to be compelled to give an open-ended unqualified assent to any of the proposals."
Musk might've gotten the "hardcore" promises he was looking for, but now his company may have to write a pretty hefty check as a result.
Save with this week's best skincare deals on toner, moisturizer, and more.
The best skincare deals of the week at a glance: Best Essence Deal COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence $14.99 at Amazon (Save $10.01) Get Deal Best Toner Deal I'm From Rice Toner $17.50 at Amazon (Save $13.50) Get Deal Best Moisturizer Deal COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream $11.20 at Amazon (Save $20.80) Get DealThe glass skin beauty trend is all about healthy, glowing skin that's bouncy, dewy, and clear. You need to drink plenty of water, to start, but having the right products can help, too.
But as you're probably already well aware, some of the items that you need (and other routine skincare maintenance products) can be pricey. If you're looking to level up your skincare game, you can rely on some great sales right now to do just that.
This week's best skincare deals include savings on cult favorite essences and moisturizers, as well as other goodies that can help your skin drink up hydration and look as clear as it possibly can. But you don't have to sift through everything alone. We've handpicked a few of the best you should scoop up now before the deals go away.
Below, check out the best skincare deals of the week.
Best essence deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence $14.99 at AmazonWe get it. Snail mucus? As in the sticky stuff that snails leave when they move? Yeah, that's right. It'll do wonders for your skin, and that's why this essence, or a water-based hydrating product, is such a highly-rated favorite among skincare enthusiasts. It helps to repair and hydrate thirsty skin while absorbing quickly – and has none of those heavy, sticky feelings that a traditional moisturizer has. Snail mucin helps to deliver deep moisture, so you can add serums and other treatments that can help you achieve the smooth, virtually poreless look that glass skin requires. And continued use will make sure that your moisture barrier stays happy and satisfied, which means better, healthier skin in the long run. Just don't think about snails, if it helps.
Best toner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon I'm From Rice Toner $17.50 at AmazonFace toners are important if you want to remove additional dirt or impurities that your cleanser didn't catch. They also help prep skin for serums and moisturizers, while closing pores and helping to brighten (and sometimes tighten) skin. This milky toner is packed with Goami rice extract that can help you soothe dry skin while balancing out oil levels your face might have issues with. It's deeply hydrating and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight, as some other more stringent options do, which makes it a good option for people with different skin types, too.
Best moisturizer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream $11.20 at AmazonOnce you've hydrated your face properly, it's a good idea to seal all that moisture in. You can do just that with this light moisturizing cream, packed with royal jelly extract, honey, and propolis. It goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, without annoying stickiness or oiliness, and still manages to inject much-needed moisture for your glass skin look. Use it day and night and in tandem with other treatments and serums, and you'll see results quickly.
More skincare dealsMay Coop Raw Sauce — $25 $30 (save $5)
COSRX Niacninamide 15% Face Serum — $18.99 $25 (save $6.01)
Tula Skincare Acne Heroes Level 3 Acne Clearing Routine — $88 $98 (save $10)
Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner — $13.90 $23 (save $9.10)
Olay Regenerist Serum — $20.60 $27.49 (save $6.89)
Duolingo just made its music course a lot more fun. The language-learning platform has partnered with Sony Music to include over 60 pop songs as part of its curriculum.
SEE ALSO: 'Kneecap' takes the Irish language revolution to the big screenDuolingo expanded into its music course last year. Its music course teaches users the foundations of music like rhythm, note lengths, music reading, and ear training in the same gamified fashion it teaches languages like High Valyrian. Students can expect to learn music theory and comprehension on a digital mobile piano. It hopes that the integration of pop songs by the likes of Hozier and Pharrell Williams will make the learning process more engaging and increase retention and comprehension.
"At Duolingo, we're constantly looking for ways to make learning more effective and entertaining," George Audi, head of business development at Duolingo, said in a press release. "We're partnering with Sony Music, a leader in the music industry, to bring our learners a library of chart-topping songs they can learn to read and play."
Duolingo became popular thanks to its quick, daily language lessons that pester you to uphold your "streak" by using the app every day. It's now the highest-grossing app in the Education category on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Duolingo serves millions of users and offers courses in over 40 languages.
In January, it cut 10 percent of its contractors, replacing them with generative AI. Prior to its music course, the educational platform branched out from languages into math lessons.
Stephen King's Dark Tower series, which stands at seven core books, a prequel short story and a later novel, is pretty much finished now, right?
Obviously there's a Mike Flanagan TV adaptation in the works, but in terms of the books themselves, that chapter is over?
SEE ALSO: Stephen King shares his 2 line review of 'A Quiet Place: Day One'Well, you never know. On Wednesday, King shared some fan art on X (formerly Twitter) of main character Roland Deschain walking through Mid-world — and he followed it up with a post hinting that we might not have seen the last of the Gunslinger's former home.
Tweet may have been deleted"Mid-world is still there," wrote King. "The Tower still stands."
Mid-world is, of course, the name of the world that's home to the series' eponymous Dark Tower, which itself holds the very fabric of the multiverse together. We don't know exactly what King meant by that post, but it at least suggests the horror master would be happy to revisit that world one day. Given that he already returned to it with The Wind Through the Keyhole, a novel set between books four and five that was published eight years after the main series ended, this maybe isn't all that much of a surprise.
Still, just because it's on his mind, doesn't mean we'll be seeing any more Dark Tower stories anytime soon. The "Upcoming Works" section of King's official site is currently blank, and based on previous interviews it appears that King is currently working on another novel featuring Holly Gibney, his recurring private detective.
Over the past few days, the entire TikTok community has latched onto the word "demure." Once a relatively obscure term you might’ve last encountered during a Gilmore Girls rewatch, it suddenly became ubiquitous. That’s the way things work on TikTok — for better or worse.
For those unfamiliar with the platform, the latest TikTok trend involves users claiming how "demure" and "mindful" they are in various situations. It’s a self-effacing, tongue-in-cheek joke where people adopt a persona that boasts about being demure while doing something as mundane as eating a blooming onion at Outback Steakhouse.
The trend started with creator Jools Lebron, known as @joolieannie on TikTok, who coined the catchphrase "very demure, very mindful." Mashable's Christianna Silva provided a detailed breakdown of the trend, but in short, Jools's playful rants about how she’s "demure," "mindful," and "cutesy" in her day-to-day activities took off, and soon everyone was using the word "demure."
SEE ALSO: Why is everyone online 'very demure, very mindful' right now?But the rise of "demure" is not an isolated incident. The internet —TikTok in particular — has a habit of plucking words from obscurity, turning them into memes, and then overusing them to the point of exhaustion. Just look at the spike in Google Trends searches over the past week.
Very demure. Credit: Screenshot: Google TrendsMashable's Elena Cavender has frequently covered the internet’s insatiable appetite for new slang. TikTok, in particular, seems to have a knack for reviving old or obscure words. Sometimes it’s crass, like "glazing" or "serving c*nt," but there are also phrases like "it’s giving" or "girly pop." And then there are updated ways of saying old things, like calling someone who gossips a "yapper" or using "pookie" as a term of endearment. Just as everyone was once obsessed with "aesthetic," now "demure" is the word of the moment.
So, why does TikTok latch onto certain words and phrases so intensely, squeezing every bit of viral juice out of them? The answer lies in its nature as an audio-visual medium.
Tweet may have been deletedWhen Twitter was the driving force behind viral memes, the humor relied on text-and-image-based formats. Think of Tim Robinson’s "we're all trying to find the guy out who did this" meme or Dril's "please don’t put in the newspaper that I got mad." The jokes were about what was read or seen, not heard.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedBut with TikTok, words themselves become funny because we see and hear people say them. It’s the age-old challenge for writers: the right word at the right time can be surprisingly delightful. TikTok amplifies these words, turning them into trends as creators like @joolieannie demonstrate that how a word is said can make it interesting and new. And as we mindlessly scroll through TikTok, these words inevitably worm their way into our vocabulary.
The "demure" trend is no different from when streamer Sketch had the entire sports world saying, "What’s up, brother," in a specific voice and cadence. Words and phrases can be funny simply because they are. It may sound like circular logic, but it holds true.
Think of it this way: in your group of friends — especially during high school or college — you probably had buzzwords and shorthand that only your group understood. You spent so much time together that you developed an internal language. TikTok’s influence on our word usage is similar, only now the friend group is essentially everyone with an internet connection.
TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for just $45.97 (reg. $428) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $45.97 at The Mashable ShopHaving the right tools to manage your tasks and stay productive is essential. Whether you're a professional looking to streamline your workflow or a student wanting to maximize your efforts, Microsoft is a trusted name in tech.
The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle offers a practical solution for many looking to up their game. For just $45.97 (reg. $428), this bundle provides a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2019 and the latest OS, Windows 11 Pro.
Upgrade Your OS to Windows 11 ProWindows 11 Pro is designed to offer a modern, streamlined experience that enhances your computer's performance. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, Windows 11 Pro helps you stay organized and focused.
One of the more exciting recent updates includes integrated AI to help your day run smoother. Copilot, the new AI assistant, can answer questions, give you writing ideas, generate images from descriptions, and a lot more. The AI updates can also be seen in the Paint app and other places.
This OS also features more advanced security features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Defender, secure boot, virtualization-based security, hypervisor-protected code integrity, and Windows Hello.
Amp Productivity with Office 2019Microsoft Office Pro 2019 is a comprehensive suite of productivity applications that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote, and Publisher. While it's not the most recent iteration of Office, these tools are still terrific for managing professional, academic, and personal tasks.
Whether you're a student preparing for the new school year or a professional seeking to enhance your productivity, this bundle provides a comprehensive solution to help meet your needs.
The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for just $45.97 (reg. $428) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Secure your connection and access global content with a NordVPN 2-year subscription on sale for $89 (reg. $189) through August 18.
Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN: 2-Yr Subscription $89.00 at The Mashable ShopPlanning a summer getaway and want to stay connected without missing a beat? NordVPN has your back, letting you enjoy your favorite streaming services and social media platforms, no matter where you are in the world. Whether you're exploring the rich history of Europe or taking in the vibrant sights of Asia, NordVPN helps you bypass those pesky local restrictions, so you can stream, post, and stay in touch with everything back home.
Act fast — this deal for a two-year subscription to NordVPN priced at $89 (reg. $189) is ending after August 18.
NordVPN is like your digital Swiss Army knife when you're on the move. It keeps your personal data secure while you're sipping espresso in a café or lounging in a hotel lobby. With servers in 60 countries, accessing essential services and connecting with friends and family is a breeze, no matter how far you wander.
Use NordVPN to snag better deals on flights and hotels by browsing as if you're in another country. Keep up with your favorite shows by tapping into your home country's streaming libraries, and effortlessly update your followers on your adventures by accessing social media without a hitch.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and let NordVPN open up a world of unrestricted possibilities for your summer adventures.
With a 2-year NordVPN subscription at just $89 through August 18, you're set for smarter, safer travels.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Check out this two-pack of corner floor lamps for $109.97 (reg. $299) and enjoy over 16 million colors and 300 lighting effects.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lamp Depot Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp (2-Pack) $109.97 at The Mashable ShopReady to transform your living space with a splash of color? This discounted Corner Floor Lamp 2-Pack offers over 16 million colors and 300+ multicolor effects, giving you endless options to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
Whether you're looking to create a vibrant party atmosphere or a calming ambiance for a cozy night in, these lamps have you covered. Get a set of two LED lamps on sale through September 3 for $109.97.
Convenience is at your fingertips with the included remote control, which allows you to switch colors, adjust brightness, and choose from lighting effects with ease. Designed to fit snugly and discreetly into corners, these lamps save valuable floor space while adding a modern touch to your home decor. The sleek metal finishes and weighted rubber bottom ensure they stay securely in place, providing a high-end look without the high-end price. The soft-white, integrated LEDs offer a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the aesthetic of any room.
Imagine setting the perfect lighting for movie nights, romantic dinners, or even a productive work session, all from the comfort of your couch. These stylish, functional lamps are a versatile decor upgrade that you can adjust with your mood.
Regularly $299, add two Lamp Depot Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamps to your home for $109.97 through September 3 and enjoy the endless possibilities they bring to your space.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Grab a refurbished iPad and Beats Flex headphones bundle for $289.99 (reg. $399.99), ideal for budget-conscious creatives.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 2020 Apple iPad 8th Gen (32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones $249.99 at The Mashable ShopFor anyone who’s ever tried to juggle creativity, productivity, and entertainment, you know it can get pricey to find the right tools. But what if you could get all that power in a single, cost-effective bundle?
Enter the refurbished 8th-generation iPad with Beats Flex headphones — a dynamic duo designed to keep your creative juices flowing without burning a hole in your wallet, on sale for 27% off at $289.99 (reg. $399.99).
This bundle is perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone who’s serious about creating on the go. The 8th gen iPad with an A12 Bionic chip handles everything from sketching your next masterpiece to editing videos and tweaking your latest photoshoot.
But what’s an iPad without some great audio to go with it? The included Beats Flex headphones deliver solid sound quality, whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist, attending a virtual meeting, or just zoning out with some tunes. Lightweight and wireless, they’re the perfect companion for your daily hustle.
The base iPad model holds 32GB of storage, so if it's not enough for your needs, you can check out the 128GB model. Whether you’re whipping up a presentation, streaming a movie, or diving into some serious gaming, this iPad has got you covered.
Refurbished doesn’t mean flawed — it means you get Apple quality with a budget-friendly price tag. Backed by a warranty, this bundle gives you peace of mind while saving you a chunk of change. So, whether you’re a budding artist, a student on the go, or just need a reliable device for everyday tasks, this combo could be the ultimate creative toolkit.
For a limited time, get the 2020 refurbished Apple iPad 8th Gen and Beats Flex Headphones bundle for $289.99 (reg. $399).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
If the outrageously good soundtrack wasn't enough to catch your attention, perhaps cowboy Glen Powell will do the trick. Twisters just spun into theaters less than a month ago, but the cow-flinging disaster flick is already available to watch at home.
Similar to the 1996 classic Twister, the film follows Powell's character Tyler and Daisy Edgar-Jones' Kate as they chase gnarly storms like you've never seen. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), Twisters is sort of a sequel, sort of a remake, and sort of a standalone story — and here's everything you need to know to watch the latest box office hit from the comfort of your couch.
What is Twisters about?Five years after giving up storm-chasing for a quieter life in meteorology, Kate Cooper (Edgar-Jones) is drawn back in for one last job (a la Bill Paxton's character in the original Twister). Her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos, Hamilton) drags her back to test a groundbreaking new storm-tracking system. They cross paths — and inevitably butt heads — with reckless YouTube star Tyler Owens (Powell), who's known as the "Tornado Wrangler." However, a difference in principles is the least of their concerns once the powerful twisters touch down. Chaos — and even a little romance — ensues.
Get a taste of the tornado flick in the official trailer below:
Is Twisters worth watching?Like any film, whether Twisters is worth watching is completely subjective. The disaster flick has earned a 75 percent critic rating and 91 percent audience rating via Rotten Tomatoes, yet Mashable's own film critic called it "big and flashy, but not fun or frightening." Meanwhile, Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards thought it was a fun film, but was ultimately disappointed at the ending.
Twisters also smashed expectations at the box office, earning $80.5 million its opening weekend. That's the same amount Oscar-winner Oppenheimer brought in during its opening weekend in 2023 and comes in as the third-biggest opening weekend for a film this year (behind Inside Out 2 at $154 million and Dune: Part Two at $82 million). It was only projected to generate up to $55 million on opening weekend, so Twisters has been a surprise success this season.
Read our full review of Twisters.
How to watch Twisters at homeLess than a month after its theatrical debut, Twisters is already available to watch at home. Thanks to digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+, you can rent or purchase the film online. Keep in mind that with rentals, you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish once you start it. If you'd rather stream Twisters, keep scrolling for more information.
Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Twisters:
Prime Video — buy for $23.49 as a Prime member (reg. $24.99), rent for $18.49 as a Prime member (reg. $19.99)
Apple TV+ — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
YouTube — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
While there's no official streaming date yet for Twisters, it's very likely we'll see the film pop up on Peacock in the coming months. NBCUniversal owns Peacock, so we're expecting the movie to debut on the platform alongside other recent Universal Pictures hits like Abigail and The Fall Guy.
The streamer recently raised its prices, with subscriptions now starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. But luckily, we've found a few ways you can save some money — check out the best Peacock deals below.
The best Peacock streaming deals (to watch at a later date)Best long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get DealIf you can commit to Peacock long-term and pay for a year up front, it'll save you about 17%. A yearly subscription goes for $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without, which is essentially 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. Comparatively, a monthly subscription will run you $7.99 per month ($95.99 per year) or $13.99 per month ($167.88 per year).
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn MoreIf you're an Xfinity customer and haven't checked your eligibility through your account, be sure to jump on that. Select customers can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a brief breakdown of who is eligible:
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).
Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
College students can snag a Peacock Premium subscription for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. All you have to do is prove your student status through SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember that the code can only be used once (aka, don't share it with your friends).
Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month Watch NowJust like students, first responders can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month so long as they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the unique promo code you receive and the price will drop down to $1.99 per month. Although the student discount is limited to a year, first responders who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew the deal annually. You'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Watch NowAs of Dec. 2023, Peacock and Instacart have partnered up to offer paid Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium subscription. That's a $79.99 per year value for zero dollars. An Instacart+ account costs you $99.99 per year and includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, among other perks. Plus, the best part is that you get a two-week free trial to test things out. Definitely grab this freebie if you haven't yet. Better yet, wait until Twisters is released on Peacock to watch for free.
Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch NowThrough July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. If you have Mosaic status, you can get your first year of Peacock Premium for free (a $79.99 value). Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
At first glance, the kids' Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch looks like a parent's dream. It comes with GPS tracking, texting and calling with approved contacts, and zero social media or third-party apps.
Since this watch is a Fitbit, it's also a step tracker, albeit one with a novel premise unlike any previous Fitbit model. The Ace LTE, designed specifically with children ages 7 and older in mind, gamifies movement. As a child increases their physical activity, they get more access to Fitbit games and special in-watch rewards.
At a time when kids aren't moving enough — often because they're glued to a device — and their parents are panicking about when to introduce a phone and how to shield them from the worst of the internet, the Ace LTE seems like an ideal solution. But as with many things tech, there may be significant drawbacks for some children, say experts in youth screen time and well-being.
Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental pediatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School who authored the screen time guidelines for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says the Ace LTE could benefit some children. But she has a fundamental concern: "You're giving them a gaming console to strap onto their arm."
SEE ALSO: Loneliness isn't only a teen or adult problem. Little kids feel it, too.There are other considerations for Radesky and experts like her. While the smartwatch is walled-off from the internet and its attendant dangers, it still puts tech-driven distractions at a child's fingertips. It will boost activity for some sedentary children, but other youth may unhealthily fixate on reaching their exercise goal, particularly since that's the key to enjoying the watch's entertaining features. In general, it may give children the wrong incentive to exercise. Competitors like the Gabb and Gizmo watches have similar connectivity features, but do not gamify movement.
In a briefing with reporters in May, Google, which owns the Fitbit brand, said it hopes the watch gives parents peace of mind while offering kids an entertaining experience they feel compelled to return to again and again.
In response to questions for this story, Google told Mashable that the watch's gamification is meant to reward kids for consistency and effort while prioritizing goal-setting and fun, instead of tracking stats and metrics.
The Ace LTE perfectly illustrates the tensions of parenting in a digital age, and raises a question with no easy answers: How can parents make the least harmful trade-offs when it comes to tech device use?
Fitbit Ace LTE pros and consIlan Eframian recently gave his 7-year-old daughter an Ace LTE and hasn't regretted it. He likes that the GPS tracking and texting and phone capabilities let him stay connected to her as she attends a day camp an hour away from their home in Jersey City.
Eframian watches the location of the bus intermittently when she's in transit. Occasionally, she messages him to say hello. (Eframian is a former Google Fiber executive. Mashable contacted him through an anonymous message board where he commented on the Ace LTE.)
"Being able to see where she is, I love," Eframian says of the GPS feature.
His daughter's location is visible only to Eframian and his wife; her device doesn't show up in public spaces like devices that rely on Bluetooth do. Google says it deletes GPS data within 24 hours.
Parents access many of the watch's features through the Fitbit Ace app. Credit: Courtesy Google FitbitEframian appreciates that the watch isn't assigned a phone number that could receive random spam messages from strangers. The connectivity happens through the Fitbit Ace app, via the LTE network, which requires a monthly or annual subscription that costs $9.99 or $119, respectively. Only parent-approved contacts can message and call a child wearing the watch. Eventually, the watch will have Google Pay enabled on it.
Eframian uses the parent controls to decide when his daughter accesses the games.
One of her favorite games, Pollo 13, stars a space chicken careening through an obstacle course. The watch's sensors let the wearer control the spacecraft "tub" by moving their body from side to side as they try to guide the chicken toward the prizes on the track.
Eframian's daughter is permitted to play on the bus, but a "school time" setting restricts the games while she's at camp. So far, he's not noticed any problematic use of the watch.
It's not obvious or intuitive, but parents can also completely block individual games through Google's Family Link app. (Parents who are interested in deactivating games completely have discussed it on a Fitbit community forum.)
Both the child and parent must have a Google account to use the Ace LTE, which may require bringing young users into the company's sprawling ecosystem before their caregivers had planned to do so.
Parents cannot, however, block Bit Valley, a separate setting in the watch, which is where a Tamagotchi-like character called an eejie resides. Designed intentionally by Google to keep kids engaged with the watch, the eejie is introduced to the wearer during device setup. It can be outfitted with new clothes, belongings, and home decor based on how many rewards the wearer earns by meeting their goal or playing games.
But an eejie can look forlorn when neglected by their owner. Keeping them happy means visiting them, changing their outfit or room, and completing daily activity quests. Users reap the rewards of a content eejie by earning more tickets that can be redeemed for even more eejie-related items. Notifications remind wearers to visit their eejie, if they haven't done so already, though Google said Bit Valley has a built-in daily time limit.
An eejie smiles at the wearer. Credit: Google FitbitThis is one aspect of the watch that gives Radesky pause. She wonders on behalf of parents, "How much does this create a new gaming habit or interest for their child that they didn't necessarily plan for?"
Amanda Lenhart, head of research at Common Sense Media, found the watch's engagement features troubling.
"The fact that you're devising things to keep a child looking at, touching, and playing with your device…it's a great business model, and is also not super great for that child's ability to detach from that device," she says.
Google did assemble a panel of experts to help develop the watch, including Sandra Calvert, director of Georgetown University's Children's Digital Media Center, and Lauren Sherar, dean of the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences in the United Kingdom. The company was unable to make any of the panel's members available for an interview.
Regardless of differing expert opinions, when it comes to any tech device or platform with captivating features, parents often make the bet that their child won't struggle with boundary-setting like another child might.
Eframian, for example, says his daughter hasn't resisted the limitations he's put on her Ace LTE. He's noticed a "behavior change" as she tries harder to reach her daily movement goal, which to Eframian indicates that the watch is working as intended.
Though Eframian's experience sounds straightforward, another parent with the same expectations may surprisingly find themselves in a daily battle over how their child uses the Ace LTE. And children who have conditions that affect their executive functioning, like attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism, may be particularly prone to the distractions that the watch can present, Radesky says.
Google told Mashable that the company is aware that some kids struggle with regulation, which is why the watch has built-in screen time limits and doesn't reward high-score chasing or overexercise.
"Taken to an extreme"Still, the variability between how children react to digital devices and features makes it hard to know how one particular kid will fare.
Just as some children may develop focus and attention challenges related to their smartwatch use, the risks can be similarly fraught for children who are vulnerable to negative thinking about their bodies.
Dr. Jason Nagata, an adolescent medicine specialist at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco, says children who use technology to boost their physical activity may likely have a positive or neutral experience doing so. But there are others who are vulnerable in ways their parents might not anticipate.
"I do unfortunately see some teenagers who, they or their parents had very good intentions of trying to be more healthy, or maybe trying to make some lifestyle changes, but then it's taken to an extreme, and they can develop a full-blown eating disorder or muscle dysmorphia," Nagata says, noting some of these cases involved apps or devices that delivered reminders and notifications related to physical activity.
The Fitbit Ace LTE prompts kids to complete their daily activities. Credit: Google FitbitThe Ace LTE only counts and displays steps, not calories or other metrics that could become focal points for young users. The watch tracks a range of movement, but the baseline move goal is 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity. That goal can be increased to 60 or 75 minutes. Some children might breeze through these goals while others, particularly those who only get vigorous exercise during recess, might not.
Google told Mashable that the watch's interval-based programming is designed to encourage three to four sessions of gameplay per day, with each session clocking in at about five minutes or less.
Nagata urges parents to regularly check in with their children about their goals, which they can also monitor in the Fitbit Ace app. A parent might grow concerned if meeting the goal consumes their child's energy or conversation, or displaces other activities they once enjoyed. In that situation, the parent should consider reducing the goal, blocking the games, or having their child cease using the watch.
Clues that a child may be vulnerable to excessive exercise include sensitivity about their appearance, diet, or physical activity. Nagata cautions parents of children who already have an eating disorder or muscle dysmorphia against using the Ace LTE.
Radesky says that some children for whom formal exercise doesn't feel good because of physiological issues like motor-coordination deficits, sensory sensitivity, low muscle tone, and pain may benefit from the Ace LTE's motivating features. But she says that typically pediatricians try to channel kids' drive to move into things that are inherently satisfying.
A child with sensory sensitivities, for example, might enjoy swimming because the water feels good on their skin. Radesky worries that a device that offers external reinforcement — in this case, gameplay — for physical activity that has nothing to do with the inherent joy of movement may deprive kids of the opportunity to choose for themselves what feels good.
Still, she expects that for some kids, the Ace LTE will be a fun and effective way to motivate health behavior. Others, though, might struggle to manage their use or simply get bored of it.
For many parents, knowing how their child will react is a question they're desperate to answer before they spend hundreds of dollars.
In Radesky's opinion, tech companies could simplify the equation for parents by making products that don't hinge on a child's reliably frequent use of the device.
"How can disengagement be a goal?" Radesky asks. "Because if you had technology that let you go when you wanted to go, that would be so respectful of a child's well-being."
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 15 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 15Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 15, 2024:
AcrossWith 6-Across, "Let me start by saying ..."The answer is first.
The answer is ofall.
The answer is relic.
The answer is kelp.
The answer is sly.
The answer is forks.
The answer is ifeel.
The answer is rally.
The answer is slip.
The answer is TLC.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 15 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 15If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Is this some kind of joke?These words are good for a laugh.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are related to types of funny people.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is YoureKidding.
NYT Strands word list for August 15Clown
Comic
Fool
Buffoon
Prankster
Jester
YoureKidding
Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.
A24 has released a new promotional image for We Live in Time, a decade-spanning romance featuring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. It also apparently features a horrific, bug-eyed carousel horse, which has swiftly stolen the spotlight to become a new internet meme.
We Live in Time follows the relationship between Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield), from their first meeting, to falling in love, to starting a family together. Told in snapshots throughout their lives, the drama seems to be aiming for a touching tone as the couple support each other through career milestones and health struggles.
SEE ALSO: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield live epic love story in A24's 'We Live in Time' trailerAs such, We Live in Time's latest promotional photo appears to depict a relatively early moment in their relationship, with Pugh and Garfield laughing as they enjoy a romantic carousel ride together. Yet in what is either a brilliant stroke of marketing or a gross oversight, the happy couple is completely overshadowed by the demonic visage of the carousel horse next to them.
Positioned in the bottom left corner of the photograph, the satanic steed's bulging, soulless eye and gaping maw demand the viewer's attention, refusing to let us mindlessly enjoy seeing Pugh and Garfield pretend to be in love. Trapped in what I can only assume is a silent scream, the tormented pony almost appears to break the fourth wall by gazing directly out at viewers.
It's like one of those reminders of mortality that 17th century artists used to put in their paintings. Death is coming, and it looks like a horse who has seen the end of time.
Tweet may have been deletedSocial media users immediately honed in on We Live in Time's disquieting steed, breaking out their image editing software with glee. The hell horse quickly went viral and inspired numerous memes, with people editing it into other films or superimposing it on top of Garfield and Pugh's heads. Even Late Show host Stephen Colbert weighed in on the tortured equine.
"Look, I'm gonna say what we're all thinking," Colbert quipped during his Wednesday night monologue. "That pony is tripping balls on ketamine."
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedIt's unclear whether this sinister stallion previously existed in the wild, or was specifically created for We Live in Time by a set designer who missed their calling as an existential artist. While the film was shot in London, the horses on South Bank's famous Golden Carousel look more colourful and less like they'd eat your soul.
We Live in Time and its horrible horse arrives in theatres on Oct. 11.
TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, use the discount code HEADWAY to get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just £35.06 (reg. £233.77).
Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £35.06 at the Mashable ShopIt's all too common to find ourselves endlessly scrolling through social media feeds or getting lost in the constant stream of news updates. These activities can lead to wasted hours and can even increase stress levels.
This August, help yourself break free from these time-wasting cycles and invest in something that can benefit your personal growth and well-being. Headway Premium, an app that gives you useful summaries of nonfiction bestsellers, is now available for a one-time fee of £35.06 for a lifetime subscription when you order through Sept. 3 and use the discount code HEADWAY at checkout.
Headway was made to empower you with a vast library of easy-to-digest summaries of best-selling nonfiction books. These summaries span a wide range of topics, from self-improvement and productivity to psychology and business. With Headway summaries, you can gain key insights and actionable advice from some of the world’s most popular books in just 15 minutes a day — and you can get them in audio or written versions.
The app also offers gamified learning and tailored recommendations based on your interests and goals. Whether you want to improve your leadership skills, learn about mindfulness, or explore new business strategies, Headway has something for everyone.
Headway Premium features interactive features like quizzes and actionable insights to help you retain information and apply what you’ve learned in real life. These tools help make learning engaging and practical.
Turn those in-between moments into opportunities for growth. Whether you're waiting in line at the store, commuting, or taking a break, the Headway Premium app makes it easier to learn something useful instead of scrolling through TikTok.
Stay motivated and focused with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium on sale for just £35.06 (reg. £233.77).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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