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I stopped using portable applications for a long time. Between cloud storage, web apps, modern package managers, and the ever-growing number of regular apps you can download and install, they just didn't seem all that necessary. That changed when I ran into a situation with a friend's laptop where the operating system was so badly messed up that nothing would work correctly, including internet connectivity. All the cloud apps and installers in the world couldn't help. So, I went home and put together a toolkit to repair any PC I might encounter.

An over-the-air, or OTA, update is any software fix or feature update an automaker sends to a car wirelessly, through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, the same way a phone downloads a new app or security patch. The car downloads the code, installs it while parked, and comes back online running something different than it did the night before, all without a trip to a dealership.

When it comes to multitasking, Liz Plank (@feministabulous) might just be the poster-child. She is a content creator, journalist (Vox), author (For the Love of Men), podcaster (Boy Problems), amongst too many titles to name. Liz Plank is a true queen of all trades.

Recently, Plank met up with Mashable's Executive Producer, Mark Stetson, in New York's Washington Square Park, her "favorite place." On a much too sunny park bench, the two delved into the nooks and crannies of content creation, why dating can be wildly different for men and women, and what it truly means to "win the career lottery."

"My favorite thing right now is my podcast!" Plank's latest venture is her podcast, Boy Problems, which soared into the 1% of Spotify podcasts and is still one of the most listened podcasts on Spotify. "I had to teach myself how to do a 3-camera setup in my own bedroom because that's what you have to do when you have zero budget. And in the end I think it made the show that much better. I love to connect, I am a connection slut. And so I loved that it felt like I was on the same level as the audience."

Plank opened up about the realities of modern content creation, from navigating burnout and the pressure to monetize, to building a genuine connection with your audience and maintaining authenticity. "If you're trying to be authentic, then you're already not. It was easier to be authentic earlier on because there was no model. And now there are so many models and influencer culture and so many people that you can imitate and use as role models. I think that role models are great, but be you. Don't try to be someone else."

Boy Problems is available anywhere you find your podcasts and on YouTube.

The PC market is a hot mess right now, with GPUs priced at up to $5,000 and 32GB of RAM going for, at minimum, $400 (DDR5). It's not a good time to buy ... well, basically anything, including SSDs and RAM (obviously). But this is when unexpected purchases start making more sense.

While I like messing around in Linux, it's not my daily-driver operating system. I tend to use it for specialized projects, or when I have no other choice, such as using a Linux Netbook in college, or with handheld gaming systems that work best with Linux for various reasons.

ChatGPT can now check your insurance, cancel flights, or reschedule deliveries for you, all seemingly without seeing your login details.

Announced by OpenAI on X, the AI assistant will be able to complete tasks for users that they'd usually have to open a new browser and log in with a username and password to do. (And please don't tell us you've been dropping your login details into AI chatbot conversations. Stop that now.)

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Available on mobile and web for Plus, Pro, and Business users, the update functions within the GPT‑5.6-powered ChatGPT Work, a task management agent within the chatbot that pulls workflows into one spot.

However, the tool is focused beyond boardrooms. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT Work can now do things like set up utilities for your home, book a passport or medical appointment, buy or cancel plane tickets, or rearrange a package's arrival, all without viewing your login details. This moves the chatbot beyond its current in-chat booking abilities into deeper, more serious purchasing waters.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT will let you book a table mid-chat

But how is ChatGPT actually blocked from seeing your username and password?

On OpenAI's help page, updated with the announcement, the company says ChatGPT Work functions through a cloud browser that can "read web pages, click buttons, enter information into forms, and carry out steps on supported public and signed-in websites." This means you're not putting your details directly into the Large Language Model (LLM) powering the chatbot, and again, it's unwise to drop these into your chats.

You'll need to start a task within ChatGPT, write your request as a prompt, and the chatbot will pause the conversation to generate a "secure form" for logging into a website through a remote browser. You might need to approve the website to ChatGPT and complete any two-factor authentication. According to OpenAI, "the username and password entered [in the secure form] are not visible to the model, and ChatGPT does not store those sign-in credentials."

The company adds that all sign-in requests are reviewed by an additional model for "signs of phishing or deception."

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

You can also control which websites ChatGPT has access to in Settings > Cloud browser, where you can select options to "Always ask," "Auto approve," or "Always allow." And some websites might restrict access from AI agents, so you might run into some that won't work with this automation.

Once you've done all the approvals and you're logged in, ChatGPT will unpause the conversation and move to complete requests. Notably, ChatGPT will ask you for confirmation in the chat "before actions that could be hard to reverse or create a financial, legal, account, or other real-world commitment, such as confirming a booking or making a payment." So, if you're about to drop cash on a flight, you'll have to give it the green light.

ChatGPT users can already connect their bank accounts and medical records to the platform, so this feels like just another step of handing the keys over to AI.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Cable management is not a fun task. I’m not talking about routing cables under your desk in a satisfying way; I mean literally organizing a box of loose cables. Rubber bands? Velcro straps? I’ve tried them both, but the best method I’ve found is an incredibly simple 3D print.

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ are available for free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for the Motorola Razr, simply activate a new line on an Experience More plan. For the Motorola Razr+, activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola T-Mobile: Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free   Shop Now

The conversation around Apple's next event is getting louder. We're constantly inundated with new rumors, leaks, and genuine news about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max that are likely to arrive this fall. That's exciting for Apple fanatics keen on owning the latest tech, but believe it or not, not everyone is obsessed with the iPhone.

No, there's actually a significant group out there who rep Samsung, Google, and Motorola. And if you're the latter, T-Mobile has got a real treat for you right now.

T-Mobile is giving away the new Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free, with no trade-in required:

• Motorola Razr — activate a new line on an Experience More plan

• Motorola Razr+ — activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan

The total cost is covered with up to 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the two-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time connection charge with this deal, but that's a small price to pay for the latest from Motorola.

Score the new Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free this week with T-Mobile.

As a writer, programmer, and Linux enthusiast, I often tend to make my workflow use the mouse as rarely as possible. Windows being my primary workstation, I've been trying to use the keyboard more and more, so I don't have to reach for the mouse.

TL;DR: SanDisk just launched two Pokémon-themed storage drives for the franchise's 30th anniversary. The Mew Edition 128GB USB-C flash drive is $27.99 (down from $34.99), and the Mewtwo Edition 500GB portable SSD is $119.99 (down from $149.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk Mew Edition 128GB USB-C Flash Drive $27.99 at SanDisk
$34.99 Save $7.00   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk Mewtwo Edition 500GB Portable SSD $119.99 at SanDisk
$149.99 Save $30.00   Shop Now

SanDisk just gave your everyday storage a serious glow-up. To mark Pokémon's 30th anniversary, the company has launched two officially licensed drives that turn Mew and Mewtwo into storage you'll want to show off — and both are launching with a discount, so the collectible factor doesn't come at collector prices.

The Mew Edition flash drive is built around the character's status as the ancestor of all Pokémon, with a design made for grab-and-go convenience. It plugs in via USB-C and works with compatible phones (with an app), plus Mac and Windows computers, and the 128GB of storage holds around 5,000 photos, with room left for video and music.

Read speeds top out at 250MB/s, and the SanDisk app handles file transfers, copying, and backups across all your connected devices, so you're not manually dragging folders around every time you plug it in.

The Mewtwo Edition SSD is for heavier workloads. SanDisk says it moves data up to five times faster than an old-school portable hard drive, with read speeds up to 1,000MB/s — useful for offloading video, RAW photos, or larger creative projects rather than the occasional photo dump.

Credit: Sandisk / Pokémon

It's also built to hold up: no moving parts inside, and it's rated to withstand drops of up to 2 meters. Between the 500GB and 1TB options, it's meant for people who need higher capacity storage that still fits in a pocket.

Pick your Pokémon, then grab the drive before it's gone.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Purple Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Set is on sale for $198.96 at Amazon, down from its list price of $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Composite Team/The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Purple Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Set $198.96 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $21.03   Get Deal

We all love Pokémon TCG. Why else are we here? But no one ever said that collecting Pokémon was cheap. That's why collectors and wannabe trainers are always on the hunt for a good deal on high-ticket collections.

Here's one that's caught our attention today — a 10% price drop on the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Purple Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Set.

As of Aug. 26, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Purple Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Set is on sale for $198.96 at Amazon. You'll save $21.03 from the regular list price of $219.99. And you’ll get free delivery as soon as Sep. 2 at the time of writing.

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This box is based around fan-favorite Eevee and its multiple evolutions. It includes an illustrated promo card, nine booster packs — a total of 90 cards — plus 65 Eevee card covers, 45 Energy cards, dice, and more. It's a pricey set overall, but you're sure to find valuable cards inside.

Grab the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Purple Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Set for $196.98 at Amazon and save over $21.

TL;DR: Canoly's new 4-in-1 C50 Smart Cold Press Juicer is available for $399.99, down from $599.99 — a 33% discount on launch price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canoly Canoly C50 Smart Cold Press Juicer $399 at Amazon
$599 Save $200   Get Deal

Your kitchen counter is about to get a lot less crowded.

Canoly just dropped the C50, its new flagship cold press juicer, and it's launching with a $200 discount right out of the gate — putting Canoly's most capable machine yet within reach for under $400.

This one machine does four jobs. The C50 makes cold-pressed juice, smoothies, sorbet, and nut or plant milk, swapping between them with three interchangeable strainers. If you've ever bought a juicer only to realize it can't do smoothies, or a blender that leaves pulp everywhere, this is Canoly's answer to that problem.

The touchscreen panel on the juicer has five one-tap modes, and the Bluetooth app lets you start or schedule a juicing session from your phone and pull from 50 built-in recipes. A smart anti-clog program, paired with a pre-cut blade, is designed to prevent jams before they happen, and the 7.1-inch feed chute is wide enough to fit whole fruits and vegetables without much chopping beforehand.

Credit: Canoly

There's also a 100-ounce hopper, so you're not stuck refilling it for every glass, and the AC brushless motor runs at around 35 decibels, quiet enough that it won't wake up the rest of the house on an early morning smoothie run.

SEE ALSO: A new Ninja Boss blender is here: Meet the CrushBoss

It's built to hold up over time thanks to a food-safe PC chamber, a stainless-steel auger, and BPA-free strainers, all held together with a detachable latch system that makes it easy to break down and clean. It's also a step up from Canoly's previous model, the C16, which offered three functions and no smart controls — the C50 isn't just an upgrade, it's a full redesign.

Four appliances' worth of counter space, back down to one — grab the Canoly C50 while the $200 discount lasts.

Reviewing the Pixel 11 Pro felt like watching the classic rock movie This IsSpinal Tap, where guitarist Nigel Tufnel proudly shows off a custom guitar amplifier with volume knobs marked up to 11 instead of 10. When asked why it's better, he explains that it gives you "one louder" for that extra push over the cliff.

Smart rings monitor your health in a tiny, inconspicuous package. At first glance, they look like any other piece of jewelry, a simple gold or silver ring. But with tiny sensors, these rings track biometrics through your finger. Yes, they'll track your step count and calories burned, but more advanced technology allows them to track sleep and stress levels, all detected through heart rate and variability.

After extensive testing — including some epic marathon training — we selected the best smart rings of the year so far. This year, Oura debuted the Oura Ring 5, which is an exceptional ring for comfort, design, and overall health tracking. While it takes the top spot in our guide, we tried plenty more options.

This guide compares the top options for fitness-minded tech users who want a low-profile health tracker. To compare the rings, we dug into what actually separates these rings: design, battery life, health features, price, subscription costs, and device compatibility.

SEE ALSO: I ran the NYC Marathon wearing 7 fitness trackers and they all watched me throw up

Latest updates to this guide

As of August 2026, we've replaced the Oura Ring 4 with the Oura Ring 5. Yes, it's the latest model, but its smaller size has greatly improved its comfort, making it the best Oura Ring but also the best overall smart ring.

We've also removed the Evie Ring from this list as it appears to be out of stock. The website for the Evie Ring appears to be unavailable, and the product is no longer listed for sale. We've reached out to Evie for comment on whether the ring is officially discontinued and the status of the company.

We're in the process of testing the RingConn Gen 2 Air for inclusion in this guide. Currently, we've included the Ultrahuman Air in this guide, which is no longer being made but is still available for purchase. We'll update this guide with the Ultrahuman Ring Pro once we've completed testing.

What's the best smart ring?

The smart ring market is ever-growing, with new models debuting each year. Samsung launched a smart ring in 2024, and while Apple doesn't have a smart ring on the market yet, we're sure it will be here in a matter of time. But smart rings are synonymous with the Oura Ring, a leader in the field, and for good reason. Having tried multiple Oura rings (the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 5), testing their hype, and comparing them to other devices, we can confidently say Oura makes the best smart ring in 2026.

Oura offers the most expansive biometric tracking, monitoring your health around the clock. It focuses on daily and long-term health goals more holistically than other rings.

However, the Oura Ring has downsides, like a monthly subscription fee. If you're not down for a monthly fee, we tested some popular alternatives to Oura rings.

Why should you buy a smart ring? So you think you want a smart ring? Here's what you need to know about the latest tech wearable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Smart rings are not just another fitness tracker. Yes, they do track your activity, steps, and calories burned. However, they're really meant to offer a more holistic view of your health so you can gain deeper insights into your sleep habits, cardiovascular health, and more.

You're a good candidate for a smart ring if you hate the look of a smartwatch or fitness tracker with LED screens, which are categorically not cool. Smart rings are posed as a discreet option, looking like a regular piece of jewelry. However, to be frank, they don't blend in that well. In my weeks of testing, while wearing the rings during hangouts, someone would inevitably ask me, "What's that?"

Since a smart ring doesn't have a screen, you have to pull out your phone and open an app whenever you want to track activity. That's certainly not the end of the world, but if you convert from a smartwatch, you'll miss the convenience of tapping your wrist. That being said, I actually find a smart ring most useful when paired with a smartwatch. I ran all my testing while simultaneously wearing an Apple Watch, and I appreciated the smart rings that were compatible with my watch so I could receive push notifications.

Uber will now let parents remotely watch children's rides through their drivers' smartphones. Announced on Tuesday, the rideshare service has added a live video streaming feature to teen accounts, allowing their guardians to monitor them on their trips.

SEE ALSO: Flock pitched turning Uber and Lyft drivers into a mobile surveillance network

To use this new feature, the Uber driver must first have enabled live video. If they've done so and someone with an Uber teen account begins a trip, the adult linked to the account will receive a push notification alerting them that live video of the ride is available. The parent simply needs to tap the notification, and they'll be treated to a live feed from the front-facing camera on the driver's phone. Both the teen and the driver will receive notifications letting them know a parent is watching, and the stream will automatically end at the conclusion of the trip. 

Of course, this feature doesn't guarantee that anxious parents will be able to see their child in the Uber. Depending upon how the driver's phone is positioned, they may only get a view of the car's ceiling. However, considering that phone mounts are extremely common amongst Uber drivers, there's a good chance that at the very least they'll see the driver. Uber even suggests that drivers use a phone mount if they don't have app integration in the car itself.

The new feature launched in select U.S. regions on Tuesday, with rollout to continue across the country in the following weeks.

"Live video is the latest way we're updating teen accounts to meet the needs of families and build on existing safety features like live trip tracking, PIN verification, and audio recording," Uber's director of product management Ashu Manohar wrote in the announcement. "As live video expands nationwide over the coming weeks, we'll continue listening to feedback and improving the experience to help families stay connected when they’re on the go."

Interestingly, while adults linked to a child's account can watch the live video stream while their Uber trip is active, it will become inaccessible once the ride has concluded. Uber will apparently still keep the footage, stating that it will be reviewed if a safety incident is reported, but the encrypted video will not be viewable by the child, adult, or driver.

Credit: Uber

Last year, Uber admitted that it routinely approved people convicted of violent felonies to be drivers, provided the convictions were over seven years ago. While potential drivers convicted of murder, kidnapping, or sexual assault were subject to a blanket ban, other crimes such as assault and child abuse were permitted. According to Uber, this was an effort at "striking the right balance" between keeping riders safe and allowing felons to move on with their lives. 

A New York Times investigation also found that Uber had received reports of sexual abuse or misconduct every eight minutes between 2017 to 2022. In response, Uber stated that 75 percent of these reports were "less serious." A Phoenix court subsequently found Uber partially liable for rape and violence its drivers committed against passengers. 

Uber has since expanded its safety measures, and now runs background checks on the past 99 years of a driver's life rather than just seven.

Aside from taking it off to recharge, I've worn the Fitbit Air nonstop for over three months. Google's first take on a faceless fitness tracker launched in late spring, and I was smitten from the beginning. The tracker has a simple and non-flashy design that I love. Plus, it sells for under $100.

Google offers several bands for the Fitbit Air including a silicone Performance Band. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

My favorite element of the Fitbit Air has to be how it feels to wear. By far, it’s the most comfortable smartwatch or fitness tracker I've ever experienced. And since this is an honest review, I even like the Google AI fitness coach, which has given me almost daily workouts and has kept me on track more than any other fitness routine I’ve tried in recent years. But after three months of use, I have a few complaints. Here are my thoughts about the budget-friendly Fitbit Air and who should consider owning one.

Worth the $100 for the comfort and simple looks

Google designed the Fitbit Air to feel as if you’re wearing nothing, and I can confirm this is the most comfortable thing I’ve worn on my wrist. I’ve been wearing my beloved CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro for months now, but I set it aside to test the Fitbit Air. The difference in comfort, size, and weight on my wrist was significant, especially while sleeping.

The Fitbit Air is tiny compared to my CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Fitbit Air weighs 12 grams or 0.03 pounds. I don’t notice that I’m wearing it during the day or while sleeping. That’s about half the weight of the popular faceless fitness tracker, the Whoop 5.0, which clocks in at 26.5 grams. 

I took off the Fitbit Air to shower and swim in saltwater. That’s not necessary since it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, but Google recommends taking it off to shower, as soaps could cause damage. Other than that, I wore it nonstop and got several compliments on the look. Some friends at dinner even assumed it was a bracelet and not a fitness tracker. 

Week-long battery life and quick recharging

Google claims the Fitbit Air will get up to seven days of battery life on a single charge, and they weren’t lying. In my testing for over three months, I got a bit over eight days of wear before my watch got to about 4 percent, and I set it on the charger to make sure I didn’t miss a night of tracking sleep. For comparison, the Apple Watch 11 gets about 24 hours of battery life per charge. 

The brain of the Fitbit Air easily pops in and out of the bands. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

In addition to the impressive one-week battery life, the Fitbit Air takes hardly any time to recharge. On my first test, I reached a 100 percent charge in 67 minutes. That dropped to 65 minutes on my second recharge. After just 10 minutes of the Fitbit sitting on the charger, it had reached 44 percent.

After three months of using the Fitbit Air, I'm still totally shocked by how quickly it recharges. If I don't have an hour to spare, I love knowing that I can stick it on the charger for 10 minutes and get several more days of life.

Because of this excellent battery life and quick recharging, you don’t have to worry about skipping a night of sleep tracking or missing out on steps on account of the fitness tracker recharging.

Google Health Premium kind of rocks 

I tested the Fitbit Air with Google Health Premium, which comes free for the first three months. After that, it costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 for an annual plan. Built with Gemini, Premium comes with advanced AI features like the ability to ask Coach health and fitness questions, dive into mindfulness sessions, and get a customized weekly fitness plan. I told Coach I was focused on getting stronger and lowering my resting heart rate, and it popped out a five-session plan each week that incorporated my Hydrow rowing machine.

The Google Coach formulated a weekly fitness plan for me that was simple to adjust. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health Video of each activity helps with understanding each workout or stretch. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I’m not heavily on the AI train, so I’m a bit ashamed to say I love Google Health Premium, specifically the personalized workouts. I grew up in a Catholic school, which is to say, I’m a hardcore follower of the rules. So when the Google Coach told me to stretch, row for 20 minutes while keeping my heart rate in zone 2, and then stretch to cool down, I damn well did it. And that was enough to majorly up the frequency of my workouts.

After the first few months, I gave my Google AI Coach extra fitness goals. I explained I wanted to do two core workouts each week and add in a morning stretching routine. It took me less than five minutes to add both of those goals into my routine on the Google Health app. It all immediately populated in the "fitness" tab on my home screen. Because of how easy Google makes this, I think the Fitbit Air is an awesome tracker for people who want more consistency with weekly workout goals.

Sleep, nutrition, and hydration tracking on the Fitbit Air are exceptional, mostly

We’re all looking for a fitness tracker that gives us great sleep metrics in detail. Since I barely noticed wearing the Fitbit Air, I’m giving this the award of my new favorite sleep tracker. The detailed sleep metrics are insightful, and with each night I wear it, they get even better since Google is getting used to my sleep norms.

If you tend to nap like I do, the Fitbit Air might prove frustrating. It picks up maybe 50 percent of my naps. In addition to the tracking struggles, it often takes hours for nap metrics to land on my daily report after I wake up, even with manually refreshing the Fitbit several times in the Google Health app. When it didn't capture my naps, I asked the AI Coach what happened. It said either the watch band was too loose or I slept for under 20 minutes, which is the threshold for detecting naps.

Since the band was just as tight as it was the night before when it accurately tracked my sleep, that wasn't the issue, nor was the time since I slept for about 45 minutes. This scenario has happened plenty of times, which means I'm not convinced the Fitbit Air is a great model for those who like to nap.

The Fitbit Air has been inconsistent with automatically detecting naps. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health Testing out the ability to capture a photo of food to log in the app. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

Google lets you track nutrition with the Fitbit Air, and that can be as easy as scanning a barcode or taking a photo of your plate. It even breaks down macro goals, so you can aim for the ideal amount of carbs, fat, and protein each day. Hydration tracking is also simple, and Coach would even send me a reminder to get my ounces in before it was time to wind down for the night, since I have a tendency to chug 20 ounces right before bed, leading to a midnight wake-up.

The Fitbit Air does not like cycling or stairs

I loved the fitness tracking on the Fitbit Air when I was rowing indoors during spring pollen season and when the temperatures got way too sticky in the summer. But when August rolled around, I committed to getting on my bicycle. I cycled almost everywhere I needed to go, like to the grocery store and a doctor's appointment. Overall, I got quite frustrated with the Fitbit's automatic cycling detection. It only captured about 75 percent of the rides I took.

Over the weekend, for example, I took off on my bike for groceries. I cycled for about 12 minutes to reach the store, spent 20 minutes walking while in the store, and another 12 or so minutes cycling home. When I got back, my Google Health app had notes about my walk but nothing about either biking session.

I have location permission open all the time for my Fitbit to access, but the lack of built-in GPS on the fitness tracker has proven to be a downside. If you're heavy into cycling, I'm not sure I'd recommend the Fitbit Air. You can manually tell the Google Health app you're heading off on a ride, but I'm not thrilled about going to the extra effort.

Zero total floors climbed, just like last week and the week before and the week before and... Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

The Fitbit Air will also not track stairs climbed. I didn't notice this at first, but Google Health sends me a weekly progress report that lists total steps, total miles, active minutes, sleep, heart rate, and more. Front and center of this report is total floors climbed, which forever remains at a giant zero, the same as last week. This isn't a dealbreaker for me, but if you're a stair-stepper person or like to make sure you're getting those flights in, the Fitbit Air will have no idea besides adding the steps to your daily total.

Like all AI-driven tech, the Fitbit Air has some flaws

No AI is perfect, and when testing the Fitbit Air, I landed in some errors. I skipped my daily workout, and Coach asked me if I did any other activity. When I said I had picked blueberries in the yard in the afternoon (gotta be some yoga moves in there), the Fitbit said it had logged that I ate one cup of blueberries. While that was probably true, I was trying to log light movement.

In all fairness, I did probably eat one cup of blueberries while picking. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I also noticed some inaccuracies when working out. Each Fitbit Air workout crafted by Coach begins with a warmup, which is usually stretching. Start the workout, and the app shows you a video of a person doing the stretch, which is incredibly helpful. However, the written description of the stretch didn’t always match the movements the person was doing in the video.

And of course, using AI health and fitness is not meant to be a replacement for getting professional medical care.

I'm still in love with the overall look, and durability is awesome

I've mentioned it before, but the look of the Fitbit Air is something I can't get over. I dig it, and it makes me happy to look down and see how simple and effortless it looks and feels. I've also spotted a few other people sporting the Fitbit Air while out in public, and I think it looks awesome on them, too.

I can also speak to its durability. After three months of non-stop wear, the included band, made of recycled polyester and elastane yarn, looks brand new. I wear the fog colorway band, and while that seems light enough to get super dingy, it has zero evidence of wear.

Although I haven't tested it out, the Fitbit Air Elevated Modern Band looks awesome, and I've added it to my Christmas wish list.

Is a screen-less fitness tracker right for you?

It took me a while to get accustomed to wearing something on my left wrist that did not tell me the time. I’m used to it now, but I could see this driving some people nuts. However, I prefer not to have instant access to my emails or text messages, so the faceless design is my ideal, though I understand it’s not for everyone.

In a way, the Fitbit Air is a great option if you’re heading more into the analog life and you’ve Bricked your phone, for example. But because there’s no face, everything about the Fitbit Air is done via the app, which is located on (you guessed it) your phone. So while you won’t get texts on your wrist, you do have to look at your phone to check steps, heart rate, and other metrics.

Is the Fitbit Air worth it?

After testing for over three months, I’d recommend the Fitbit Air to anyone who likes the idea of an affordable fitness tracker that doesn’t double up as a smartwatch. It’s a simple fitness tracker that’s comfortable to wear and includes plenty of health and fitness tracking. It’s also one of the budget-friendly options, costing $99.99. However, I found the added features from Google Health Premium to be well worth the price, so add on another $99.99 per year for access to those deeper insights.

I also think the Fitbit Air is a great tracker and well worth the price if you don't want a massive watch on your wrist. The level of comfort and minimalist style is something I'm still in awe over. Durability is also exceptional.

I don’t think the Fitbit Air is great for people who are strongly anti-AI. The benefits of health and fitness tracking lean heavily on AI. At times, it felt creepy to get a Google Health notification that confirmed I had arrived on vacation at my destination and had already gone for a walk on the beach. It's also proven it's not a great fitness tracker if you cycle often or you want to keep track of climbing stairs.

Google Fitbit Air $99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

TL;DR: This Grade A refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage for $369.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $369.99
$1,580 Save $1,210.01   Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that can keep up with your storage demands? As we continue to accumulate more photos, videos, and important files, investing in a laptop with massive storage capacity is a smart move. And the only thing smarter would be to make it one of Apple’s most powerful portable devices: the MacBook Pro.

Right now, you can snag a feature-packed 13-inch MacBook Pro, complete with 1TB of SSD, for just $369.99 (reg. $1,580), while supplies last.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air (M5): Which Apple laptop is better for you?

There’s a reason the MacBook Pro has amassed such a massive fan base — this laptop has a lot to offer. A 13.3-inch Retina display features Apple’s True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts depending on your lighting and helps reduce eye strain.

Everything you see on that vibrant screen is powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, which offers a 2GHz base speed that makes multitasking smooth and steady. With 1TB of storage, you can save all of your important files locally, without shelling out extra for cloud storage or hard drives.

A Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar offers a comfortable typing experience and easy access to shortcuts to save you time on this MacBook Pro. There’s Touch ID to keep your device safe, and four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for easy connectivity. This model also offers 10 hours of battery life, so you don’t have to worry about charging as often.

You’re securing a massive discount due to this model’s Grade A refurbished rating. That means you’ll receive a device in near-mint condition, with minimal to no scuffing on the case.

Bring home a MacBook Pro for just $369.99 (reg. $1,580) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This 2026 Complete Claude AI, Claude Code, Claude Cowork and ChatGPT Training Bundle is $29.99 (reg. $174), giving you lifetime access to six courses and 16 hours of instruction on using today’s leading AI tools for work.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paul Ashun The 2026 Complete Claude AI, Claude Code, Claude Cowork & ChatGPT Training Bundle $29.99
$174 Save $144.01   Get Deal

Most people using AI are still only scratching the surface of what it can do. This bundle is built to close that gap.

For $29.99, you get lifetime access to six courses and 16 hours of AI training covering ChatGPT 5, Claude Code, and Claude Cowork, a markdown from the $174 list price.

The lineup starts with a ChatGPT 5 masterclass covering prompt engineering, content creation, and workflow automation, then moves into two Claude Cowork courses that teach you how to connect Claude to Gmail, Google Drive, Slack, and dozens of other apps to automate tasks without writing code.

A Claude Code course walks Agile and PM professionals through using AI for project workflows, and a Claude AI masterclass rounds out the no-code side of things. An AI LLM fundamentals course and a bonus AI product manager skills course are also included for anyone who wants the underlying concepts, not just the tools.

Every course was built by Paul Ashun, a consultant who has led software projects for companies including the BBC, General Electric, and Oracle. Access is available on desktop and mobile, and each course comes with a certificate of completion once finished. Your code has to be redeemed within 30 days of purchase, so it is worth activating it soon after buying even if you plan to work through the material over time.

This bundle fits business professionals, project managers, marketers, and freelancers who want to fold AI into daily work instead of treating it as a side experiment. It also works for anyone starting from scratch, since the courses are built for all experience levels.

Get lifetime access to all six courses in The 2026 Complete Claude AI, Claude Code, Claude Cowork and ChatGPT Training Bundle for $29.99 (reg. $174).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: AdGuard blocks ads before they load, and a lifetime Family Plan is on sale now for just $11.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $11
$169.99 Save $158.99   Get Deal

Pop-ups, slow-loading pages, and the sense that something tracks every click make browsing worse than it needs to be. A single tool can clear most of that up at the device level. An AdGuard Family Plan blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites across your devices, and a lifetime subscription is just $11 through Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Ads aren’t just annoying. They slow down your browsing, eat up your data, and sometimes even carry malware. And if you’ve got kids online, you want to make sure they’re safe from inappropriate content. The AdGuard Family Plan does all that and more. With built-in parental controls, you can filter out harmful sites and ensure your family’s online experience is both secure and enjoyable.

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With up to 9 devices covered, the AdGuard Family Plan is ideal for households where everyone’s connected. And because it’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, you’ll never have to worry about recurring fees or annoying subscription renewals.

So, whether you’re protecting your own devices or your whole family’s, AdGuard makes it easy to have a more peaceful online experience. Say goodbye to annoying ads and hello to a safer, faster internet.

You have through Sept. 3 to get an AdGuard Family Plan on sale for just $11 (reg. $169.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.