Thursday, 30 June 2022
What to Know About Monkeypox, the Vaccine Rollout and More - CNET
Doses of the monkeypox vaccine will be shipped out in the coming days for states to distribute to people who may be exposed to monkeypox or at higher risk.from CNET https://ift.tt/Aw71kLi
Best dating sites and apps for people over 40 — and which ones to avoid
![couple in winter coats hold hands](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/06eqNViGzQE0uv2HGHpXc30/hero-image.jpg)
Dating when you're 40 or older can be intimidating — unlike when you're in your 20s or 30s, you can't assume everyone your age is single and looking. If you've found yourself "on the market" again, it's important to remember that half of U.S. marriages do end in divorce, so the dating pool isn't as small as you might think.
Meeting people organically out in public still happens, but sometimes it's easier and less intimidating to meet people where they are. There's a comfort in knowing that the people you find on dating apps are single (hopefully) and looking for a romantic relationship, so at least you're both on the same page.
How to start dating again at 40
The first step is just acknowledging that you're ready. From there, decide how and where you want to try to meet people. Dating apps have been around for multiple decades, which means they are the norm and definitely not a last resort.
You'll also want to be direct with what you're looking for. Serious relationship? Casual hookup? A friendship that might lead to more? Whatever it is, be upfront because you don't want to fall for someone only to realize you aren't looking for the same thing. Yes, it's more vulnerable to say exactly what you want, but being straightforward from the outset is the new dating norm.
As in any phase of life, dating takes time and patience. We spoke to Jennifer Frazier, a 46-year-old based in Indiana, who met someone awesome on Match. They went on a few dates and she really liked him, but he was interested in dating a lot of women at the same time, and though Frazier enjoyed his company, she realized that kind of a relationship wasn't for her.
Dating in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or older can feel lonely when all your friends are married or in relationships. If you want to find a community of people experiencing the same things as you, we recommend visiting the subreddit r/datingoverforty — it's full of people sharing stories of success, heartbreak, bad dates, good dates, and more. Just go in aware that most dating subreddits tend to skew slightly on the pessimistic side.
Problems you might run into when dating over 40
While Frazier says the stigma around dating sites with the over-40 crowd is mostly gone, she doesn't think a lot of single men in her area are using these sites, so she's experiencing fewer options. She also thinks location plays a big part in how successful dating apps will be for a person, and we agree. Typically, the bigger the city, the easier it'll be to find a date. Frazier, for example, has a smaller pool of people in Indiana compared to someone who lives in New York or Chicago.
"It's hard to find a night off from cooking, driving kids, and all the other things we are responsible for."
"I love the idea of Bumble because it gives women the power to send the first message," Frazier says. "There were only about four men in my age range within 25 miles, though, so that was disappointing."
Frazier also says having a family can get in the way of dating because you might have kids to take care of and taking time off from parent duty isn't always easy.
"It's hard to find a night off from cooking, driving kids, and all the other things we are responsible for," she says. "I have faced pressure from men I have not even met who are being demanding of my time. I have enough demands without adding to it."
By the way, if someone is being demanding of your time and pushing to meet up right away, we want to remind you that it's OK to say no.
Do dating apps really work?
While Frazier hasn't had the most success with dating apps, she does know a lot of people who have — her sister-in-law met her boyfriend on Tinder. When doing research for this article, a couple of friends told me their mom, or uncle, or other family member met their significant other on a dating app.
According to Pew Research Center, 57 percent of online daters describe their overall experience as positive. A lot of factors add up to whether online dating will be successful for you. Some apps use super in-depth compatibility quizzes that lead to really specific matches, where others just present you with a bunch of singles in your area within your specified age range. Both have their perks.
One thing to remember is to have patience. Finding a partner who ticks all (or most) of your boxes doesn't happen overnight. Online dating or not, you'll most likely go through some duds and have some bad dates, but hopefully that will lead you to a healthy, happy relationship.
Which dating site is best for singles over 40?
The best dating site varies depending on what you're looking for. If you want something serious, Match's 25 years of experience will help you find someone compatible who is also looking for a serious relationship. eharmony also specializes in serious relationships, but the site is really for people who want to marry their next partner, so it's taking serious to the highest level. Though, Frazier had a pretty shitty experience with eharmony — after the extensive questionnaire, she was matched with a coworker's husband (yikes). While you would hope everyone on dating apps is single, you still want to pay attention to obvious red flags.
Casual daters and people who don't want to jump into anything too serious just yet should utilize Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. OKCupid is best for liberals and the LGBTQ community. There really is a dating site for everybody; it just might take some time to find the one that strikes gold for you.
Most dating sites and apps have free versions, so you can test them out without fully committing. Here's the full breakdown on our top picks, plus a couple of sites to avoid:
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2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Starts On-Road Testing - CNET
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Wednesday, 29 June 2022
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The best travel sites to help you plan the perfect trip
![Globe with an arrow circling it](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/hero-image.png)
Traveling can be a great way to log off, relax, and recuperate from the stress of everyday life.
But planning your next travel adventure? That can be a downright existential hellscape, a task that can quickly turn from exciting to tedious as you try to juggle various destinations, figure out the best time to travel, how to find the best deals, and what to do when you actually get there.
And that's just the basics. Factoring in canceled flights and the hoops you need to go through to travel in our current day, the idea of traveling can eventually inspire a dull but persistent sense of dread.
Fortunately, that's where the internet comes in. There are a variety of websites and apps designed to take the stress out of traveling and make sure that planning your next trip is as fun and easy as possible. For example, apps like HotelTonight, which will help you find cheap hotel rooms on extremely short notice, and SitOrSquat, which will direct you to nearby restrooms while you're already on the road, should be a part of the essential toolkit for any travelers.
So whether you're you're looking for travel inspiration, trying to find plane tickets on the cheap, or looking for ways to make your life easier once you're on the ground at your next destination, here are the best apps and sites for travelers.
If you're looking for travel inspiration:
![Instagram](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-12.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694421.jpg)
Instagram started as a simple photo-sharing app, but as the platform has developed over the years, it's transformed itself into a must-have app for travelers. With new features like the ability to turn on notifications for specific users (which lets you stay up-to-date with your favorite travel 'grammers), Instagram maps that let you explore photos taken at specific places, and the ability to save photos that inspire you, Instagram can be a great way to keep abreast of everything that inspires you to travel.
We recommend following National Geographic, for a sneak peek at some of the most unique parks of the world, and With The Locals, which invites guest 'grammers from all over the world to curate hidden gems from their city.
Snapchat
![Snap maps](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-21.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694451.png)
We've got two words for anybody surprised that Snapchat is an essential tool for travelers: Snap Maps. The feature, which launched in June 2017, shows users what other people are snapping, in real time, at any given destination. That means whether you're taking a digital tour of an area while trying to decided on your next travel destination, or if you're already on the ground and looking for your next activity, Snap Maps can help you discover hidden gems at any destination.
Earth Trekkers
![Earth Trekkers site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-27.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1656521520.png)
For travel inspiration, you can always go to Pinterest — or you can also head to Earth Trekkers, especially if you're looking for family-friendly tips. Julie, Tim, Tyler, and Kara — two parents and their kiddos — spent a bit over a year traveling around the world, and they're looking to keep going.
Apps to help you get up and go
TripAdvisor
![Travel tools](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-23.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694452.jpg)
TripAdvisor is your one-stop-shop for travel. Not only will the site help you book a flight to your next destination, but it'll also help you find hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and more. But the true beauty of TripAdvisor is its price comparison feature, which will show travelers where they can find the best deal when booking a trip. And who doesn't want to save a buck while traveling?
Skyscanner
![Plane in the sky](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-22.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694451.jpg)
If you don't want to have to juggle searching through multiple sites to look for and compare travel deals, Skyscanner is for you. The site uses a self-built technology to search through hundreds of travel sites for hotels, flights, and car rental deals. Plus Skyscanner launched a Facebook Messenger bot in 2016 to better help you book tickets on the go.
Kayak
![Screenshot of Kayak site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-24.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1656521275.png)
Kayak can help you find flights, hotels, cars, travel activities, and more — all on a budget. This is a great site to head to once you already know where you want to go, and want to make sure you're doing it the most inexpensive way possible. You can also give Momondo, Expedia, and Air Fare Watch Dog a look.
Momondo
![Screenshot of Momondo](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-1.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694399.png)
Momondo is a travel search website that offers a cheap way to find flights, hotels, and car rentals. Rather than booking your tickets directly through the site, Momondo links out to the relevant booking sites, which means extra fees aren't tacked onto the price of your airfare. In other words, you can find flights that are good for your wanderlust and for your wallet.
RoadTrippers
![Screenshot of RoadTrippers](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-13.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694421.png)
You don't have to fly somewhere to embark on your next great adventure. Roadtrippers is a travel planning platform that will, as its title suggests, help you plan unforgettable road trips. Not only will Roadtrippers show you how to get from point A to point B, but it'll also create for you the most interesting route to your destination, highlighting great locations off the beaten path. Roadtrippers also let you sort based on things to do, sleeping, food and drink, "weird stuff," and more, which means your road trip can be as direct or as whimsical as your heart desires.
If you're ballin' on a budget
Nomadic Matt
![Screenshot of Nomadic Matt](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-8.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694402.png)
You don't have to pay exorbitant prices to be able to travel. Nomadic Matt specializes in budget travel, and promises to help you "travel anywhere better, cheaper, and longer." The site's founder, Matthew Kepnes, originally started out as a blogger, but over the years, the site has expanded, publishing everything from advice on how to save money for your next trip to suggestions on how to find cheap airfare and hotels. Then, once you've booked, the site also sells budget travel guides for destinations ranging from Paris to Bangkok.
Hopper
![The Hopper app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-9.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694402.png)
If you're looking to save money on airfare, Hopper is for you. By watching and analyzing ticket listings for billions of flights, Hopper will tell you when is the best time to buy tickets for your flight, when an airline drops ticket prices, and even help you calculate the extra fees accumulating while you plan your next trip.
StudentUniverse
![Screenshot of Student Universe](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-10.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694402.png)
StudentUniverse bills itself as "the world's leading travel booking service for students and youth." With the goal of making travel easy and accessible to young travelers, StudentUniverse will help you find cheap flights, hotels, tours, activities, and more.
Whoops! I Shoulda started planning sooner!
HotelTonight
![The Hotel Tonight app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-6.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694401.png)
When it comes to booking last-minute travel, HotelTonight is the best of the best. The site helps you find last-minute hotel deals, or deals for hotels up to a week from your search, which means you'll always find a place to stay, even if you procrastinated.
Google Flights
![The Google Flights app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-7.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694401.png)
If there is one word that explains the strength of Google Flights it's "speed." With filters that let you sort based on the number of stops on your trip, the airline, time of day, and more, Google Flights offers travelers a quick and comprehensive look at available flight options. And with new features like the ability to predict delays, Google Flights will not only help you get to your next destination but make sure you're informed as you embark.
If you're looking for a place to crash
Airbnb
![The Airbnb app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-2.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694400.jpg)
When Airbnb first launched in 2008, it was a great way to find cheap and quick alternatives to staying in hotel. Now, Airbnb is so much more than a platform to help you find a place to stay. With listings ranging from Mario-themed homes to homes designed to indulge your inner Star Wars nerd (and even the opportunity to go ghost hunting in Donald Trump's childhood home), travelers can find sleeping accommodations that are just as exciting as the excursions at that their chosen destination.
Just be warned: Airbnb is not without its scandals, including hosts facing fees from cities worried about affordable housing and allegations from guests that some hosts have been secretly recording them. So be careful with where you rent.
Hostelworld
![Hostelworld site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-3.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694400.png)
Hostelworld is basically the Airbnb of hostel bookings. Whether you looking for a bed or your own room, Hostelworld will help you find a place to stay at destinations all over the world. And with filters that let you search for hostels based on price, facilities, hostel type, and more, Hostelworld will help you find a hostel that's as cheap or as luxurious as your wallet will allow. The site also hosts a pretty robust blog with information as specific as "the best hostels in Paris" to suggestions as broad as "99 unusual hostels you'll never want to leave," just in case you're looking for some suggestions on your next trip.
Couchsurfing
![Couchsurfing site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-11.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694405.png)
If you're feeling particularly adventurous, Couchsurfing is a great way to find a great place to stay. Couchsurfing connects a community of travelers with a community of local hosts at any given destination, which means not only will you have a place to crash when you travel, but you'll meet interesting locals who may be able to offer additional guidance and suggestions for your trip.
So you've made it to your destination. Now, what do you do?
LonelyPlanet
![Lonely Planet site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-5.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694401.png)
Lonely Planet was founded by a couple in the '70s as a book publisher and added a website presence in the mid-'90s. It publishes digital and physical travel guides so that travelers can discover even the most exotic destinations. And Pro tip: read through Thorn Tree, the site's extensive forum for endless info from fellow travelers.
Detour
![Detour site](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-15.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694423.png)
Detour is a great way to explore new locations, especially if you're traveling alone. The app curates more than 100 audio walking tours in 17 cities and counting, offering expert insights and additional information on locations ranging from The Vatican to Fenway Park.
Helpful apps for once you're already on the road
Weather Underground
![Weather Underground app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-20.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694427.jpg)
You know what they say: knowledge is power. Make sure you are prepared (and dressed weather-appropriately) for your day's adventures with Weather Underground while you are traveling. With more than 250,000 personal weather stations, Weather Underground provides hyper-local forecasts. And in addition to the weather, the app can also show travelers what the temperature "feels like" at a given location, monitor things like air quality and flu outbreaks, and tells you the time of sunrise and sunset.
SitOrSquat
![SitOrSquat app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-14.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694423.png)
When you gotta go, you gotta go. SitOrSquat is an iOS and Android app that'll help you find public bathrooms so you can do the do, even when you're in an unfamiliar place.
Google Translate
![Google Translate app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-19.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694426.jpg)
A language barrier should never stop you from traveling. Google Translate, available on both web and mobile, offers quick translations of more than 100 different languages. The app version also offers features like image translation that allows you to use your camera for instant text translation and offline translation, which makes translating on the go simple and easy.
Expand your travel perspective:
Nomadic Boys
![Nomadic Boys website](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-26.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1656521368.png)
As a member of the LGBTQ community, traveling can have its difficulties for a whole host of reasons, most of which are rooted in transphobia and homophobia, like the experience of going through airport security and which nations are safest to travel to. Thankfully, there are a few sites dedicated to helping find those answers, like Nomadic Boys, Couple of Boys, Foodie Flashpacker, and Two Bad Tourists.
On She Goes
![On She Goes website](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-17.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694425.png)
On She Goes is a travel platform designed to help women of color "travel more confidently, more adventurously and more often." With a mix of articles ranging from "What is travel safety for women of color in a racist, sexist world" and "Travel & financial anxiety is real but don't let it ruin your trip," city guides, and travel tips, On She Goes is a must-read for anybody planning their next big trip or just wanting to find a community of fellow jet-setters of color.
RunawayJuno
Juno Kim has a blog dedicated to traveling the world, and pretty much anyone can get inspiration from her visits or knowledge from her tips — but they're particularly helpful to women and women of color who are traveling solo. If you want more platforms designed to help women travel confidently and safely, check out Nadine Sykora's blog, too.
Travel Noire
![Travel Noire app](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KYH5OQf99KdIK23Xurzfg/images-18.fit_lim.size_2000x.v1611694425.png)
Travel Noire is a site and publishing platform that curates tools, resources, and stories for travelers of color. By highlighting unique perspectives focused on food, destinations, culture, and experience, Travel Noire will not only inspire you to travel but also help you find a community of travelers once you're on your next adventure.
Related Video: This treehouse is actually a hotel room high up in a French forest
Christianna Silva contributed reporting.
This post was originally published in 2018 and was updated in 2022.
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Best Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra Cases for 2022 - CNET
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Tuesday, 28 June 2022
The best robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Day 2022
![Samsung robot vacuum and dock on hardwood floor with couch in corner](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02EuGPDUahAxd7kIeVvLQmq/hero-image.png)
Robot vacuum deals have always been a pillar of Prime Day. Oddly, though, many of the best deals on robot vacuums ahead of Prime Day aren't from Amazon. Thanks to competing summer sales from Best Buy and Walmart, you have a handful of options to find the model that best suits your budget.
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BEST BUDGET DEAL: The Wyze Robot Vacuum is the rare ultra-affordable pick that can be sent to specific rooms — $165
$329(save $164)
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BEST SELF-EMPTYING DEAL: The Shark IQ RV1002AE cleans competently, self-empties, and offers zone cleaning — $299.99
$599.99(save $300) -
BEST ROBOT VACUUM/MOP DEAL: The Roborock S6 Pure can sweep and scrub specific rooms for less than $400 — $359.99
$599.99(save $240)
Robot vacuums under $200
![Wyze robot vacuum and smartphone with map on screen](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02EuGPDUahAxd7kIeVvLQmq/images-3.fit_lim.size_256x.jpg)
Why we like it
Roombas generally don't have the ability to map and clean specific rooms until around the $500 price point. That's what makes the Wyze vacuum so impressive. Its LiDAR tower emits 2,016 laser pointers every second to generate a floor plan of your home. On the app, you can edit walls or re-label areas, or create a schedule.
More robot vacuums under $200
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ionvac Smart Clean 2000 — $97
$179.88(save $82.88) -
Eufy 11S — $139.99
$229.99(save $90) -
Ecovacs G30 Edge — $199.99
$339.99(save $140)
Robot vacuums under $500
![Shark robot vacuum and smartphone with Shark logo](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02EuGPDUahAxd7kIeVvLQmq/images-2.fit_lim.size_256x.jpg)
Why we like it
Shark's largest self-emptying dock can hold 45 days of dust bin refuse before you'll need to deal with it. The vacuum itself maps out your home, then follows that map with methodical row-by-row sweeping. In the Shark app, you can select specific rooms to clean.
More robot vacuums under $500
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iRobot Roomba i1 — $229
$399.99(save $170.99) -
Dreamtech D9 — $239.99
$299.99(save $60) -
Shark AI AV2001 — $249.99
$429.99(save $180) -
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo — $299
$349.99(save $50.99) -
Shark AI AC22501S — $395.66
$549.99(save $154.44) -
Dreametech L10 Pro — $389.99
$489.99(save $100) -
iRobot Roomba i4+ — $489
$649.99(save $160.99) -
Shark IQ AV1010AE XL — $393.50
$599.99(save $206.49) -
Eufy RoboVac X8 — $379.99
$599.99(save $220) -
Neato Robotics D9 — $499
$699.99(save $200.99)
Robot vacuums under $800
![Samsung robot vacuum and dock on white background](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02EuGPDUahAxd7kIeVvLQmq/images-4.fit_lim.size_256x.jpg)
Why we like it
Amazon's 30% discount on Samsung's Jet Bot+ is a gem of a find compared to the full price listed on Samsung's own website. The Jet Bot+ uses LiDAR to map your home and cleans by identifying the type of surface and amount of dust it's dealing with. The compact Clean Station holds up to a month's worth of debris.
More robot vacuums under $800:
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iRobot Roomba j7+ — $689.01
$799.99(save $110.98)
Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops
![Roborock robot vacuum and smartphone with map on screen](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02EuGPDUahAxd7kIeVvLQmq/images-1.fit_lim.size_256x.jpg)
Why we like it:
Opting for a vacuum with LiDAR mapping is a smart move if you have a complicated floor plan. The Roborock S5 Max helps avoid a "bumper car" situation by remembering the layout of each floor of your home and steering clear of the virtual boundaries you set. It also brings mopping to the table, which the cheaper S4 Max does not.
More hybrids and robot mops on sale
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Roborock E4 — $219.99
$379.99(save $160) -
Roborock E5 — $239.99
$359.99(save $120) -
Shark AI VacMop — $349.99
$479.99(save $130) -
Ecovacs T8 Aivi — $499.99
$799.99(save $300) -
Ecovacs N8 Pro+ — $449.99
$599.99(save $150)
Are robot vacuums worth it?
The control of an upright vacuum comes with its own type of satisfaction. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, a robot vacuum could erase that huge, agonizing task from of your chore list. (And did we mention the joy of having "first day clean" floors all the time?)
But whether robot vacuums are worth it or not comes with a caveat: It can't be just any robot vacuum. A cheap robovac that doesn't do the job right — scattering dust, bumping into walls, getting stuck on area rugs — might actually create more work for you.
What to consider when buying a robot vacuum
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Suction power: A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), with most current vacs ranging between 1,500 Pa and 3,000 Pa. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris (be sure to set a no-go zone around Legos) and to pull matted-down pet hair from rugs.
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Floor type: Carpeting and high pile rugs will probably require stronger suction than hard floors, as well as special features like an extra-wide or self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping and clogging. Folks in homes with multiple floor types might consider a bigger, sturdier robot vacuum that can hurl itself and its wheels over mats, rugs, and transitions from carpet to hard floors.
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Automatic emptying: Because robot vacuums are typically under four inches tall, their onboard dust bins are also small — which means they frequently require emptying. (Dustbins fill up particularly quickly in homes with pets.) A self-emptying vacuum takes that job out of your hands, emptying itself into a larger dustbin in its charging dock. These larger bins can typically hold weeks of dirt without needing to be cleaned or dumped out.
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Home layout: Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you'll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out, including labeling of specific rooms, mental notes of staircases, and ability to deploy zone cleaning.
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Low-profile furniture: No one should have to be scared about what's accumulated under their couch over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging couches and beds.
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Battery life and square footage: One of the main complaints people have about their robot vacuum is that it craps out in the middle of the floor. Larger spaces require more time to clean, and it all depends on how annoyed you'll be if it only finishes a few rooms at a time. Average run times for the list below range between 90 and 200 minutes, which translate to about 500 and 2,800 square feet covered on one charge.
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App control: WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling, manual start, cleaning settings, as well as telling your vac to make its rounds when you're not home. Low-end models that don't connect to WiFi will usually come with a separate remote. If you're used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.
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The best smart fitness mirrors of 2022
![Woman doing a boxing workout in front of a smart mirror](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/005hUKJBG2fklgj9bQXSZ4q/hero-image.jpg)
Going to the gym is so 2019.
Since the start of the pandemic, working from home and working out from home became the norm — and we don't think the almighty home gym is going anywhere.
While building a home gym might be easy for folks with extra rooms and garages to spare, not everyone has space to house a treadmill and a million other fitness machines. That's where smart fitness mirrors come in. And no, the Mirror isn't the only one on the market anymore.
How do workout mirrors work?
Fitness mirrors work by displaying a professional trainer on a screen to lead you through a workout. Some options act as actual mirrors that allow you to see yourself and the trainer as you exercise, allowing you to self-correct your form. Other options aren't actually mirrors at all, but give you AI-powered form recommendations, among other smart features.
Instead of streaming a Chloe Ting workout from your tiny phone every day, workout mirrors display a trainer right in front of you on a big screen with a small footprint. Most only require a few feet of wall real estate and can be mounted on the wall or used with a stand. You'll obviously need a few feet of open space to do your workout comfortably, but you'll be able to take a yoga class, work on your cardio, and lift weights without needing to own any huge, bulky machines. Owning a fitness mirror is basically like working out in the future.
All workout mirrors will require a close outlet and a stable, speedy internet connection to access live and on-demand workout classes. The list of the best fitness mirrors below also includes both touchscreen options and mirrors that have to be controlled through a smartphone app.
Are fitness mirrors worth it?
If you're the kind of person who can't just go to the gym and lift weights to the sound of music, a workout mirror can make getting in shape way more motivating. Most fitness mirrors emulate the vibe of a studio style class with a pro trainer, guided exercises, and high-energy music. If you're the type of person that pays (or would pay) hundreds per month to take a class in a fitness studio, a workout mirror will save you tons of money in the long run.
All of the fitness mirrors on this list require a separate monthly or yearly subscription to access live and on-demand content. These memberships usually run around $30 to $40 per month, but it is an additional cost to consider. In short, workout mirrors will be worth it for people who will actually use them on a regular basis and can justify the ongoing monthly membership costs.
Which fitness mirror is best?
For most people, we'd recommend the Mirror. It looks great in pretty much any home, has insanely polished classes, and has the capability for personal training, if you're into that. As the first workout mirror of its kind, The Mirror has a pretty large community and a big backlog of classes. The workouts are powered by Lululemon, so the yoga and bodyweight classes are particularly good. It doesn't come with any included accessories and you probably wont do any really heavy lifting here, but the classes it does offer are motivating and well-paced. There are also filters on the compatible app that allow you to search for exactly the class you want, down to the equipment needed, intensity level, time, and instructor.
If you're interested in weight lifting or strength training, consider Tonal or Tempo. Tempo uses free weights, while Tonal features smart digital weight in the form of a cable machine. Both systems use AI sensors to correct your form, but Tonal goes the extra mile in the smart features category. Long story short, if you want to learn how to bench press, squat, and deadlift, go for Tempo. If you're looking to get toned and tune into in-depth smart metrics, go for Tonal.
If none of these three options sound up your alley, there are plenty of other workout mirrors on the market, each with its own unique features. Read on to discover the best fitness mirrors of 2022, and see how the Mirror stacks up to the competition.
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These companies will pay for employee abortion care
![Protestors stand outside of the U.S. Supreme Court. One holds up a sign reading,](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05rnSASwlxUk5SiRHGji3ye/hero-image.jpg)
A year of attacks against reproductive rights culminated in the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, with communities around the nation responding in protest. The decision also reinvigorated a growing business response to abortion access, with dozens of employers pledging to cover their employees' costs for abortion travel or care.
These employers are attempting to join an already deeply established, historic network of activists, nonprofits, and other reproductive health and justice organizations who offer support to people seeking abortions around the country. These grassroots efforts include national abortion funds, clinic networks, and other means of practical support for those on the ground, including grants for out-of-state travel. Organizations like the National Abortion Federation, Abortion Care Network, and the National Network of Abortion Funds help connect individuals to providers or others who can provide assistance, including a network of independent, community-based abortion providers.
Employer support through covered health plans or monetary reimbursement adds another, albeit more corporate, layer to this fold of reproductive health access, but the announcements have also prompted justified privacy concerns about an employer's right to your personal health information.
And at the same time, some experts say employers should anticipate legal backlash from state lawmakers and those standing in the way of accessible abortion, Reuters reports. Other legal professionals contend they'll be protected in civil lawsuits by federal laws overseeing employer-sponsored healthcare and employees, including the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (or ERISA). ERISA prohibits states from enacting requirements that relate to such health plans, but wouldn't apply to criminal cases.
Even so, employers — especially corporate tech and media giants — have the resources and ability to take on legal risk far beyond that of the individuals seeking abortion care. It's well past the time for wealthy companies to step up and protect their employees' right to choose. Also important to note: many of these businesses have balked at, or directly contributed to, other harmful legislation that fails to protect the rights of those within the LGBTQ community.
Below are the organizations that have made initial commitments to do so, in varying capacities. You can also visit DontBanEquality.com to learn more about the coalition of more than 500 businesses pledging support for reproductive rights.
Tech and social media
Retail
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URBN (Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain, FP Movement, and Nuuly)
Travel
Entertainment
Finance
Miscellaneous
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