In the world of fashion, accessories play a crucial role in defining one's style, and no accessory is as essential as a bag. Whether you're looking for a stylish handbag for an evening out or a functional tote for daily errands, a good bag store can be your one-stop destination for all your needs. Let's take a closer look at what makes a bag store stand out, and why it's a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their accessory game.A Wide Range of OptionsA well-curated ba

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Last week, we asked you to join the hunt and share rapturous moments from Monster Hunter Wilds using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this weeks highlights:shimo_ps shares their hunter and Palico sitting atop their Seikret.Tomkat_XII shares a view of the desert.youhaveawhat shares a forest view.laya_photo shares Gemma in front of a forge fireKAMIgion__Ujean shares an action-filled moment fighting a monster in the desertLny_Trpr_EE7 shares a Palico chilling with a frog on its headSearch #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this weeks theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?THEME: Monster Hunter Wilds MonstersSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on March 19, 2025Next week, the hunt continues. Capture highlights of your favorite monster quarry in Monster Hunter Wilds using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

On March 22, God of War will officially reach its 20th anniversary!Back in 2005 when the first God of War released, no one at Santa Monica Studio anticipated the success this series would have. Every creative endeavor carries the hopes of those who shaped it that they might be able to carve a legacy in the industry. What makes those hopes a reality has always been the support of players who chose to pick up the game and go on a journey with us.As we reflect back on the past two decades of God of War, we want to celebrate this milestone with you by sharing the exciting things we have planned leading up to the anniversary.Dark Odyssey Collection In-Game Update for God of War RagnarkRelease Date: Thursday, March 20As a gift to everyone who owns God of War Ragnark, on March 20th we will be releasing an update for all players on PlayStation and PC that includes the Dark Odyssey collection at no additional cost.Inspired by the working name of God of War (2005) and the skin that originally appeared in God of War II as a reward for beating the game on God Mode difficulty, we are bringing the classic black and gold theme for the 20th anniversary.Once the update is live, youll be able access the collection below from any Lost Items chest in the base game or automatically while in Valhalla.Dark Odyssey Armor & Appearance for KratosDark Odyssey Kratos AppearanceDark Odyssey Armor Set for Kratos (Dark Odyssey Breastplate, Dark Odyssey Bracers, Dark Odyssey Belt)Dark Odyssey Companion ArmorDark Odyssey Vestment for AtreusDark Odyssey Witch Frock for FreyaDark Odyssey Weapon Appearances & Attachments*Dark Odyssey Leviathan Axe [Appearance] & Dark Odyssey Knob [Attachment]Dark Odyssey Blades of Chaos [Appearance] & Dark Odyssey Handles [Attachment]Dark Odyssey Draupnir Spear [Appearance] & Dark Odyssey Hind [Attachment]Dark Odyssey Shield Appearances & RndDark Odyssey Guardian Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Dauntless Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Stone Wall Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Shatter Start Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Onslaught Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Spartan Aspis Shield [Appearance]Dark Odyssey Rnd*Please note, the weapon appearances are made for the fully upgraded version of each weapon and will only be available for use upon reaching that upgrade.Edit Appearance for Weapon & Shield AttachmentsWith the addition of the new Dark Odyssey weapon attachments and shield rnd in the upcoming patch on March 20, we will add the ability to use the Edit Appearance feature on those components of Kratos arsenal.Youll be able to pick whatever visual suits your look with the functionality you want for your build.20th Anniversary Fan KitDon the black and gold anniversary theme with our latest fan kit. With something for every platform, you can celebrate 20 years in style no matter where you go.Release Date: Today, March 14Free anniversary-themed social media asset collection including banners, icons, desktop/mobile wallpapers Download here.Release Date: Thursday, March 20Anniversary-themed items added to the Steam Points Shop for PC playersFree anniversary-themed PlayStation Network Avatar available for everyone20th Anniversary Gallery Nucleus ExhibitionLive Dates: Saturday, March 15 Sunday, March 23In partnership with Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles, California we are thrilled to bring this collaboration to fans.Featuring a collection of new artwork inspired by the past twenty years of God of War including current and former Santa Monica Studio developers, concept art from the games, and unique memorabilia this exhibition is a celebration of legacy through art.Were happy to share one of the pieces that will be featured there from current Santa Monica Studio Associate Art Director Dela Longfish.20th Anniversary MerchFor the anniversary, weve been hard at work with a group of fantastic partners to bring you a wide range of merch that celebrates the long history of the series.All throughout next week our friends will be rolling out either orders or pre-orders for the following items, so make sure you keep an eye out on their pages for additional detail.God of War: 20th Anniversary RetrospectivePre-Orders Open: Monday, March 17Journey alongside Kratos mortal creators with a two-volume retrospective book set chronicling the 20-year development of the God of War series.Featuring interviews from key developers, the God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective set brings together stories, insights, and art capturing an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into how the games came to be.Cook and Becker 20th Anniversary Print CollectionPre-Orders Open: Tuesday, March 18Were delighted to have the chance to work with Cook and Becker in creating a set of new art prints focusing on key installments in the franchise. The first two pieces are by artist Ollie Hoff, who has captured God of War (2005) and God of War (2018) with his amazingly beautiful style.Heres a sneak peek of one of the pieces, keep an eye out for the full reveal next week!In addition to this series, Cook & Becker is offering a 20% discount on select God of War merch for the entire month. There will be more to come, so keep an eye out for announcements later in the year.Fangamer Jrmungandr PlushPre-Orders Open: Wednesday, March 1967 inches of World Serpent can be yours to own (soon). The Giant plush doubles as a puppet with a hidden sleeve behind his head so you can re-enact his fateful meeting with Kratos and Atreus in the Lake of Nine.This extra soft version of Jrmungandr also has a magnetized tongue with a little Leviathan Axe that can be kept safe inside his mouth or removed if you find someone worthy enough to use it.Laced Vinyls 20th Anniversary CollectionPre-Orders Open: Thursday, March 20We have partnered with Laced Records to create a truly gargantuan 13-disc Limited Edition vinyl set spanning God of War (2005) to God of War Ragnark: Valhalla (2023) a collection worthy of not just one pantheon, but two.In addition to this box set, were bringing the soundtracks of the Greek saga to vinyl for the first time ever. You can pick up Limited Edition double LP sets for God of War (2005), God of War II, and God of War III.Insert Coin 20th Anniversary T-Shirt CollectionPre-Orders Open: Friday, March 21Our friends at Insert Coin are releasing a brand-new collection of God of War t-shirts that highlights the nine games released over the past twenty years.From God of War (2005) to God of War Ragnark (and every game in-between), each logo has been given a metallic, golden finish that pops against the black fabric. Whether you get the shirt for your first God of War, your favorite, or maybe the whole set you can rep the entire series in style.20th Anniversary SalesPlayStation PlusFor PlayStation Plus Members, God of War Ragnark is available now on the Game Catalog for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra Members* at no additional cost.God of War (2018) is also included in the Game Catalog (Extra and Premium members) and God of War III Remastered is part of the Classics Catalog (Premium Members).PCBoth God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnark are on sale until March 20th. Head to Steam or the Epic Game Store to get both titles at a discounted price for a limited time.Thank You for 20 Years.On behalf of everyone at Santa Monica Studio, we are immeasurably grateful to have had the chance to build the legacy of this series with and for you, the fans of God of War.As we approach the official anniversary next week on March 22, wed love for you to join the celebration in-game with the Dark Odyssey collection, on social media with our community activities, and with our partners as they roll out a ton of amazing merch.Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope youll stay with us for many years to come.For the latest updates on God of War, follow Santa Monica Studio on Discord, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region.

The horror movie Control Freak, now streaming on Hulu, has a super relatable premise: the intense, nagging sensation of a persistent itch. It stars Kelly Marie Tran (Raya and the Last Dragon, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Val, a motivational speaker tormented by an itch on the back of her head that she cant leave alone. She tries bandages, wears many beanies, and ties down her hands when she sleeps. But the demonic itch steadily breaks down her body and her will, summoning something monstrous into her ordered existence.The movie, written and directed by The Parks Shal Ngo, manifests the source of this torment as a paranormal monster connected to the generational trauma of Vals parents flight from the Vietnam War. But the itch also has a psychological dimension anyone can relate to: It represents Vals persistent, suppressed anxiety breaking through her attempts to clamp down on it.Im playing in these really high-anxiety moments in someones mind, and it got really intense, Tran told Polygon in a video call alongside Ngo. Tran had never been in a horror feature before, let alone in a starring role requiring her to be in virtually every shot of a movie that was filmed in a 22-day sprint. Ive never done anything like that before. There were days where I would have, Im not exaggerating, seven outfit changes in a day, she said. It was wild. I had a great time, and it was also really hard, and I learned so much.But the physical and mental demands of the shoot took their toll. By the end, I was pretty unwell, she laughed.Ngo got the idea for the movie from a disturbing true story, recounted in a New Yorker article, about a woman who had an itch so bad, she scratched through her skull and into her brain. It started with realistic body horror, like the actual horrors of having a body and having something go wrong in your wiring to the degree where something like that can happen, Ngo said. I thought [that] was very, very terrifying. Hard agree.Developing the concept from his earlier short, Ngo initially went down a medically angled route that was much more pedantic and about the science of the brain. In that version, Val was a video game programmer. But Ngo felt the story worked better when he brought in elements that made it more personal.That started with a light satire of self-help culture, inspired by Ngos experiences with the Landmark Forum and David Lynchs beloved transcendental meditation. (It started to get a little culty, he said.)For Tran, Vals status as a motivational guru unlocked the character. It hyper-pressurizes this feeling she has that she has to present herself in a way that seems polished and professional. She wants people to view her this very specific way, Tran said.And yet on the inside, shes basically the opposite, she said. And I think there are a lot of people walking around in the world who have the same perspective no matter what your job is. I think that theres a pressure that we can feel to try and seem like we have it all together and we might not. In this context, Vals self-help aphorisms have an ironic undertone. For so much of the film, youre seeing this person not listen to any of the things shes telling other people to do, which I think is just the funniest, smartest juxtaposition, Tran said.Then there were the paranormal elements, rooted in East Asian folklore. Ngo says the monster plaguing Val in Control Freak is based on an ancient Chinese parasite that has to do with bad karma and this endless hunger. Then I used some creative license and turned it into something that was a little bit more Vietnamese. Theres different versions of these hungry demons in Korea and Japan that can never be satiated, that induce this hunger in you, and that just seemed to be a good starting-off point for the incessant itch.Initially, Ngo says, he toyed with using generative AI to create a visually surreal monster. I thought it would be very cool to do a pure AI monster in a movie. I was like, What if this is the first movie with an AI monster? He discussed it with a friend who does a lot of really cool stuff with AI, playing with the idea of this presence that was just constantly changing and shifting into something else. In the end, though, he went with something much more grounded and physical and practical [that] could really touch you and move you.Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ngo introduced Control Freaks focus on the Vietnamese American immigrant experience, which Tran really responded to. Vals spiral begins with a quest for a missing birth certificate, which leads her to track down her estranged father and explore roots she had purposefully disconnected from. Just like Vals father in the film, Ngos grandfather was a Buddhist monk who had served in the South Vietnamese army. Thatspecificity spoke to Tran when she read the script.My parents are refugees from the Vietnam War, so having that be part of Vals fathers story and his experience, and that being the source of the demonic curse thats taking over their lives yeah, it felt really personal and relevant, Tran said. Im just such a huge fan of horror, and I found the concept of addressing generational trauma within the genre really exciting, in addition to it being such a Vietnamese story.Control Freak is streaming on Hulu now.

The Doom Slayer does a kickflip in Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 and 4. The game collection is coming to Game Pass Ultimate on July 11.There are a lot of things you can buy with an Xbox gift card. There are games, of course, plus add-on DLC. You can use it to purchase TV shows, and movies, too. Instead of having a recurring subscription to Game Pass that requires a credit card, gift cards make it easy to buy access to Game Pass on a month-to-month basis. Whatever it is you may want to buy, $100 digital Xbox gift cards are $85 at Newegg through Friday. Use the offer code SSEQAZ53 at checkout to knock $15 off your purchase. Your code will arrive promptly via email.This deal comes at a great time, as a number of great games have arrived on Xbox recently. Theres Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Balatro, Eternal Strands, and others, each worth buying at full price. Alternatively, you can get even more mileage out of your $100 gift card by subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate, which allows you to play each of the games I just mentioned on Xbox Series X, Series S, or on PC. Some anticipated games are coming soon to the service as well, including Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 and 4, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Atomfall, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages, to name a batch of big-hitters. Good luck figuring out how to spend your gift card it wont be easy.

How the pursuit of pleasure is rewiring our brains and shaping ourworld.Photo by Ron Lach: https://www.pexels.com/photo/kids-sitting-back-to-back-using-smartphones-9785013/We are living in an always-online world and were constantly bombarded with stimuli. From perpetual notifications to the endless stream of information, our brains are working overtime to process it all. This overstimulation has led to a society obsessed with instant gratification, immediate rewards, and easy pleasures.Its no wonder that dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, has taken centerstage.This article explores the dangers of dopamine addiction and how its affecting ourlives.While the time available in a day remains constant, the competition for our attention increases exponentially. Some companies are employing techniques to capture more attention and provide immediate gratification. From social media likes to limited-time offers, our lives are filled with activities designed to trigger dopaminerelease.As reported by the Center for Humane Technology:Under immense pressure to prioritize engagement and growth, technology platforms have created a race for human attention thats unleashed invisible harms to society.Here are some impressive data collected by the Center for Humane Technology:Children who have been cyberbullied are 3x more likely to contemplate suicide compared to their peers (source).There is a 66% increase in the risk of suicide-related outcomes among teen girls who spend more than 5 hours a day (vs. 1 hour a day) on social media (source).High depressive symptoms among 13- to 18-year-old teen girls rose by 65% between 20102017 (source).Teens show a 2% increase in depressive symptoms for every additional hour spent using social media (source).30% of 18- to 44-year-olds feel anxious if they havent checked Facebook in the last 2 hours (source).More facts can be found at: https://ledger.humanetech.com/Dopamine addictionDopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in driving human behavior and influencing our desires, motivations, and emotions.Daniel Z. Lieberman, a professor of psychiatry at George Washington University, and Michael E. Long, a lecturer at Georgetown University, defined dopamine as the molecule of more because it constantly drives us to seek novelty, stimulation, and surprises. In other words, the more our environment triggers the release of dopamine, the more we crave our dose ofit.Screenshot from https://moleculeofmore.com/This is a self-reinforcing mechanism that works in many addictions, including those related to drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Some digital services, like social media, use algorithms to create a super-fast feedback loop that fosters addiction.Anna Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, explores the latest scientific discoveries to explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure often leads to pain. According to Lembke, we have transformed a world of scarcity into a world of abundance. The number of highly rewarding stimuli available is staggering: sugar, food, gaming, and pornography. All of them are easily accessible and can lead to serious addictions.Anna Lembke no Fronteiras do Pensamento 2024 em Porto Alegre by fronteirasweb is licensed under CC BY-SA2.0.However, dopamine is not only involved when we experience pleasure but also when we seek to achieve it, as it acts ondesire.Social media platforms, just like slot machines, use unpredictable and intermittent rewards (likes, comments, shares) to stimulate dopamine release, making them highly addictive. The correlation between random stimuli and gratification was demonstrated by Dr. B. F. Skimmer in an experiment where he conditioned animals to perform random activities in order to receive food. Skimmer discovered that animals would attempt to replicate their behavior to obtain food, even if their actions werecasual.When observing how people use social networks, it is easy to think that we are like animals who are seeking random gratification.The cultural critic Ted Gioia has published several articles analyzing the correlation between culture and dopamine (link,link).Screenshot from Hones Brokerhttps://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-state-of-the-culture-2024According to Gioia, the cultural landscape has shifted from art to entertainment, but today, even entertainment companies are struggling:Disney is in a state ofcrisis;Paramount just laid off 800 employees;Universal Studios is releasing movies to streaming just 3 weeks after their theatrical release.Gioia suggests that we are living in a post-entertainment culture. Today the fastest-growing sector of the economy is distraction, and the next step is addiction.Dopamine detoxFortunately, some players have started to provide good solutions. Android and iOS offer built-in features like App Limits and Night Shift to help users manage distractions, and many other apps offer additional services to reducing dopamine addiction.iA Writer, a text editor by Information Architects, exemplifies how to enhance user attention and minimize cognitive overload. Its clean, minimalist interface and Markdown support streamline the writing process. The Focus Mode feature further enhances concentration by isolating the current sentence, reducing distractions and promoting a more focused writing experience.Focus mode on Mac and iOSScreenshot from https://ia.net/Minimalist phone is an Android home-screen launcher app that simplifies the user interface by displaying apps as plain text instead of colorfulicons.A simple user interface helps users reduce screen time and minimize distractions by eliminating unnecessary visual stimuli and emphasizing functionality.Screenshot from https://www.minimalistphone.com/Roots app helps users manage their screen time. It tracks the quality of time spent on different apps (using a digital dopamine tracker) and offers features like app limits, digital downtime, daily intentions, and a balance score to promote healthier techhabits.Screenshots fo Roots app from https://www.getroots.app/Dont choose the dopaminewayThibaut Meurisse, author of Dopamine Detox: A Guide to Reclaiming Focus and Productivity, suggests some practical strategies for breaking free from distractions and enhancing focus and productivity. The author also reported that the term dopamine detox is scientifically inaccurate, because we do not release too much dopamine. If we are overstimulated, we need more stimuli to release the same amount of dopamine.This is why Its important to re-learn how to remove ourselves from the fast-feedback loop designed to capture our attention.The concept of digital detox has evolved significantly since its inception over a decade ago, and its importance has only grown in our increasingly connected world.Paul Graham, the founder of Y Combinator, anticipated this scenario in 2010 in an article titled The Acceleration of Addictiveness. Hesaid,But if Im right about the acceleration of addictiveness, then this kind of lonely squirming to avoid it will increasingly be the fate of anyone who wants to get things done. Well increasingly be defined by what we say noto.After about 15 years, Grahams suggestion is still effective today: saying no to the dopamine way is a key aspect of oursuccess.Individuals seeking a digital detox can employ strategies such as establishing tech-free zones, setting digital boundaries, and practicing mindfulness. However, as designers and tech leaders, we have a greater responsibility to foster a healthier digital environment. We can prioritize quality of work over constant online presence, implement no-device meeting policies to improve focus and collaboration, and promote productivity tools that minimize distractions during work hours.By actively shaping the work environment, we can empower people around us to achieve a healthier and more balanced relationship with technologyReferencesCenter for Humane Technologyhttps://www.humanetech.com/Gioia, T. (2024). The State of the Culture, 2024. https://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-state-of-the-culture-2024Gioia, T. (2024). How to Break Free from Dopamine Culture. https://www.honest-broker.com/p/how-to-break-free-from-dopamine-cultureGraham, P. (2010). The Acceleration of Addictiveness. https://www.paulgraham.com/addiction.htmlLembke, A. (2021). Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. United States: Penguin Publishing Group.Lieberman, D. Z., Long, M. E. (2018). The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race. United States: BenBellaBooks.Meurisse, T. (2021). Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Do Hard Things. United States: Amazon Digital Services LLCKdp.Dopamine addiction: the obscure side of the seeking-reward loop was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hell is emptyall my colleagues are here.Continue reading on UX Collective

We may earn a commission from links on this page.I'm Lifehacker's resident marathon runner and senior finance writer. And now, I'm merging my two worlds. Last month I wrote about what it looks like to invest in proper running gear. But while I was breaking down how much running gear can cost, I didn't dive into how much gear should cost. Which expensive gear is actually worth it, even for the casual runner? Quality running shoes Nothing affects your running experience more than your shoes. Premium models from brands like Brooks, Hoka, Nike, and Saucony aren't just marketing hypethey offer technology that can prevent injury and improve performance, with: Better cushioning systems that absorb impactStability or motion controlDurability that extends their lifespan (300-500 miles vs. 150-200 for budget options)A proper fitting at a specialty running store is invaluable. Your ideal shoe depends on your gait, foot shape, and running goalsmaking this personalized service worth the premium you'll pay over big-box stores. Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki has a fantastic guide to get you started on how to find the perfect pair. If you only splurge on one thing in the running world, it's got to be shoes. My preferred pair at the moment? The Brooks Ghost 16. It's a reliable "daily trainer" that gets the job done on quick sprints and slow long runs alike. Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe $139.95 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $139.95 at Amazon SocksWhen it comes to socks, keep in mind not just quality, but quantity. Runners require a disgusting amount of laundry. At the same time, your baseline for "quality" running socks should be a bit more discerning compared to your daily walking-around socks. If you want to spring for features like odor control and moisture management, be my guestbut I haven't found a world of difference for that higher price. This six-pack from Nike for $30 is par for the course, and I wouldn't spend much more than that.If you find a mid-range pack of heel-tab socks that don't give you blisters, stick with them, and ignore overly hyped running socks that you might find in a running-specific store. High-performance sports bras For women, a quality sports bra isn't optionalit's essential. "When you're shopping options from sport-specific brands like Nike and Adidas, look for these sorts of featuresEnhanced support that keeps everything in placeMoisture-wicking materials that prevent chafingAdjustable features for customized supportDurability through hundreds of wash cyclesThe difference between a $20 and $40-60 sports bra becomes apparent after mile three of a long run, when inferior options lead to certain discomfortto put it mildlythat can sideline you.Anti-chafing products Cheap versions of anti-chafing sticks could mean skin irritation, greasiness, or simply a waste of time. Luckily, "cheap" in this instance means the difference between the Vaseline already in your house and buying a $10 stick. This Body Glide anti-chafing stick works like a charm for just $8.99. Just one palm-sized stick has lasted longer than a full training cycle of long runs.Basic shorts and shirtsWhile technical shirts and shorts can run you well over $50, in my experience, they only offer marginally better moisture-wicking and comfort. Budget options closer to $15-25 perform nearly as well for most runners. Plus, if you get into the world of organized racing, you'll have swag in the form of hats, shorts, and shirts for life.Fitness trackers and GPS watchesWhile serious runners benefit from advanced metrics in $300+ GPS watches, casual runners can use free smartphone apps (Strava, MapMyRun, Nike Run Club).If you ask me, extra features like running power, VO2 max estimates, and recovery advisors rarely justify the cost for recreational runners. While I tend to go watch-less on my runs, Beth has a great guide to finding a running watch here. One budget pick she recommends is the no-nonsense Forerunner 55 for $149.99. Garmin Forerunner 55 $149.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now Shop Now $149.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $50.00 Running beltsThe two big names in running belts are the minimalist SPIbelt and the maximalist FlipBelt. The SPIbelt (small personal item belt) is perfect for the low-key runner who only needs to hold their phone or their keys. While I wouldn't call myself a maximalist runnerquite the oppositeI prefer FlipBelts for a much simpler reason. Compared to the SPIbelt, with my Flip, everything stays in place while you run. I tuck my energy gels, keys, phone, even some tissues in my FlipBelt, and it all stays snug on my person during my runno bouncing up and down while you go. FlipBelt Running Belt $37.00 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $37.00 at Amazon Compression gearDespite marketing claims, research shows mixed results on whether compression socks, sleeves, and tights ($30-80) improve performance or recovery for most runners. And hey, even if their muscle soreness superpowers are overhyped, they're comfortable and feel good in the moment. Save your money unless you have specific circulation issues or find them exceptionally comfortable.Designer sunglassesI don't wear sunglasses on my runs, and in my experience in races, the sunglasses I see are few and far between. While eye protection is a priority for some, $200 running sunglasses don't offer significant advantages over $20-40 sport sunglasses from Target or Amazon. Unless you need them for medical reasons, you won't find me recommending spending money on designer sunglasses.Technical outerwearFor year-round runners, I recommend one high-quality waterproof/windproof jacket as a worthwhile investment. If you try to tough out the cold and rain with a cotton sweatshirt, you'll find yourself soggy and suffocated pretty quick.Still, you only need one good piece for the rain and extreme cold, not a collection. You can layer those budget options you already own, rather than waste money on a fancy technical wardrobe. BALEAF Running Rain Jacket $55.99 at Amazon $59.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now Shop Now $55.99 at Amazon $59.99 Save $4.00 Nutrition productsI've written before about what to eat before and during your long runs, which plays a critical role in how you recover. My preference in gels is aptly named "Gu." A 24-pack of Gu runs me about $38.49. Other runners swear by Gatorade chews, Snickers bars, or even some loose dates in a Ziploc bag.Investing in nutrition like gels, chews, and electrolyte drinks matters most during long runs (10+ miles). For shorter distances, cheaper alternatives or homemade options work fine.The bottom lineThe key to smart running investments is to prioritize gear that directly impacts injury prevention (shoes, socks, sports bras) and comfort (anti-chafing products). For everything else, ask yourself: "Will this significantly improve my running experience, or just my appearance?"Remember that consistency trumps gear every time. An inexpensive but regular running habit will always outperform an occasional run in top-dollar equipment. The best investment isn't always what costs the mostit's what gets you out the door day after day.

If you own a pair of AirPods, you might have quite the futuristic upgrade arriving later this year. That is, unless you're a former Google customerotherwise this will seem a bit like old news. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a live translation feature for AirPods with the release of iOS 19. Gurman's sources appear to be keeping as quiet as possible, as the feature is still quite secret, so it's not clear exactly which AirPods models are going to be compatible with this feature, should it arrive with the update. But seeing as most new AirPods features seem to hit the second-gen AirPods Pro these days, my guess would be those budsmaybe AirPods 4, if Apple is feeling generous. (I hope AirPods Max would be so lucky.)Gurman's sources did share how the feature will roughly work: When someone is speaking to you in another language, your AirPods will translate their words into your target language. Then, when you start to speak in reply, your iPhone will translate back into the other speaker's language and read those words out loud. Apple is not the first company to release a feature like this. In fact, Google's Pixel Buds have had live translation for years now through "Conversation" mode in the Translate app. If you have the proper buds and an Android phone, you can open the Translate app, and ask your Pixel Buds to help you translate something in another language. This will automatically kick on Conversation mode: When the other party responds, your Pixel Buds will play the translation in your ear for you. You don't need the Pixel Buds for Conversation mode to work, of course. You can rely on your phone's speaker to achieve the same result. But it's cool that you can be the one to hear the translation in your ear, and understand what the other person was saying. It's not clear from Gurman's limited information whether Apple's feature will work this way via its proprietary Translate app. The fact that your iPhone will speak its translation of your side of the conversation sounds like how Google handles this feature, so it does seem likely that you'll need the Translate app open in order for your AirPods to translate the other party's words, as well. Apple's app has its own Conversation mode too, so, like on Android, you can already have a live translation experience on iPhone. Give it a try if you want a taste of what the experience might be like once (or if) it arrives on AirPods.Apple will likely reveal iOS 19 and all of its new features in June at WWDC. The company will then spend the summer beta testing the software, before releasing it to compatible iPhones sometime in the fall.