You don't have to go for the paid software options. Image: Timothy Exodus/Unsplash Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Most of us are signed up to plenty of digital subscriptions, covering streaming services, cloud storage, fitness apps, and plenty more. This extends to software subscriptions, too: Both Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office (now Microsoft 365) ask for monthly or yearly subscriptions if you want to stay up to date. Add up $5 here and $10 there and you can soon find yourself paying out more each week than you want. What you might not know is that for just about every paid software program out there, there’s a perfectly adequate and free replacement—so you can cut your dependency on software subscriptions right down. GIMP is an image editor packed with features. Screenshot: GIMP The rather oddly named GIMP—it stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program—is a head-on challenger to Adobe Photoshop, with a lot of the same advanced features on offer across object selections and manipulations, layers, and effects. GIMP doesn’t have as much AI stuffed into it as Photoshop does, but you might see that as a benefit. Whether you want to touch up and enhance the photos you’ve taken, or you want to create digital art, GIMP can handle it all. Open up the software and you’ll see you get a wealth of tools to play around with; there are plenty of third-party extensions and customizations available too—plus lots of tutorials and more help on the web. Download GIMP for Windows or macOS. LibreOffice Writer is a solid alternative to Microsoft Word. Screenshot: LibreOffice Microsoft Office is now called Microsoft 365, but however you refer to it, it’s anchored by Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While Microsoft asks for a one-off fee or regular subscription, you can use LibreOffice completely free of charge—including the equivalent apps Writer (documents), Calc (spreadsheets), and Impress (presentations). If you have any experience using the Microsoft apps, you’ll feel right at home inside the LibreOffice apps—and they can import and export using Office file formats too. And just because you’re not paying for the software doesn’t mean you’re missing out on features, because these programs come backed with a host of useful options and tools. Download LibreOffice for Windows or macOS. Watch as much as you want on Tubi, for free. Screenshot: Tubi When it comes to movies and shows, there are plenty of services that will charge you a fee for access, including Netflix. Not so Tubi, which is completely funded by ads. Okay, it might not have the latest and greatest selection of titles, but there’s still plenty to watch, completely free. You aren’t going to run out of viewing material anytime soon. Tubi is one of a growing number of FAST streaming services, which stands for free ad-supported streaming television; others you might want to check out include Pluto TV and the Roku Channel. While content on these platforms is usually older than on the alternatives, you’ll probably be surprised at how much good stuff there is. Watch Tubi on the web, or on Android or iOS. Use KeePass as your password manager KeePass is a simple, straightforward password manager. Screenshot: KeePass We’ve written before about the benefits of using a password manager, but most of them require a subscription to use all of their features. If a password manager offers a free plan at all, it usually restricts how many passwords you can save or how many devices you can sync between, or apply some other limitations. KeePass is different, as it’s completely free and open source (so you can look at the source code yourself, if you wish). It comes with plenty of features to keep your passwords private and secure, and while there’s only an official version for Windows, there are several unofficial ports so you can sync your passwords across macOS, Android, and iOS too. Download KeePass for Windows. Create videos with ease with OpenShot. Screenshot: OpenShot We’ll finish where we started, with an alternative to a program from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Unless you’re a professional filmmaker who needs the very best in industry-standard tools, OpenShot will give you everything you need in video editing features and options, and it’s capable of some impressive results. The extensive list includes support for key frame animations, an unlimited number of tracks, easy-to-use scaling and trimming tools, compositing, image overlays, title creating (including 3D titles), and support for a broad range of video, audio, and image formats. Despite all of those features and more, you won’t find it difficult to use. Download OpenShot for Windows or macOS.

It’s hard to believe it’s already June, but here we are—only a few weeks away from the official start to summer. That means plenty of deals are available on outdoor essentials to get you through the long days ahead, including grill accessories, power stations, tool kits, and lawn mowers. Maybe you'd rather hang out indoors to escape the heat? Well, controllers, PS5 games, and even Apple’s latest MacBook Air are all discounted today. With Father’s Day coming up, many of these items also make great gifts for the father figures in your life. TL;DR: Deals for Today2025 MacBook Air (13-inch, M4)The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PS5SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming ControllerLowest Price EverAnker USB-C Charger (Nano 65W)Lowest Price EverJBL Bar 700Fremo TP300 Portable Power StationLowest Price EverCraftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool SetThe Last of Us Part I for PS5Lowest Price of the YearPlayStation DualSenseJLab Talk Pro USB MicCuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool SetFive Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1Lowest Price EverEGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower KitLowest Price EverCharmast Portable Charger with Built in CablesBeyond these great deals, the Pokémon Destined Rivals TCG just dropped on Friday, leading a bunch of chase cards to crash. While some cards have regained value over the past couple of days, pre-order remorse is still alive and well. But whether you want to grab just a single card or a sealed pack, now might be a good time to buy. A pre-order for the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy bundle is also available at Walmart before the launch in a couple of weeks. 2025 MacBook Air (13-inch, M4)2025 MacBook Air (13-inch, M4)Apple’s newest MacBook Air model, which came out only a couple of months ago, already has $160 slashed off its list price, making it under $840. With it comes a powerful M4 processor offering a 10-core CPU and GPU paired with 16GB RAM for a performance boost from previous models. This laptop can zip through everyday tasks and supports Apple Intelligence. Of course, the 13-inch Liquid Retina display is stunning, but this Air model supports a dual monitor setup as well. The camera also got an upgrade this time around, as it’s now 12MP and supports Center Stage and Desk View features. SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming ControllerSteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming ControllerWhile the SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming Controller was already a great budget option at its starting price of $50, the $15 price tag after using the code: STEELSERIES makes it a wildly cheap gamepad. Sure, this controller won’t offer the flash and customizations of higher-end offerings, but it gets the job done with Hall Effect triggers, quality hardware, a 20+ hour battery life, and ergonomic design. Pairing with a PC is simple using the lag-free wireless dongle, and Bluetooth support is available for playing on the best gaming phones. The Last of Us Part I and II for PS5The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PS5The Last of Us Part I for PS5PlayStation’s Days of Play sale isn’t only happening at the PlayStation Store; plenty of other retailers, including Amazon, are getting in on the action by dropping the prices of a bunch of PlayStation products. The Last of Us Part I and Part II for PS5 are both down to the low, low price of just $30. So, get ready to join Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey across the post-apocalyptic United States. Anker USB-C Charger (Nano 65W)Lowest Price EverAnker USB-C Charger (Nano 65W)Skip the hassle of having multiple charging bricks to top up devices and opt for this all-in-one solution from Anker instead. It’s an absolute steal right now at just $30, for 46% savings. It comes with two USB-C ports capable of charging speeds up to 65W, which is plenty to charge most laptops and tablets quickly, while a USB-A port is available with up to 22.5W power delivery. Just be prepared for those outputs to lower when charging three devices simultaneously. JBL Bar 700Lowest Price EverJBL Bar 700Kick your home theater setup up a notch with a new sound bar. JBL’s Bar 700 is back on sale for its lowest price ever, knocking $350 off the price tag. This audio system features a 5.1-channel soundbar and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer for a cinematic experience delivering next-level sound with booming bass. With Dolby Atmos support, you’ll be placed right in the center of the action of your favorite movies, shows, and games. The built-in Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast support also makes listening to your favorite music simple. Fremo TP300 Portable Power StationFremo TP300 Portable Power StationSummertime brings storms that can knock out power, and in case of emergencies, backup electricity is a must. Rather than grabbing a gas-guzzling generator, a portable power station that uses a lithium-ion battery is a simpler and safer solution for temporary outages. Fremo has an awesome power station that’s $120 off, costing just $150. It offers a 231 Wh capacity battery and five output ports for charging, including a USB-C, USB-A, AC, and car port. 300W of charging power is divided between those outputs, providing enough juice to top up phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. It only weighs 6.2 pounds too, making it a portable option for camping trips, while the built-in flashlight ensures easier navigation of darker spaces. Craftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool SetLowest Price EverCraftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool SetLooking to grab a gift for the car lover in your life? The Craftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool Set is down to its lowest price ever, costing just $99 for 50% savings. Not only do you get a massive 230-piece tool set full of all the sockets, wrenches, ratchets, and bits needed to fix up a vehicle, but you can also enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’ll enjoy the high-quality craftsmanship for years to come. It also comes with a durable 3-drawer box to keep things organized. PlayStation DualSense ControllerLowest Price of the YearPlayStation DualSenseThe controller that comes packaged with the PlayStation 5 is at its lowest price of the year, setting you back under $55 for 27% savings. This wireless gamepad is comfortable to use, compatible with a range of gaming devices, and full of reliable controls. Haptics and adaptive triggers are baked in, amplifying your playing experience further. Plus, you can remap buttons, customizing the controls to give you a leg up in certain games. JLab Talk Pro USB MicJLab Talk Pro USB MicKick your game streams up a notch, as the JLab Talk Pro USB Mic is on sale for over 77% off on Woot, making it just $34.99. This plug-and-play microphone is easy to set up and features four directional patterns. Whether you’re looking to record podcasts and music or take phone calls and do ASMR, it’ll be the perfect partner. Sound quality will even be optimized for whatever you’re recording, and the mic features volume and gain controls, ensuring you come across crystal clear. Cuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool SetCuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool SetSummer means it’s grilling season, so it’s always a good idea to have a grill tool set on hand. Right now, Cuisinart has a great deal on a high-quality set for just $23.99. The reputable brand includes all the barbecue essentials in the kit, like a spatula, grill fork, cleaning brush, and tongs. Each of the tools features a sturdy wooden handle and stainless steel for a premium look and feel, while a case is included for safe storage. If you’re on the hunt for a Father’s Day gift, it also makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for dads and father figures. Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1If you’re a fan of the horror video game, Five Nights at Freddy’s, a new graphic novel series from the creator, Scott Cawthon, is already discounted to the low price of just $8.90. This volume brings some horrifying and detailed comics to the story from the bestselling series Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex, featuring the under-construction section of Freddy Fazbear's Mega Pizzaplex, a Tube Maze, and some chaos. EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower KitLowest Price EverEGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower KitIt’s lawn mowing season, and battery-powered lawn mowers are beginning to take the reign from their gas-powered counterparts. You might think that these electric mowers offer less oomph, but the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit will prove you wrong. It’s self-propelled, has a multicut blade system, and runs for 60 minutes on a single charge. A second battery is even included, so you can keep mowing while the other battery charges. Right now, you can grab this kit for its lowest price ever, $599.99. That’s 43% off. Charmast Portable Charger with Built in CablesLowest Price EverCharmast Portable Charger with Built in CablesPortable chargers are great and all, but if you forget the right cord, they’re pretty useless. Charmast fixes this problem by offering a 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB cables built in, so it’s ready to top off just about any device. Plus, there’s a USB-A cord for charging up the power bank. Each of the cables also has a slot for storage on the portable charger, preventing anything from getting snagged when on the go. 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Microsoft and Google are taking distinctive approaches with AI agents in their productivity suites, and enterprises need to account for the differences when formulating digital labor strategies, analysts said. In recent months, both companies have announced a dizzying array of new agents aimed at extracting value from corporate documents and maximizing efficiency. The tech giants have dropped numerous hints about where they’re headed with AI agents in their respective office suites, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Microsoft is reshaping its Copilot assistant as a series of tools to create, tap into, and act on insights at individual and organizational levels. The Microsoft 365 roadmap lists hundreds of specialized AI tools under development to automate work for functions such as HR and accounting. The company is also developing smaller AI models to carry out specific functions. Google is going the opposite way, with its large-language model Gemini at the heart of Workspace. Google offers tools that include Gems for workers to create simple custom agents that automate tasks such as customer service, and Agentspace in Google Cloud to build more complex custom agents for collaboration and workflow management. At the recent Google I/O developer conference, the company added real-time speech translation to Google Meet. “For both, the goal is to bring usable and practical productivity and efficiency capabilities to work tools,” said Liz Miller, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research. But the differing AI agent strategies are heavily rooted in each company’s philosophical approaches to productivity. Although Microsoft has long encouraged customers to move from its traditional “perpetual-license” Office suite to the Microsoft 365 subscription-based model, M365 notably retains the familiar desktop apps. Google Workspace, on the other hand, has always been cloud-based. Microsoft users are typically a bit more tethered to traditional enterprise work styles, while Google has always been the “cloud-first darling for smaller organizations that still crave real-time collaboration,” Miller said. When it comes to the generative AI models being integrated into the two office suites, “Google’s Gemini models are beating out the models being deployed by Microsoft,” Miller said. “But as Microsoft expands its model ‘inventory’ in use across M365, this could change.” Microsoft has an advantage, as many desktop users live in Outlook or Word. The intelligence Copilot can bring from CRM software is readily available, while that integration is more complex in the cloud-native Google Workspace. “Microsoft still has an edge in a foundational understanding of work and the capacity to extend Copilot connections across applications as expansive as the Office suite through to Dynamics, giving AI a greater opportunity to be present in the spaces and presentation layers where workers enjoy working,” Miller said. Microsoft’s Copilot Agents and Google’s Gems and Agentspace are in their early stages, but there have been positive developments, said J.P. Gownder, a vice president and principal analyst on Forrester’s Future of Work team. Microsoft recently adopted Google’s A2A protocol, which makes it easier for users of both productivity suites to collaborate and unlock value from stagnant data sitting on other platforms. “That should be a win for interoperability,” Gownder said. But most companies that are Microsoft shops have years or decades of digital assets that hold them back from considering Google, he said. For example, Excel macros, pivot tables, and customizations cannot be easily or automatically migrated to Google Sheets, he said. “As early as this market is, I don’t think it’s fair to rank either player — Microsoft or Google — as being the leader; both of them are constructing new ecosystems to support the growth of agentic AI,” Gownder said. Most Microsoft Office users have moved to M365, but AI is helping Google is making inroads into larger organizations, especially among enterprises that are newer and less oriented toward legacy Microsoft products, said Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates. Technologies like A2A blur the line between on-premises and cloud productivity. As a result, “Google Workspace is no longer perceived as inferior, as it had been in the past,” Gold said. And for budget-constrained enterprises, the value of AI agent features is not the only consideration. “There is also the cost equation at work here, as Google seems to have a much more transparent cost structure than Microsoft with all of its user classes and discounts,” Gold said. Microsoft does not include Copilot in its M365 subscriptions, which vary in price depending on the type of customer. The Copilot business subscriptions range from $30 per user per month for M365 Copilot to $200 per month for 25,000 messages for Copilot Studio, which is also available under a pay-as-you-go model. Google has flat subscription pricing for Workspace, starting at $14 per user per month for business plans with Gemini included.

Blender 4.4 Brushes Are A Mess, Here's A Fix By Michael Bridges on May 23, 2025 Training Videos In this video, Michael Bridges dives into the recent changes to how brushes work in Blender since version 4.3, especially in the 2D animation workspace with Grease Pencil.I explore the new asset-based system for brushes, which, while promising, presents a few usability challenges—particularly when it comes to customizing or creating new brushes. The interface and workflow aren’t as intuitive as they could be, and certain features seem inconsistent or incomplete.As I walk through my process, I encounter and troubleshoot a few quirks—like preview images not saving properly, and updates only registering after restarting Blender. These little glitches slow things down, but I also share practical ways to work around them and ensure your custom brushes behave reliably. It’s a bit of trial and error, and some of it surprised even me.If you're wondering how to effectively manage your own brushes in the new Blender system, or why your customizations aren’t sticking, this video sheds light on what’s really going on behind the scenes. Have you found the new asset system as frustrating—or as promising—as I have?

With pretty much everything getting more expensive, locking in a lifetime license to Microsoft Office for $50 feels too good to be true. But that’s exactly what’s happening—for now. The deal ends in just a few days, and there’s no telling if it’ll ever be back, or what the price will be when it returns. No wonder people are panic-buying it while they still can. Grab your 77 percent discount on Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows before this deal expires! The Mac version is also available at a slightly higher price. Everything you need to know This version of Office includes lifetime licenses for MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, OneNote, and the free version of Teams. So you’ll have everything you need to do business, all in one suite. From working with documents to wrangling data and creating powerful presentations, you’ll find plenty of new features to help you be more productive at all stages. Many of the tools within the suite were redesigned to be equally useful for data analysts mining enormous sets of data for company reports, designers seeking inspiration on how to present their work, and more. These applications haven’t left anything out. The familiar ribbon-based user interface offers quick access to its available tools, features, and customizations. Details such as the indentation size of type in documents, layout, fonts, and much more can be easily customized by users. You no longer need to sacrifice work-related functionality to create more aesthetically pleasing documents, even when creating presentations, formatting emails, and more. A one-time purchase with no fees Now you can say goodbye to monthly or annual software fees. All languages are supported; naturally, only the best support, such as free customer support, is provided. Updates are included, too. This is a one-time purchase for a license that can be installed on one Windows PC for use at work or home. It will be associated with the actual device rather than your Microsoft account. Your download links will be delivered instantly after purchase, so you can access your software license keys immediately. Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license for Windows while the price is dropped to $49.97, a 77% discount off the regular $219.99 retail price. No coupon is needed. StackSocial prices subject to change. _ Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License See Deal

From blazing-fast SSDs to innovative PC cases, Corsair showed some fantastic offerings at the Computex event. Corsair Unveils PCI-E 5.0 SSDs, High-Performance RAM, Refreshed PSU Lineup, Hydro X Cooling Solutions, Cases, and New Peripherals Corsair had some really creative products for the consumer PC segment at Computex. The company not only showcased newer lineups for components and peripherals but also brought some convenient stuff that we hadn't ever seen before. 2 of 9 Starting with the PC components, Corsair introduced new PCI-E 5.0 and external SSDs. These include the MP600 Elite and MP600 PRO LPX for PS5, MP700 PRO and MP700 Elite for high-performance PCs, MP600 Mini and MP600 Micro for compact systems, and EX400U and EX100U external SSDs. 2 of 9 We also saw newer DDR5 memories in the Vengeance lineup alongside WS DDR5 RDIMM and SODIMM DDR5 for laptops. The Corsair memory lineup also received a refreshed Dominator Titanium series, new CUDIMM, and some RGB DDR5 memories. Corsair also showcased its Custom LAB DDR5 editions with gorgeous skins. 2 of 9 Corsair has also upgraded its PSU lineup by introducing the popular RM series, budget CX series, and high-performance HX series. These include 650W to 1500W power supply units for PC builds, and some of them are equipped with dual 12V-2x6 connectors for the latest high-end GPUs. 2 of 9 Coming to the PC cases, there are some really innovative options, like the FRAME 4500X, which comes with a panoramic front and side glass panel, high customizations, and dual 360mm radiator support; the AIR 5400 mid-tower chassis, which focuses on high airflow and has a triple chamber design, and the FRAME 50000 chassis that boasts a minimalistic design with spacious interior and huge vents for airflow. However, the Open Frame Concept was an excellent solution for building a quick test bench, which offers vertical and horizontal orientations, a removable PSU shroud, and a small footprint that does everything well without needing too much space. 2 of 9 The FRAME 40000 Prototype was one of the most notable innovations by Corsair, which brought swappable frame parts. The case introduces the "Powerboard" concept that replaces the regular motherboard plate inside the case and helps power the whole PC through multiple available connectors for all kinds of components. It's like an alternative to motherboards with connectors at the back, but you will have a lot of connectors to power fans and stuff, which can come in handy. 2 of 9 Corsair also introduced its new Hydro X lineup, featuring the XC7 RGB Elite and Elite LCD CPU blocks, XD6 RGB Elite and Elite LCD water reservoirs/pumps, and XG5 RGB SO-series GPU water block. It also introduced new 360mm Nautilus and 420mm Titan AIOs for high-performance cooling. 2 of 9 Coming to the peripherals section, Corsair unveiled the Web Hub and highly customizable MAKR 75 DIY keyboard for gamers. The headset lineup received several new Virtuoso series, VOID series, and HS series headsets for high-fidelity sound quality. Deal of the Day

In Park City, Utah, large estates dot world-class ski slopes on epic mountain ranges, locals are decked out in expensive winter sports gear, and the richest of residents have spas in their houses and more bathrooms than bedrooms.The 20-square-mile ski town east of Salt Lake City has 8,000 residents, many of whom live in luxury.According to a Realtor.com study published in April, 84060 (Park City) is the most expensive ZIP code in the state, with a median listing price of roughly $3.5 million.I spent one day in Park City in January to get a taste of how millionaires live and vacation in this popular ski hub. Wandering from the downtown streets to the slopes, I clocked five signs of wealth. Perhaps the most obvious sign of wealth in Park City, Utah, is the ski-in, ski-out housing. Homes sit on the slopes in Park City's Deer Valley neighborhood. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Park City's most expensive listing on Realtor.com is a $39 million mansion with 9 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and ski-in, ski-out access.Real-estate agent Derrik Carlson, who has lived in Park City for over 20 years and began selling homes in the area in 2012, told me that many of his clients buy houses in the Colony and Deer Valley, as well as the Canyons, located in Park City's 84098 ZIP code. All three neighborhoods are popular choices for incoming residents who want direct access to the slopes."You just go right out the door and pop on your skis, and you're on the slopes," he said.The luxury amenities in these homes go beyond skiing. Many have lap pools, spas with saunas and massage rooms, and even movie theaters. It might not scream wealth like a fleet of fancy cars, but the free public transit felt like a luxury you wouldn't find just anywhere. A funicular moves down the mountain in Deer Valley. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Living in NYC, free public transportation is a luxury I'm not used to. In addition to the city's free bus system, I found another costless ride that felt like an activity.At the St. Regis Deer Valley, a free funicular takes patrons to the slopes at Deer Valley Mountain Resort. And you don't have to be a hotel guest to use it.I marveled at the views as the wide-windowed car trekked up the mountain. At the top, there was an outdoor lounge overlooking the slopes. From the deck with firepits and glass walls, skiers sliding down the trails looked like toy action figures in the distance. In downtown Park City, I found more upscale public amenities. A communal fire pit sits in a courtyard in Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Downtown Park City was full of shops, restaurants, and public courtyards where I found large, electric lit firepits that were round and made of stone. Wide benches surrounded each pit.It was a pleasant place to warm up and rest.I also saw a public bathroom in downtown Park City — a rarity for a New Yorker. Although I didn't go inside, I checked Google Maps and found that most public restrooms in Park City have five-star reviews. I also saw private dining globes on outdoor restaurant decks. Alpenglobes at Butcher's Chop House & Bar in Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Winters are harsh in Park City, so it made sense to me that the wealthy would want to enjoy the views without the weather. Park City has many restaurants with private, heated igloos and Alpenglobes. These enclosed spaces are designed to give guests views of the mountains and night skies while feasting with friends and family.The experience isn't cheap. The Alpenglobes I saw at Butcher's Chop House & Bar cost about $100 to book, with a minimum dinner bill of $500, according to the restaurant's website.If dinner in a globe isn't your vibe, you'll find plenty of fine dining establishments along Main Street. The downtown area also housed luxury boutiques and celebrity-loved shops. Kemo Sabe and other shops in downtown Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The downtown streets were lined with art galleries and upscale boutique stores selling fashion lines from international designers, locally made goods, and luxury furniture and decor.The store I instantly recognized was Kemo Sabe — a celebrity-loved western apparel brand with other stores in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Texas.Kemo Sabe is best known for its hats that cost up to $900, as seen on icons from the Kardashians to Rihanna and Shania Twain. The hats can cost thousands with customizations like leather and diamond bands. In Park City, it's almost impossible to forget you're in a wealth enclave. The reporter enjoys a day in Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider After spending just one day in the affluent ski town, I found signs of wealth and luxury around nearly every corner.

Credit: Hypershell X Every weekend warrior knows the drill — you sit in front of a computer all week, and when the weekend hits, you bike, hike, and run yourself ragged. Your body feels destroyed on Monday. Repeat.If this sounds like you — or even if you’re a casual exerciser who wants to walk and bike longer distances without getting tired — the future has arrived. The world’s first-ever outdoor exoskeleton, Hypershell X, can help max out your physical abilities with minimal effort.Hypershell X is causing a buzz among both outdoorsy types and robotics enthusiasts, and it won the Best of Innovation in Robotics award at CES 2025.The cyborg-looking device fits like a second skin over your legs and provides up to 800 watts of power, helping you raise your legs and increasing strength up to 40 percent. Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, climbing stairs, or mountaineering, the device’s motor utilizes AI to adapt to your movements in real time, intuitively. Opens in a new window Credit: Hypershell Hypershell X Series From $999 Basically, you feel like yourself, only stronger. Welcome to the future of wearable roboticsThe Hypershell X may look like a sci-fi fantasy device, but you’ll barely feel it while you’re wearing it. Just buckle on the "fanny pack", which also houses the removable and rechargeable battery, and the ergonomic hip levers fit down your legs and are secured by soft straps above your knees. Power the device up via the exoskeleton’s one-touch button, and the M-One motor kicks in, reducing your leg’s physical exertion by up to 30 percent. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Credit: Hypershell The device itself weighs under five pounds and nicely folds up to fit into your backpack. It can go up to almost 11 miles on one charge, works in temperatures as low as minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit, and the exoskeleton is fully adjustable (think of your over-ear headphones, but with more moving parts) and accommodates different body types.In addition, Hypershell X can offset up to 66 pounds of weight, which is a huge bonus for adventurers who carry packs full of heavy gear.The AI algorithm syncs to your movementsThe Hypershell X uses a combination of AI algorithms, advanced sensors, and robotics to adjust and sync with your movements, so every step feels natural and effortless. The device might even feel different from day to day as it gets to know you, or as you get stronger, which is pretty cool. Credit: Hypershell As for the mobile app, you can use it to fine-tune your movement customizations, track your stats, and watch tutorials — or you can just pack your phone away and enjoy the great outdoors, using the exoskeleton’s button to adjust power levels whenever you want.Like other devices, the Hypershell X also receives firmware updates. One recent update includes multi-user device access, because you know all of your friends are going to want to take it for a spin.Which Hypershell X is right for you?The Hypershell X comes in three different models — the Go X, Pro X, and Carbon X — and each model varies in build material, power, battery range, and price.The least expensive Go X might be a good choice for biking to the park and less demanding activities such as day hikes, as it delivers 400 watts of power at peak output. The Pro X, on the other hand, can deliver twice the power output of the Go X, making it a solid choice for bike commuters, weekend warriors, and moving into your fifth-floor walkup. Last in the Hypershell X lineup, the Carbon X delivers 800 watts of peak power and is the lightest of the three models. It’s a great pick for people who pack in gear such as cameras and camping stoves and want to conquer mountains.Whether you’re facing gnarly hiking trails, long distances, or just biking around town, the new Hypershell X exoskeleton will boost your leg strength so you can go farther with less effort — and less wear on your body.

If the word Kaleidoscope means anything to you, you’re in for a treat. As spotted by Rob Beschizza (via BoingBoing), Mac Themes Garden features a collection of nearly 4,000 Classic Mac OS GUI customizations. The site is a collection of pixelated bliss, and whether you’re already feeling fuzzy inside or have no idea what I’m talking about, you won’t want to miss out on this. All your favorite classic Mac OS themes, and then some Many years before Apple launched Appearance Manager, which let users natively customize the GUI on Mac OS 8, there was Kaleidoscope: “the ultimate in user interface customization, letting you completely overhaul your Mac’s user interface using plug-in Color Scheme files,” as the project’s description used to state. Kaleidoscope offered an easy way to apply themes to the entire system, and even after Apple released Appearance Manager (for a hot minute, before Steve Jobs killed it upon his return to Apple), it remained the tool of choice to most Mac customization enthusiasts. So much so that Apple announced a tool that would easily import Kaleidoscope themes into Appearance Manager schemes. The tool was never released. After the launch of Mac OS X, Kaleidoscope stopped working. Like Winamp skins and Geocities webpages, these themes were lost in time—until now. Building on the work of the defunct Twitter account @kaleidoscopemac and the Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive on The Wayback Machine, French software engineer Damien Erambert launched Mac Themes Garden. It is a comprehensive index of Kaleidoscope themes, searchable by scheme and authors. From the classic BeOS theme to an adaptation of Apple’s failed Copland OS project, you can check out screen grabs and even download the actual themes, when available. Are you among the distinguished 9to5Mac readers who happened to catch the Kaleidoscope era? Did you have a favorite scheme? Let us know in the comments! Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

It’s fair to say the Apple AirPods have been a hit since they debuted in 2016. The wireless earbuds are now a familiar sight in ears all across the world, and we’ve seen multiple versions of both the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro since the series first launched. These devices couldn’t be much easier to set up, and you’ll be prompted to connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac as soon as you open up the charging case. AirPods also come with support for various touch and gesture controls, and it’s possible to customize these controls. Finding AirPod settings The settings for your AirPods aren’t difficult to find. Screenshot: Apple At the time of writing, there are four generations of the standard AirPods, and two generations of the AirPods Pro. The features and customizations available vary between these models, but the settings screens are in the same place no matter your variety of AirPods. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then tap the name of your AirPods, which should be near the top of the screen (it says AirPods by default). If you’re on a Mac, open the Apple menu, click System Settings, and then find your AirPods in the menu on the left (they should also show up on the menu bar at the top of macOS). Besides customizing controls and gestures, you’re also able to turn various features on and off from these screens. You can set the type of active noise cancellation, for example, or turn on spatial audio for certain games and types of content. Changing AirPod audio controls The options you see here will depend on your AirPods model. Screenshot: Apple Different AirPods offer different controls: If you’re on the newest AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2, for example, you can press the stems of the earbuds to play and pause audio playback, and double-press to skip forward to the next track. If there’s a call coming in, you can press the stem to answer it. On the AirPods settings screen, you can customize some of these controls: The Left and Right menu entries are for customizing the left and right earbud, respectively. Any changes you make on one device (like your iPhone) will also then apply on other devices (like your Mac). On the latest AirPods models, these menus let you switch between Siri activation and noise cancellation control, and you can choose the types of noise cancellation (including Transparency and Adaptive) from this menu. Changing AirPod call controls Customizing AirPods call controls on iOS. Screenshot: Apple You can also call control options on the same AirPods menu. When making calls with your earbuds rather than listening to music or podcasts, the actions you get from pressing on them change. Tap Mute & Unmute and End Call to set whether you need a single or a double press to take these actions—the other setting will change to match accordingly (you can’t use a single tap or a double tap for both). Answering calls needs a single press, and you can’t customize this. With the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, you can also shake your head to decline calls, and nod your head to accept them: Tap Head Gestures to customize the feature. For this to work, Announce Calls and Announce Notifications must be enabled in Apple Intelligence & Siri in Settings. Other AirPods settings If your AirPods have Adaptive Audio, you can customize it here. Screenshot: Apple You’ll notice there are a variety of other options you can tweak on the AirPods settings screens on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. There’s an Automatic Ear Detection toggle switch, for example: Disable this if you don’t want your audio to pause automatically when you take your AirPods out of your ears. The latest AirPods models include a feature called Adaptive Audio, which means they can adjust the noise cancellation levels automatically based on what’s around you: So if the earbuds detect that you’re trying to speak to someone, for example, more of the external noise will be let in. Tap Adaptive Audio to adjust the sensitivity of the volume detection. Another part of this same feature is Personalized Volume, which can be toggled on and off from the AirPods settings page. It learns how loud or quiet you normally have your AirPods set in different environments (such as the office or outdoors), and starts to make automatic adjustments as you move around.