Take charge of your sleep with these expert-tested sleep trackers from brands like Oura and Whoop.

It’s hard to be a new parent, we know. And it’s even harder to take care of yourself while trying to keep a new human alive. Thankfully, there’s a lot of tech out there that helps ease the burden for moms and dads — from tablets and earbuds to a ratt

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 are tipped for interesting iOS 26 upgrades

AirPods may gain smart sleep detection and new skills like controlling your iPhone's camera shutter.

House of the Future | 1956 Photograph Exhibited at the 1956 Ideal Home Exhibition in London, the House of the Future by Alison and Peter Smithson is a visionary prototype that challenges conventions of domesticity. Set within the context of post-war Britain, a period marked by austerity and emerging optimism, the project explored the intersection of technology, material innovation, and evolving social dynamics. The Smithsons, already recognized for their theoretical rigor and critical stance toward mainstream modernism, sought to push the boundaries of domestic architecture. In the House of the Future, they offered not merely a dwelling but a speculative environment that engaged with the promise and anxieties of the atomic age. House of the Future Technical Information Architects: Alison and Peter Smithson Location: Ideal Home Exhibition, London, United Kingdom Client: Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition  Gross Area: 90 m2 | 970 Sq. Ft. Construction Year: 1956 Photographs: Canadian Centre for Architecture and Unknown Photographer The House of the Future should be a serious attempt to visualize the future of our daily living in the light of modern knowledge and available materials. – Alison and Peter Smithson 1 House of the Future Photographs 1956 Photograph © Klaas Vermaas | 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph 1956 Photograph Design Intent and Spatial Organization At the heart of the House of the Future lies a radical rethinking of spatial organization. Departing from conventional room hierarchies, the design promotes an open, fluid environment. Walls dissolve into curved partitions and adjustable elements, allowing for flexible reinterpretation of domestic spaces. Sleeping, dining, and social areas are loosely demarcated, creating a dynamic continuity that anticipates the contemporary concept of adaptable, multi-functional living. Circulation is conceived as an experiential sequence rather than a rigid path. Visitors enter through an air-lock-like vestibule, an explicit nod to the futuristic theme, and are drawn into an environment that eschews right angles and conventional thresholds. The Smithsons’ emphasis on flexibility and continuous movement within the house reflects their belief that domestic architecture must accommodate the evolving rhythms of life. Materiality, Technology, and the Future Materiality in the House of the Future embodies the optimism of the era. Plastics and synthetic finishes dominate the interior, forming seamless surfaces that evoke a sense of sterility and futility. Often associated with industrial production, these materials signaled a departure from traditional domestic textures. The smooth, malleable surfaces of the house reinforce the Smithsons’ embrace of prefabrication and modularity. Technological integration is a key theme. The design includes built-in appliances and concealed mechanical systems, hinting at a utopian and disquieting automated lifestyle. Bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping pods are incorporated as interchangeable modules, underscoring the house as a system rather than a static structure. In doing so, the Smithsons prefigured later discourses on the “smart home” and the seamless integration of technology into daily life. This material and technological strategy reflects a critical understanding of domestic labor and convenience. The house’s self-contained gadgets and synthetic surfaces suggest a future in which maintenance and domestic chores are minimized, freeing inhabitants to engage with broader cultural and social pursuits. Legacy and Influence The House of the Future’s influence resonates far beyond its exhibition. It prefigured the radical experimentation of groups like Archigram and the metabolist visions of the 1960s. Its modular approach and embrace of technology also foreshadowed the high-tech movement’s fascination with flexibility and systems thinking. While the project was ephemeral, a temporary installation at a trade fair, its theoretical provocations endure. It questioned how architecture could not only house but also anticipate and shape new living forms. Moreover, it crystallized the Smithsons’ ongoing interrogation of architecture’s social role, from their later brutalist housing schemes to urban design theories. In retrospect, the House of the Future is less of a resolved design proposal and more of an architectural manifesto. It embodies a critical tension: the optimism of technological progress and the need for architecture to respond to human adaptability and social evolution. As we confront contemporary challenges like climate crisis, digital living, and shifting social paradigms, the Smithsons’ speculative experiment remains an evocative reminder that the architecture of tomorrow must be as thoughtful and provocative as the House of the Future. House of the Future Plans Axonometric View | © Alison and Peter Smithson via CCA Floor Plan | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Floor Plan | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Section | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Section | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Section | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Section | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA Section | © Alison and Peter Smithson, via CCA House of the Future Image Gallery About Alison and Peter Smithson Alison and Peter Smithson were British architects and influential thinkers who emerged in the mid-20th century, celebrated for their critical reimagining of modern architecture. Their work, including projects like the House of the Future, the Robin Hood Gardens housing complex, and the Upper Lawn Solar Pavilion, consistently challenged conventional notions of domesticity, urbanism, and materiality. Central to their practice was a belief in architecture’s capacity to shape social life, emphasizing adaptability, flexibility, and the dynamic interactions between buildings and their users. They were pivotal in bridging the gap between post-war modernism and the experimental architectural movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Credits and Additional Notes Banham, Reyner. Theory and Design in the First Machine Age. MIT Press, 1960. Forty, Adrian. Words and Buildings: A Vocabulary of Modern Architecture. Thames & Hudson, 2000. Smithson, Alison, and Peter Smithson. The Charged Void: Architecture. Monacelli Press, 2001. OASE Journal. “Houses of the Future: 1956 and Beyond.” OASE 75, 2007. Vidler, Anthony. Histories of the Immediate Present: Inventing Architectural Modernism. MIT Press, 2008. Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA). “House of the Future.”

Brooklinen is one of our favorite brands for quality bedding designed to last. Making it in our lists for pillows, duvets, and even robes, the best Brooklinen sheets are also staples in many of our editors’ bedrooms for this very reason. Founded in 2014 by a pair of millennials with a passion for high-end textiles on a tight budget , this retailer made a splash on the market by offering direct-to-consumer bedding that merged thoughtfully designed linens at affordable price points—complete with 200-plus thread counts for ultimate durability and Oeko-Tex-certified backing to ensure the fabrics are free of harsh chemicals. While they also became well-known for the ubiquity of their subway ads, they caught our eye at AD Shopping for delivering breathability and sturdy sheets in modern colorways that made a bedroom feel anything but stuffy.That being said: the brand’s catalog is big, so if you know you want Brooklinen sheets but don’t know where to start, we’ve assembled a list of our tried-and-true favorites. Available in sizes ranging from twin XL to California king, we note our go-to percale, sateen, and linen sets in this lineup.Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet SetBrooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set is beloved by multiple AD staffers—commerce director Rachel Fletcher says this sateen set is “super classic, smooth, and has a crisp feel,” and contributor Erika Owen loves “the deep design of the fitted sheet pocket” and how easy it is to get it over her mattress and mattress topper. Owen also says it has great temperature regulation. As a self-proclaimed hot sleeper, she says the fabric maintains an even sleep temperature, including during a New York City heat wave. This set of sheets also comes in 21 colorways to bring your inspo pics to life, but move fast, these sell out quickly. Machine wash these on cold, tumble dry low, and you’ll see no signs of fading or wear, but an increase in softness, according to Fletcher.Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheet SetAs for Brooklinen’s linen sheets, their original core set recently got an upgrade. Our team members have tested their first iteration for years, including contributor Madeleine Luckel. While she confessed in our best sheets roundup that they felt a “bit thin,” she said the bedding lived up to her expectations. Plus, she would recommend them to other shoppers, so long as you weren’t “picturing a superdense weave.” After debuting the washed European linen sheets this spring, our team got our hands on them and found them to be soft and lightweight. Ranking in our best-of-linen sheets story, the washed material European linen brings a softer but stronger fabric to the beloved set, meaning it wears less with wash and continues to get softer with routine care Perhaps the best part of this sheet set—aesthetically, anyway—is its many colorways: the recent collaboration with Brooklyn-based textile artist Caroline Z Hurley offers warm, neutral stripe options, a white-and-blue stripe lends itself to a nautical-inspired coastal bedding set, and chambray and moss give the linen a particularly welcoming wash, appearing earthy and grounded for year-round use. Contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert says, “There is natural texture because of slubs (teeny bumps) in the weave, but I think this adds to the softness.” “Think of your favorite linen shirt, but in the form of a sheet.” They’re extremely light, “If you hold it up, you can see through it,” Alpert adds. Our editors recommend machine washing these on cold without any other items on the first cycle to help prevent color bleeding. These should get softer and look a bit more worn with each wash, which gives linen its coveted slouchy, worn look.Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set“The texture of these is unreal,” says contributor Yelena Alpert, who recently tested this. “It feels buttery soft like a sateen, but still crisp as percale cotton should be.” Brooklinen promises these classic percale sheets feel like sleeping in your worn-in button-down shirt—sans buttons, of course. And after thorough testing, we agree. Besides the silky-soft feel, Alpert loves these sheets for lingering at an accessible price point for high-quality cooling sheets. While this set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, the hard-core sheet bundle includes a duvet cover and two more pillowcases to completely flesh out your new bedding set. Percale only improves with wash, as a few turns in the washing machine help loosen its fibers to create a softer texture. Alpert adds that this percale is also durable and pilling-resistant, though you can expect a bit more of a wrinkle if you’re not on top of the dry cycle.Like the linen sheets noted above, the percale sets are available in designs by Caroline Z Hurley. Commerce writer Julia Harrison attests these are not only cooling, comfortable, and soft, but they are also “so damn cute.” In a gray-beige, blue, and coral floral print, they bring a welcome dose of whimsy to your bedding without becoming twee about it.Between their designs and fabrics, and with a focus on temperature regulation and non-toxic materials, Brooklinen hits the sweet spot for budget-friendly, sturdy sheets that’ll last for the long haul. Few AD staffers haven’t tried a pair of sheets from them and loved their new drops, colorways, and ever-improving textures. Brooklinen offers free shipping with no minimum, as well as a 365-day warranty in case you’d like to return the items. However, we stand behind them for some of the best sheets out there. “It’s sort of a no-brainer,” Harrison says. “They’re the first brand I recommend when people ask me where to start for bedding, because they’re luxurious, affordable, and come in every pattern and colorway a person could want.”

Nintendo Switch 2 has now officially released and is available for purchase online (or will be very soon – midnight ET). Years in the making, and years of waiting, it has finally happened and the next-generation of Nintendo gaming is now out in the wild. If you’re not picking up your pre-order in-store, waiting for it to land on your doorstep tomorrow morning, or lining up to buy one on location right now, Walmart and others now have the new console up for sale! Walmart will be your best source to buy one tonight: Walmart – Nintendo Switch 2 launch Nintendo Switch 2 releases today – now available for purchase If the late April pre-orders of Nintendo’s new console are any indication, and they likely are, Walmart is going to be your best bet to actually score one. It seemingly had the highest number of consoles up for grabs online back in April and might very well again for launch.  That said, Target, GameStop, Costco, and Walmart are all confirmed to have more units available online tonight and tomorrow at this point, so you should have a good chance at scoring one before the work week is out.  We have done everything in our power to surface all of the details on each retailer for folks, and while we aren’t sure exactly what time Target and Costco will go live today and tomorrow (June 5 and 6), we will be monitoring listings all night and all day to make sure you get one. Chances are the major retailers are going to go out of stock pretty quickly tonight, and but we might very well get another blast of units going up for sale for a limited time through the early hours of the morning and through the day.  And you’ll also want to keep in mind that Target has confirmed its online listings will only be available on June 6 (as opposed to tonight). You’ll want to be ready at midnight ET on June 6 for these – although we will be monitoring Target tonight as well just in case.  Switch 2 at Walmart – midnight ET June 5 Walmart – Nintendo Switch 2 launch Switch 2 at GameStop – midnight ET June 5 GameStop – Nintendo Switch 2 launch Switch 2 at Target – midnight ET on June 6 Target – Nintendo Switch 2 launch Switch 2 at Costco – Online (time unknkown) Costco – Switch 2 launch Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle Switch 2 at Best Buy – In-store only midnight June 5 Best Buy – Nintendo Switch 2 launch Switch 2 at Amazon – ??? Amazon – Nintendo Switch 2 launch (TBD) For those of you looking to land some Switch 2 games tonight, you’ll find an updated list of the top titles, including both day 1 titles and those releasing later this year, you can scoop up at retail right now below: Donkey Kong Bananza $69 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Mario Kart World $79 Walmart | Best Buy | Target The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition $79 Walmart | Best Buy | Target The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildSwitch 2 Edition $69 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition $80 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Kirby and The Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition $79 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Street Fighter 6 $60 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Sonic x Shadow Generations $50 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Split Fiction $50 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster $40 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition $60 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Hogwarts Legacy $60 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition $69 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion $70 Walmart | Best Buy | Target Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma $70 Walmart | Best Buy | Target No Sleep For Kaname Date $50 Walmart | Best Buy | Target FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!

We may earn a commission from links on this page.In 2023, I decided to update my Apple Watch after consistently failing to wear my Series 4 for a number of years. I sold that one on Poshmark and began looking at newer models to find one with enough features to convince me to actually wear it. I opted to get a Series 8, although the Series 9 had just been released, as I was buying two: one for my mom and one for myself. As it turns out, that was a great decision.If you're searching for a new wearable or considering upgrading yours, you might also be wondering which of the older Apple Watch models is still useful today. My Series 8 is holding up beautifully three years after it was introduced, so I'm a big proponent of using older devices as long as possible. But not all Apple Watches will work as well as the Series 8 does in 2025. Don’t buy a watch Apple doesn’t support anymoreWe have to draw the line somewhere: Seven of Apple's watches are no longer supported, meaning they won't receive any software or security updates anymore. In addition, you run the risk that the watch will no longer be compatible with your iPhone or certain apps. In short, you shouldn't buy a watch that Apple doesn't support. That includes the following:Apple Watch Series 0Apple Watch Series 1Apple Watch Series 2Apple Watch Series 3Apple Watch Series 4Apple Watch Series 5Apple Watch SE (first-gen) While the company does currently support the Series 6, it is next in line to join this list. It's not clear when that will happen, but you can be sure it will. We'll see next week—when Apple reveals watchOS 26—whether the watch will be supported another year. If not, it'll be stuck on watchOS 11 for good.Performance and other generational Watch improvementsThere are considerations for older Apple Watch models that extend beyond their ability to simply run the latest operating system. With each generation, improvements are made in some form or another. For instance, the Series 4 introduced the ECG sensor, while the Series 6 introduced the blood oxygen sensor (though Apple had to disable the feature for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. due to a lawsuit). The Series 7 charges faster than its predecessors, and Apple has included fast charging on most watch models since (sorry, Apple Watch SE users).In general, each Apple Watch is faster than the last. Apple tends to put its newest S-Chip—the Apple Watch's processor—in its latest watch series. Simply put, a newer S-chip gives you a faster, more productive product. The Series 6 has an S6 chip, Series 7 has S7, and so on until you hit the Ultras. (The first-generation Ultra has an S8 chip like the Series 8, while the Ultra 2 has an S9 chip like the Series 9.)While there are some core features all currently supported watches share—like workout and swim tracking, sleep tracking, Apple Pay, ECG scanning, and the ability to read and respond to messages—newer models also each have some of their own special advancements and upgrades. Here's a brief list:The Series 7 introduced faster charging, a larger display, and more durable screen.The Series 8 brought temperature sensing, crash detection, and a low-power mode for conserving battery (as did the second-gen Apple Watch SE).The Series 9 debuted new gesture controls, on-device Siri access, more precise location tracking in Find My, and a display with double the brightness of the Series 8.The first-gen Apple Watch Ultra introduced a more durable titanium casing, custom shortcuts to apps and modes via the Action button, a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, more accurate GPS, a 36-hour battery life, and an emergency siren.The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduced a display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits and on-device media playback. The Series 10 introduced the largest display available on a standard Apple Watch and faster charging. If you see a feature you absolutely need in a particular watch model, you'll have to spring for it. But if you just want something for core Apple Watch tasks, you can start to consider older options. Apple's watch comparison site can be a helpful tool for identifying different features among models. Battery degradation All tech degrades to some extent and the Apple Watch is no different—particularly when it comes to the battery. While there are ways to mitigate the problem, over time, the lithium-ion battery powering your wrist computer won't last as long as it used to. That might be a bigger issue than your watch's ability to download and support a new operating system. Apple's warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use, and charges $99 for the repair, which you could instead put towards the purchase of a new watch. There is one exception: Battery service is free if you have AppleCare+ and your watch's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity. You need to take your watch in to an Apple Store or service provider to have it tested. My watch was pre-owned, and while I have no way of knowing if it has its original battery, my battery life has not declined substantially in the two years I've been using it daily. I primarily use mine to track my workouts, vitals, and sleep, which means it's always running. I charge it while I'm in the shower and occasionally for a few minutes before bed, and that's about it. On an average day of constant notifications, mine lasts me a bit longer than the advertised 18-hour mark. Because I have little interest in the small improvements offered by the Series 9 and Series 10—like extra brightness, larger screen size, performance bumps, and advanced cycle tracking—the battery life is what would (or will) compel me to upgrade in the future, but for now, I have not noticed any problems. I asked my mom if she's noticed any battery degradation on hers, since I bought it at the same time and place as mine, and she said no. She uses hers to track walking workouts, talk on the phone, and monitor her sleep and vitals, too.Stick with the Series 7 or newerThoroughly consider which of the features on newer models are actually important to you before making any buying decision and, if you can, stay above a Series 7. The Series 6 is still functional, but, again, it's a matter of time until the company stops acknowledging that one completely. For now, I have been pleasantly surprised by how well my Series 8 has held up for two years. Its touchscreen has never faltered, the external buttons function perfectly, it syncs to all of my apps and devices with no problem, and it does exactly what I need it to do—which is to tell me how many steps I'm taking and how hard I'm exerting myself at the gym. If you're in the market for a smart watch, I see no reason that an older version shouldn't be considered, as long as it still runs the latest operating system. You can save a chunk of change by sourcing an older model from the resale or refurbished markets and put that money away for when Apple drops something super revolutionary in the wearable space. Apple doesn't sell anything below a Series 10 or SE directly anymore, so if you want a 6, 7, 8, or 9, you'll have to check the resale and refurbished markets. You'll definitely save some money that way (a new Series 10 starts at $399, though it can be found on sale, and the refurbished Series 8 I got is selling right now for $219). Apple Watch Series 8 (Renewed) $209.00 at Amazon $220.00 Save $11.00 Learn More Learn More $209.00 at Amazon $220.00 Save $11.00

Gigantamax Cinderace is making its Gigantamax debut in Pokémon Go, and as usual with these types of Pokémon, it’ll be tough to take down. Cinderace will specifically be around during the weekend portion of the “Instrumental Wonders” event, from June 7 at 6 a.m. until June 8 at 9 p.m. in your local time. Below we list Gigantamax Cinderace’s best counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Go, as well as general battle tips for the big bunny. Gigantamax Cinderace weaknesses Cinderace is a pure fire-type, so you can use ground-, rock-, or water-type moves to take it down effectively. That said, it’ll be resistant against bug-, steel-, fire-, grass-, ice-, and fairy-type moves, so don’t use those unless they’re just fast moves to help charge the max meter. Gigantamax Cinderace best counters Try to bring at least one of these attackers: Gigantamax Kingler with Metal Claw (G-Max Foam Burst) Dynamax Inteleon with Water Gun (Max Geyser) Dynamax Excadrill with Mud Shot (Max Quake) Gigantamax/Dynamax Blastoise with Water Gun (G-Max Cannonade/Max Geyser) The only thing really iffy about the above is Inteleon. If you don’t already have a Dynamax Inteleon, do not bother building one now (unless you’re sitting on tons of Sobble Candy), as Gigantamax Inteleon will be showing up literally next. For defenders/tanks, bring one or two of the following: Dynamax Blissey with Pound Dynamax Zapdos with Thunder Shock Dynamax/Gigantamax Blastoise with Water Gun Dynamax/Gigantamax Charizard with Dragon Breath These guys’ job is just to soak up the damage from Cinderace while generating as much energy as possible with their fast attacks. These counters are pretty straightforward, though note that the Zapdos is kind of just there to withstand the damage if the Cinderace you’re going against knows Focus Blast, as that could possibly give your Blissey a tough time. Consider just bringing the strongest Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon you have. If you have a maxed out Gigantamax Gengar and your Dynamax Excadrill isn’t leveled (and you don’t have the means to power it up), just bring your Gengar. General Gigantamax Cinderace tips If you’ve been struggling in Max Battles, here’s some general tips to survive — and make sure you’re an asset to your team. Gigantamax battles involve way more strategy than the usual rampant tapping that you do in raids, so make sure to know what you’re doing before jumping in. Make sure you have enough players. High-efficiency groups with maxed out investments can take down the Cinderace with fewer people, but practically, if you don’t have hundreds of spare candy and even more Stardust laying around, this isn’t going to be an option for you. Make sure you have as many people as possible to ensure that you get your soccer bunny. Don’t sleep on Max Spirit and Max Guard. Teams work best when there’s a variety of moves, not just maxed-out attacks. Each player should bring Pokémon with the defensive and healing moves unlocked as well. Max Guard will focus single-target damage towards you and reduce the damage taken; Max Spirit will heal the whole party. These moves are really important to make sure your damage-dealers can keep dishing. Remember to swap to super effective moves when it’s time to Dynamax. For Dynamax Pokémon, their max moves are determined by whatever type their fast move is. This means if you have a Darmanitan with Fire Fang, it will know Max Flare. A Gengar with Lick will know Max Phantasm. Take advantage of this and make sure to swap to a Pokémon that will deal super effective damage to your target before Dynamaxing, if you can. Focus on your fast moves. You want to spam your fast moves to build up that Dynamax meter and often times, using your charge move is actually a DPS loss when compared to the damage you could be doing with your max move will be. Spam those attacks! Level up a few ‘mons, but you don’t have to go too hard. Depending on your group size, you absolutely do not need to max out all your Dynamax Pokémon to level 40-50. While this will make it easier on the rest of your group, if this isn’t an investment you can make, you don’t have to stress about it. Power things up as high as you can afford to, but don’t fret if you don’t have a maxed out Pokémon. All of that said, make sure to come as prepared as you can be. This is a team effort and there’s a chance that a full group of four can still fail. Do not just bring your unleveled Dynamax Wooloo expecting a free ride to a powerful Pokémon. (After all, if everyone does that, then you certainly won’t clear the battle.) Again, you don’t have to completely max out your Pokémon, but it will be better for everyone involved if you bring something helpful to the table. There’s no shiny Cinderace this time around! Scorbunny’s shiny has not been added to the game yet (and it likely won’t be until it gets its own Community Day), so if you’re looking to shiny hunt Gigantamax Cinderace… you’ll have to wait until next time.