Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Nightmare Alley’ trailer hints at dark carnival secrets

The first trailer for Nightmare Alley has arrived, giving us a sneak peek at Guillermo Del Toro’s next carnival of oddities. The teaser may not give much away in terms of plot, but its darkly fantastical visual style definitely affirms that this is a Del Toro film.

Based on the book of the same name, Nightmare Alley follows manipulative carnival worker Stan (Bradley Cooper) who connects with dangerous psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett). The psychological thriller’s star-studded cast also includes Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, and Ron Perlman.

Nightmare Alley is scheduled for release Dec. 17.

The best robot vacuum deals as of Sept. 16: Roombas and more on sale

Shop the best robot vacuum deals as of Sept. 16:

  • Roborock E4 Robot Vacuum — $219.99 (save $90)

  • Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Self Empty — $579.99 (save $220)

  • iRobot Roomba S9+ with Automatic Dirt Disposal — $1,070 (save $229.99)


Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or get a little bummed when you can’t have that satisfying dance with your Dyson, a robot vacuum is a universal lifesaver. Shop models on sale below.

Our top picks

Roborock E4 Robot Vacuum — $219.99 (save $90)

If you’re vacuum shopping on a budget, this basic Roborock packs serious sweeping skills for less than the cheapest Roomba. A suction level of 2000Pa beats the specs of similarly priced vacs and reliably combs carpets. Scheduled sweeps and spot cleanings can be set up through the app.

Save $90 at Amazon

Save $90 at Amazon

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Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Self Empty — $579.99 (save $220)

Pro and plus feel like appropriate descriptors for a self-emptying vacuum and mop with an asserted 2,600Pa of suction. (That beats the Roomba s9+, which is almost double the price .) The Ozmo N8 Pro+ includes premium smart upgrades like laser-based mapping that can target specific rooms and sensors that dodge carpets while mopping. After nearly two hours of cleaning, the N8 Pro+ returns to its charging and self-emptying dock, which only requires emptying once a month.

Save $220 at Amazon

Credit: ecovacs

Save $220 at Amazon

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iRobot Roomba S9+ with Automatic Dirt Disposal — $1,070 (save $229.99)

Multi-pet homes need a vacuum that won’t flounder on carpets doused in fur. The Roomba s9+ is iRobot’s current most intelligent bot, unleashing 2,500Pa of suction onto heavy shedding zones and using its flat edge to snatch hair from corners. But more debris collected doesn’t mean more emptying on your part — the automatic dirt disposal bin is good for 60 days at a time.

Save $229.99 at Amazon

Credit: irobot

Save $229.99 at Amazon

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More great robot vacuum deals:

Under $300:

  • ILIFE VS3 Pro Robot Vacuum — $129 (save $39.99)

  • Eufy Robovac 11S (Slim) Robot Vacuum — $149.99 (save $80)

  • Eufy Robovac 15C Max Robot Vacuum — $179.99 (save $100)

  • Roborock E4 Robot Vacuum — $219.99 (save $90)

Under $500:

  • iRobot Roomba i3 Robot Vacuum — $349.99 (save $50)

Under 800

  • iRobot Roomba i6+ Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal — $699 (save $100.99)

Over $1,000 (but really nice)

  • iRobot Roomba S9+ with Automatic Dirt Disposal — $1,070 (save $229.99)

Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops

  • Coredy R750 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $191.24 (save $129.75)

  • Roborock E4 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $249.99 (save $130)

  • Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop — $349.99 (save $50)

  • iRobot Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop — $399 (save $50.99)

  • Roborock S6 Pure Robot Vacuum and Mop — $459.99 (save $140)

Explore related content:

  • The best robot vacuums for every budget

  • iRobot’s Roomba S9+ self empties and tackles corners like a pro

  • Have a pet? You need a robot vacuum. Here are the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

10 of the best pre-built gaming PCs: Why we love Corsair, Lenovo, Dell, and more

BEST DEALS ON GAMING PCS:

  • Skytech Siege 3.0 — $2,149.99 (save $400)

  • UM700 Mini PC — $629.90 (save $50)


The popularity of gaming PCs has exploded in recent years. Sure, there are plenty of people who won’t abandon their beloved consoles, but a large number of gaming enthusiasts have been shifting their attention. And with good reason.

For starters, the games are normally cheaper and the breadth of available titles is truly astounding. You can use your PC to play the latest strategy and simulation games, as well as the top offerings in eSports and first-person shooters. Additionally, thanks to the PC’s open platform, you also have access to a wide array of unique independent games. No matter your penchant and preferences, you’re always guaranteed to find something that matches your mood, skill, and desires.

SEE ALSO:

The absolute best gaming desks for your PC setup

Gaming PCs also deliver impressive graphics that easily rival those of next-gen Xbox and Playstation consoles. They’re even compatible with a variety of controller options; you can use anything from a keyboard and mouse to a steering wheel and joystick. Best of all, PCs can easily be modified. That’s right, you have the power to continually alter your computer to ensure the perfect gaming experience.

One of the pain points of buying a gaming PC is building it, though. It can get expensive and confusing once you realize how many different parts you have to pick out. Luckily, you can buy ones that are pre-built, which is what we’ll be focusing on here.

We assume that you’re now in desperate need of a new gaming PC. Well, as you shop around, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to these facets:

The games

We beseech (yes, beseech!) you to consider the games you play when purchasing a pre-built gaming PC. That’s because they’ll dictate the components you’ll need or want — be it super-fast processors, high-end graphics, etcetera. If possible, try to think about additional games you may play in the future. That way you’ll have a system that’s as future-proof as possible.

CPU and cooling

You’ll find that a lot of higher-end gaming computers are equipped with multiple-core processors. This is great if you plan on using the machine for additional tasks such as photo and video editing. However, if you are strictly purchasing your pre-built PC for gaming, cores aren’t the only thing to prioritize. Many gamers suggest cutting back a little and putting your resources towards improved graphics or better solid-state drives to ensure a more balanced gaming PC.

Storage

When it comes to storage, you have two major options — solid-state or hard drive. Ever since their prices have dropped, solid-state drives have understandably grown in popularity. After all, they have a faster boot time, load games quickly, and typically run quietly. Solid-state drives also tend to require less power. However, if you’re using your PC for work or activities beyond gaming, you’ll likely want to opt for a hard drive. And it’s definitely the way to go if you need archival storage for video and photos. Ideally, a mixture of both is best.

Memory

RAM is certainly another important component of your gaming PC. That’s because games can actually be taxing on memory. Therefore, 8GB of RAM is the absolute minimum you want in a pre-built gaming PC. Ideally, 16GB is the best option. This will help improve your computer’s overall performance and curb any potential bottleneck.

Graphics

There’s no denying that good graphics are essential to the gaming experience. More expensive computers typically come with higher-end cards. But don’t worry if you can’t afford a pricier model. Most pre-built gaming PCs still provide mid-range graphic cards. And if you’re a person who never changes the default settings on your computer, it shouldn’t matter too much. Plus, you can always swap out your card for a better one in the future.

Audio and communications

Many of today’s most popular games are designed with surround sound. Thankfully, the vast majority of pre-built PCs are made with on-board, multi-channel audio codecs that deliver a fully immersive experience. Of course, you may also want to consider purchasing a quality headset and microphone as well.

Accessories and external components

We understand that when it comes to purchasing gaming equipment, the computer is the star of the show. However, don’t underestimate the value of good accessories. These also have a big impact on your gaming experience. You’ll want a keyboard, mouse, headset, and other accessories that are comfortable and guaranteed to run well.

Ability to upgrade

When buying a pre-built gaming PC, your ability to upgrade is key. After all, it’s common for gamers to swap out a component or two as new games and products emerge. And it’s a whole lot cheaper to do that than purchase an entirely new computer. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a PC that allows you to access parts like the motherboard, GPU, and RAM.

Budget/price

Unless you have unlimited funds, the price tag will also play a role in your decision. If you’re looking for a decent computer with basic to mid-level specs, you can expect to pay around $699. If you are willing to spend $1,000 or so, you can certainly find a solid tower with mid-to-high level specs. And if you’re feeling flush and ready to drop $1,500 or more, you’ll be able to buy a relatively high-end system with top-notch specs like multiple GPUs and a minimum of two drives (either hard or solid-state).

Now that you know what to look out for, you’re ready to take a look our top picks. If you’re in the market for a great deal, these are the pre-built gaming computers to look out for.

Explore related content:

  • Level up: The best laptops to boost your gaming experience

  • The best gaming laptops that cost less than $1,000

  • 10 best gaming headsets for PC gaming, PS4, and Xbox One

Which dating app should you use? This guide can help you figure it out.

Online dating as the standard way to meet someone isn’t even news anymore. Nowadays, “We met on Hinge” is far more plausible than “We met at a bar.”

Still, looking for love online comes with nervousness, catfish paranoia, and doubtful looks from nosy family members. To that, we ask: Is waiting around to stumble upon your soulmate in public really more promising? We love Love Island as much as the next reality TV Trekkie, but we can’t all put our lives on hold to find a fiancé.

Consider our reasoning for Why Online Dating Is Worthwhile™: Statista predicted that the online dating audience will grow to 37.5 million in 2023, compared to 33.9 million users in 2018. A study from Stanford released in 2019 asserted that online dating is officially the most common way for U.S. couples to meet, rounding out at nearly 40 percent of couples having first met online.

This pre-pandemic prediction could be shown up if the surge of Covid-era dating app sign-ups stays afloat. Whether people decided they wanted a relationship during isolation or are just looking to get nasty again, dating apps are a great place to find a partner.

SEE ALSO:

People are more sexually adventurous right now — and more cautious

You don’t need input from a data analyst for these numbers to make sense. Technology is giving you the chance to meet thousands of nearby singles you’d never know existed otherwise, and using filters to hone in on those values, personality traits, and physical types can be done before you even meet the person IRL.

Because it’s not 2007 anymore, the need for mobile-friendly online dating isn’t just a millennial thing — people over 40 don’t have time to sit around at their home desktop, either. Dating sites that are older than most members of Gen-Z (like match and eharmony) have been forced to give serious attention to their smartphone counterparts if they don’t want to be outgrown.

However, that statistical promise still requires patience and a game plan, the game plan being choosing the dating app with features that best fit your lifestyle — and the lifestyle of the type of person you’re looking for. An app strictly for sex? An app more serious than Tinder but less serious than eharmony? An app where queer women aren’t relentlessly sexualized by creeps and pestered by unicorn hunters.

Feeling weird about dating post-Covid restrictions? Yeah, everyone is.

Despite restaurant capacities returning to normal, the idea of swiping just for the hell of it isn’t feeling so normal. The expectation for a hot vaxxed summer is more realistically represented through a collective Fear of Dating Again.


Seeing humans in real life isn’t something to take for granted.

But this invisible hump may play to the advantage of people looking for a connection past a booty call. After a year of watching budding relationships stay stagnant in the “It’s a match!” phase, time feels more valuable. The pent-up energy it takes to go on a date feels like it’d be better spent on someone you actually see potential with. Even the horniest of them all may be more closely considering the authenticity and personality of prospects — because as we all learned, seeing humans in real life isn’t something to take for granted.

FWIW, communication skills may have gotten better during the pandemic. Hashing out Covid-related issues with strangers required getting comfortable with personal boundaries and learning how to discuss anxieties with someone new. Tinder thinks the honesty will carry over when things are back to normal, and hopefully the assholes will continue to weed themselves out. And now you can even tell if someone is vaccinated based on their profile on some dating apps, so that saves you from any awkward anti-vax conversations.

Which dating apps are actually good?

Remember that not all apps are good just because they’re, well, new. Every year, a slew of trendy apps try to set themselves apart from Tinder and Bumble: In 2017, apps like Hater (which matched people based on things they disliked, like slow walkers or Donald Trump), and The League (a snooty, members-only matchmaker with a ridiculous waitlist) were expected to be game-changers. Hater has since disappeared from the App Store while The League’s reviews have gotten increasingly questionable. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason as to why such promising ideas didn’t make the cut — but whether they were too exclusive, too niche, or begging for catfish, it’s clear that there’s a very special ingredient that makes apps like Hinge pop off.

This handy guide breaks down the most popular dating apps and why people like them, plus some (actually good) up-and-coming apps that offer a more tailored experience:

Best pet deals as of Sept. 16: Halloween toys, DNA kits, and more

UPDATE: Sept. 16, 2021, 1:59 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the latest deals

Here are all the best pet deals as of Sept. 16 to help you spoil your furry family member for cheap:

  • OUR TOP PICK: Whistle Go Explore Pet GPS — Save $25.99

  • BEST DOG DNA KIT DEAL: Wisdom Panel Premium — Save $30

  • BEST TIKTOK TRENDING TOY: Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy — Save $6.62

  • BEST FOR SPOOKY SEASON: Chewy Halloween Goody Box for dogs or cats — Save up to $8.83


Got a pandemic puppy or a quarantine cat? You’re not alone. With tons of people adopting new pets over the last year and a half, folks are figuring out that pets can be expensive, and the cost of buying toys, beds, treats, and pet tech adds up quickly. To keep you from spending your entire paycheck on your four-legged friend, we’ll be compiling a list of the best pet deals weekly so you can be the best pet parent ever — even if you’re on a budget.

OUR TOP PICK: Whistle Go Explore Pet GPS — $103.96

If you ever wanted to put a FitBit on your dog, the Whistle Go Explore is the way to go. (There’s a reason why it topped our list of the best GPS collars.) It can track your pup’s activity, steps, calories burned, and sleep, and even takes note of habits like licking and scratching. It also comes with handy GPS functions that give you the peace of mind you need to know that your pup is safe and sound.

Save $25.99 at Amazon

Credit: Whistle Go

Save $25.99 at Amazon

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BEST DOG DNA KIT DEAL: Wisdom Panel Premium — $129.99

If you’re tired of just saying that your dog is a mutt, the Wisdom Panel Premium will give you the exact breakdown of your pooch’s breed — down to 1%. Wisdom Panel tests across the largest amount of dog breeds of any dog DNA test, so even if your dog is a super rare international breed, you’ll still be able to find out their lineage. (It’s also one of our top picks for the best doggie DNA tests on the market.)

The Wisdom Panel Premium kit comes with handy health testing too, and will check your dog’s vision, weight, mobility, any potential drug sensitivities, and more. It’s basically the protective pet parent’s dream.

Save $30 at Amazon

Credit: Wisdom Panel

Save $30 at Amazon

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BEST TIKTOK TRENDING TOY: Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy — $5.27

If you follow #dogtok on TikTok, you’ve probably seen Poppy, an adorable golden retriever who’s obsessed with these Lamb Chop toys. While you might not get the cute awoos that Poppy gives when she sees her favorite Lamb Chop, your dog is sure to have a blast fetching, snuggling, and squeaking this plush toy.

Save $6.62 at Chewy

Credit: Multipet

Save $6.62 at Chewy

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BEST FOR SPOOKY SEASON: Chewy Halloween Goody Box for dogs or cats — Save $8.83

If you’re a fall fanatic who went to get a pumpkin spice latte the first day they were available, bring the autumnal cheer to your pets, too. These spooky tails boxes are perfect for the Halloween loving pet parent, and come in options for both dogs and cats.

The dog box comes with two themed toys, seasonal treats, a spooky bandana, and a recipe card for homemade goodies. The cat box features most of the same goodies (just cat-specific), but has a candy-corn pop-up tent instead of a bandana, so your kitty can get into the Halloween spirit even if they’re anti-social.

Save $8.83 at Chewy

Credit: Chewy

Save $8.83 at Chewy

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More great pet deals

ChuckIt! — $4.83

If your dog loves to play fetch, a slobbery ball is pretty much inevitable. But with a ChuckIt!, you’ll never have to touch a gross ball with your hands again. It also helps you throw the ball faster and further, so your pooch can run at top speed and wear themselves out. Like they say, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.

Save $8.28 at Amazon

Credit: Chuckit!

Save $8.28 at Amazon

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Get a free YETI dog bowl with a six or 12 month subscription to BArkBox or Super Chewer

If you’re a crazy pet parent who hasn’t yet jumped on the BarkBox bandwagon, now is the perfect time to sign up. When you subscribe for six or 12 months, you’ll get a free Yeti dog bowl — a $40 value.

During sign up, you’ll be able to select your dog’s size and note any potential food allergies they might have. If your pooch is a toy-destroyer, opt for a SuperChewer subscription full of extra-tough toys.

Get a free Yeti dog bowl at BarkBox and Super Chewer

Credit: Barkbox

Get a free Yeti dog bowl at BarkBox and Super Chewer

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PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Dog and Cat Feeder — $89.95

If your pet is known for horking down their food, this PetSafe pet feeder can help. With a slow feed option that dispenses food over 15 minutes, which will help digestion. It’s great for cats and dogs, can schedule up to 12 meals per day, and can dispense up to four cups of food at a time — so you can schedule feedings for big dogs, too.

Save $30.04 at Amazon

Credit: PetSafe

Save $30.04 at Amazon

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Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy — $179

Another way to monitor your pet while you’re away from home, this Petcube camera comes with built-in Alexa and a fun laser toy (cat owners, rejoice). Control the laser toy remotely with your phone, or set it to auto-play mode to give your pet some activity while you’re busy at work. You’ll also be able to chat with your dog or cat thanks to two-way audio, and get sound and motion alerts so you’ll know immediately if something is amiss.

Save $20 at Amazon

Credit: Petcube

Save $20 at Amazon

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WOpet Smart Pet Camera — $93.99

With return to office looming for many workers, keeping an eye on your pet while you’re not home is more of a concern than ever. This WOpet smart camera allows you to see your pet while you’re away from home, talk to them, and even toss them treats to keep them entertained. It’s basically the best tool for combatting separation anxiety.

Save $60 at Amazon

Credit: WoPet

Save $60 at Amazon

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Explore related content:

  • 5 of the best automatic dog feeders to keep your BFF fed on time

  • The best automatic cat feeders to keep your pet fed while you’re away

  • 6 of the best dog beds to help your pup rest easy

Petcube Bites 2 Lite is a budget-friendly treat tosser that keeps an eye on your pet

My kitten Sansa is with me nearly 24/7. The Petcube Bites 2 Lite has helped ease me into leaving her at home alone.

Treat-flinging pet cameras have an obvious appeal on the human side of things. It’s a way to keep an eye on our pets — and potentially keep them company — when we have to leave them home alone.

But there’s another deciding factor regarding whether your home could benefit from a fancy interactive pet camera: Will your pet give a shit about it?

Mid-pandemic is a great time to figure that out. After a year (or two? IDK what time is) of avoiding public outings, pets who had the privilege of having their parents home 24/7 will expectedly be confused when things change. The popular “On this episode of ‘I raised a kitten in quarantine and now I have a cat with separation anxiety” sound on TikTok makes it clear that tons of folks are now figuring out how to comfort a lonely pet.

Between working from home permanently and avoiding plans like a true Taurus, my kitten Sansa has never experienced regularly being home alone. Even as she goes from a pitiful, wobbly little baby to an independent six-month-old baddie, as a very attached first-time pet parent, I still can’t bear the thought of leaving her by herself.

For times when it’s not worthwhile to have someone from Rover drop by, I wanted a more reciprocal and higher-quality camera than the cheap one I had been using. The Petcube Bites 2 Lite felt like a natural upgrade. I tested it both at my own apartment with Sansa and at my parents’ house with two older cats who are used to keeping themselves busy.

SEE ALSO:

Furbo Dog Camera review: The best way to keep an eye on your dog from work

The Lite version of the Petcube has most of the same functionality as the regular Petcube Bites 2, minus the laser. It’s also made out of plastic rather than aluminum. But the Lite 2 goes for over $100 less than the Bites 2 and around $80 less than the Petcube Play, which ditches treats for a laser.

Setting up the Petcube

The Petcube can be positioned wherever your pet is likely to hang out, like near their food or their favorite couch. There needs to be an outlet nearby, but the cord is pretty long. The rectangular device is just under 11 inches tall and very slim, and overall compact. It can sit on essentially any flat surface or be mounted on a wall.

The plastic exterior didn’t make the Lite Petcube look any less modern. In fact, its subtle color scheme and minimalist build feel exceedingly sophisticated compared to the Furbo’s curvy shape.

Syncing the Petcube to your phone consists of scanning a QR code and connecting to your home’s WiFi. This took less than five minutes.

I tried the Petcube on my kitchen counter as well as my TV stand.

I tried the Petcube on my kitchen counter as well as my TV stand.
Credit: leah stodart/mashable

Setup is broken down through simple instructions on the app, with a blinking light that changes colors to show whether the device is in setup mode, having trouble connecting to the internet, etc. Be sure to allow push notifications to take advantage of the motion sensor.

Getting used to the Petcube

*Most* pets love to hear our voices. They definitely love to get treats. But whether they’d recognize and resonate with that voice or that treat coming through an inanimate box is another story.

I think it’s natural for pets to be like “WTF” for the first few days with the Petcube. But of the Lite 2’s two interactive features, the two-way microphone and the treat dispenser, they seemed to loosen up to the latter much faster.

My parents’ cat’s reaction to hearing my voice through the speaker (though I was just at the opposite end of the house) was… staring. I tried to not get too disappointed when they didn’t pop up when I called to them while we were all actually away. I still appreciated the potential to comfort them with the baby voice that they definitely don’t hate. Dogs, who are probably dying to hear you, may be more psyched.

The cats were more startled when the treat dispenser was gearing up, which I’ll agree, is jarring even if you know it’s coming. It’s a printer jam-like clatter that does not sound like a device that’s working (rest assured, it is). During my testing, I let the device run on a recurring schedule while I was sitting at home. I jumped every day when it suddenly started whirring. Skittish pets may not get used to it, but chill pets could quickly associate the sound with snack time. (We love a literal Pavlov’s Dog situation.) Multiple Amazon reviewers mention that their cats and dogs wait diligently by the Petcube.

Remote treat time feels kind of crucial now

The treat dispenser can be customized to the treat routine that your pet is used to. Just pop off the lid, fill the canister, and use the app to set how often and how many to toss. This is handy for animals who are left alone during the same times every day. But manual treat tossing is amusing on both ends, and a way to improvise during random popouts. Flipping the camera to full screen brings up the option to swipe up on a little AR bone, mimicking the tossing of treats.

The 160-degree camera is wide enough to capture Sansa's cat tree on one end of the room and food in another.

The 160-degree camera is wide enough to capture Sansa’s cat tree on one end of the room and food in another.
Credit: leah stodart/mashable

Ideally, if your pet is in the room, you’re able to watch them munch in real-time. I only got to experience this once, but it was weirdly calming to watch Sansa enjoy a bit of action during an otherwise lonely day. Multiple times during at-home testing, she heard the treat dispenser and ran out from wherever to hunt them down.

But it doesn’t really matter if your pet is watching. If they are, fun! Snatching a treat from the air or chasing it across the floor could be a fun stimulation substitute before going back to waiting for you to come home. If they aren’t in the room, it’s still nice to know that a little surprise is waiting for them when they wander out.

If your pet knows when it’s time to snack, a treat schedule could help to keep that comforting structure intact amidst a hectic schedule. Some reviewers said that the Petcube has helped them keep up a reward system with their pets, who responded to an audible “No!” when caught being naughty on camera.

I use standard treats from Temptations and Blue Buffalo, but the device can handle smaller or larger ones by inserting one of the extra limiter pieces. The app should also let you know when to refill the treats, though mine was stuck on saying “no treats” when there were definitely some left.

Treat flinging is occasionally chaotic, plus no laser (but we knew that)

Petcube had to ditch the laser to make the device “lite” and more affordable. Judge it on the features that you paid for. If your main goal in buying a pet camera is to play while you’re away, definitely upgrade to a non-Lite model with a laser that you can direct with your finger.

Given that the treat tosser is the Bites 2 Lite’s main selling point, I felt like it should have been more consistent. Despite toggling two treats per hour and “close” as the distance on the app, my Lite often hurls like seven treats 15 feet across the room. I suppose it’s actually a bonus if your pet is super alert and likes to jump and chase. Plus, it was funny.

But the treat tosser going haywire is less funny when they’re flung so far out of normal treat range — past where your pet knows to look for treats — that they just end up under the couch.

Playback of your pet’s shenanigans throughout the day requires a $5.99/month subscription to Petcube Cares. It’s annoying that the Petcube is only a true 24/7 monitor if you pay extra, but a yearly subscription is less than the difference between the price of Petcube’s other cameras. I’m considering it to see how the hell Sansa always manages to drop little presents outside of her litter box.

Is the Petcube Bites 2 Lite worth it?

If you have a pet who lives for treat time, I don’t see a reason to not try the Lite Petcube. The less-than-$100 investment could give you both some peace of mind when you leave.

The Petcube Bites 2 Lite is also more fun, more involved upgrade from a dinky, bare-bones security camera you may be using to watch from afar. The wide-angle 1080p HD camera and night vision allow you to monitor the room in impressive clarity, the two-way microphone is helpful (if your pet hears it), and the treat dispenser gives your pet something to look forward to while they’re bored. Skip it if you know that your pet would definitely be into a laser, but try it if you want to dabble with a pet camera without spending a lot.

Next idea: A pet camera that can remotely toss crinkle balls.

SpaceX has launched the world’s first all-civilian spaceflight

SpaceX's Inspiration4 is the world's first all-civilian space mission.

SpaceX launched the world’s first all-civilian spaceflight on Wednesday night, taunting everyone else with the illusory hope of one day escaping this planet — if only temporarily.

Launched at 8:02 p.m. from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Inspiration4 mission was propelled by SpaceX’s partially reusable Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket and utilized the autonomous Crew Dragon Resilience. Though the Crew Dragon spacecraft is actually capable of carrying up to seven people, only four climbed aboard this expensive joyride to space.

Most importantly, all of them are civilians, making the Inspiration4 the first spaceflight not to include any professional astronauts.

The crew aboard the Inspiration4 mission consists of Shift4 Payments founder and CEO Jared Isaacman, physician assistant Hayley Arceneaux, aerospace data engineer Chris Sembroski, and geoscientist Dr. Sian Proctor. Isaacman is acting as commander of the mission, which basically puts him in charge of making sure no one presses any buttons they shouldn’t.

This isn’t the first time civilians have been shot into space, but it is the first time they’ve reached orbit. While Virgin Group billionaire Sir Richard Branson and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos famously boarded private rockets earlier this year, the Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin space flights were suborbital and only scraped the edge of space for a few scant minutes.

In contrast, the Inspiration4’s crew are expected to remain in orbit at an altitude of 360 miles for three days, circumnavigating the globe once every 90 minutes. The amateur astronauts will also have a spectacular view while they’re up there. As the Crew Dragon won’t need to connect to any space stations, the docking port at its nose has been replaced with a domed window for this mission.

Once the space ride is over the Inspiration4’s crew will hurtle back to Earth and splash down somewhere off Florida’s coast.

The Inspiration4's launch fortunately went smoothly.

The Inspiration4’s launch fortunately went smoothly.
Credit: spacex

SEE ALSO:

First all-civilian space mission selects its final crew members

The overall cost of this offworld tourist trip hasn’t been revealed, but mission bankroller Isaacman previously stated it was under $200 million. Inspiration4 also aims to raise $200 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, though asking the public to donate to sick children in order to justify a billionaire’s space holiday is still weird. In addition to soliciting donations, the fundraising effort includes selling NFTs. Because of course it does.

DeepTok is taking over TikTok with berries and cream videos

TikTok’s obsession with berries and cream shows that DeepTok isn’t actually that far from mainstream TikTok.

The tag #berriesandcream has roughly 327 million views on TikTok as of Wednesday, and #berriesandcreamtok has 1.6 million. Over 132,7000 videos use one iteration of the sound, pulled from a 2007 Starburst commercial, and 27,500 videos use another upload of the sound from a different clip of the commercial.

In one berries and cream TikTok, creator howe_about_no pokes fun at her haircut, comparing it to that of the Little Lad. In another video, taylor_.the_.creator does the “Little Lad Dance” to the beat of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP.”

Choreographer and director Jack Ferver, who played the character known as the Little Lad, is now a TikTok celebrity for their portrayal of the perma-adolescent berries and cream enthusiast. Blunt bangs and frilly collared shirts, like the look worn by the Little Lad, are now considered berries and cream-core. Delighted users are further spreading the trend by imitating the Little Lad’s clapping dance to pop songs that have been remixed with the Little Lad’s song about berries and cream.

"WAP" remixed with berries and cream is the stuff of fever dreams.

“WAP” remixed with berries and cream is the stuff of fever dreams.
Credit: tiktok / taylor_.The_.creator

Blunt bangs? It's berries and cream-core now.

Blunt bangs? It’s berries and cream-core now.
Credit: Tiktok / howe_about_no

The trend is derived from a series of Starburst commercials that aired in 2007, which feature a character called “The Little Lad” who adores berries and cream. In one commercial, The Little Lad explains that when he was younger, his mother made him do the “Little Lad Dance” if he wanted berries and cream. His mother is gone now, he tells the viewer, and abruptly demonstrates how to hop and clap in place while singing about berries and cream. In another ad, The Little Lad overhears two bystanders discussing the Starburst’s new berries and cream flavor, and launches into his ecstatic dance in front of the nonplussed strangers.

The commercial was fodder for viral videos when it initially aired. Remixed versions of the song were popular during YouTube’s early days, as well as skits parodying the commercial.

The commercial made its way back to TikTok in January, when podcaster Justin McElroy posted an excerpt with the caption “Please make great art with this sound, it’s what we all need.”

It didn’t immediately catch on like he hoped. The commercial seemed to exist in a limbo of bizarre aughts humor that few remembered. In response to McElroy’s March tweet about the sound, one person described the commercial as “some weird fever dream.”

Another responded, “You can’t force a sound to be popular…all you can hope is that it’ll catch on in about 8 months.”

And it did. Searches for “berries and cream” skyrocketed in late August, according to Google Trends data. The sound, which TikTok users described as only existing in “DeepTok,” is now all over the app.

Though it failed to pick up on mainstream TikTok for months, the sound would occasionally rear its head on DeepTok. DeepTok describes the nonsensical videos that don’t necessarily align with any online trends, but do appeal to very online humor.

The phrase “Straight TikTok” is often used to disparage the mainstream dance trends, beauty videos, and heteronormative content that rule the app. DeepTok content that uses surreal visuals, alternative aesthetics, and absurdist humor is also described as “AltTok,” “Gay TikTok,” or “Elite TikTok.” Being on DeepTok is like being in on a massive inside joke — if you’re on DeepTok, you’re in the club.

Outside the fray of conventional TikTok trends ruled by popular creators like Addison Rae and members of the infamous creator collective The Hype House, DeepTok content is believed to be more authentic because it isn’t considered mainstream.

The Little Lad’s singsong chant about berries and cream may have taken a while to gain popularity, but it’s far from a DeepTok secret. TikTok users joked that they had to be especially disturbed to see so many remixed berries and cream sounds on their For You Pages. However, the sound has been remixed into so many songs, it’s not particularly niche.

Popular remixes include Flo-Rida’s “Low” and the theme song from The Nightmare Before Christmas. An already viral clip of Miley Cyrus performing “Twinkle Song,” in which she belts “What does it mean? What does it mean?” was also remixed with The Little Lad singing about berries and cream. The account misc_mashups, which has 20,500 followers and nearly a million collective likes, has posted 15 remixes of berries and cream.

The trend’s popularity inspired Ferver themself to join TikTok, in character as The Little Lad.

@thereallittlelad

Hello TikTok! ##berriesandcream ##littlelad

♬ original sound – The Little Lad

DeepTok trends like berries and cream are gaining traction as traditional influencers fall out of favor. Dance trends, which used to be TikTok’s bread and butter, are declining. The majority of popular dances have been choreographed by Black creators, but after years of not receiving credit for their routines, many went on “strike” this summer to protest the lack of recognition. Influencers who gained popularity by performing dance routines on TikTok are moving away from that content — Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae have pivoted to lifestyle vlogging.


Lifestyle influencers are also falling out of favor, and their once-aspirational content has been soured by their privileged behavior during the pandemic

But lifestyle influencers are also falling out of favor, and their once-aspirational content has been soured by their privileged behavior during the pandemic. An Insider poll found that all but one beauty YouTuber had a favorable public rating. The YouTuber, known as MannyMUA, has been distancing himself from the drama that once fueled the beauty community in favor of social activism content. Family vlogging, a wildly lucrative genre of lifestyle content, is being called out as exploitative as viewers express concern about the wellbeing of children featured in these videos.

Though Straight TikTok is still flourishing, it doesn’t birth trends the way it once did. Lifestyle content and choreographed dance trends are far from unpopular — plenty of creators are still successful in making traditional content. But fatigued by the last year of social distancing, and fed up with sponsored content, public demand for conventional lifestyle content is waning.

The content that comes out of DeepTok, however, can easily be imitated and passed around online. Dance trends were so popular because any user could replicate them. Trends like berries and cream are similarly imitated, adapted, and shared. The DeepTok content that was considered niche on TikTok last year is starting to take over the dances, family vlogs, and lifestyle videos that used to populate Straight TikTok.

Get used to DeepTok content. Virality is cyclical, and as TikTok evolves, so does the content that makes it popular.