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This egg cooker with over 8,600 5-star Amazon reviews is an extended Prime Day deal — here's why it's more than just a gimmick

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Dash

The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker is still on sale even though Prime Day 2019 has ended. If you've heard the hype surrounding this plucky little appliance and wondered whether reviewers had cracked, you can find out for yourself with this $15 deal that still happens to be going on.

Extended Prime Day 2019 deal on the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker:

<a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDXWFY0?creativeASIN=B00DDXWFY0&imprToken=EZ5jK14w3wS7MgwtwsUCLA&slotNum=4&tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" data-analytics-product="" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-primeday-button" data-analytics-product-price="1" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large">Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99 (was $18.96)</a>

For the uninitiated, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker is a small kitchen appliance that is dedicated to one thing and one thing only: making eggs. The unit can make all types of eggs *read in my best Bubba from Forrest Gump voice*: hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, omelets, soft-boiled eggs, and more.

If you most identify with the frustrated characters from the black-and-white portions of infomercials, the Rapid Egg Cooker is the better way to make eggs. It's also useful if you like to cook eggs but don't have a range. For example, it's ideal for campers and RVs, small apartments with tiny kitchens, and as a gift for students heading off to live in the dorms.

The Rapid Egg Cooker fits up to six eggs at a time, and it only weighs one pound. The cooker comes with a measuring cup, poaching tray, boiling tray, and omelet bowl. Dash also includes a recipe book so you can make a variety of egg-centric meals, such as deviled eggs, eggs Benedict, and egg salad. Dash backs the cooker with a one-year warranty.

Amazon buyers are obsessed with this little gadget. There are currently more than 8,600 5-star Amazon customer reviews of the Rapid Egg Cooker. The word "perfect" is thrown around quite a bit by commenters describing their egg creations. The biggest complaint appears to be the blood-curdling sound that alerts you that your eggs are ready. Other than that, it appears to be "egg-ceptional." 

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99 (originally $18.79)[You save $3.80]

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I tried the Theragun Liv body massager to see if it's actually worth $299 — here's how it performed and who it's best for

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Theragun massager

  • I recently had a chance to review the Theragun Liv body massager. It's pricey at $299, but I wanted to see if it was genuinely worth the money. 
  • I must stress that this massager is intense! I would not suggest it for someone making their foray into at-home, electronic massagers, unless that person is an athlete, exercises very regularly and vigorously, or experiences extreme muscle pain.
  • That said, for me personally, the Liv feels amazing — it makes me feel like I'm floating and has improved my posture.

I woke up with a knot in my neck the other morning and figured it would be a perfect time to try the new Theragun Liv body massager, only to find that I had to download an app to get started. Fortunately, doing so was quick and easy — just a minor delay before I'd test out what from the video footage I'd seen of the Theragun appeared to be the scariest, most intense electronic massager ever invented.

It will be hard for me to describe how good I felt after just two minutes of using the Liv on my neck and shoulders.

I felt like my upper body was floating. I also felt like I could close my eyes right then and sleep like a baby. One quick use and I'd already started effortlessly walking around with better posture.

That being said, the Theragun Liv massager is just about as an intense of an instrument as I'd expected. To fully do this intensity justice, I have to first describe how it's built.

Theragun massager 2

The Liv is comprises a three-sided, easy-to-grip handle, a charging port, and an extension with two interchangeable attachments. One of the attachments is a larger ball, for more diffuse relief, while the other is small, for targeted pain points and sore muscles. To switch between the two, you just pull one off and pop the other right on.

When you're ready to use the Liv, you press and hold a power button on the handle, at which point the extension with the attachment starts pulsing rapidly. The sound is almost that of a lawn mower. After I first turned it on with my partner in the room (while he was working), he gave me a withering look and put on his earbuds.

The sound is an adequate warning for the feel. The extension part of the Liv moves back and forth fast, so if you're not careful, it will pummel your body. This is why the Liv comes with an app that includes detailed directions for proper use. 

One of the most important directions is to "float" the Liv over your sore muscles. By float, the app means don't apply a lot of pressure when you're using the massager — gently touch it to your body and move the Liv back and forth along the surface. Pressing the vibrating Liv too deep into your body will probably leave bruises (which I've been careful to avoid).

Read more: This $50 heated massager is the perfect antidote to carrying around a heavy backpack — it relieves my shoulder and back tension

Theragun massager 3

The Theragun app also includes instructions for a variety of body parts, medical issues, and occasions. For instance, there's method for helping you go to sleep, for getting over jet leg, and for helping you wake up in the morning. There are also movements to help relieve plantar faciitis, carpal tunnel, and "tech neck." Or you can take the app's suggestions for how to use the Liv on your lower back, feet, or glutes. Most of these instructions incorporate stretching, which the Theragun app reminds users should be a "non-negotiable part of your daily life."

As someone who spends a lot of time staring at a computer screen, I started out with the "tech neck" exercise. This was the move that made me feel like I was floating, and immediately helped straighten up my posture. Next, I tested out the carpal tunnel instructions. I've been working long hours lately on a typing-intensive project, and running the Liv gently over the muscles in my forearm, and then lightly around my wrists, worked much better on my stiff hands than my normal relief method: shaking them out with limp wrists.

I also gave the pre- and post-workout exercise a try. Stimulating my leg and back muscles with the Liv before my regular run loosened me up right away and made getting my routine started so much smoother. I could feel the lack of stiffness in my legs well before making it through the first block, which is how long I usually have to jog before my muscles begin to loosen up.

Read more: The best foot massagers you can buy

Theragun massager 4

One of the major upsides and downsides of the Theragun Liv massager is that it's handheld. This is great for targeted movements and precision ... when you're using your dominant hand. When you're not, it's harder to keep the Liv close to your body, which creates a jarring rattling sensation instead of the smooth buzz that's easy to achieve when you're applying the massager with the hand you use to write.

As I've already stressed, the Liv is genuinely intense. I would not suggest this for someone making their foray into at-home, electronic massagers, unless that person is an athlete, exercises very regularly and vigorously, or experiences extreme muscle pain. If you accidentally hit a bone or a very sensitive spot with the Liv, it's not going to feel good, and if you get carried away and use it for too long in the same spot, you won't be doing your body a favor.

The Liv is also not cheap. However, at $299, it's the cheapest (and least hardcore) of Theragun's three handheld massagers (the G3 goes for $399, and the G3PRO goes for $599). Plus, it has a one-year warranty, so if you use it regularly — even semi-regularly — for a year, you'll get your money's worth.

Buy the Theragun Liv Percussive Massager Muscle Stimulator for $299 on Amazon

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A massive California ranch that may be the biggest piece of land for sale in the state is on the market for $72 million — here's a look inside

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Cali Ranch

If you have $72 million, you can now own what's believed to be the largest piece of land for sale in California.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the 50,500-acre ranch is larger than the city of San Francisco.

The N3 Cattle Company ranch stretches across four counties: Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County.

Read more:The Martha's Vineyard estate that Jackie Kennedy bought for $1 million in 1979 just hit the market for $65 million — here's a look inside the property

The property has been a working ranch for 85 years and is currently owned by fourth-generation ranchers, according to the listing. It includes 80 square miles of watersheds, creeks, diverse terrains, and wildlife, along with 200 miles of private roads.

There are hunting cabins scattered throughout the property along with a four-bedroom main house and four cabins for employees.

Keep reading for an inside look at the ranch.

SEE ALSO: An LA estate that was featured in 'The Beverly Hillbillies' and was once the most expensive home for sale in the US just got a $50 million price cut — take a look at the mansion

DON'T MISS: A $34 million San Francisco mansion billed as a 'wellness home' has a sauna, yoga studio, and filtration system that changes all the air in the house every 2 hours. Take a look inside.

The N3 Cattle Company ranch is located in Livermore, California, east of Oakland and San Jose.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



It is the largest piece of land for sale in California, according to the listing.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



It spans 50,500 acres and stretches across four counties: Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



According to The Wall Street Journal, the property is larger than the city of San Francisco.

Source: The Wall Street Journal



It has been a working ranch for 85 years ...

Source: California Outdoor Properties



... and is currently owned by fourth-generation ranchers.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



The property includes 80 square miles of watersheds, creeks, diverse terrains, and wildlife.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



It also includes 200 miles of private roads.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



Along with hunting cabins, the property comes with a four-bedroom main house ...

Source: California Outdoor Properties



... as well as four additional cabins for employees.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



There is also a horse barn, hay barn, two shops, and sheds on the property, according to the listing.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



The ranch has five corrals ...

Source: California Outdoor Properties



... and can house up to 650 cow and calf pairs year-round, 1,500 cow and calf pairs seasonally, or 3,200 stockers seasonally.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



The property is currently on the market for $72 million.

Source: California Outdoor Properties



JFK's famous 'we choose to go to the moon' speech will make you believe you can do anything

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published on August 23, 2016.

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Bill Gates just lost his ranking as the world's 2nd-richest person

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bill gates

Bill Gates has been ousted from his long-held spot as the world's second-richest person, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, whose shares surged on Tuesday, is now more than $200 million richer than Gates, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. It's the first time in the index's seven-year history that Gates has ranked below No. 2, Bloomberg reported.

Arnault now has a net worth of $108 billion, compared with Gates' $107 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Forbes was more conservative in its estimate of the French billionaire's fortune, ranking him behind both Gates and Warren Buffett with a net worth of $103 billion.

Read more:Bernard Arnault just keeps getting richer. French billionaires have made more money this year than their counterparts in any other country, and they partially have China to thank.

According to Bloomberg, Arnault's fortune stems from his 97.4% stake in Christian Dior, which also owns 41% of LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Fendi, and Celine.

Gates, who made his fortune cofounding Microsoft, still owns about 1.3% of the software maker, Bloomberg reported.

Business Insider previously reported that Arnault's net worth has had a meteoric rise as the luxury-goods sector booms amid increased demand in China. Other French billionaires, including Kering's Francois-Henri Pinault and L'Oréal's Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, have benefited as well, but none as much as Arnault.

In March, Arnault overtook Buffett as the world's third-richest person, Business Insider reported. And in June, Arnault became the third-ever centibillionaire, with a personal fortune over $100 billion.

SEE ALSO: Bernard Arnault just overtook Bill Gates as the 2nd-richest person in the world. Here's how the French billionaire makes and spends his fortune

DON'T MISS: The AOC adviser behind the 'Every billionaire is a policy failure' slogan says there's a critical issue with depending on the richest people to fix the world's biggest problems

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This is the shortest route for a road trip across the US to see 50 national landmarks

How to get free stuff on Amazon even without an Amazon Prime membership

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FILE PHOTO: Amazon boxes are seen stacked for delivery in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 29, 2016.    REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

Amazon has always aspired to be the world's largest retailer, even back when the site's very first slogan was "Earth's Biggest Bookstore." And hand-in-hand with the site's growth as a store has been its apparent generosity at giving away free stuff to keep customers happy.

Sure, some programs have disappeared — there used to be a way to get free sample-size products included with your shipments, for example — and the company's flagship Amazon Prime program has steadily increased in cost, making some people question if it's still worthwhile.

Read more:How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership

Still, perhaps the single best reason to subscribe to Amazon Prime is its free shipping, as Amazon offers free two-day shipping on all in-stock Amazon Prime products within the US.

But if you're looking for ways to make your dollar go further and get free stuff from the biggest store on earth, and in particular without making the plunge into an Amazon Prime membership, there are still a lot of options.

Check out the products mentioned in this article: 

Amazon Prime membership (From $12.99/month)

Kindle Paperwhite (From $129.99 at Amazon)

SEE ALSO: 17 cool things Business Insider readers are buying on Amazon right now — some of which really surprised us

Download Kindle books and magazines

Amazon makes thousands of its Kindle books available for free to everyone (even non-Prime members).

If you happen to be an Amazon Prime member, you get to download one free Kindle book per month in the Amazon First Reads program. And that's not all: You can "borrow" up to 10 titles at a time — which includes both books and magazines — with Amazon Prime Reading.

But even if you're not a Prime member, just go to the Kindle store, search for "free," and then use the genre browsing tools on the left side of the page to sort for free books you might like.



Win free stuff in an Amazon Giveaway

While most of the free stuff you can get on Amazon requires you to invest $119 in an annual Amazon Prime subscription, there's a way to potentially win free merchandise on Amazon without spending a penny.

One of Amazon's best-kept secrets, Amazon runs thousands of giveaways every week on the Amazon Giveaway page. You can potentially win instantly with just a click (and you may need to watch a promotional video), but even if you don't win, simply entering the giveaway often guarantees you a discount that can range as high as 40% off the retail price.



Download free music

There's so much free and nearly free music online these days (Spotify has a free ad-supported player, for example) that it hardly seems worth mentioning, but if you're a music lover, you shouldn't pass up the free tracks on tap at Amazon.

If you're a Prime subscriber, you get access to Amazon Music Prime, and that includes 2 million tracks (the more comprehensive Amazon Music Unlimited has 50 million tracks for an additional cost). But regardless of whether you are a Prime member, you can download and listen to thousands of free songs at Amazon Music.



Get $5 for signing up for Amazon Cash

This promotion might not last forever — in fact, it's already down from a $109 bonus offered a few months ago — but you can get a $5 Amazon credit when you sign up for Amazon Cash and charge the account with $20. Amazon Cash is a program that lets you add money to your Amazon balance by buying Amazon gift cards at a large number of retail locations around the country. It's aimed at customers who don't want to use a credit card or debit card online.



Review free products as an Amazon Vine reviewer

If you've never heard of Amazon Vine, don't worry — most people haven't. But if you like to write product reviews on Amazon, you should be aware of Vine, which awards free products to members in exchange for honest and accurate reviews.

Unfortunately, Amazon Vine is by invitation only — you can't even apply for consideration. But Amazon keeps an eye on prolific reviewers, and sometimes reaches out to offer them an opportunity to join the Vine program.  You can read about the Amazon Vine program and learn ways to improve your reputation as a reviewer on Amazon.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:



Viral app that makes you look old with shocking precision may be quietly keeping all your data

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FaceApp

  • FaceApp is surging in popularity thanks to a filter that makes people look older.
  • While FaceApp's age filter has led to plenty of fun online, some users are concerned about what happens to their photos once they're uploaded to the Russian app.
  • FaceApp's terms of service allow them to use your photos and likeness for advertisements and other purposes, but it's not exactly clear what those other purposes are.
  • As with all apps, users should be careful about sharing their photos and personal information online.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

FaceApp is the most popular free app on Google Play and Apple's App Store thanks to an age filter that makes people in photos look much older. But while countless photos of aged celebrities and casual FaceApp users have been shared online in the past week, there are mounting concerns with how FaceApp handles user data.

FaceApp first became popular in 2017; the app uses artificial intelligence to alter people's faces with a variety of filters. Photos added to FaceApp are uploaded to a server for processing before being sent back to the user.

Understanding FaceApp's policy on paper

FaceApp's terms of service give the company license to use photos and other information uploaded by users for commercial purposes, including their names, likenesses, and voices. The terms of service also say that FaceApp may continue to store user data after it's deleted from the app. The company said the data could be retained to comply with "certain legal obligations," but there is no limitation on how long the data can be kept.

Read more:This viral photo app that makes you look old has been all over everyone's social media feeds. Here's how to use it.

Furthermore, FaceApp's privacy policy says that all information collected by the app can be stored and transferred to whichever countries FaceApp and its affiliates operate from. This means user photos and app data can be stored in Russia, the country where the app's development team is based. TechCrunch reported that FaceApp is using servers owned by Google and Amazon in the US.

FaceApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

FaceApp issued a statement to address privacy concerns

FaceApp provided TechCrunch with an itemized statement to clarify its policy amid the privacy concerns. Though the terms of service suggest that data can still be transferred to the Russian development team, the company says user data remains on the server side. FaceApp says photos stored on the server are kept to make the editing process more efficient for its users and that the photos are usually deleted within two days.

The company said it also accepted user requests to remove all personal data from their servers. However, FaceApp said the support team was backlogged with those requests. FaceApp also says 99% of users choose not to log in, so they don't have much in the way of identifying information.

Russian tech companies face increased skepticism

Last year, the former special counsel Robert Mueller's office charged more than a dozen Russian citizens with crimes related to a vast social-media campaign meant to influence the 2016 presidential election. The St. Petersburg, Russia-based Internet Research Agency used false identities on Facebook, Twitter, and other social-media platforms to spread fake news and propaganda.

While the actions of some bad actors in Russia should not condemn every Russian-based company, some FaceApp users and critics are reasonably concerned that their names and photos uploaded to FaceApp could end up being misused or leaked to the wrong company. FaceApp's statement said they wouldn't sell data to third-party companies and that data was not being transferred to Russia. 

 

There are some additional security concerns with the iOS version of FaceApp because of the way iPhones handle photo security. While users can block FaceApp and other apps from viewing their full photo libraries through the iPhone's settings, TechCrunch reported on a loophole in iOS 11 that gives apps permission to access one photo at a time if the user grants permission.

So far, security experts have not detected any unusual practices with the current version of FaceApp, but as with all apps, users should be mindful of their lack of control when sharing photos and other personal data.

SEE ALSO: This viral photo app that makes you look old has been all over everyone's social media feeds. Here's how to use it.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The incredible story behind Slack, the app that's taken over offices everywhere

The 16 best Prime Day deals you can still get your hands on even though the 48-hour sale event ended last night

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crest whitestrips deal amazon prime day 2x1

  • Prime Day 2019 officially ended last night, but not all of its deals did.
  • Some of the event's best deals are still available, though they're harder to find.
  • We've collected some of the very best Amazon Prime Day deals you can still shop below, as well as a few of the best deals still being offered by competing retailer sales

Prime Day 2019 wrapped up last night after a 48-hour extravaganza that slashed prices on everything from beauty and skin-care to expensive tech— now most of the competing sales it fanned can slowly die down to embers.

But, while Prime Day 2019 is over, not all of its deals are — they just got harder to find. You can no longer search the site looking for Prime Day discounts, so you'd have to know what you're looking for or get lucky stumbling upon something great.

Below, we've done the legwork for you and found the 16 best deals still available on Amazon, as well as a few competing offers from stores like eBay and Walmart that are worth your notice.

The 16 best Prime Day deals that are still available now:

Echo Dot (3rd Gen)

Echo Dot (3rd Gen), $24.99 (originally $49.99) [You save $25]

Amazon's most popular smart speaker is still on sale for $24.99. Though small, it's an excellent introduction to the world of smart home devices and is just as powerful as the full-sized Echo speaker, with tens of thousands of Alexa skills to help make everyday life easier.



Crest 3D Whitestrips

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, $32.48 (originally $68) [You save $35.52, $23.52 plus an extra $12 at checkout]

Crest Whitestrips were one of the most popular deals of Prime Day 2019, and you can still get them for more than $35 off their typical price. In our guide to the best teeth-whitening kits, the Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips came out on top as the best teeth-whitening strips. 

One hour with them on will remove teeth stains and reveal a whiter smile, and you'll still be able to talk and drink water while wearing them. It's far more affordable than a professional treatment, but you should still consult with your dentist before using the strips.



Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 GPS, 38 mm, $199 (originally $279) [You save $80]

Prime Day drove plenty of competing sales this year and some of those retailers are still offering sale prices, like Walmart's quiet discount of $80 off an Apple Watch. Use it to track workouts and daily activity, stay connected on the go, and play your go-to playlists. 



Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo 3-Quart, $50.99 (originally $79.95) [You save $28.96]

Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart, $49.99 (originally $99.95) [You save $49.96]

Instant Pot Duo 8-Quart, $99.99 (originally $139.95) [You save $39.96]

The Instant Pot can do more things — and make more food — than you would believe possible in such a small space. Depending on the model you get, you can feed families of six or more in one low-maintenance go, and it can replace 10 common kitchen appliances with one: It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté pan, steamer, warmer, and sterilizer.

The Duo is still on sale, as well as the more advanced Ultra, which has 21 pre-set temperatures (compared to the Duo's 12) and more built-in programs as well as a few other upgrades. 

 



Philips Hue Starter Kit

Philips Hue 2-Pack Starter Kit, $73.49 (originally $149.99) [You save $76.50]

We've ranked Philips Hue as the maker of the best smart light bulbs and the best smart light strips you can buy, so we're never surprised by how many people take advantage of the brand's once-in-a-blue-moon discounts like Prime Day.

The smart bulbs work with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant as well as through the app, and owners can shift between as many as 16 million colors and shades of light for the exactly right ambiance. This set includes two smart bulbs and a hub that connects them (and any future smart bulbs you buy). Bulbs are cheaper to replace, and Hue estimates them lasting 25,000 hours or 23 years with normal use.



Fire TV Stick with Amazon Voice Control

Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, $34.99 (originally $39.99) [You save $5]

Amazon's Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote is an easy-to-use and affordable streaming stick that essentially turns any regular TV into a smart TV. You can use it to control your TV, soundbar, and receiver.



Apple AirPods with Charging Case

Apple AirPods with Charging Case (Latest Model), $144.99 (originally $159) [You save $14.01]

Though this Airpods deal isn't mind-blowingly good, it's notable because Apple rarely discounts its wireless earbuds. We're not sure when the next time an Airpods deal will happen, so we'd recommend taking this opportunity if you've been on the fence for a while now. 



Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link Air Purifier

Refurbished Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link Air Purifier, $239.99 (originally $599.99) [You save $359.99]

Buy a refurbished Dyson Put Hot + Cool Link Air Purifier for $360 less than the original through eBay today. It's sold direct from Dyson, so it's backed by the manufacturer's warranty. It purifies year-round (removing 99.7% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns from the air), heats in the winter, and cools in the summer. I'm a big fan of this particular model, and buying certified-refurbished is a widely ignored cheat code to getting the same product for less

Note: The purifier will show up as $299.99, but you can take an extra $60 with the code "JOY4DYSON" at checkout to bring the total down to $239.99.

 



Kindle Unlimited

Three months of Kindle Unlimited free (originally $9.99/month) [You save $29.97]

Amazon's Kindle Unlimited is free for your first three months as a new member. The service includes access to over a million books on your kindle — but you don't necessarily need a Kindle device to use it. You can read books and magazines on any device that has the app downloaded, including your phone, tablet, and computer. 



Google Home

Google Home, $69 (originally $129) [You save $60]

Walmart launched a not-so-subtle Google Week to discount Google products at the same time as Prime Day, and some of those discounts are still up on the site. The Google Home can answer questions, play songs, and control your compatible smart home gadgets. Like any smart assistant, you can also use it to get an idea of the weather and the length of your commute before you even get out of bed. 



iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum, $274.99 (originally $374.99) [You save $100]

iRobot may offer more advanced versions of its Roomba robot vacuums, but the best robot vacuum, the Roomba 690, proves you don't have to spend more to get a smart and powerful cleaning solution. Just schedule a cleaning session in the app (no need to be home for it to clean) and once it's done, it'll automatically return to its docking station to recharge.



Dash Rapid Egg Cooker

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99 (originally $18.96) [You save $3.97]

The Rapid Egg Cooker seems like a made-for-TV gimmick, but it's one of the most convenient and compact kitchen gadgets sold on Amazon. It cooks half a dozen eggs at once and in many different varieties: hard-boiled, soft-boiled, omelets, or poached. It's a particularly good buy for those who live in small spaces, have limited kitchen access, or just love a good egg dish with minimal effort. 



Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, $129 (originally $198) [You save $69]

Bose's ever-popular QuietComfort II headphones were discounted a whopping 50% in a fleeting Lightning Deal over Prime Day, but even a 33% discount right now is noteworthy. Bose has earned its reputation for delivering on comfort, quality, and performance. These QuietComfort headphones feature the beloved acoustic noise cancelling that travelers love for its ability to reduce the noise on an airplane so music can sound balanced, deep, and clear.



OXO On Barista Brain Coffee Maker

OXO On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker, $139.97 (originally $199.99) [You save $60.02]

One of the best kitchen deals of Prime Day is still running on the OXO On Barista Brain. It's one of the few coffee makers on the market to be certified by the Specialty Coffee Association — meaning, if you're a self-proclaimed coffee snob, you'll taste a difference. It provides a simple experience, with a single dial to program the number of cups and start timer, and an LED interface.



Apple iPad Pro

Apple iPad Pro, Wi-Fi + Cellular, $579 (originally $779) [You save $200]

If you care about the perks of owning an iPad and less about having the latest version of it, you can save more than $200 on the iPad Pro right now. If you want more than 64GB, you can also take $100 off the same model with 256GB right now too. 



NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender

NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender, 9-Piece, $54 (originally $129) [You save $75] 

The NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender works tough fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other superfoods into protein shakes, nut butters, or green smoothies. It's powerful, compact, and infinitely convenient. 




'Does my iPhone have 3D Touch?': A guide to the iPhone's touch-sensitive menu feature, for every iPhone that has it

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iphone store lineup

  • 3D Touch is a feature on some iPhones that changes the way your phone behaves depending upon how hard you press with your finger. 
  • Most iPhone models starting with the iPhone 6S have 3D Touch built in. The iPhone SE and iPhone XR do not have 3D Touch and are the lone exceptions, post-iPhone 6S. 
  • 3D Touch on is inconsistently implemented. Not all iPhone apps support it, and the best way to learn how it works is to perform hard and soft presses and see what happens. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

3D Touch is a relatively new addition to the iPhone, and it gives you a whole new set of gestures for interacting with icons and information on the screen. 

Essentially, 3D Touch lets your iPhone respond differently depending upon how hard you press on the screen. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone X (From $899 at Apple)

iPhone XS (From $999 at Apple)

iPhone XS Max (From $1,099 at Apple)

Which iPhone models have 3D Touch

Apple introduced 3D Touch in 2015 for most new iPhone models starting with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. But confusingly, not all iPhones released since then have 3D Touch. Here are the models that do come with the feature:

No iPhones prior to the iPhone 6S, nor the iPhone SE and iPhone XR, have 3D Touch. 

What 3D Touch actually does on an iPhone, and how to use it

3D Touch makes your iPhone pressure-sensitive, so it knows how hard you are pressing on the screen. In fact, 3D Touch has three distinct levels of sensitivity, and can perform three different actions depending upon how hard you press.

A normal, light press has the same effect it always has. You use a light tap to start apps and make selections in the same way as you are used to. 

A harder press is sort of like using the right mouse button on a desktop computer. It triggers an alternate action. Press harder on an app icon, and you may get a custom menu of common actions that you can trigger without starting the app. 

For example, 3D Touch the Clock app and you'll be able to create an alarm, use the stopwatch, or trigger the timer. Not all apps have 3D Touch support, so you'll need to experiment and see which of your apps respond to a harder press.

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3D Touch has a special action for previewing in the Messages and Mail apps, and this is where the hardest press comes into play. Press on a message to see a pop-up window display a preview of the message — Apple calls this a "peek." Press even harder (3D Touch's third sensitivity level) and the preview will "pop" open to take over the full screen. 

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why Apple's Mac Pro 'trash can' was a colossal failure

The very best deals you can still get from Walmart's competing Prime Day sale — including Google devices, Apple devices, and 4K smart TVs

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Amazon's Prime Day has established itself as one of the biggest online sales events since the dawn of online shopping. This year, millions of people shopped deals on Amazon ranging from electronics to baby supplies. While the 48-hour shopping event is now over, there are still opportunities to save big at other competing retailers online— and Walmart has some of the best deals.

Not to be outdone, Walmart is running thousands of special deals in an even longer window than Prime Day. Price cuts and rollbacks began on July 14 (one day before Prime Day) and run through today, July 17 (one day after Prime Day) with new deals being added daily.

Some standout Walmart deals available right now include:

Keep reading for a full list of the best deals Walmart has to offer. We'll be updating this list as new deals roll out throughout the week.

Tech deals

While Amazon is offering steep deals on its in-house brand of tech devices like the Echos, Kindles, and Fire Sticks, Walmart has struck an exclusive deal with Google to bring you savings on some of the best smart home devices on the market. Google Week by Walmartruns through Tuesday, July 16 and features deals such as the Google Home for $69 (down from $129) and the Google Nest Thermostat for $189 (down from $249).

Google device deals

TVs

TV Accessories

Laptops

Apple

Tablets

E-readers

If you're hesitant to drop big money before doing your research, check out our guides for best 4K TVs, best laptops, and best tablets and have peace of mind that you're making the right call as you hit the check-out button.



Gaming deals

Walmart is offering tons of gaming bundles that throw in a free game, controller, or other accessory during its Prime Day competition sale. You can also take home amazing freestanding old-school arcade games like Galaga and Pac-Man for up to $30 off their retail price, not to mention steep discounts on individual games like Fallout 76, which is just $17 (a savings of $43). 

Consoles

Video Games



Toy deals

Outside of Black Friday, this week is going to be the best way to stock up on affordable toys for the little ones. Walmart has deals on everything from EZ Bake Ovens to Nerf Guns to wooden swing sets. On second thought, forget the little ones and grab a bunch of Nerf guns for the Great Office Battle of 2019. For the Endgame fans, Walmart has Marvel and Avengers products at up to 50% off so you can snag a Black Panther action figure for just $8.44 (originally $12.99) or an Avengers Monopoly set for $19.99 (originally $29.99).



Baby-care deals

Having a baby and caring for all his or her needs gets expensive quickly, so if you're a new parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend of a new parent, or if you've ever met a baby, jump on these parenting deals to help ease the financial burden.

Walmart's standout deals in Baby Accessories include a Walmart exclusive NUK breast pump for $179.99 (originally $299.99), a Graco infant car seat for $175.99 (originally $219.99), and a Jujube diaper bag for $39.99 (originally $70). They've even got sales on Enfamil powdered formula and baby bottles. Even if you don't personally know a baby who could use them, you might still want to grab some to donate to your local food pantry or hospital.



Home improvement deals

Have you been using the same rusty wrench for as long as you can remember? You probably think the tools you have are good enough to do the job, but using old tools can be unsafe and opening yourself up to risk or injury. Take the opportunity now to save on replacing your worn out tools. Walmart has a 8-piece Irwin plier set for $63.99 (originally 99.99), and you can get tack on a shiny new Viper storage chest to store them in for $92.97 (originally $143.98). 



Sports and outdoors deals

The timing couldn't be more perfect for deals on outdoor and sporting gear. It's the height of summer, and there are still tons of beach days, cookouts, and camping weekends left on the calendar. Grab these deals now and make the most of the dog days still to come.

Walmart has deals on Coleman and Ozark canopies and tents. Plus you can snag a discounted Lifetime adjustable basketball hoop for $149.99 (originally $200) to brush up on your hoop skills while you wait impatiently for basketball season to start up again.



How to get the most out of Reminders, Apple's best application that can make your life so much easier (AAPL)

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Apple makes a lot of useful apps, but its best one is Reminders.

Released in 2011 as part of iOS 5, Reminders lets you create to-dos that sync across all your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.

You don't need a good memory if you know how to use Reminders, which can be prioritized and shared in different ways. It's like having a superpower.

Reminders is getting a total overhaul later this year, but to prepare for that big change, you should get familiar with the current app so you can understand and unlock the power of Reminders:

SEE ALSO: The best tech you can share with your loved ones

To get started, go the Reminders app. It should be on your iPhone already.

Reminders comes pre-loaded on all iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.



The Reminders app is organized with different tabs — and you can make as many as you want.

Everyone starts with the "Scheduled" and "Reminders" tabs, and you can customize it by adding new tabs like "To Do" and "Groceries."



Once inside a category, click in the space below and start typing to create a reminder. Click the "i" when you're done to add more important details.



You can put due dates on your reminders, so you never forget to go somewhere, or do something. I use this all the time, in lieu of a traditional calendar.

Create a new reminder in any of your lists, then click on the "i" on the far right to see a new list of options.

From there, toggle on "Remind me on a day," and choose a day and time to be reminded.



You can make repeating alerts, so you never forget to take medicine, or forget a special birthday or anniversary.

Create a new reminder in any given list, then click the "i" on the far right.

In the next menu, toggle on "Remind me on a day," choose the day and time to be reminded, and then click the "Repeat" option below.

You can choose to remind yourself every day, week, two weeks, month, or year.

You can even set custom frequencies, like every 13 days, or weeks, or months, or years.



You can create reminders for certain locations, so you don't forget to pick up groceries when you leave work.

Create a new reminder in any of your lists, click the "i" on the far right, then click "Remind me at a location" in the next menu.

You'll see new options: You can choose to get an alert when you get in or out of your car (it has to be paired to your phone), or when you leave or arrive at any location you choose.



You can create shared lists with other people, too. My wife and I keep a shared grocery list that updates in real-time. We use it religiously.

My wife and I love this feature, and use it all the time.

Create a new list, click "Edit," and you'll see an option that says "Sharing." Click that, click "Add person," and then enter the phone or email for any of your contacts.

Click "Add," and you're all set! Your recipient will get notified with an invitation to join your list.

You don't need an Apple device to make a shared list with someone, but they will need an iCloud account to be able to see your active reminders at iCloud.com.



If you've set up the Family Sharing feature on your Apple devices, you can share your reminders with everyone in your group instantly.

Apple's Family Sharing feature lets you share photos, calendars, movies and other purchased content across any Apple devices owned by family members.

If this feature is activated on your devices, your Reminders app will automatically have a list called "Family" created for you and everyone in your group. If you add any reminders to that list, they'll pop up on all of your family's devices.



Reminders is one of the rare instances where using Siri is actually helpful.

Activate Siri by holding the power button, and say "Remind me to [do whatever]" — buy pasta, pay a bill, call someone, etc.

Siri also translates important details, so if you say "Remind me to check the fridge when I get home," it will set a location-based reminder. Or, if you say "Remind me to record the Oscars at 7 p.m. on Sunday," it will take note of the date and time you asked for.



You can remind yourself to call someone back later.

You're getting a call but you can't take it right now. Don't sweat it — just click the "Remind Me" button on the home screen as that person's calling you, and choose when you want to be reminded to call that person back.

Or, you can use Siri or set a manual reminder to call that person back as well.



The 30 most popular deals from this year's Amazon Prime Day among our readers — including the ones that surprised us

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  • In July 2019, Amazon hosted its highly anticipated Amazon Prime Day event where Prime members got access to deep discounts on thousands of products.
  • The sitewide event has some of the best discounts you'll see all year — and new sales show up every few minutes on everything from tech, to home goods, to apparel, and more. 
  • We compiled a list of the deals our readers loved the most to help you navigate future Prime Day discounts.

Prime Day may be Amazon's made-up retail holiday, but it also happens to play host to some of the best sales and deals you'll see on products all year.

This year, Prime Day 2019 took place on July 15-16, 2019. It was live for 48 hours, a departure from last year's 36 hours of deals.

Every year, the Insider Picks team sorts through Amazon's more than 1 million promised deals in real time on Prime Day to share the top 0.1% of discounts.

But once Prime Day is over, it's always fun to go back and see what deals resonated most with Business Insider readers. It helps us get better at finding the sort of deals you'd like to know about, and it helps us become more discerning in the deals we cherry-pick for you on future Prime Days.

Take a look at the 30 deals Business Insider readers bought the most during Amazon Prime Day 2019, starting with the most popular.

SEE ALSO: What is Amazon Prime Day?

1. Kindle Unlimited membership

Kindle Unlimited membership, first 3 months free 

Among our own readers, the No. 1 best seller was a promotional deal Amazon ran on Kindle Unlimited— a departure from past years dominated by tech. With the deal, Prime members who hadn't yet tried the service could sign up for three months of Kindle Unlimited, and get access to over 1 million books, for free. The service usually goes for $30 for the same time frame.

This Prime Day deal is still live through July 31, 2019. 

 



2. Fire TV Stick

Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, $34.99

With the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can stream media to any TV with an HDMI input. Popular services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Showtime, Sling, and NBC are all available in addition to Amazon Prime Video. With Alexa capabilities, you can control the TV with your voice. The Stick is small enough to take with you when you travel, so you can plug it into a hotel TV, too.

 



3. Fire TV Stick 4K

Fire TV Stick 4K, $49.99

Following close behind was the 4K version of the Fire TV Stick, which includes a WiFi antenna design that's optimized for 4K HD streaming. Shoppers who bought this model will enjoy more crisp picture quality, as well as immersive sound from Dolby Atmos on select Prime Video titles. 



4. Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music Unlimited membership, $1 for 4 months

If you're still trying to decide among all the major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music, Amazon gave you an incentive to try its own, Amazon Music Unlimited, during Prime Day.

Prime members could (and still can) try it for four months for just $1.  The stakes are low, but the experience will surprise you, in a good way. Compared to Amazon's other music service, Prime Music, Amazon Music Unlimited has a much larger song library — more than 48 million songs, to be precise. 

This Prime Day deal is still live. 



5. LifeStraw personal water filter

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, $17.47 

The LifeStraw removes bacteria and parasites from water as well as microplastics, so you can have the peace of mind of a lightweight, mobile water purifier wherever you go. It's a no-brainer for hiking, camping, travel, and being prepared for an emergency. 

Amazon sold 150,000 last year and sold even more— 200,000 — this year. This practical and portable accessory jumped more than a dozen spots on our list to wiggle into the top five best sellers among Business Insider readers. 



6. Echo Dot

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation), $24.99

Amazon's most popular smart speaker, the Echo Dot, was at its most affordable yet this Prime Day. Though small, it's an excellent introduction to the world of smart home devices and is just as powerful as the full-sized Echo speaker, with tens of thousands of Alexa skills to help make everyday life easier. It's normally $49.99, but it still enjoying a $25 discount right now. 



7. Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader, $129.99 

The most popular Kindle was $45 cheaper on Amazon Prime Day. It has a high-resolution display (300 ppi) and an adjustable built-in light. It's lightweight, comfortable to hold, and lets you download millions of books with the click of a button instead of trying to shove a few more onto your bookshelf or in your backpack. Read our review to learn about all of its features. 

 



8. Audible membership

Audible membership, $14.95 per month

This year, you could get three months of Audible for $4.95 a month. Audible gives you access to two Audible Originals and one audiobook per month, which you can listen to anywhere, any time in the Audible app. 



9. Crest 3D Whitestrips

Crest 3D Whitestrips Whitening Kit, $44.48

The desire to have whiter teeth is apparently a universal one. Amazon sold more than 150,000 of these whitening strip kits during Prime Day this year, and you can still buy them at a discounted price right now. One hour with the strips will remove teeth stains and reveal a whiter smile, and you'll still be able to talk and drink water while wearing them



10. Amazon Smart Plug

Amazon Smart Plug, $24.99

An easy way to turn any appliance into a smart one is to plug it into this accessory. It adds voice control to any outlet, so you can turn common appliances like coffee makers, lights, and fans on and off without lifting a finger. 



11. Echo Show 5

Amazon Echo Show 5, $89.99

The Echo Show 5 is a more compact version of the Echo Show, with a 5.5-inch screen and 960 x 480 resolution (compared to the Echo Show's 10.1-inch screen and 1280 x 800 resolution). It's an affordable alternative that still lets you incorporate a smart assistant into anything you do that requires a screen, from video calling family to watching cooking videos. 

 



12. Instant Pot multi-cooker

Instant Pot DUO60, 6 Quart, $99.95

Unsurprisingly, the kitchen appliance that sold a whopping 300,000 units last year had another successful Prime Day this year. By combining seven common appliances into one device, it saves space, money, and clean-up time. Even without a sale, it's a small kitchen appliance with big impact. It's also the top of our list for the best instant cookers.

 

 



13. 23andMe DNA test

23andMe DNA Test Health + Ancestry, $199

The 23andMe DNA test offers personalized genetic reports to help you learn about your ancestry, traits, and certain aspects of your health. All you do is take a sample of your saliva, send it to the company's lab, and wait for results.



14. Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ vacuum

Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $399.99

Few people who invest in a Dyson vacuum ever regret doing so. The powerful suction drives deep into surfaces to remove dirt, dust, and debris, while the cord-free design makes it convenient to move around your space. This bundle also includes extra tools such as a crevice tool for more specialized cleaning tasks. 

 



15. iRobot Roomba 690 vacuum

iRobot Roomba 690, $274.99

iRobot may offer more advanced versions of its Roomba robot vacuums, but the best robot vacuum, the Roomba 690, proves you don't have to spend too much on a smart and powerful cleaning solution. You don't have to be home for it to clean (just schedule a cleaning session in the app) and once it's done, it'll automatically return to its docking station to recharge. On Prime Day, shoppers saved $145; you can still save $100 if you purchase it now. 



16. Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Ring Video Doorbell Pro, $249 

See exactly who's standing at your door and finally catch your neighborhood package thief with this smart video doorbell. It monitors your home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision, then sends alerts to your phone or Echo device when motion is detected. 



17. Philips Sonicare HealthyWhite+ electric toothbrush

Philips Sonicare HealthyWhite+ Electric Toothbrush, currently only available via 3rd party sellers

This toothbrush is more gentle yet more thorough than a manual toothbrush and features six customizable settings and three brushing intensities to get you your best clean. It has a three-week battery life and comes with a travel case so you can continue good oral-care habits while traveling. 



18. Ring Video Doorbell 2

Ring Video Doorbell 2, $199

This Ring doorbell model is $50 cheaper than the Pro and has almost all the same features, except for advanced motion detection. You'll be able to switch out the faceplates to change up the look and easily remove the battery to charge the doorbell. 



19. Dash Rapid Egg Cooker

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99

A small appliance that cooks half a dozen eggs at once is seemingly gimmicky. In reality, it's really useful, especially if you live in a small space with limited kitchen access or love making egg dishes such as deviled eggs or eggs Benedict. It's faster than waiting for your pot of water to boil, though the only drawback is the high-pitched wail that alerts you when your eggs are done. 



20. MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener

MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener, $46.99

As you're rushing down the road to make your appointment or flight, you're suddenly struck with an important question: "Did I close the garage door?" Luckily, the MyQ Smart Garage Door system lets you open and close your door anywhere from your phone. As long as your garage door opener has a standard safety sensor, it's easy to upgrade your existing opener.

It's also compatible with Amazon Key, a Prime member benefit that securely delivers your Amazon packages right to the inside of your garage. 



21. Eufy Robovac 11S vacuum

eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S, $203.99 (with coupon) 

The slimmest Eufy vacuum is less than three inches tall, allowing it to sneak under tables and couches to tackle the dirt of the most difficult-to-reach areas. The vacuum can run for up to 100 minutes at a time, then recharges automatically. 

 



22. Waterpik Water Flosser

Waterpik Water Flosser, $92.99

Floss doesn't always cut it for hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and stubborn pieces of food. Waterpik's Water Flosser gets in all the nooks and crannies, with a massage mode to stimulate your gums and adjustable pressure settings to fit your level of comfort. Prime members got it for just $40 this Prime Day. 



23. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $159.99

You can still take advantage of this deal for Beats headphones, which are normally $300. Boasting award-winning Beats sound that prioritizes clarity and balance, they'll enhance the way you listen to music. They have comfortable, cushioned, and adjustable ear cups and you won't have to charge them for 40 hours. 



24. Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit

Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit, $199

The five-piece kit includes a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender, giving you the peace of mind that your home will be safe and secure whenever you're not in it. It works with Alexa, too, which means you can arm and disarm the system with your voice. 



25. Fitbit Alta HR

Fitbit Alta HR, $87.73

Fitbit's slim but powerful fitness tracker does everything from track your deep and REM sleep to help you find the right workout intensity for your fitness goals. 

 



26. Anova Nano sous vide cooker

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano, $99

Anova's sous vide cooker is one of the two most popular sous vide appliances on Amazon. Attach it to the side of a pot, add water and your food in a sealed bag, and step back to let it cook your meal to perfection. Using the app, you can keep track of the process and get notifications once it's done cooking. 



27. Kindle

Kindle, $89.99

The regular Kindle might not be waterproof or have as crisp of a screen resolution, but it's still a great way to make reading more convenient and collect books without amassing the physical weight. The under-$100 ebook reader has an adjustable light to let you read day and night, indoors and outdoors. 



28. Apple iPad

Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 128GB), $329

Many iPad models were on sale during Prime Day. The one Business Insider readers loved the most was this iPad with a 9.7-inch retina display, A10 fushion chip, Touch ID, and two speaker audio. For avid FaceTimers and selfie takers, it has a 1.2-megapixel HD front camera. 



29. ChefSteps Joule sous vide cooker

ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, $179

Sous vide cookers have created a lot of buzz in recent years because even nervous, amateur home cooks can make restaurant-quality food, without paying restaurant-quality checks. This approach of cooking is super precise, yielding tender, flavorful results every single time. The ChefSteps Joule in particular is worth the buy because it's also so small and light. 



30. Sony WH-CH700N wireless noise-canceling headphones

Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, $198

Another tech brand not known for deep discounts, Sony was a predictable success given its name recognition and how great its products are. This pair's noise cancellation adjusts to your environment with One Push and promises 35 hours of battery, as well as quick charging. There's a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and use with your voice assistant.



The Google Home Max that's rarely on sale is $249 right now at Walmart, Best Buy, and a few other stores

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Google Home Max deal

Amazon Prime Day lit up the internet with thousands of sales and deals on Monday and Tuesday of this week. It was one of the best times to shop big ticket items at deeply discounted prices, but it turns out that the deals aren't over yet.

One of the best Prime Day (well, more like Prime Week) deals we've found is, in fact, not an Amazon offering at all, but is from Walmart's concurrent sale.

Right now, you can still get the Google Home Max for just $249 (originally $399) at Walmart— the lowest price we've ever seen.

In fact, you can also find the same deal pretty much everywhere except Amazon; it's also available for $249 at Target, Best Buy, and Bed Bath & Beyond

Since Amazon uses Prime Day as a means to drive shoppers toward its discounted in-house tech products like the Echo speaker, Kindle e-reader, and Fire Stick, it makes sense that they don't carry competing Google Home devices. To capitalize on the gap in Amazon's offerings, Walmart has partnered with Google to offer deals on its smart devices too, such as the Google Home ($69, originally $129)and Home Mini ($25, originally $49), Nest products like the smart thermostat ($189, originally $249) and smart doorbell ($189, originally $249). 

All of the retailers carrying the Google Home Max offer free shipping, but Walmart's will arrive on your doorstep the quickest with their free NextDay option, followed closely behind by Target's free 2-day shipping. Best Buy and Bed Bath and Beyond all offer standard free shipping that takes three to six business days.

Read more: What is Amazon Prime Day?

Google Home Max review:

I've been using the Google Max as my all-in-one home audio system and smart device for about a year. The sound quality is unmatched — it absolutely blows the Echo out of the water, in my opinion. It reaches ear-splitting volume levels that you should probably never max out for your own health and safety, but it's always fun to know that you could probably host a warehouse rave with it if you so desired.

It's capable of pairing with tons of smart devices including Google's line of Nest products and many smart TVs, so you can ask Google to play your favorite show on Netflix or turn the volume up from across the room. The price tag has always been a bit scary, but Google recently slashed the price to $299 to appease those who couldn't stomach the $399 price tag, and at the sale price of $249, the quality, versatility, and user experience offered by the Google Max make it a no-brainer. 

Buy the Google Home Max, $249 (originally $399) from: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Bed Bath & Beyond 

SEE ALSO: Amazon will be deeply discounting its Echo speakers and devices on Prime Day 2019 — here's every Echo deal you'll find

Join the conversation about this story »

Kids in the US and China have starkly different goals, as revealed by a survey that asked them if they'd rather become astronauts or YouTubers

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Going to the moon is no longer the ultimate dream for many American kids today.

They'd rather be vloggers or YouTubers instead, reported Eric Berger for Ars Technica, citing a new survey by The Harris Poll on behalf of Lego. The survey asked 3,000 kids in the US, UK, and China what they wanted to be when they grew up, presenting them with five options: vlogger/YouTuber, teacher, professional athlete, musician, and astronaut.

In both the US and UK, vlogger/Youtuber was the most popular choice (29% and 30% respectively); astronaut, meanwhile, was the least popular (11%). In China, the trend was reversed, with more than half of respondents selecting astronaut (56%).

The reason for the differences is unknown. "Perhaps it is because America has been there and done that, in terms of lunar exploration, with the Apollo program," Berger wrote. "Perhaps it is that America's kids today grew up with continuous national human representation in space, aboard the International Space Station, and do not find an orbiting outpost in low-Earth orbit stimulating. Or perhaps the education system in China places a higher emphasis on the value of science and space exploration."

Read more: A 25-year-old YouTuber quit her job and now makes 6 figures recording herself eating, and it's a trend more and more influencers are cashing in on

Or perhaps it has nothing to do with space at all. YouTube is blocked in China as part of the tech Cold War between the US and China, reported Business Insider's Paige Leskin. Its "Great Firewall" of internet censorship prevents websites and social media companies like Google — the parent company of YouTube — from reaching the country's 800 million internet users. However, the "firewall" is not impenetrable. 

Kids in China are therefore not as exposed as kids in the US to the YouTuber life. 

In the US, the most successful YouTubers make millions of dollars a year. YouTube's richest star — seven-year-old Ryan of Ryan ToysReview— raked in $22 million in 2018, according to Forbes' list of highest-paid YouTube stars.

There's no denying the influence of YouTube on pop culture— the platform's biggest stars have become worldwide influencers who often launch a host of businesses from personal clothing lines and custom toy brands to live tours.

As Business Insider's Paige Leskin wrote, "YouTube has become the de-facto launchpad for the next generation of celebrities, personalities, and big stars."

It seems that American kids care more about being famous than exploring space — although there's no denying that the latter comes with its own fame, too.

SEE ALSO: There's new competition in town for influencers who can rake in as much as $1 million per Instagram post — and it isn't even human

SEE ALSO: An astronaut explains why the Apollo 11 moon landing was not the NASA program's greatest moment. It was our 'cosmic birth' a year earlier, he says.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most hurricanes that hit the US come from the same exact spot in the world

Hulu Basic is the most affordable streaming service on the market at just $5.99 a month — here's what you get

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what is hulu basic

  • Hulu Basic is the most affordable streaming service on the market at just $5.99 a month.
  • You'll have to watch a few ads, but gain access to all of Hulu's programming including The Handmaid's Tale, Brooklyn 99, This is Us, and Seinfeld.
  • If you can't stand ads, you can upgrade to an ad-free version for $11.99 a month.

As streaming services grow ever more popular, cable subscriptions become ever more irrelevant and more people are looking to cut the cord with their cable provider. For those tired of paying hundreds of dollars a year to watch three channels, there are countless ways to make up for a lack of cable services.

One such way is to build your repertoire of subscription services. Hulu Basic is the cheapest option on the market at just $5.99 per month.

Below, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about a Hulu Basic package.

What is Hulu Basic?

Hulu Basic is the company's simplest option. For $5.99 a month you'll get access to their entire catalog, but you will have to watch some ads as you stream.

Hulu plays host to a wide variety of content including hit comedies Brooklyn 99, 30 Rock, and Seinfeld; cult favorites like Adventure Time and Rick and Morty; dramas like This is Us and Grey's Anatomy; 90's gems like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X Files; Hulu originals like their cornerstone, The Handmaid's Tale, and the recently Emmy-nominated PEN15; and even films like The Dark Knight, A Quiet Place, and The Shining.

You can also use Hulu to keep up with shows as they air. Episodes of shows like Saturday Night Live, Bob's Burgers, The Good Place, and many more are available to stream the day after they air live, minimizing your FOMO gap to just 24 hours. This is a huge advantage over Netflix where you have to wait up to a year or more for an entire season of a show to make its way to the platform.

What's the difference between Hulu Basic and Hulu premium? Which one should I get?

Hulu Basic costs just $5.99 a month, while Hulu premium is $11.99 a month.

In exchange for a cheaper monthly rate, Hulu Basic serves you unskippable ads before and during your stream. A 30-minute show will often play one ad beforehand and will have two ad breaks during the show, amounting to roughly 5 minutes of total ad time. An hour-long show will have an ad at the beginning and an average of five ad breaks per show, amounting to about 10 minutes of ad time. It's a small price to pay for halving the cost of your subscription, and it's still less overall ad time than you'd be watching on cable.

Both Hulu Basic and premium get access to Hulu's entire content catalog, so you won't be missing out on any shows if you go the cheaper route. Whether you choose Basic or premium is entirely up to whether you can tolerate being interrupted by ads and if it's worth doubling the cost of the subscription to be freed from their influence.

How can I stream Hulu?

Most smart TVs have Hulu already built it, so all you'll have to do is launch the app and sign in to start streaming. If you don't have a smart TV and are looking to upgrade, check out our guide to the best 4K smart TVs on the market. If you're not ready to upgrade your entire TV, there are still plenty of ways to smarten it up a bit with a streaming stick that will allow you to access these same apps. We recommend the 4K Fire TV Stick, but there are tons of other options across price ranges we've had great experiences with as well. You can also stream on your laptop or phone.

Sign up for Hulu Basic here, $5.99 per month

SEE ALSO: The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

DON'T MISS: The best streaming services you can sign up for online

Join the conversation about this story »


I got more than $2,000 worth of value from the American Express Platinum credit card in my first year — despite its $550 annual fee

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Platinum Card from American Express


Ever since I started learning about points, miles, and credit card benefits (or "travel hacking," as some call it), I had debated applying for a Platinum Card from American Express.

The card came with a ton of useful benefits, and as fairly regular traveler, it seemed like a no-brainer for me.

I kept holding off, though — the $450 annual fee just seemed like too big of an upfront, even if I made that value back. Then, the fee was raised to $550, and I figured I really couldn't justify it.

Finally, I took a hard look at the math, and decided to go for it. I still wasn't crazy about paying $550 a year just to have a card open, but what pushed me over the edge was really looking at how much return I'd get for that $550.

Here are the perks I had in mind when I decided to open this premium charge card, and how I value them. Keep in mind that my valuations are not scientific and are approximations based on my actual use, plus my habits and preferences.

Membership Rewards points and a hefty welcome bonus

The Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards points, the currency in Amex's loyalty program. They can be exchanged for statement credits or cash back, used to book travel through Amex's travel website, or transferred to any of 19 airline and three hotel transfer partners (transferable points are among the most valuable).

The card earns a whopping 5x points on airfare purchased directly through the airline, as well as flights and hotels reserved through Amex Travel. It earns one point for every dollar spent elsewhere.

Singapore Airlines First Class

Membership Rewards points don't have a fixed value, so it's a bit tricky to figure out how much they're worth.

To get an idea, we can look at valuations published by the travel website The Points Guy, an Insider Picks partner. The website's team approximates the value of each point at 2 cents, though it's possible to get a lesser or much greater value depending on how you use them.

The Platinum Card comes with a welcome offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account. Based on The Points Guy's valuations, those are worth about $1,200 which alone makes up for two years of the annual fee.

However, you should check the CardMatch tool to see if you're targeted for a higher bonus of 100,000 points (with the same $5,000 spending requirement). Based on The Points Guy's valuations, the 100,000-point bonus would be worth $2,000. Just keep in mind that this offer could change at any time without notice.

Learn more:5 ways Amex cardholders can redeem their points — plus the method that gets you maximum value

If you transfer them to airline frequent-flyer programs and use them to fly round-trip to Europe — or even one-way in first class — you could end up getting a much higher value.

First-year value: $1,200 (or $2,000 if you get the 100,000-point bonus through CardMatch)

Airport lounge access

I enjoy flying, but, like many people, I find airports to be generally unpleasant. I think most would agree that the time spent in the terminal waiting for your flight can be the most stressful part of a trip.

Fortunately, there's a perfect solution: airport lounges, exclusive areas where you can enjoy seats, an internet connection, food, drinks, and sometimes other amenities.

Though lounges used to be reserved for first-class and business-class passengers, many are now accessible to any traveler who holds either a lounge membership or a certain credit card — and the Platinum Card offers access to three kinds of lounges.

The first is Amex's proprietary Centurion Lounges, located at eight airports in the US and in Hong Kong. These chic venues are an oasis in the middle of the main terminal's chaos, featuring amenities like comfortable seating and complimentary cocktails and food created by award-winning mixologists and chefs. Access to these lounges is limited to holders of Amex Platinum or Amex Centurion cards.

If you're flying with Delta and carry a Platinum Card, you can also access any Delta Sky Club lounge. With more than 30 locations, Sky Clubs offer snacks, complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks (with more "premium" drinks available for purchase), fast WiFi, and a place to unwind. Some also feature showers.

Finally, the Platinum Card comes with a membership to Priority Pass membership, a network of more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world.

With that membership, you and two guests can access any lounge location (as long as there's room) to enjoy free snacks, drinks, newspapers and magazines, showers, and more — all separate from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal.

If you have an international version of the card, rather than the US version, be sure to double check the guest policy for your card's Priority Pass benefit.

SIN Ambassador Transit Lounge Singapore

Thinking about how I've used the lounge access since having the card, I'd conservatively estimate the value at about $150. That's factoring in the snacks, breakfasts, coffee, and drinks I haven't had to pay for, but not including things like WiFi, comfort, or the fact that it's made it easier to finish up work from the airport when I'm catching early-evening flights on Fridays.

First-year value: $150

$200 airline fee credit

Every calendar year, the Platinum Card from American Express offers a $200 credit toward incidental fees on one airline of your choice.

It doesn't cover tickets but applies to a wide variety of things such as checked bags, flight-change fees, in-flight food and drinks, fees for traveling with a pet, airport-lounge day passes (if you don't already have complimentary access), and sometimes even things like seat assignments and extra-legroom upgrade fees.

While it's not specified, you may even be able to purchase airline gift cards with the credit, which you can use for ticket purchases. Be sure to search online to see whether this works for your chosen airline — the frequent flyer message board FlyerTalk even has dedicated threads for each airline.

The best part of the airline credit is that because you get it each calendar year, not card member year, you could get it twice in your first year of having the card.

Say you opened the card in November — you can earn the full $200 credit before the calendar year ends, then once the credit resets on January 1, get it again before your next annual fee posts, meaning you can get up to $400 in value from this credit each year.

In my first card member year, I maxed out the potential $400 worth of credits, but for my valuation I'll knock 25% off — since it can be annoying to max out and presumably not everyone does.

First-year value: $300

Up to $200 in Uber credits

When American Express raised the annual fee on the Platinum Card by $100 in 2017, the company made it up to users by adding an extra $200 in value to the card's benefits in the form of a statement credit toward Uber rides.

The credit is up to $200 a year, broken into chunks — each month, you'll get a $15 credit added to your linked Uber account, with an extra $20 for a total of $35 each December.

Uber file photo

If you travel regularly or live close to a city, this is an easy perk to get value from. You can also put the credits toward UberEats orders.

In addition, your account will be upgraded to Uber VIP status. There aren't a ton of perks with this, and it's available only in some cities, but you'll only be connected to drivers with at least a 4.8-star rating. Uber also says Uber VIP drivers have "high-quality cars."

I live in New York and take the subway, walk, or ride a bike most places, but I use Uber a few times a month, if not once or twice a week. Therefore, I have no trouble using the full credit. Plus, I use Uber whenever I'm in another city.

First-year value: $200

Elite status at Marriott and Hilton hotels

Elite status at hotels often includes perks like daily breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout, premium internet, lounge access, free nights, points-earning bonuses, and more.

Usually, only the top frequent travelers earn status — but with the Platinum Card, you can earn it before you've stayed a single night.

The card comes with Gold-level elite status at both Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs. 

If you stay at hotels even a few nights a year, these benefits can be extremely valuable — Hilton offers Gold elites free breakfast for two each morning. 

To come up with a valuation here, I'll look at a single trip I took during my first year with the card: a week-long vacation in London and Paris.

Hotel breakfast can be expensive, but I'll be conservative and estimate about $20 per person. On this trip, seven days of breakfast for two would have cost us $280 total. Although we skipped the hotel breakfast buffet in Paris to explore some local boulangeries (and eat an unhealthy number of croissants and other pastries), it was still available, so I'll factor it in for my valuation.

For this trip, we stayed at Marriott hotels using points. At the time, Marriott offered free breakfast to Gold elites. Since that perk is no longer available for those with Gold status, I've been staying in Hilton hotels instead, where that benefit is still offered.

First-year value: at least $280

Other benefits

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with a few other benefits that help offset the annual fee, as well as world-class purchase protections.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are absolute musts for just about any traveler. Once you enroll, you can use special lanes to breeze through airport security — you won't have to remove shoes and light coats, and you can leave your laptop in your bag. With Global Entry, you can use a fast lane when you return to the US from abroad, which makes clearing immigration and customs easy and quick.

The programs cost $85 to $100, and American Express will provide a credit for that fee every four years (memberships are valid for five years).

Amex also offers Platinum Card members access to the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. When you book participating hotels through Amex Travel — there are nearly 1,000 worldwide — you'll enjoy perks including room upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout, free WiFi, and a unique amenity at each hotel, like a credit to use at on-property spas or restaurants.

An exclusive concierge service is also available to Platinum Card members. While the services are complimentary, you're responsible for paying for any services booked or purchases made on your behalf (but don't worry, the concierge will always ask for approval first). The service can be helpful for things like getting tickets to shows or making reservations at exclusive restaurants. I've used it twice: The service helped me get restaurant reservations in Tokyo that I was having trouble getting on my own, and helped me get some in-demand Broadway tickets the day they went on sale.

I've used the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, but that was after my first year. I already had Global Entry when I signed up for the card, and probably wouldn't pay for the concierge services if I didn't have complimentary access. I've also used the card to make a few large purchases so I could get the purchase protection, though (fortunately) I haven't had to make a claim.

For this valuation, I'll split the difference between what I've actually used and what I could have used.

First-year value: about $120

First-year value: at least $2,250

Over my first year with the Platinum Card from American Express, I've gotten more than $2,250 worth of value from the various perks, rewards, and benefits. When I subtract what I paid on my first month's statement for the annual fee, that's still a whopping $1,700.

Even in each following year, when I won't get the welcome bonus, I'll still be ahead by at least $500 — assuming I keep the card — plus whatever I earn in rewards from spending.

While the annual fee is definitely high, the value I've gotten from the card's annual benefits has more than outweighed it.

Learn more about the Amex Platinum Card from Business Insider's partner, The Points Guy »

DON'T MISS: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

SEE ALSO: Most people think paying $450 a year for a hotel credit card is insane — here's why I signed up for the Hilton Aspire anyway

Join the conversation about this story »

The North Face is currently running a big sale with up to 40% off last-season items and warm-weather styles

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TNF Sale

  • Summer might be in full swing, but now is the perfect time to stock up on fall wardrobe essentials. 
  • Right now, The North Face is featuring some of its most popular past-season and warm-weather styles for up to 40% off during its massive summer sale – including apparel and shoes for the entire family.
  • Take advantage of warm-weather clothes along with fall essentials before some of the heftiest discounts sell out. 

The first day of summer is nearly a month behind us, and fall will be here faster than you think. Ninety-degree days and flip-flop sales are a sure sign that the season isn't coming to an end right this moment, but popular brands like The North Face are already prepping for the changing of leaves and crisp autumn mornings.  

Get a head start on some of your fall shopping by checking out The North Face Summer Sale where you can score up to 40% off on some of the brand's top last-season styles. You'll find all kinds of apparel including hiking gear, hoodies, rainwear, and fleece jackets— along with a variety of shoes, and kids' wear

Let's not forget that The North Face also has a considerable amount of warm-weather-appropriate clothes. Breathable shorts, lightweight tanks, and summer sandals are some of the great products you can score if you'd rather avoid the thought of those chilly fall and winter nights.

Here are some of the best deals we found from The North Face Summer Sale:

Men’s Short-Sleeve Hammets Shirt

$33 (originally $55) [You save $22]



Men’s Venture 2 Jacket

$69.30 (originally $99) [You save $29.70]



Junior Winter Sneaker

$49 (originally $70) [You save $29]



Men’s Short-Sleeve Half Dome Tri-Blend Tee

$17.50 (originally $25) [You save $7.50]



Women’s Mountain Sweatshirt Full Zip

$104.30 (originally $149) [You save $44.70]



Women’s Campshire Pullover Hoodie

$89.40 (originally $149) [You save $59.60]



Men’s Safien Mid GTX Hiking Shoes

$105 (originally $150) [You save $45]



Women’s Base Camp Slide II

$24.50 (originally $35) [You save $10.50]



Women’s Ridgeside Capris

$38.50 (originally $55) [You save $16.50]



Girls’ Windy Crest Jacket

$42 (originally $70) [You save $28]



Women’s Thermoball Eco Hoodie

$132 (originally $220) [You save $88]



Women's Safien GTX Hiking Shoes

$98 (originally $140) [You save $42]



Men’s Resolve 2 Jacket

$54 (originally $90) [You save $36]



Men’s Safien Mid GTX Hiking Shoes

$105 (originally $150) [You save $45]



Boys’ Thermoball Full Zip Jacket

$84 (originally $120) [You save $36]



Men’s Paramount Active Pants

$49 (originally $70) [You save $21]



Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest

$107.40 (originally $179) [You save $71.60]



Women’s Flight Better Than Naked Shorts

$45.50 (originally $65) [You save $19.50]



The best bread machines you can buy

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  • Making bread isn't just for master bakers when you have a bread machine. 
  • The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker is the best bread machine you can buy to make delicious bread at home.
  • It has 13 pre-programmed settings, handles gluten-free recipes, and features a heated lid to help with even baking.

As a work-from-home dad, I try not to buy items from the store that I can make at home. And, since the overpriced bread at the supermarket is packed full of ingredients nobody can pronounce, I was naturally attracted to the fun challenge of baking healthy homemade bread.

With my trusty KitchenAid serving as a competent sous chef, I cut my teeth in the baking world with from-scratch bread. Eventually, the weekly bread dough kneading took its toll on the mixer. And, the demands of parenting and work made my old-fashioned methods inconvenient. In order to meet the high bread standards my family had come to expect (along with the delicious odors making bread produces), I turned to a bread machine.

With the most basic bread makers, you spend five to ten minutes loading the machine with ingredients (most machines come with plenty of recipes), you press a few buttons, and away it goes. You simply wait anywhere from one to four hours for the beeping to let you know it's done.

Appliance makers keep adding features that make these machines the greatest thing since, well, sliced bread —although I'm still waiting for an automatic slicing feature. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, here are some features to consider:

  • Automatic dispensers– Some models have automatic dispensers for yeast or fruits and nuts. The fruit and nut option is helpful because you generally want to add these ingredients later in the process, which then adds another time-sensitive step. With the dispenser, you set everything up and go about your day.
  • Pre-programmed settings – All of the bread machines in our guide have at least ten pre-programmed settings along with three crust shade alternatives (light, medium, and dark). Some common settings include whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, gluten-free, pizza dough, and jam.
  • Quick baking – Many machines offer a quick baking alternative. With this feature, you can have a baked loaf in as little as an hour from start to finish. However, the quality of the bread suffers.
  • Collapsible paddle/blade – Machine-made bread loaves usually have a hole in the base where the kneading blade sat during the baking process. Some manufacturers have remedied this problem by introducing collapsible paddles. Of course, if you don't mind babysitting your machine, you can remove the blade by hand right before the baking phase.

We combed through hundreds of reviews and ratings from home bakers and experts alike as we searched for the best bread machines. The five units we chose to include in this guide can make a variety of different bread types, require minimal user oversight, and have a track record of dependability and performance.

Here are the best bread machines for 2019:

Updated on 07/17/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Read on to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best stand mixers you can buy

The best bread machine overall

If you don't mind spending a little extra for a versatile top-of-the-line bread machine, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker is your best option.

What sets the Zojirushi Virtuoso apart from other bread makers is that it has two blades for kneading bread and features a heated lid for the even baking of loaves. This unit makes 2-pound traditional rectangular loaves in the inner cooking pan. The bread is positioned horizontally in the machine, whereas most have a vertical alignment. Zojirushi backs this product with a one-year warranty.

There are 10 pre-programmed settings with the bread machine: homemade, sourdough starter, cake, jam, quick dough, quick wheat, quick (prepares bread in about two hours), basic dough, basic wheat, and basic. There are also three crust shades: dark, medium, and light. Lastly, you can choose to delay the baking cycle for up to 13 hours.

The Zojirushi bread maker was runner-up in Bread Machine Pros' in-depth look at the best makers. The reviewers were impressed with how it handled gluten-free recipes and how the heater on the lid browns bread evenly on top. However, it lost points because it doesn't have a yeast or fruit and nut dispenser.

Village Bakery recommends this bread machine because it meets the dietary restrictions of just about anyone, including those who can't tolerate gluten. The reviewers also liked the dual kneading blades, but they would have preferred it if the machine was also able to make smaller loaves.

This Zojirushi bread maker has more than 1,500 5-star ratings on Amazon. One owner, who had previously owned another Zojirushi bread maker for 18 years, was impressed with the performance of the this model's dual kneading paddles, the top heater, and the versatility of this unit.

Other buyers left similar reviews and also noted that the long loaf tub made bread similar to ones you might find at the supermarket. There was one complaint about the blade notches wearing out after 100 cycles.

Pros: Excellent for gluten-free recipes, heater in lid, dual kneading paddles

Cons: Expensive, limited loaf-size options



The best budget bread machine #1

If you are looking for a cost-effective, no-nonsense bread machine for making fast, healthy loaves, the Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Maker is a smart solution.

Though the name suggests otherwise, the Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Maker can make loaves in a variety of sizes, including 1-pound and 1.5-pound sizes. There are 12 bread settings, including the Expressbake cycle, which makes a 2-pound loaf of bread in less than an hour.

You can choose from three crust settings, and the 13-hour programmable delay baking timer allows you to wake to the smell of fresh bread. This machine comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Heavy liked the many settings, the large LCD screen, and that it's great for families. However, the reviewers were not impressed with the mixing paddle or with how loud it gets. Baking Smart recommends this Oster model because it's user-friendly, compact, and inexpensive.

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine has nearly 2,500 5-star reviews on Amazon. One owner even put it against our top pick, the Zojirushi, and found the benefits of the Zojirushi were hardly worth the added cost. The reviewer was impressed with the Oster bread machine's "throw in all the ingredients and leave it" performance. Zojirushi products, in our experience, are incredibly well-made, and the price reflect that.

Other buyers were surprised by how versatile and intuitive this maker is for its low price. For instance, one shopper used plain, all-purpose white flour (instead of bread flour) and didn't follow the manual's instructions and still had excellent results.

Pros: User-friendly, inexpensive, versatile

Cons: Reports of machine "walking" along counter when making larger batches



The best budget bread machine #2

If you are a loaf-a-week household, the Sunbeam 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker will pay for itself within a year, and you can customize the bread to your liking.

The Sunbeam 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker is a 600-watt unit designed to produce 1.5-pound and 2-pound loaves. There are 12 pre-programmed settings for sandwich bread, cake, jam, dough ExpressBake (which Sunbeam claims bakes bread in under an hour), sweets, whole wheat, French, basic, and more.

There are also three crust darkness settings and a delayed 13-hour timer. The unit should only be washed by hand, and you should not use metal utensils on the non-stick surface. Sunbeam offers a one-year limited warranty with this product.

Bread Maker Machines recommends the Sunbeam Breadmaker if you are looking for a model that has several pre-programmed settings and a non-stick bread pan. However, the reviewers found that it's quite loud and that the included recipe and instruction book is not very helpful.

Consumer Search liked how durable and easy to use it is, and the reviewers were also surprised by the variety of features, given the low price. Bread Machine Pros noted that the Sunbeam does a great job of making tasty bread loaves, including specialty breads.

More than 1,600 shoppers on Amazon gave the 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker a positive review. One owner appreciated that the timer allowed them to wake up to fresh bread.

Others commented on how effortless it is to use this bread machine. The main complaints from buyers are that the instruction booklet produces inedible bread and that it's hard to read the LCD screen.

Pros: A dozen preprogrammed settings, affordable, intuitive user interface

Cons: Loud, unhelpful recipe book



The best convection bread machine

The Convection Bread Maker by Cuisinart was designed for fast, even baking of a variety of different bread types.

Much like a convection oven or air fryer (which uses the same technology), the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker uses a fan to circulate heat allowing it to cook faster and more evenly than its non-convection counterparts.

This 680-watt bread machine can make more than 100 bread, jam, sweet cake, and dough styles. You can also choose three loaf sizes, three crust colors, and 16 pre-programmed menu options. There is also a 12-hour delayed start. The bread machine produces tones that let you know when to add mix-ins and when to remove the paddle. Cuisinart offers a three-year limited warranty on this product.

Steamy Kitchen liked the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker because it bakes sandwich breads quickly and evenly. However, the reviewer found that the control panel is a bit confusing and inconsistent. Village Bakery was impressed by the detailed product manual and the 16 pre-programmed menu options. 

Pros: 16 preset options, convection fan for even and quick baking, comes with excellent manual/cookbook

Cons: Doesn't always sufficiently mix ingredients



The best for making unique breads

With its automatic fruit and nut dispenser and four loaf sizes, the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker is ideal for home bakers who like to make a variety of breads.

In addition to its stylish design, the Breville Bread Maker is packed with features. It makes 1-pound, 1.5-pound, 2-pound, and 2.5-pound loaves. Plus, there are three colors to pick from and 13 automatic settings. The kneading paddle mixes ingredients thoroughly then collapses before the baking cycle to minimize the hole in the base of the loaf. 

Perhaps best of all, this bread maker has a compartment that automatically dispenses fruits and nuts during the kneading phase. Plus, the 133-page user manual has 46 step-by-step recipes, including olive and roasted garlic bread and maple pecan bread.

Bread Machine Pros liked that the Custom Loaf Bread Maker has an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, viewing window with light, a nice screen, modern design, and four loaf size alternatives. As for downsides, Make Bread At Home found it to be exceedingly large and noisy. However, the reviewer did like the bread it produced.

Around 78% of Amazon customers gave the Breville a 4- or 5-star rating. Users liked the Custom Loaf Bread Maker because of the variety of loaf sizes it produces, the fruit and nut dispenser, and collapsible paddle. These are features that are not commonly found in today's bread machines.

Pros: Four loaf size options, 13 pre-programmed settings, automatic fruit and nut dispenser

Cons: May be too noisy for some



Neither the first-born nor the favorite: The life of middle child Eric Trump

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Eric Trump in 2016.

  • Eric Trump, President Donald Trump's middle child, may not be as glamorous as his sister Ivanka, nor as outspoken as his brother Don Jr., but he is an integral part of the Trump family.
  • The 35-year-old is an executive vice president of the Trump Organization, focusing on its golf properties and vineyard.
  • At 23, he founded a charity for children's cancer research. He's a family man, and one of his father's fiercest defenders.
  • He's not immune to controversy, though. He's been criticized for hunting in Zimbabwe, and for defending waterboarding as a form of torture. His charity's use of funds is also being investigated by the New York state attorney general.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Eric Trump may not be the first Trump child who comes to mind.

The 35-year-old is in all of the family photos. He worked on one of the family properties growing up. He appeared on 23 episodes of "The Apprentice". He's played a key role in his father's presidential campaigns, and now runs the family business alongside his brother.

He's had his share of controversies, too, like hunting elephants, defending waterboarding, and sharing his disappointment with his depiction on "Saturday Night Live." But he still doesn't feature in the media as much as his older siblings or his father.

According to one college friend, "Eric has Trump genes, but he doesn't have the Trump brand." He and his wife, Lara, have been called the "most normal, least controversial Trump couple".

Here's a closer look at Eric's life, career, and family.

SEE ALSO: From rich kid to first daughter: The life of Ivanka Trump

DON'T MISS: The life of Donald Trump Jr., who once lived out of a truck, didn't speak to his father for a year, and is weathering a messy divorce

Eric Frederick Trump was born on January 6, 1984. He is President Donald Trump and Ivana Trump's third child.

Source: Biography.com



In 1992, Donald and Ivana divorced and Ivana won custody of the children. Eric was the youngest, and knew the least about what went on in the divorce. But he did remember disliking when friends brought him newspaper articles about the messy and public court battle.

Source: New York Magazine



Growing up, Eric and his siblings spent summers with their maternal grandparents Milos, an engineer, and Maria, a shoe-factory worker, in the Czech countryside. There were no video games, and only one English TV station. From their grandparents they learned how to hunt and the importance of not wasting food.

Source: Washington Post



Eric's father always encouraged him to be competitive. When he was 10, he said his dad would try and push him over while skiing, so he could beat him down the mountain.

Source: New York Magazine



When New York Magazine asked Eric in 2004 what he would change about his parents, he agreed with his siblings' sentiment that their father "could be more understanding of things he doesn’t ... understand."

Source: New York Magazine



But Eric has always been one of his father's biggest supporters, frequently appearing at campaign events and talk shows to defend his dad.

Sources: City and State New York, LA Times



Don Jr. took care of Eric after his parent's divorce, and Eric sees his older brother as a mentor. Today, they have breakfast together in Trump Tower at 7 a.m. almost every day.

Sources: New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, Washington Post



They've earned a series of nicknames together – the Clinton campaign called them "the Storm Troopers." Eric gave them the nickname "the brutes."

Sources: New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, Washington Post



Ivanka also helped take care of him when he was younger. He told New York Mag that she took him shopping, and tried to make him "cool." Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany told Barbara Walters in 2015 that Ivanka is their dad's "favorite child."

Sources: New York Magazine, Bravo, ABC News



Eric went to Hill School in Pennsylvania, like Don Jr. He reportedly showed up with just one bag and a lamp. He's described, by journalist and former classmate Frank Runyeon, as "earnest and awkward, goofy and unpretentious, gracious and sweet-spirited". He had a talent for woodworking, and was named the "biggest mooch" in a yearbook.

Sources: New York Magazine, City & State New York, Washington Post



During the summer holidays at high school, Eric and Don Jr. worked for the family business, helping with renovations and the rebuild of Seven Springs, a 230-acre estate in Westchester. They mowed fields, cut down trees, laid marble, and did electrical work.

Source: Vanity Fair



Eric didn't follow his siblings to the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating high school in 2002, he broke the mold and went to Georgetown University, earning a degree in finance and management.

Source:City and State New York



While studying, he joined the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. According to classmates, he didn't go clubbing, and preferred the "frat kegger style of atmosphere".

Source:City and State New York



At 20, New York Magazine described Eric as "gangly and a bit shy," at 6-foot-5. Despite lacking his brother's confidence and his sister's glamour, he was polite and well-spoken.

Source: New York Magazine



In 2006, after graduating college, he started working for the Trump Organization with his dad and siblings. He made the most of the market crash, calling it the "greatest opportunity in the world," buying up every piece of land he and the company could.

Sources: City and State New York, Vanity Fair



In 2007, when he was 23, he started his own charity called the Eric Trump Foundation. Over the course of a decade, the nonprofit raised about $16.3 million for child cancer research at St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Sources: The New York Times, City and State New York, Forbes



Eric said he kept expenses down by hosting benefits at his family's golf courses. He also didn't employ any staff until 2015, Forbes reported.

Sources: City and State New York, Forbes



In 2008, Eric met Lara Yunasaka, an Inside Edition producer. They said they noticed each other when they were out at a bar, because they were the two tallest people in the room.

Sources: Elite Daily, Fox News



After the first meeting, it took them 3 months to go on a date. Lara later said that Eric wanted to be "very sure" that she was the one before they got married.

Sources: Elite Daily, Fox News



Between 2010 and 2015, Eric appeared on his father's reality show, "The Apprentice", 21 times as a boardroom judge and twice as an audience member.

Source: IMDB



In 2012, photos of Eric and Don Jr. hunting in Zimbabwe in 2011 surfaced. They showed the pair with a dead elephant and leopard. These photos continued to haunt the brothers, and brought new criticism from celebrities, including Mia Farrow in 2015 and Jim Carrey in 2018. Don Jr. told Forbes the elephants were overpopulated, and needed to be hunted to prevent further habitat destruction, and leopards weren't endangered. The hunting was legal.

Sources: Guardian, Forbes

 



On November 8, 2014, he married Lara after they had been dating for 5 years. They'd already adopted a dog called Charlie, who served as the ring bearer.

Sources: E News, Town and Country Magazine



Lara has become a key player in Trump's reelection campaign, in part, due to her experience with the media.



Eric is always a staunch defender of his father. In February 2016, he went on Fox News after Trump said the use of waterboarding, a torture technique, worked. Eric said it was no different from what happens on college campuses and in frat houses.

Source: City and State New York, Time



In October 2016, he went on CNN to defend his father and the Trump Organization's tax history. He said they had paid a "tremendous amount of taxes".

 



In November 2016, Eric's late-night internet activity made the news, when he tried to trade some guns online around 2 a.m. on July 11 of that year. The attempted transaction came several days after a gunman killed five police officers in Dallas.

Sources: New York Magazine, National Memo



In November 2016, he tweeted what appeared to be his ballot with a vote for his father, which is illegal to do in New York. He later deleted the tweet.

Sources: The Sun, CNN



In December 2016, Eric stopped fundraising with his foundation. He said the decision, made with a "heavy heart", was to avoid confusion around donations in the wake of his father's run to be president. It came after he was criticized for auctioning off a coffee with his sister, Ivanka, who is now a senior White House adviser.

Sources: Business Insider, Eric Trump Foundation, Forbes



After his father entered the White House, Eric and Don Jr. took full control of the family business. Eric sits on the 25th floor of Trump Tower, and is executive vice president in charge of 19 golf courses. He says he's still a builder, seeing parallels between his role at the Trump Organization and the woodworking he used to do in high school.

Sources: City and State New York, Vanity Fair, Trump Organization



He's also in charge of the Trump Winery in Virginia, which was purchased in 2011. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump Organization drove down the price for the winery, from $100 million to $6.2 million, by buying land around the estate and discouraging access to it. In 2013, Eric won "Rising Star of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Sources: Business Insider, Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast Magazine



In May 2017, golf writer James Dodson alleged Eric had told him three years earlier that Trump golf courses got funding "out of Russia." Borrowing one of his father's favorite phrases, Eric called it "fake news."

Source: Business Insider



In June 2017, a Forbes investigation reported that Eric's charity had paid to use Trump golf courses for events, despite what he had previously said. When Donald Trump found out in 2011 that there was no billing he reportedly "flipped". "I don't care if it's my son or not — everybody gets billed," Trump Sr. reportedly said.

Source: Forbes



In June 2017 after the Forbes report, New York state's attorney general confirmed it had started investigating Eric's charity, renamed Curetivity. Eric is one of the defendants. The investigation is looking into whether the charity's money was shifted to the Trump organization.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, Politico



In September 2017, Lara and Eric welcomed their first child Eric "Luke" Trump. He was the first grandchild to be born during Trump's presidency.

Sources: Town and Country Magazine, New York Times

 



In March 2018, Eric didn't take impersonations of him on "Saturday Night Live" well. The actors portrayed him as a child. He emailed the Washington Post saying, "they got it wrong, they detest us and they will do anything to try and undermine our credibility."

Source: Washington Post

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In June 2018, in an interview with Westchester Magazine, he said his father's life had gotten "exponentially worse" since becoming president. He also said that he and his older siblings were fair game for parodies and media attention, but his then-24-year-old sister Tiffany and his then-12-year-old brother Barron were off limits.

Source: Business Insider



In August 2018, Eric highlighted how he and his family have been targeted since his dad took office. "I've been threatened," Eric said on Fox News' "Hannity". "Our family's been threatened. All of us. We've all had white powder show up at our house."

Sources: The Hill, Fox News



In April 2019, the Mueller Report was released. Eric was only mentioned a handful of times. It said he had retweeted a Twitter account controlled by the Russian Internet Research Agency during the election, but it could have been accidental.

Source: Vice News



In June 2019, a cocktail lounge employee in Chicago spit on him. Secret Service took the employee into custody. Eric told Breitbart News that it showed a lack of civility from the Democrats, and "sickness and desperation" on their part. He didn't press charges.

Sources: Time, Brietbart, Chicago Tribune



With his father running for reelection in 2020, Eric is pulling his weight in campaigning. He's appeared at Republican fundraisers and made calls to thank particularly high donations. He's been tasked with keeping an eye on the campaign finances.

Source: Politico



Eric and Lara announced they're expecting their second child in August. They currently live with their son and two dogs in Briarcliff Manor, New York, a wealthy suburb of New York City and the home of the Trump National Golf Club Westchester.

 

Sources: USA TodayBusiness Insider



The best competing Prime Day sales from major retailers like Walmart, Nordstrom, and eBay that are still going on this week

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Competing Prime Day Sales 4x3

After four years running, Amazon's retail holiday Prime Day has essentially spurred a second Black Friday in the middle of summer. 

The pressure of 100+ million US shoppers with access to Prime Day benefits potentially spending their money at a single online marketplace, on one particular day in July, has forced the hand of retail competitors to run their own competing sales — some of which were offering (and some are still currently offering) better deals than Amazon.

Amazon has its own well-hidden gems too. Prime Day 2019 is over, but some of its most popular Prime Day deals are still live on the site. But other retailers are making it easy, and you can find a list below of the competing sales — which ones are still running and what they're selling, as well as those that are now over. 

For the best overall deals, head to eBay and Walmart right now (we suggest checking out the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link air purifier for $360 off or the Apple Watch for $80 off). For the best fashion deals, use a Nordstrom card to get early access to the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale right now, or wait until July 19 for it to open to the public. For the best in startup goods, head to Everlane's Choose What You Pay event. For athletic wear, head to Outdoor Voices up to 50% off sale

Here's a list of competing Prime Day 2019 sales and what they're discounting:

eBay

eBay sale details

EBay announced a three-week-long deals event beginning July 1, which is ongoing, as well as a cheeky "Crash Sale" event that coincided with Prime Day. The "Crash Sale" was eBay's direct attempt at trolling Amazon for its outage during last year's high-traffic Prime Day event. It's now over. 

Find daily discounts of up to 70% off major brands with free shipping. Right now through July 22, shop brands like Samsung, Bose, Tiffany & Co., and Michael Kors at a discount. 

What's on sale?

The Summer Brand Outlet offers up to 40% off Bose, an extra 20% off Dyson, up to 30% off Samsung, up to 60% off Adidas, and up to 30% off Tiffany & Co. We rounded up 12 standout deals from the mix here. If you're doing back-to-school shopping you can also check out up to 20% off Office Depot products



Walmart

Walmart sale details

Walmart's main Big Sale includes thousands of special buys and rollbacks online. It started July 14 (one day before Prime Day) and is running through today, July 17 (one day after Prime Day). Walmart also hosted Google Week from July 8-16, in which Walmart teamed up with Google to offer discounts on products like the Nest smart home devices. While Google Week is technically over, many of its deals are still available on the site.

What's on sale?

You'll find electronics, video games, home goods, fashion, and toys on sale. You'd be smart to head to the Google products like the Google Home Mini (now $25, originally $49), Google Home (now $69, originally $129), and Nest security products, as well as its wide and already affordable TV selection. We compiled the best deals from the Walmart sale here.



Nordstrom

Nordstrom sale details

Nordstrom card members can shop the giant Anniversary Sale from July 12 through July 18. From July 19 through August 4, the remaining deals will be available to the public. If you're a card member, you can use your Personal Double Points Day(s) when you shop the sale to earn double the points on purchases. If not, make sure to join the free rewards program called The Nordy Club to get rewarded for your shopping. 

Book a free appointment with a Nordstrom Personal Stylist to get expert advice on what to get from the sale. 

What's on sale?

Everything is up for grabs— you'll find major discounts on beauty, home, and clothes and accessories for men, women, and kids. We compiled 60 of the best Nordstrom deals being offered here.

Nordstrom will also be giving out beauty exclusives, samples, and gifts with purchase from July 19 through August 4.



Samsung

Samsung sale details

From now until August 3, Samsung is discounting some of its Q-Series TVs.

What's on sale?

Deals range from the luxe Q900-Series 8K Tvs to the slightly more affordable Q60R-Series 4K TVs. We compiled all the best deals from the sale, but you can also shop it directly for yourself here.



Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices sale details

Outdoor Voices has cut prices by as much as $50 on some of its most popular styles.

What's on sale?

Shop up to 50% off select styles. The sale covers products for both men and women and can be filtered by color or gender but not style. You'll find TechSweat leggings (which we recommend) for as little as $57 (originally $95) as well as their cult-favorite Dipped and Spring leggings for around $50, plus half-zips and polos. 



Target — Main sale over as of July 16, select discounts still available

Target sale details

Target's Target Deal Days ended July 16, but you can still shop sales on back-to-school essentials, tech, and summer fashion.

What's on sale?

Take 20% off school uniforms with the code "UNIFORM" at checkout and up to 30% off tech like kids' headphones and TVs. You can also save on popular backpacks like JanSport and get summer clothes for as low as $5 for a tee for a limited time.

 



Dell

Dell sale details

Dell's Cyber Week in July is continuing with daily doorbusters at 11 a.m. every day.  

What's on sale?

Save up to 40% off PCs and electronics. It would be fair to assume discounts on everything from laptops and desktops to XPS and gaming PCs, monitors, and home entertainment



Everlane

Everlane sale details

Everlane's Choose What You Pay discount event is still going on, and the company that never really does "sales" is offering up to 65% off original prices. 

What's on sale?

Shop the full men's and women's styles available here.



Macy's

Macy's sale details

Macy's had a  "Black Friday in July" special sale that ended July 16, but you can get up to 70% off home essentials today in a flash sale. 

What's on sale?

Save up to 70% off home essentials when you use the promo code "FLASH" at checkout.



Old Navy

Old Navy sale details

The entire Old Navy site was 50% off on July 15, but you can save up to 50% today, too. You'll automatically get 30% off your entire order.

What's on sale?

Everything, from men's and women's fashion to kids' items. 



Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond sale details 

The Beyond Big Savings Event is offering up to 75% off deals for every room in your house. 

What's on sale?

Beeline it to discounts on everything from the Instant Pot to Google products to vacuums to Fitbits to patio furniture and nice bedding. Orders over $39 get free shipping.



J. Crew

J.Crew Sale details

J.Crew led an openly competing sale with the promo code "PRIME" until July 16, but it's offering an almost equally good sale now with prices up to 75% off.

What's on sale?

Shop the full selection here, but expect a little bit of everything for both men and women: sweaters, tanks, shoes, accessories, kids clothes, and more. Use the promo code "WHOA" at checkout for the discount. 

 

 



Brooklinen — Sale ended July 16

Brooklinen sale details

Brooklinen discounted the entire site by 20% on July 15-16, breaking an unspoken rule that the direct-to-consumer favorite only discounts prices for Black Friday and its anniversary sale in May.

What was on sale?

Everything. Shoppers got 20% off new sheets, the company's brand-new loungewear, the Brooklittles bedding line for babies and toddlers, and more.

In our buying guides, we've ranked Brooklinen as the maker of the best luxury sheets. The company's Down Comforter (full/queen, originally $349) is the best we tried from a startup, and its Classic Duvet Cover (full/queen, originally $109) is another best-in-its-category on the internet. It also makes spa-worthy, blanket-sized towels (Bath Sheets, originally two for $89) and ultra-plush bathrobes (originally $98).



Bonobos — Sale ended July 16

Bonobos sale details

Bonobos offered 30% off sitewide with the promo code "BIZ30"and in all Guideshop locations across the U.S. 

What was on sale?

Everything. As the company put it, "every product, every category is going on sale." 



Casper — Sale ended July 16

Casper sale details

Casper offered a rare 15% off any order with a mattress when you apply the code " SIZZLE" at checkout July 15-16. 

What was on sale?

Pretty much everything, if you planned on having a mattress included in your order.

For reference, you can get the company's best-seller, The Casper, from $595 for a twin size, and the streamlined Essential mattress from as low as $395 on a regular day. The upgraded high-end mattress, The Wave, comes in at $1,295 to start. Right now, though, if you add the queen-sized Casper Wave Mattress ($2,495) to your cart, you'll save $374.25 on your purchase.



Ace Hardware — Sale ended July 16

Ace Hardware sale details

Ace Hardware hosted its first-ever Ace Rewards Day on July 15, which the company didn't position as competition to Prime Day, despite the coincidental timing. The company gave rewards members 15% their online purchase.

What was on sale?

Grills, coolers, lawn mowers, patio furniture, smart home products, and more.



Nike — Sale ended July 16

Nike sale details

Nike hosted a Flash Sale from July 15 through July 16. 

What was on sale?

Select styles were 30% off with the promo code "BEST30" at checkout.

 



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