YouTube's Hidden Premium Gem Revealed

New YouTube Feature Allows Free Users to Download Videos

YouTube has quietly introduced a new feature that allows free users to download videos, a capability previously reserved for those with a YouTube Premium subscription. This change went largely unnoticed until a sharp-eyed Reddit user uncovered the update and shared it with the community.

The newly available feature enables all users to download videos in low or medium quality—specifically at 144p and 360p resolutions. This functionality is especially beneficial for individuals who are traveling or trying to minimize their mobile data usage. However, the feature comes with several limitations. High-quality downloads, such as those in full HD or higher, still require a YouTube Premium subscription. Additionally, music videos and Shorts are excluded from this download option.

It remains unclear how widely this update has been rolled out across different regions. Some users have reported seeing the feature, while others have not. The limited availability raises questions about whether this is a temporary test or a more permanent shift in YouTube’s strategy.

This development follows the recent announcement of a new YouTube Premium Lite plan in the UK, which offers a reduced price compared to the standard Premium subscription. The introduction of this cheaper tier suggests that YouTube is experimenting with ways to provide more value to users without requiring them to pay for the full Premium experience.

One Reddit user described their discovery as an accidental finding. They mentioned that they were attempting to save a video for later viewing when they accidentally clicked the download button. What they found was surprising: the ability to download videos without needing a Premium account. They expressed their excitement, calling it a “big step” for YouTube.

Other Reddit users welcomed the change, highlighting the benefits of having access to a download feature without paying for a subscription. One user recalled the days when they had to rely on unreliable third-party websites to download YouTube videos. Now, they appreciate the convenience of being able to do so directly through the platform.

Another user noted that even though they currently have a Premium account, they are pleased that more features are becoming available to free users. They believe this move helps maintain the appeal of the Premium subscription by offering additional perks beyond just ad-free viewing.

Some users simply responded with positive feedback, saying “Much better.”

While this update may seem small, it represents a significant shift in YouTube’s approach to its free-tier users. By expanding access to certain features, the company could be aiming to increase user engagement and loyalty. It also raises the question of whether more features will follow suit in the future, potentially changing the way users interact with the platform.

For now, the ability to download videos at lower resolutions is a welcome addition for many, but the limitations remain clear. As more users explore this new functionality, it will be interesting to see how YouTube continues to evolve its offerings for both free and paid users.

Google introduces 'preferred sources' feature. How to add Desert Sun

Understanding Google’s ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature

Google has introduced a new feature called “preferred sources,” designed to help users tailor their news experience by highlighting content from their favorite websites. This feature allows users to customize how they receive information within the Top Stories section of Google Search. By selecting preferred sources, users can ensure that the latest updates from their go-to news outlets appear more prominently in search results.

The feature was launched on August 12 and gives users the ability to filter their news consumption based on personal preferences. Whether you're interested in sports, local news, or any other topic, Google will prioritize content from your selected sources when relevant information is available.

How to Add the Desert Sun as a Preferred Source

Adding the Desert Sun to your list of preferred sources is a straightforward process. You can use a direct link provided by Google or follow these steps:

1. Search for a topic that is currently in the news.
2. Click on the icon next to "Top Stories" to access the settings.
3. Choose your preferred sources, which could include the Desert Sun or any other news organization you regularly visit.
4. Refresh your search results to see more content from your chosen sources.

This method ensures that whenever you perform a search related to a topic covered by the Desert Sun, you’ll see the most recent articles from that outlet first.

Additional Ways to Stay Connected with the Desert Sun

Beyond the “preferred sources” feature, there are several other ways to keep up with the Desert Sun:

• Follow on Social Media: The Desert Sun maintains an active presence on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram. Following them on these channels ensures you never miss important updates.
• Use the Official App: Download the Desert Sun app on your Apple or Android device to receive real-time news alerts and updates directly on your phone.
• Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters that cover topics of interest to you. This is a great way to get curated content delivered straight to your inbox.
• Become a Subscriber: A subscription offers full access to all the content published by the Desert Sun, ensuring you stay informed about everything happening in your community and beyond.

By leveraging these tools, you can maintain a consistent connection with the Desert Sun and receive timely, relevant news tailored to your interests. Whether through the new Google feature or traditional methods, staying informed has never been easier.

Best Photo and Video Editing Software? You Decide!

Overview of the Sweepstakes

The Readers' Choice Sweepstakes offers an exciting opportunity for individuals to participate in a variety of surveys, including those focused on photo and video editing software and apps. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card, making it a valuable incentive for those interested in technology and digital tools.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the sweepstakes, participants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. This ensures that all entrants are adults who can legally participate in such promotions. Additionally, previous winners of any sweepstakes sponsored by the organizer during the nine months prior to the selection date are not eligible. Employees, consultants, and interns of the sponsor or affiliated organizations within the past six months are also excluded from participation.

Immediate family members and household members of these employees are not eligible either. This includes parents, step-parents, children, siblings, spouses, and others who share a residence with an employee. These restrictions aim to ensure fairness and prevent conflicts of interest.

How to Enter

There are two methods to enter the sweepstakes: online survey or mail entry.

Survey Entry: Participants can complete the online survey on the designated page during the sweepstakes period. This method is convenient and accessible for most users.

Mail Entry: For those preferring a traditional approach, a 3" x 5" card can be used to submit personal details such as name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address. Entries must be postmarked by September 22, 2025, and received by September 29, 2025. Only one entry per person is allowed, regardless of the method used.

Prize Details

One winner will receive a $250 Amazon.com gift code via email. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be substituted for cash. If the prize cannot be awarded due to unforeseen circumstances, a substitute prize of equal or greater value may be provided. However, if the prize remains unclaimed, it may not be re-awarded.

Winner Selection and Notification

Winners will be selected through a random drawing on or about October 7, 2025. The winner will be notified via email using the contact information provided during entry. They must respond within seven days of notification. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Acceptance and Delivery of the Prize

The winner will need to verify their address and may be required to sign documents such as an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and publicity release. If the documents are not returned within the specified time, an alternate winner may be selected. The prize will be shipped within seven days of receiving the signed documents. Winners are responsible for any taxes or fees associated with the prize.

Additional Rules and Disclaimers

By entering the sweepstakes, participants agree to the terms outlined in the official rules. This includes granting the sponsor permission to use their name, city, state, email address, and other information for advertising and publicity purposes. Entrants also consent to receive future communications from the sponsor.

The sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law. All submissions become the property of the sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. The prize is provided "as is" without further warranty. The sponsor disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Limitation of Liability

Participants release and hold harmless the sponsor and its affiliates from any claims, actions, injuries, losses, damages, liabilities, and obligations arising from the sweepstakes or the use of the prize. Any disputes will be resolved individually in a court located in New York, New York, and participants waive the right to a trial by jury.

Privacy and Social Media

Information collected from entrants is subject to the sponsor's privacy policy. The sweepstakes may be featured on social media platforms, but it is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with these platforms. Participants acknowledge that these platforms are not liable for any claims or damages related to the sweepstakes.

Winner List

After the selection date, a list of winners can be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the sponsor's address. By entering the sweepstakes, participants agree to all the rules and conditions outlined in the official rules.

New Samsung TVs, Top-Notch Sound System, Exclusive Speakers and More

Weekly Hi-Fi and Home Cinema News Digest

As the Bank Holiday brings a moment of respite for many in the UK, our team of audio visual experts continues to deliver the latest updates on hi-fi and home cinema. This week's edition offers an array of exciting developments, from new product releases to in-depth reviews.

New Giant Samsung TVs

The trend of large 100-plus-inch Mini LED TVs is gaining momentum, with brands like Hisense and TCL positioning them as the future of home cinema. Some even claim they may eventually replace projectors. With our TV and AV editor having seen some of the upcoming models for 2025 and being impressed, it’s not hard to see why Samsung has entered this market. The company recently launched its 115-inch QN90F and 100-inch QN80F sets. Both run on Samsung’s Tizen OS, but the premium QN90F, priced at $27,000, stands out with its advanced features. It aims to compete directly with the TCL X955 115 Max, offering cutting-edge AI processing and upscaling capabilities.

Pro-Ject’s Latest Phono Stage with Valves

Turntable specialist Pro-Ject has introduced two new phono stages: the Tube Box E and the more premium Tube Box S3 B. The S3 B, priced at £529 / €599, is a valve-based balanced phono stage designed for audiophiles seeking high-end performance with solid connectivity. It uses a symmetrical discrete gain stage to reduce noise and maintain detail when paired with a balanced turntable. The more affordable Tube Box E, priced at £240 / €299, features a fully discrete, dual-mono design that also aims to minimize noise.

New Special Edition Monitor Audio Speakers

For those who appreciate a rugged, stylish look, Monitor Audio has unveiled a special edition of its Silver Series 7G speakers. The limited edition floorstanders, the Silver 300 7G, are available for £2000 / $2750 / €2500 per pair, while the 100 7G standmounters are priced at £925 / $1350 / €1300 per pair. These models come in a striking Carbon Black Metallic finish, though the internal hardware remains the same as the base models.

Panasonic’s Flagship OLED TV Tested

Following our five-star review of the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B, we have now delivered our final verdict on the flagship Z95B OLED TV. Designed to rival the LG G5 and Sony Bravia 8 II, the Z95B features advanced technologies such as the Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, a custom AI-focused chipset, and a built-in soundbar system. While the sound system isn't perfect, adjusting the picture settings revealed a balanced and authentic image quality that lives up to Panasonic's reputation.

NAD’s Charming Retro System

Just add speakers systems are becoming increasingly popular among music enthusiasts due to their ease of setup and convenience. NAD has introduced the C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module), which combines a retro aesthetic with modern streaming capabilities. Priced at £1699 / $2199 / AU$3599, this unit includes a moving magnet phono stage for vinyl fans and supports hi-res music streaming through Bluesound’s platform. Its versatility and feature set make it a strong contender against other models like the Arcam A15 and Rega Elex Mk4.

Additional Recommendations

For those looking to explore the best options in OLED TVs, hi-fi systems, and floorstanding speakers, there are several top-rated products worth considering. Each offers unique features tailored to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious audiophile, there's something for everyone in the world of home entertainment.

New Samsung TVs, Top-Notch Sound System, Exclusive Speakers and More

Weekly Hi-Fi and Home Cinema News Digest

As the Bank Holiday brings a moment of respite for many in the UK, our team of audio visual experts continues to deliver the latest updates on hi-fi and home cinema. This week's edition offers an array of exciting developments, from new product releases to in-depth reviews.

New Giant Samsung TVs

The trend of large 100-plus-inch Mini LED TVs is gaining momentum, with brands like Hisense and TCL positioning them as the future of home cinema. Some even claim they may eventually replace projectors. With our TV and AV editor having seen some of the upcoming models for 2025 and being impressed, it’s not hard to see why Samsung has entered this market. The company recently launched its 115-inch QN90F and 100-inch QN80F sets. Both run on Samsung’s Tizen OS, but the premium QN90F, priced at $27,000, stands out with its advanced features. It aims to compete directly with the TCL X955 115 Max, offering cutting-edge AI processing and upscaling capabilities.

Pro-Ject’s Latest Phono Stage with Valves

Turntable specialist Pro-Ject has introduced two new phono stages: the Tube Box E and the more premium Tube Box S3 B. The S3 B, priced at £529 / €599, is a valve-based balanced phono stage designed for audiophiles seeking high-end performance with solid connectivity. It uses a symmetrical discrete gain stage to reduce noise and maintain detail when paired with a balanced turntable. The more affordable Tube Box E, priced at £240 / €299, features a fully discrete, dual-mono design that also aims to minimize noise.

New Special Edition Monitor Audio Speakers

For those who appreciate a rugged, stylish look, Monitor Audio has unveiled a special edition of its Silver Series 7G speakers. The limited edition floorstanders, the Silver 300 7G, are available for £2000 / $2750 / €2500 per pair, while the 100 7G standmounters are priced at £925 / $1350 / €1300 per pair. These models come in a striking Carbon Black Metallic finish, though the internal hardware remains the same as the base models.

Panasonic’s Flagship OLED TV Tested

Following our five-star review of the 48-inch Panasonic Z90B, we have now delivered our final verdict on the flagship Z95B OLED TV. Designed to rival the LG G5 and Sony Bravia 8 II, the Z95B features advanced technologies such as the Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, a custom AI-focused chipset, and a built-in soundbar system. While the sound system isn't perfect, adjusting the picture settings revealed a balanced and authentic image quality that lives up to Panasonic's reputation.

NAD’s Charming Retro System

Just add speakers systems are becoming increasingly popular among music enthusiasts due to their ease of setup and convenience. NAD has introduced the C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module), which combines a retro aesthetic with modern streaming capabilities. Priced at £1699 / $2199 / AU$3599, this unit includes a moving magnet phono stage for vinyl fans and supports hi-res music streaming through Bluesound’s platform. Its versatility and feature set make it a strong contender against other models like the Arcam A15 and Rega Elex Mk4.

Additional Recommendations

For those looking to explore the best options in OLED TVs, hi-fi systems, and floorstanding speakers, there are several top-rated products worth considering. Each offers unique features tailored to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious audiophile, there's something for everyone in the world of home entertainment.

Say goodbye to cat-itude! Keep your feline entertained for hours with this interactive toy

The Ultimate Solution for Bored Cats

Cats are known for their playful nature, but sometimes even the most energetic feline can become disinterested in traditional toys. If your cat has started to lose interest in regular playtime activities, it might be time to introduce a new kind of entertainment. Enter the Cheerble Ball, an innovative interactive toy designed specifically for cats.

This self-rolling ball is more than just a simple toy—it’s a dynamic and engaging companion that keeps your cat entertained for hours. With its ability to roll, bounce, and light up, the Cheerble Ball mimics the natural movement of prey, which is highly stimulating for cats. It features LED lights that catch your cat's attention and encourage them to pounce, chase, and play.

Designed for Feline Fun

The Cheerble Ball is made with a synthetic fiber cover that is both durable and safe for your cat. This material is gentle on their paws and ensures that the toy can withstand the occasional bite or scratch. The LED lights are not only visually appealing but also serve as a way to stimulate your cat’s sight and curiosity.

One of the standout features of this toy is its automatic operation. As soon as your cat touches the ball, it starts rolling on its own, creating endless opportunities for play. You don’t have to do any work—just let your cat take the lead. The Cheerble Ball also offers different modes to suit your cat’s energy level. Whether your cat is a laid-back nap-taker or a high-energy explorer, you can adjust the settings accordingly.

A Smart and Safe Toy

If your cat tends to knock things over or hide under furniture, you may worry about the Cheerble Ball getting stuck. Fortunately, this toy is equipped with an advanced obstacle avoidance system. It can detect and navigate around obstacles, ensuring that it doesn’t get trapped in tight spaces. This means less stress for you and more fun for your cat.

To start playing, simply turn on the Cheerble Ball, set it to your preferred mode, and activate it by tapping or shaking it. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for cat owners who want a hassle-free solution.

A Great Gift for Cat Lovers

Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself or someone else who loves cats, the Cheerble Ball is a fantastic choice. It’s fully rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your cat active and engaged without requiring much effort from you.

Currently, the Cheerble Ball is available at a special price of $14.97, which is a significant discount from its regular price of $27.99. This makes it an excellent investment for any cat owner looking to provide their feline friend with hours of entertainment.

With its interactive design, smart technology, and ease of use, the Cheerble Ball is more than just a toy—it’s a game-changer for cat playtime. Say goodbye to bored cats and hello to endless fun with this innovative product.

Say goodbye to cat-itude! Keep your feline entertained for hours with this interactive toy

The Ultimate Solution for Bored Cats

Cats are known for their playful nature, but sometimes even the most energetic feline can become disinterested in traditional toys. If your cat has started to lose interest in regular playtime activities, it might be time to introduce a new kind of entertainment. Enter the Cheerble Ball, an innovative interactive toy designed specifically for cats.

This self-rolling ball is more than just a simple toy—it’s a dynamic and engaging companion that keeps your cat entertained for hours. With its ability to roll, bounce, and light up, the Cheerble Ball mimics the natural movement of prey, which is highly stimulating for cats. It features LED lights that catch your cat's attention and encourage them to pounce, chase, and play.

Designed for Feline Fun

The Cheerble Ball is made with a synthetic fiber cover that is both durable and safe for your cat. This material is gentle on their paws and ensures that the toy can withstand the occasional bite or scratch. The LED lights are not only visually appealing but also serve as a way to stimulate your cat’s sight and curiosity.

One of the standout features of this toy is its automatic operation. As soon as your cat touches the ball, it starts rolling on its own, creating endless opportunities for play. You don’t have to do any work—just let your cat take the lead. The Cheerble Ball also offers different modes to suit your cat’s energy level. Whether your cat is a laid-back nap-taker or a high-energy explorer, you can adjust the settings accordingly.

A Smart and Safe Toy

If your cat tends to knock things over or hide under furniture, you may worry about the Cheerble Ball getting stuck. Fortunately, this toy is equipped with an advanced obstacle avoidance system. It can detect and navigate around obstacles, ensuring that it doesn’t get trapped in tight spaces. This means less stress for you and more fun for your cat.

To start playing, simply turn on the Cheerble Ball, set it to your preferred mode, and activate it by tapping or shaking it. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for cat owners who want a hassle-free solution.

A Great Gift for Cat Lovers

Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself or someone else who loves cats, the Cheerble Ball is a fantastic choice. It’s fully rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your cat active and engaged without requiring much effort from you.

Currently, the Cheerble Ball is available at a special price of $14.97, which is a significant discount from its regular price of $27.99. This makes it an excellent investment for any cat owner looking to provide their feline friend with hours of entertainment.

With its interactive design, smart technology, and ease of use, the Cheerble Ball is more than just a toy—it’s a game-changer for cat playtime. Say goodbye to bored cats and hello to endless fun with this innovative product.

10 Iconic Anime Series Turning 25 in 2025

Before streaming platforms madeanimeaccessible to the world, and way before social media fandoms hyped upcoming adaptations, the year 2000 became a turning point where anime exploded with creativity, emotion, and ambition. It was a foundational year when fans discovered stories that would stay with them for decades. And now, in 2025, those anime series are hitting their 25-year milestone. Goes without saying, they are still beloved.still rewatched, and still shaping the way we see the medium.

What makes 2000 so iconic is how many of its anime releases became synonymous with the culture. These shows were filling airtime, sure, but they were also defining genres and daring to be visually stimulating. Some introduced memorable characters, others transformed storytelling. Whether you're into gothic horror or sci-fi romance, 2000 had something that scratched the itch. And chances are, it still does.

Here are 10 anime series that debuted in 2000 and continue to entertain and inspire, 25 years later.

Banner of the Stars

Adapted from a series of science fiction novels written by Hiroyuki Morioka,Banner of the StarsIt is set against the backdrop of an interstellar war. It continues the saga of Jinto Linn and Princess Lafiel, heirs to the legacy of Crest of the Stars. They now serve aboard the assault ship Basroil and are thrust into the heart of a conflict between the genetically engineered Abh Empire and the human-led Triple Alliance.

Most Elegant Sci-Fi

In terms of storytelling, this sequel isway better than its predecessor,Crest of the StarsBy refusing to treat war as spectacle, the series becomes a meditation on identity, diplomacy, and the loneliness of being in command. The subdued palette and orchestral score by Katsuhisa Hattori give it a melancholic beauty. Plus, Lafiel and Jinto's dynamic remains one of anime's most compelling partnerships even 25 years later.

Love Hina

InLove Hina, Keitarō Urashima's life is a mess. He fails the University of Tokyo entrance exam twice and is kicked out by his parents, eventually ending up as a manager at his grandmother's old inn, which is now a girls-only dormitory. As Keitarō tries to fulfill a forgotten childhood promise to a girl he vowed to enter Tokyo U with, his life becomes more and more chaotic.

Harem Comedy That Endures

WhenLove Hinapremiered, it rode the harem wave. Ken Akamatsu's manga sold over 20 million copies in Japan and the anime adaptation became a gateway series for international fans in the early 2000s. Its pastel aesthetic, catchy soundtrack, andExaggerated humorwere what shaped the genre. Also, Naru and Keitarō's slow-burning romance resonated with viewers who saw themselves trapped in the awkwardness of young love.

Boogiepop Phantom

Adapted from theBoogiepopLight novel series by Kouhei Kadono, this one takes place a month after a mysterious pillar of light splits the night sky. Strange things happen across a Japanese city, like high school students disappearing, and whispers of Boogiepop, a shinigami-like urban legend, begin to surface. Each episode centers on a different character and explores how their lives intersect with the supernatural forces.

Horror with Timeless Impact

A masterpiece of psychological horror and suspense, this one stunned audiences with its nonlinear narrative structure and striking visual style (courtesy of Madhouse). Often compared toSerial Experiments Lain, it pioneered the subgenre and trusted viewers to piece together its themes of memory and transformation. 25 years later,Boogiepop Phantomis still revered by fans of dark and cerebral anime.

Digimon Adventure 02

The second anime series in theDigimonfranchise,Digimon Adventure 02It is set three years after the original DigiDestined saved both worlds. It introduces a new generation of heroes: Davis, Yolei, and Cody, along with returning veterans T.K. and Kari. When the Digital World is under siege again and a human antagonist starts enslaving Digimon, the team battles to restore balance.

A Beloved Sequel

Digimon Adventure 02expanded theDigimonuniverse with its emotional depth, global scope, and exploration of the ever-evolving relationship between humans and their digital companions. Definitely not as universally acclaimed as its predecessor, and yet, it introduced DNA Digivolution, international DigiDestined, and one of the franchise’s most complex characters in Ken. So, even 25 years after its debut,Digimon Adventure 02is just as iconic.

Ghost Stories

After their mother passes away, siblings Satsuki and Keiichirou Miyanoshita move to her hometown, only to discover that the local school is haunted by spirits their mother once sealed away. The siblings, along with a ragtag group of classmates, beginexorcising evil entities unleashed by urban developments. With each episode, the group's bond becomes stronger.

Still Heavily Quoted and Meme'd

Ghost-busting seems to have an enduring appeal worldwide. A true cult classic,Ghost StoriesIt is a rare anime with its legacy split into two. The original Japanese version is a sincere supernatural drama with eerie music and haunting tone. But its English dub, infamously rewritten by ADV Films, turned it into a parody filled with pop culture jokes, irreverent humor, and fourth-wall breaks. And this unexpected shift is what glued the anime to Western fandoms.

Hamtaro

Hamtaro is not an ordinary hamster. He is a sunflower seed-loving explorer with a curious heart. After moving to a new home with his owner, Laura, Hamtaro discovers a secret world beyond the confines of his cage. He befriends other hamsters, and together, they embark on daily adventures that mirror the emotional ups and downs of their human counterparts.

Cheerful and Oddly Existential

Whether it's building a clubhouse, helping a friend overcome fear, or navigating hamster-sized drama, the series strikes the perfect balance betweenslice-of-life storytellingand whimsical charm. There is a reasonHamtarobecame a global phenomenon. It spawned over 290 episodes, multiple OVAs, and even video games, with merchandise sales reaching billions by the early 2000s. If that's not iconic, what is?

Hajime no Ippo

Ippo Makunouchi is a quiet teenager who spends his days helping his mother run a fishing boat business and being bullied at school. One fateful encounter with pro boxer Mamoru Takamura changes everything. Takamura not only discovers his raw punching power, but also introduces him to the Kamogawa Gym, where Ippo begins his journey into the brutal world of professional boxing.

Quintessential Underdog Story

The First Ippois atrue masterpiece of the sports anime genreAnimated by Madhouse with dynamic fight choreography and heartfelt emotional moments, the series received much praise for its pacing and character development. The manga, which started in 1989, had over 100 million copies in circulation by 2023, making it one of the best-selling sports manga of all time. Even now, fans return to it for the adrenaline, warmth, and humor of its cast.

Inuyasha

Kagome Higurashi's life takes a sharp turn when she is pulled into a well and transported to Sengoku-era Japan. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon sealed to a tree by a priestess named Kikyo. And as it turns out, Kagome is the reincarnation of the same priestess. When a sacred jewel shatters, Kagome and Inuyasha must recover its shards before they fall into the hands of the evil Naraku.

Feudal Fantasy and Timeless Romance

Rumiko Takahashi'sInuyashacombines folklore, romance, and action into a sweeping epic. The feudal fantasy is rich in visuals and backed by a haunting score from Kaoru Wada. Even though it debuted in 2000, the anime was aired in over 30 countries and sold over a million DVDs in English between 2003 and 2004. So, what makesInuyashaSo iconic is not just the story, but the aching humanity beneath the magic, the longing, and the love.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

InYu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, Yugi Mutou is a shy high school student who solves the ancient Millennium Puzzle and ends up unlocking a powerful spirit known as the Pharaoh. When his grandfather's soul is stolen by Maximillion Pegasus, the creator of the Duel Monsters card game, Yugi enters the Duelist Kingdom tournament to win it back. He must face dangerous opponents, uncover the Pharaoh's lost memories, and battle for control.

Card Battles With High Stakes

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel MonstersTurned trading cards into pure drama. Its mix of Egyptian mythology, strategic duels, and iconic monsters like Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes White Dragon made its impact on pop culture even greater. The anime ran for 224 episodes and launched a real-world card game that became one of the best-selling TCGs globally. Even now, phrases like "It's time to duel!" evoke nostalgia and entertain fans around the world.

FLCL

Naota Nandaba lives a quiet life until Haruko Haruhara crashes into it, literally, on a Vespa. She hits him with a bass guitar, moves into his house, and opens a portal in his forehead. As Naota cruises through adolescence, he is pulled into Haruko's hunt for Atomsk, a space pirate with godlike powers. Each episode turns Naota's internal struggles outward and becomes crazier.

Confusing But Cathartic

FLCL, as an anime, is short, loud, and raw. It defies convention and pushes the boundaries of what the art form can achieve. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and animated by Gainax and Production I.G., it features frenetic editing, visual gags, and layered narratives.Though only six episodes, it won Best Comedy and Best Short Series at the American Anime Awards in 2007. 25 years later,FLCLIt is like a rite of passage for anime fans.

The weird, wonderful world of 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks – the highs and lows of physical media special editions

Some may believe that physical media is dying, but at The Shiro Copr, we're still flying the 4K Blu-ray flag!

4K Blu-ray is the best way to showcase thebest TVsandbest soundbars, due to its higher bitrate than streaming (4K streaming averages 17-25Mbps and peaks at 40Mbps, while 4K Blu-ray averages 128Mbps) and uncompressed soundtracks.

In November 2024, we launched a feature called theBlu-ray Bountywhere we test the best new 4K discs. Trust me, there have been someexcellentdisks.

While testing these discs, I've not only come to appreciate 4K Blu-ray even more for its video and audio quality (I was a collector before joining The Shiro Copr2023), but I've also found myself drawn to another aspect of collecting, one that can be a big trap for personal finances: Steelbooks.

Steelbooks are a special edition, steel-cased version of a 4K Blu-ray that features different artwork from the standard edition. There is absolutely no difference other than the Steelbook version possibly looking a bit prettier on the shelf.

We've been lucky to get some excellent 4K Steelbooks for Blu-ray Bounty, and that got me thinking: areallAre steelbooks worth it? I did a deep dive to find out.

Worth the price

While it may seem strange to fawn over a Steelbook version of a 4K Blu-ray, that's what I'm going to do right now. One of the best in recent memory is theTombstoneSteelbook shown above. The movie poster-type shot with the white background and western script makes this a thing of beauty. And I'm not alone in my thinking, since this particular 4K Blu-ray flew off the shelves and has been a regular topic of discussion on ther/4Kbluray4K Blu-ray subreddit.

It's this very 4K Blu-ray Steelbook that made me aware of just how good they can look. Below is a gallery of images of some of the best 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks we've featured in the Blu-ray Bounty.

Whether it's the simplicity of the king's face on theKingdom of Heavencover (an extremely popular 4K disc), the keyhole fromThe Sixth Senseor the titular characters ofDeadpool & Wolverinein all their eye-popping glory (with Peggy the dog in tow), these 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks are visually a cut above their standard edition counterparts.

Below are a few Steelbooks we haven't gotten our hands on yet, but are hoping to add to our collection.

As a fan of the new Superman movie, I love the simplicity of the HMV 4K Steelbook version, and it appears I'm not alone, as it's already sold out – drat! I already own theLord of the Rings Trilogy Extended Edition4K Blu-rays, but boy, those gold-style Steelbook versions look nice.

The standard edition may not be so bad

It's notallsmooth sailing for 4K Steelbooks, which are more expensive and can sometimes look worse than the standard release or be just plain ugly altogether.

For example, after taking a deep dive onr/steelbooks, a Reddit haven for Steelbook collectors, I discovered that the majority of people there hated the Disney 100 Blu-ray Steelbooks.

Yikes. There's nothing inherently wrong with these, but you'd think for Disney's 100th anniversary, they'd release something a little more interesting. EvenStar Warswasn't safe from the plain-tin treatment.

Another regular target in r/steelbooks is Tobey Maguire'sSpider-Mantrilogy, specifically the FutureShop Canada edition.

Good lord, what a monstrosity. Why are actual shots from the movie just carelessly plastered on the front cover? And why did they use the wrong hue of red? Oh, and don't worry if you didn't know which movie it was, because they tell you twice.

Another release that's garnering mixed reactions is the new 4K Blu-ray Steelbook collection ofThe Dark Knight Trilogy 20th Anniversary Edition(yes, I felt myself age when I read that, too)

The reviews section for this one on theZavvi websiteis a minefield. As one user commented, "The artwork looks atrocious. I cancelled my pre-order." Other commenters called it "lazy" and "a huge disappointment." Again, there's nothing especially wrong with this edition, but it feels very rushed and lacking in thought for a special edition of this trilogy. And when you consider that it retails for about $99 / £99 compared to $45 / £35 for the normal edition, it's a tough sell.

Honestly, I could go on for much longer, as there are more examples of both incredible and awful Steelbooks to discuss. But, having explored the topic, one thing I can say is that I'll be picking up a few Steelbooks myself soon.

Here are some links for the best places to find 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks if you're looking to start your own collection:

• Amazon US
• Gruv (US)
• Amazon UK
• Zavvi (UK)

You might also like

• Looking to get into 4K Blu-ray? Here are the 4 things you need to get started
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Film Friday: Step inside the history of Hollywood's movie cameras in this museum tour

This Film Friday, we're taking a look at film in the cinema world. The Tested Team YouTube channel has produced two videos touring the American Society of Cinematographers museum. Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, director and producer Steve Gainer is the curator of the museum, and takes the host of the show through the museum, discussing some of the cameras that are on display.

Gainer has an incredible wealth of information about the cameras, sharing in-depth information on how the cameras work, how and when they were used and more. He starts the first video, above, with a 1890 Lumière camera, which was essentially an all-in-one camera system that Gainer says still works today.

The video also tells stories about the problems with the original wooden cinema cameras and how bugs loved the glue used to hold them together. Gainer says that cinematographers would wake up a day after arriving at a shoot in the jungle to discover their camera in pieces because the bugs ate all the glue. The Bell Howell 2709 camera was a big step forward since it had a metal body. The model that the museum has on display was purchased in 1918 by Harry Warner and was used to shoot Warner Bros.' first motion picture.

If the above video isn't enough fun information for you, there's also a second episode looking at even more cameras, this time large-format ones.

The museum has the large-format Todd-AO cinema camera that was used to shoot The Sound of Music and Cleopatra. Gainer walks through how it works and why large-format film came about. He explains that it was an answer to people staying home to watch TV since they were only seeing small, square pictures. The wide format provided something new that viewers couldn't get at home.

Both episodes are absolutely fascinating, with an incredible amount of information and history shared. It's clear how knowledgeable and passionate Gainer is, and the museum has quite the collection of items from cinema history. If you're interested in old cameras, history or cinema (and especially all three), they are well worth a watch.

Jeffrey Katzenberg and Kimbal Musk are bringing high-flying storytelling to life

DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and Tesla (TSLABoard member Kimbal Musk are joining forces to tell stories in the sky - by using drones.

"This is about now taking this brilliant technology and art form and bringing classic storytelling to it and doing it, you know, on this unlimited canvas in the sky," said Katzenberg on Yahoo Finance's Market Catalysts.

Katzenberg, a prominent Democratic donor, is joining the board of Nova Sky Stories, a drone entertainment startup founded by Elon Musk's younger brother, Kimbal. He's also investing through his tech firm WndrCo.

WndrCo has made a series of major, early technology investments in recent years, including Figma (FIG) and DataBricks.

Nova says it will stage its first co-developed "Sky Story" with Katzenberg in 2026. A "Sky Story" is a live show that uses choreographed drones, lights, and music to create an immersive aerial performance for large audiences.

Drone light shows are not new. Disney (DIS), the Olympics, and music festivals like Lollapalooza have all used them for years, even utilizing Nova's technology. But the business remains niche, highly competitive, and expensive to scale.

Investors previously burned by hype cycles around cutting-edge entertainment might approach the project with more caution. Take Quibi, the short-form video venture Katzenberg co-founded, which shut down just six months after its launch in 2020 despite raising $1.75 billion.

Still, Nova says it's offering something different. Musk told Yahoo Finance that the company's technology is "designed for 80 to 90 minute shows" and compared it to Broadway theater. "These go into stadiums and venues that are very underused right now," he said.

Katzenberg's addition validates Nova's global ambitions, Musk added. Whether the project succeeds in generating sustainable revenue remains to be seen. Musk, who launched Nova in 2022, has long aimed to bring art to the sky — even acquiring 9,000 of Intel'sINTC) light drones as part of the effort.

Nova is privately held, but the idea could touch entertainment giants like Disney and Netflix (NFLX), which are under pressure to find new revenue streams as some of their core businesses cool. In late June, Netflix said it wouldteam up with NASAto boost its live programming.

Separately, Musk said the drone startup has been preparing for Trump's tariffs. The company is "pretty well set up," as it owns, builds, and manufactures its drones in factories across the US, Europe, and China.

"You've got to be able to manufacture in the markets you're going to serve," he said.

Francisco Velasquez is a Reporter at Yahoo Finance. He can be reached onLinkedInandX, or by email atfrancisco.velasquez@yahooinc.com.

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Apple TV 4K vs NVIDIA Shield Pro: Which is Better for a Home Theater?

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The streaming device you use with your home theater can make or break your viewing experience. Most modern TVs have smart functionalities built in, but the operating system, processing capabilities, memory, and transcoding hardware are often basic at best. Those who want a more high-end interface might enjoythe benefits of using a dedicated streaming devicethat manages all the processing work, allowing the TV itself to just function as a display. There are a few popular brands out there. Roku, Amazon, and Google all make some impressive streaming hardware, but those who want the best of the best are probably going to have their eye on two devices:Apple TV 4KandNvidia Shield Pro.

Both of these products promise top-tier performance, with features like 4K HDR video, fast interfaces, and large libraries of apps available. Unfortunately for those wondering which one is better, the answer is a bit complicated because they are very different from each other. Each of them has a wide range of unique features that may be more beneficial to certain types of users. This means that the Apple TV 4K streaming device might be the better option for some home entertainment systems, while the Nvidia Shield Pro is the better option for others. However, these devices are not cheap, so you may want to take a closer look at what each of them has to offer before making a decision. One of the best ways to choose the model that's right for you is to review the specs and features available from each of these premium brands and see which one has the most features that suit your needs.

Read more:4 Useful USB-C Accessories for Your Windows Laptop

Apple TV 4K Is Best For Apple Enthusiasts

It probably won't come as much of a surprise for anyone to learn that the Apple TV is likely to be the better option for those who are already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. Do you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Do you use HomeKit and/or a lot of Siri-controlled smart home accessories? Do you subscribe to Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade, or Apple Music? If so, then you've probably already realized that Apple offers a wide range of cross-platform features with seamless integration across its devices and those of partner brands. You can use your iPhone as a secondary remote that can not only control basic functions, but also adjust settings such as color balance. You can also use up to two pairs of AirPods for shared listening with spatial audio and separate volume controls. Another option is to use the SharePlay feature to watch movies and shows with any friends who also have access to an Apple device.

The hardware is impressive as well. There are twoApple TV 4Kmodels available in the latest generation: The 64 GB Apple TV 4K with WiFi ($129) and the 128 GB Apple TV 4K with WiFi and Ethernet ($149). Other than the difference in connectivity and storage, the 128 GB model also has thread networking support and Gigabit Ethernet capabilities. Both arepowered by the same incredibly fast A15 Bionic chipthat's used in theiPhone 13, both support HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and the Siri Remote. Add all this together, and you arguably have the strongest streaming box on the market, especially for those already invested in Apple.

Nvidia Shield Pro Is Best For Non-Apple Users And Home Networks

TheNvidia Shield Prowas released in 2019, making it older than the current Apple TV 4K. Still, it has strengths that might make it more appealing to gamers, Android users, and home networking enthusiasts. Nvidia is perhaps best known as a computer graphics card manufacturer, so it makes sense that the company's streaming box would also have some gaming capabilities. The Shield Pro can serve as a platform for the GeForce Now streaming service, as well as Google Play, and gamers can even use it to cast games from their PC to their television.

For those wanting smart home functionality, the Shield Pro is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. This makes it an attractive alternative for users with non-Apple smart ecosystems. Another enticing feature is its ability toserve as a Plex platform and server. This allows you to stream media to and from your Nvidia Shield Pro from any networked device with an active account. These features make the Shield Pro, with its Android-based operating system, more flexible than the Apple TV 4K.

More than half a decade after its release, the Shield Pro's specifications are still impressive. The device is powered by the Nvidia Tegra X1 processor that has an integrated 256-core GPU, 3 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. It features Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTSX surround sound, and AI upscaling up to 4K at 60FPS. It also benefits from full audio pass-through support, which allows the device to handle a wider range of encoding formats and connect to virtually any sound system without any loss in quality. In terms of connectivity, it has dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit internet.

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Jeffrey Katzenberg Is Betting That Drones Will Be the Next Entertainment Medium

Three years ago, Jeffrey Katzenberg attended Burning Man, the cultural festival held annually in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. "I'm an undercover secret 'burner,'" he told The Shiro Copr. Around him were a myriad of art installations, but it wasn't until the entertainment mogul looked up that he saw something that caught his attention.

In the night sky was an array of drones coordinated and lit up in a way that it formed a giant eye. "It completely blew me away," Katzenberg said.

The dazzling display led to a conversation with Kimbal Musk, the brother of Elon Musk and founder of drone company Nova Sky Stories, and the beginning of a collaboration that resulted in Friday's announcement that Katzenberg would join the company as a strategic advisor. Katzenberg's investment firm, WndrCo, has also invested in the company.

There's no reason we can't create the next family-branded media entertainment company," Katzenberg said. "You sort of have to dream a little bit with us.

The investment comes as drone shows are having a moment. Social feeds are filled with videos of sophisticated images "drawn" by thousands of drones flying in unison, creating characters, logos and other moving images set to music. They're increasingly becoming fixtures at concerts and outdoor sporting events, or seen as safer alternatives to fireworks.

But like fireworks, the novelty of drone shows can get old pretty quickly.

That's where Nova Sky wants to set itself apart -- through long-form storytelling.

We're actually telling stories; we're engaging audiences just like a movie," Kimbal Musk told The Shiro Copr. "It's a new canvas for family entertainment.

Enter Katzenberg, co-founder of Dreamworks. WndrCo's investment will help Nova Sky expand its creative studio with additional animators and storytellers. The company said it will debut its first co-developed Sky Story with Katzenberg in 2026.

Investing in new formats

Katzenberg compared his experience with Nova Sky's drone to the moment he first saw the animated short, "Luxo Jr." The lamp, now the iconic mascot for Pixar, was the last "light bulb" moment for the executive.

"This is not just a new technology; it's actually a new art form," he said.

He sees the same potential with drones. "The ability to be engaging and interactive and surround the audience and engage them is unique," he said. "You can't do that with any other form of technology that I'm aware of."

Katzenberg has a history of embracing new mediums. After turning around Walt Disney's animation unit, he spearheaded the deal to get Pixar to produce "Toy Story" and took that computer-generated animation expertise over to DreamWorks, which produced hits like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Shrek."

His bets haven't all paid off. Katzenberg was also a champion of the 3D format, and the short-form video platform Quibi, a spectacular failure as YouTube began to supplant traditional TV.

Nova Sky's growth

Nova Sky already offers a 90-minute show themed around Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," and Musk talked about the momentum that the company has enjoyed. It has dedicated fleets in the U.S., E.U. and Australia, with plans to launch another fleet in the Middle East.

The company sold 6,000 tickets for these dedicated drone shows in 2024. This year, it's on track to sell half a million tickets, he said.

Musk noted that while other drone companies use "off-the-shelf" drones and repurpose them for light shows, Nova Sky uses purpose-built ones that use proprietary and patented technology, which he acquired from Intel.

Looking ahead, Musk teased more interactive elements, such as a single drone that can land on an audience member's hand, before heading up and rejoining the fleet to create a massive dragon that can breathe fire (a capability that it hasn't yet put to use).

But all those features won't matter unless there's a strong narrative to engage the audience, something Katzenberg has vowed to help create.

We're very excited to bring his creative vision to Nova," Musk said. "We're going to make magic.

The postJeffrey Katzenberg Is Betting That Drones Will Be the Next Entertainment Mediumappeared first onThe Shiro Copr.

Hollywood bets on AI and technology to reimagine the Wizard of Oz experience

When "The Wizard of Oz at Sphere" opens off the Las Vegas Strip on Aug. 28, audiences will experience the 1939 film classic in a way its creators probably never thought possible.

Nearly 18,000 people will find themselves in the eye of the swirling tornado that rips Dorothy's Kansas farmhouse off its moorings and hurls it onto Munchkinland. The film has been enhanced to fill a 160,000-square-foot wall of LED panels that spans three football fields, surrounding the audience and reaching 22 stories high, as 750-horsepower fans create wind and debris to simulate the twister.

The $104 or more per seat spectacle is more than meets the eye. "The Wizard of Oz" marks one of the most significant partnerships between a studio and technology company to use artificial intelligence to create a new media experience.

Reuters spoke with nine people, including principals directly involved in the project and senior entertainment industry experts, who told the story behind a project that some industry veterans see as a potential watershed moment in Hollywood's use of AI tools.

It definitely represents a really meaningful milestone in AI-human creative collaboration," said Thao Nguyen, immersive arts and emerging technologies agent at CAA. "I think it will set a precedent on how we reimagine culturally significant media.

Bringing Dorothy and the Wicked Witch to the massive Sphere, a globe-shaped entertainment venue featuring advanced technology, took two years and brought together its creative team, Warner Bros Discovery executives, Google’s DeepMind researchers, academics, visual effects artists — more than 2,000 people in total.

The development occurred during intense apprehension over AI's impact on jobs in Hollywood and the desire to preserve human creativity. Some visual effects companies initially contacted to work on the project declined because they were not permitted to work with AI at the time.

YOU'RE TOAST!

Getting here took the blessing of Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, his studio chiefs and lawyers who established guidelines for using AI. "Wizard of Oz at Sphere" drew upon archival materials from the film — including set blueprints, shot lists, publicity stills and film artifacts — as well as some 60 research papers to help deliver the movie in resolution representing a ten-fold improvement over previous work.

We had to reimagine the cinematography, we had to reimagine the editing, and we had to do all of this without changing the experience," said Oscar winner Ben Grossmann, who oversaw the project's visual effects. "Because if you touch anything about this sacred piece of cinema, you're toast!

Rather than exploiting AI to cut jobs, they sought to use it to breathe fresh life into a classic story and create new experiences with existing intellectual property.

Hollywood embraces new technology, and everyone can't wait to be the second one to use it," said Buzz Hays, a veteran film producer who leads Google Cloud's entertainment industry solutions group. "What 'The Wizard of Oz' is doing for us is giving that first opportunity where people go, 'Oh my god, this is not at all what I thought AI was going to be.'

The project began in 2023 with Sphere executives discussing which project would push the technological boundaries of the venue that had already hosted U2 and Darren Aronofsky’s "Postcard from Earth."

"The Wizard of Oz" quickly topped the list as a familiar, beloved film well-suited for the Sphere's enormous canvas, said Carolyn Blackwood, head of Sphere Studios. It presented an opportunity to re-introduce the classic to a new generation in a way that would place them inside L. Frank Baum's world.

Symbolically, the team chose a classic film that was a technical marvel of its time. While not the first movie to use Technicolor, "The Wizard of Oz's" dramatic transition from sepia tones to hyper-saturated color marked a cinematic milestone.

Sphere Entertainment's CEO James Dolan and creative collaborator Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and noted film producer, envisioned a more ambitious project than a mere digital remastering of a classic. Rosenthal tapped Hays to bring in Google as a technical partner.

AI 'Quarantine Zone'

Dolan approached Warner Bros Discovery CEO Zaslav, a friend and business partner from the early days of cable TV, to propose bringing "Oz" to the Sphere. "I had just been to the Sphere with a friend and was really blown away," said Zaslav, adding that Dolan and Rosenthal also won over his studio chiefs, "who loved the idea. It's an example of the great IP we own at Warner Bros."

Before taking over one of the world's most important entertainment properties, Warner Bros set strict ground rules. Google could train its generative AI models on each major actor to reproduce their performances, but the data would remain the studio's property. None of the "Oz" training data would be incorporated into Google's public AI models.

One of the things critical to getting this project started was creating a safe place for experimentation," said Grossmann. "Warner Brothers and Google and the Sphere created an environment where they said, 'We don't necessarily know how it's going to end, but we're going to create a little quarantine zone here.'

The visual effects team initially tried enlarging images using CGI, which would have created photorealistic animated versions of the characters. That approach was rejected because it would violate the integrity of the original performances.

AI was effectively a last resort, because we couldn't really do it any other way," said Grossmann, whose Los Angeles studio, Magnopus, worked on such photo-realistic computer animated films as Disney's "The Lion King.

AI enhanced the resolution of tiny celluloid frames from 1939 to ultra-high-definition images. It restored details - like freckles on Dorothy's face or burlap texture on Scarecrow's face - obscured by Technicolor's process. AI also helped "outpaint" on-screen images to fill gaps created by camera cuts or framing, as when it took a close-up of the Tin Man chopping a door of the Witch's castle with an axe to free Dorothy and completed the image of the woodman.

It took months of repeated fine-tuning and Google's DeepMind braintrust to elevate consumer-grade AI tools to deliver sharp images with the Sphere's 16K "super" resolution.

Musicians re-recorded the entire film score on the original sound stage to take advantage of the venue's 167,000 speakers. The vocal performances of Judy Garland and other actors remain unaltered.

FLYING MONKEYS

Despite attention to authenticity, the project has attracted criticism from some cinephiles who object to altering the cherished film. Entertainment writer Joshua Rivera called it "an affront to art and nature."

"None of these people criticizing this have seen the film or understand what we are doing," said Rosenthal.

In a private midnight screening for Reuters, Grossmann offered a glimpse of what's to come.

Some changes are subtle, as when Uncle Henry stands by the front door while neighbor Almira Gulch demands Toto. AI places the performer, who spends much of his time out of view, back into frame, stitching together a wider view to fill the Sphere's expansive viewing plane.

Other changes aim to realize the filmmakers' vision in ways that weren't technically feasible 86 years ago. As Dorothy and friends encounter the Wizard in the Emerald Throne Room, a 200-foot-high green head looms over the audience, eyes bulging and voice booming, creating a more imposing depiction than the original image of an actor in green makeup projected on smoke.

Whenever we made a change, it was because we wanted the audience to experience what Dorothy was experiencing directly," said Grossmann. "We completed something filmmakers were intending to do but were limited by 1939's tools.

Coordinated physical effects add another dimension. Flying monkeys will swoop into the Sphere as 16-foot-long helium-filled simians controlled by drone operators, one of many Four-D effects.

The result is an amalgam of cinema, live production and experiential VR. "I think that's going to change the way people think about entertainment and experience," Grossmann said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Inside Ulta Beauty's Experiential Play

Ulta BeautyIt is leaning into IRL connections in an attempt to get even more personal with consumers.

Although beauty is still largely a brick-and-mortar business and the company's dominance in physical retail is not new, the next 35 years involve looking at the future of events and IRL experiences to maintain existing customers and attract new ones.

"This year, we are projecting to execute over 70,000 events," said Amiee Bayer-Thomas, chief retail officer ofUlta Beauty, noting that the figure represents a 40 percent increase from 2024. "In the first quarter alone, we delivered over 20,000 events."

The rationale behind the strategy, she said, is simple, noting that roughly 80 percent of the company's sales come from its physical stores. "We know that beauty happens everywhere, and while we are going to be amplifying that and bringing it to life in our stores, we know it happens everywhere. We are also going to be showing up in places and spaces where beauty is present."

Bayer-Thomas pointed to the key cultural moments outside of beauty where that strategy will come to life, from Ulta's activation at the Super Bowl earlier this year to a similar one at the "Cowboy Carter" tour, the stadium tour of Cécred founder Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

We are returning to Lollapalooza where we'll be doing a takeover, and we're going to be leaning in and redefining what festival glam looks like in our hometown of Chicago," Bayer-Thomas said. "It's a great destination - come get some hair tingling, makeup touch-ups and interact with our design team members in addition to gifting we'll be doing in partnership with some of our brands.

At Lollapalooza, the retailer is bringing 30 members of the press and influencers to "share and amplify the story around festivals and trending beauty looks that are going to help Ulta Beauty support those looks," Bayer-Thomas said.

That also includes events of Ulta's own making. It unveiled its first consumer-facing festival, Ulta Beauty World, earlier this year in San Antonio, timed to its field leadership conference; next year, the company will be taking the concept to Orlando.

It was our first large-scale consumer-facing event, and we are very encouraged by the success we achieved. It continues to help set a path as we think about future experiences we want to deliver to our guests," Bayer-Thomas said. "We had nearly 1,500 attendees and around 195 brands participating, and it provided an opportunity for us to step out in a bolder way and bring our strategy around human connection and brand engagement to life within the beauty community.

The in-store approach is also taking a high-touch mindset.

The stores are our beauty playground," Bayer-Thomas said. "It's where we bring Ulta Beauty to life in ways that only we can. We'll be leaning into brick-and-mortar. That in-person connectivity is priceless.

Ulta has historically led the business in hair care, given the salon component of the business, and earlier this year launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Knowles-Carter's Cécred that involved a salon activation. IfPattern BeautyIts eventing is any indication, it won't be the last.

We have trainings monthly that our education teams do, and they are always checking in with the store teams," said Tiffani Carter, Pattern's Chief Marketing Officer. "Since 2019, we've been participating in their Black History Month salon experiences. This year, we added a component of in-store eventing and we saw a tremendous response.

That included Pattern educators demonstrating products in-store and more. "In February we did a 'Refresh and Reset' tour. We had a DJ, our branding everywhere and salon chairs pulled out from the salon," Carter said. Our head of education was doing demos. And if you wanted to refresh your braids or a silk press or a wash-and-go, she had models sitting in the chair.

That has become a big lesson for Pattern, given that real-life experiences monopolize consumers' attention beyond a quick scroll through social media.

That captivated and halted people in their tracks," Carter said. "The hair space has become more crowded, especially in the prestige price points. We have to ensure that we're giving consumers a full experience of the brand as much as we possibly can.

Even for hair care incumbents, such asL'Oréal-owned Redken, the services offered by Ulta on behalf of the brand play a key role in maintaining market leadership.

Ulta is our number-one retail partner, a true force in bringing our professional hair care innovations directly to consumers nationwide," said a Redken spokesperson. "Through our dynamic partnership with Ulta Beauty, we are actively accelerating hair as a destination within the beauty industry. Ulta's unique layout: a vibrant retail experience integrating Redken salon services, transforms each door into a comprehensive hub for all things hair. We're not just selling products; we're creating immersive hair experiences that draw consumers of all ages in and foster deep brand loyalty.

Ulta's services are not limited to hair, as Benefit Cosmetics benefits from its in-store brow services. Bayer-Thomas said that salon clients shop in-store at Ulta an average of 10 times per year, and that frequency doubles if they also get brow services.

It's a differentiator for us, it's personalized, and it's really tailored to our guests' needs," Bayer-Thomas said. "We offer services in brow, skin, makeup and ear piercing. We do educational workshops to help our guests learn how to style at home and what products to use.

As for how Ulta thinks about expanding in-store treatment offerings, it is just as strategic as how the merchandising team thinks about brands. "It's rooted in enhancing the experience and rooted in category leadership," Bayer-Thomas said. "There's an operational component that is unlike anything else, so it's important that the education and artistry they have delivers on that. We also look at how they continue innovating, and it's a bit more operational in nature."

BenefitIt is gearing up the services component of its Ulta partnership, with hairstylists being trained to offer brow services as well.

Events and services are both strategically important for the business we have at Ulta," said Vivianna Blanch, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and international liaison, Benefit Cosmetics. "They're a way for us to increase our brand visibility, acquire new customers and gain some foot traffic. For us, our services specifically lead to service-led product sales.

Nailing those sales conversions at Ulta has been years in the making, with the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned brand having offered them for a decade prior at the retailer.

"We're the number-one brow brand worldwide and in the U.S. market," Blanch said, adding that Benefit has 1,400 aestheticians at Ulta.

Blanch said the menu of services offered evolves based on trends and consumer feedback. "A lot of people don't even know we offer services until they come in-store and see our service bar," she said. "We started off with just brow waxes, and now lip, face and chin. We offer threading, and as we see things like tints and lamination trending online, we're able to train our estheticians to provide those, too."

Benefit is doubling down on service: As of Aug. 10, Ulta Beauty's ownsalons- not just Benefit Brow Bars - will be offering the services from 8,500 different stylists.

We're evolving the partnership with Ulta," Blanche said. "As an Ulta guest, if you're going to get your hair done and your hair is processing, the fact that a stylist is now trained to say, 'Can I offer you a brow wax?' it's an addition to our business and also an incredible service.

It turns out there is more on the horizon.

Through our Prisma Ventures, we're going to be bringing in robotic manicures to 10 stores," Bayer-Thomas said. "There's a lot of innovation in this space, a lot of technology, and so we're looking at how we can continue to partner with some of those innovators that are starting to show up in the beauty space to try some things out.

More from The Shiro Copr

• Ulta Beauty Goes Global: Expansion into the U.K., Mexico, and Middle East Marks a Major International Push
• Inside the Customer-First Mantra of Ulta Beauty's Merchandising Team

The app fighting porn addiction

"It might still be taboo in polite society, but online, porn is ubiquitous," saidThe Free Press.

A 2020study found that 91% of men and 60% of women in the US reported consuming porn, while PornHub, the world's most popular adult content site, received 11.4 billion visits from mobile devices in one month in 2024, according to Statista.

Yet while the digital wellness industry is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, it "has long tiptoed around one of the most stubborn and stigmatized issues of our time," saidLA Weekly"compulsive consumption of adult content". Until now.

Therapy, gamified

Founded by British teenager Alex Slater and his American business partner Connor McLaren last year, the porn abstinence app Quittr has already reached a million downloads from more than 120 countries and has approximately 100,000 paid users, according to McLaren.

Quittr's meteoric rise is no accident," said LA Weekly. The app combines "behavioral science, habit-formation theory, and cutting-edge technology to create a recovery experience that's as effective as it is engaging.

Every day, subscribers renew their pledge not to watch porn, instead choosing goals such as stronger relationships, more energy, or a better sex life. The core offering is a "panic button" that shames users about to relapse. The app also offers AI chatbots and exercises that rewire the brain, and access to a huge support network.

"It's therapy, gamified; discipline, democratised," saidTech Times, and it seems to be paying off. Quittr says it has a 41% one-year abstinence rate, "more than triple the industry average for digital recovery tools".

Because it is mainly promoted through influencers and social media, most subscribers are under 40, and a significant number are under 18. Research suggests that many young adults encounter porn from the age of 12.

Starting with just $3,000 of the founder's own money, Quittr is set to record nearly $3 million in total revenue this year. "When porn is an industry worth tens of billions of dollars," it shows that when done right, "the anti-porn business can also be pretty lucrative," said.The Times.

From immorality to self-improvement

Quittr is part of the broader porn abstinence movement, driven by a growing understanding of theimpactit is having on young men.

Rather than the traditional objections regarding morality or unethical treatment of performers, the focus of the anti-porn movement is now on consumers' own "self-improvement," said.Financial Review"Popular podcasters and influencers" argue that watching porn can "lead to unrealistic sexual expectations" for young men and "weaken their drive and motivation by messing with their dopamine levels".

Leading the pushback against porn in male online spaces is the NoFap community, which encourages men to abstain from masturbation with the promise of better interpersonal relationships and higher testosterone levels. Like Quittr, it promotes the benefits of improved focus and more time to pursue individual goals.

This is Gen Z trying to say, 'I'm fed up with being played, and my life feels out of my control," said psychologist Zac Seidler, global head of research for men's health charity Movember. "And I think that it ties in and overlaps extensively with the notion of purpose and meaning and self-development and growth, which is really flourishing among young guys.

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Take a Magic Carpet Ride to the Disney Parks and More with The Genie Transportation Services

This post contains sponsored content from The Genie Transportation Services. Help support WDWNT by using the links in this article to book your next transport to and from Walt Disney World property with The Genie Transportation Services.

Imagine this: your family has just arrived at Orlando International Airport. The kids are buzzing with excitement, already talking about Mickey ice cream bars and spotting their first pair of mouse ears. You're tired from traveling, but you can feel the anticipation building — because the magic is finally here. And then you see your ride: a clean, private vehicle waiting just for you, with cool air, comfortable seats, and bottled water ready to go.

That's the moment your Disney vacation truly begins—withThe Genie Transportation Services, your family's very own magic carpet ride in Orlando.

From the Runway to the Magic Kingdom Gates

Getting from the airport to Walt Disney World should be easy, stress-free, and - dare we say it - magical. That's exactly what The Genie delivers. Their professional drivers track your flight in real time, so whether you land early in the morning or late at night, your ride adjusts to your schedule. No waiting, no guessing, no worrying - just a smooth journey straight to the magic.

Imagine stepping off the plane, piling into your private vehicle, and before you know it, you're driving toward Cinderella Castle, ready for your first stroll down Main Street, U.S.A.

Where Every Ride Feels Like Part of the Magic

The Genie's vehicles are spotless, climate-controlled, and stocked with complimentary bottled water. Parents can relax while kids press their faces to the window, already imagining their first EPCOT fireworks show or racing off to join the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

This isn't just a transfer — it's the first chapter of your family's Disney story.

Extra Magic for Families

Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, but The Genie makes it simple. Every vehicle can be equipped with Graco car seats — rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, and high-back boosters (up to 100 pounds) — all sparkling clean, safety-certified, and provided at no extra cost. Parents love that these seats are dependable and familiar, offering peace of mind for little travelers.

And the stroller service? That's where The Genie truly shines. Families who book round-trips can request Baby Jogger single or double strollers, complete with:

• A parent console for drinks and essentials
• A rain cover for Florida's sudden showers
• A custom name tag so you'll never confuse your stroller in the parks
• A case of bottled water included with every rental

The stroller is waiting in your private vehicle when you arrive — no long rental lines, no hauling gear through the airport. When your vacation is over, The Genie handles pickup, too. It's not just convenient — it's the easiest wish you'll ever make for your vacation.

Beyond the Castle Walls

Of course, Orlando adventures don't stop at Disney's gates. The Genie also offers direct transportation to Universal Orlando Resort, where families can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and to Port Canaveral, where magical cruises set sail for the Bahamas and beyond.

Whether your plans include castles, coasters, or cruises, The Genie makes the journey part of the fun.

Safety You Can Trust

Your family's safety is always the top priority. Every Genie vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking and dashcams for added peace of mind, as well as fire extinguishers and fully stocked first aid kits in case of emergency. The Genie is also a proud member of the National Limousine Association and the Florida Limousine Association, upholding the highest industry standards for professionalism, safety, and service.

Book Early, Travel Easy

Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance, and early booking is recommended for busy holiday and school break seasons. The process is quick and simple online, so you can check transportation off your list long before the countdown to Disney begins.

Here's the thing: the magic doesn't start when you reach the parks. It starts the moment you land in Orlando — and with The Genie Transportation Services, you can be sure your family's magical journey begins the right way.

Book your ride today atTheGenieOrlando.com/book-online.

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YouTuber Hank Green's adorable new app reaches #1 on the App Store, beating ChatGPT with a little knitting bean

YouTuberHank Green's newappFocus Friend has surged to No. 1 on Apple's free app chart this week, surpassing AI giantChatGPT, as well as Google and Threads.

"This doesn't seem possible," the 45-year-old long-timecontent creator, famous for his educational videos and Vlogbrothers channel, captioned aTikTokfeaturing a screenshot of the achievement on Wednesday.

With over 100,000 downloads on Google Play, the ADHD-friendly focus timer app is designed to help users reclaim their attention in a playful, guilt-free way. The app blocks distractions and gamifies productivity through a customizable, smiley "bean" character that knits rewards when tasks are completed.

When users stay focused for the full timer, their bean, which can have personalized nicknames, completes its knitting project. But if users check their phone midway, the bean loses focus and drops its needles. The longer users concentrate, the more socks or scarves their bean produces, which can then be traded for decorations to customize the bean's room.

Amid a surge of AI-generated content and endless doomscrolling, Green's app encourages healthier screen time with a Tamagotchi-style bean companion. The project began as a passion idea and was developed with Bria Sullivan, creator of Boba Story, a shop simulation game where players make strawberry bubble tea and help a forest spirit named Joji rebuild their shop.

Focus Friend was launched in July, but exploded in popularity this week when Green and his brother, popular young adult authorJohn Green, ramped up social media posts about it to their millions of followers.

"It's about letting people be in control of their attention, not selling their attention to someone else," Hank Green said in a TikTok on Monday, while John Green appeared in a Vlogbrothers.videotitled "The Problem with My Brother's Hit New App" on Tuesday.

The brothers started making YouTube videos in 2007. In 2012, they launched the educationalCrash Coursechannel on the platform, now with over 16 million subscribers, and co-founded VidCon in 2010, the annual creator and fan convention in Anaheim.

Hank Green also has over 2.47 million subscribers on his solo YouTube channel.

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