❤️ Let the drama begin: The Sims 4 Lovestruck expansion pack drops July 25 for $40, and it’s a full-on Tinder experience. Sims can use the Cupid’s Corner app to snap selfies, create a profile and set partner preferences. Matches spark chats, and your Sims can date as many partners as you’d like. Def not one for the kiddos.
Blast from the past
The classic puzzle game Minesweeper is now on Netflix. This colorful, reimagined version features an ocean-like setting where you find underwater mines in locations around the world. No in-game ads, no in-app purchases and no extra cost to play.
In which major U.S. city do Uber drivers make the most money?
$32,000 to move
To the region of Tuscany in central Italy. That is, as long as you’re willing to live in a town with fewer than 5,000 people. Tuscan officials started a $3 million fund to combat a shrinking population in the countryside. Apply on their site by July 27. Buona fortuna!
Brand-spankin' new: Kim's national radio show as a podcast
You can catch it in your favorite podcast app for free — or pay a few bucks to listen commercial free. Score!
Don't trust ANYONE
There’s a classic theft tactic making the rounds once again. If someone approaches you with an “emergency” and asks to borrow your phone, don’t do it. I’ll explain why.
Apple clones? Samsung’s latest gadgets just leaked online. That includes the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The Ultra smartwatch has a new, very Apple-like band. And the Galaxy Buds are looking a lot more like AirPods, too.
💸 Hurry! Claims close today: If you owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between Sept. 16, 2016, and Jan. 3, 2023, there’s still time to claim your share of the $35 million Apple class-action lawsuit. Payouts range from $50 to $349.
🚨 To be continued: Google says Samsung and other Android devices are now vulnerable to the same security risk behind June’s Pixel zero-day warning. It’s so bad that they aren’t even saying what the exploit is (code for “We don’t want bad guys to find out”). I’ll let you know when they release a patch to fix it.
Time to pay up: Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free plan. If you’re on it, you’ll get a notification saying your last day to watch is July 13 unless you upgrade. Options: $6.99 ad-supported, $15.49 ad-free or $22.99 ad-free 4K premium.
NO returns on Cybertrucks
You better really want a Cybertruck because there’s no going back after you buy one.
No more touchscreens in your car!
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes for accidents across the country, and now touch screens are to blame.
No more standing in lines: Disney World is ditching the Genie+ system … well, kind of. Starting July 24, it’s rebranding to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. You can now prebook ride times 14 days before your vacay kicks off instead of the frantic 7 a.m. scramble on park day. Yay for planning!
Watch out for scam ads on social
Scammers are upgrading their tactics. The latest scam uses enticing ads featuring AI art, making everyone think they too can be a content creator.
DIY Projector
Sometimes, it’s just too hot to go outside and play. Why not try this DIY smartphone projector? You can enjoy time with the kids while staying cool.
🚲 A big hill to climb: Peloton’s dropped three of its star instructors from its roster. Their money situation is shaky at best, and there’s a rumored private equity takeover coming. I guess their overnight success might’ve just been a flash in the pan (or a stationary bike in the pandemic).
No more password sharing on Disney+
If you mooch off someone’s streaming service, time is up. Disney+ is the next streaming service banning password sharing.
Best (and worst) dating profiles
Know someone using all the dating apps, but they never seem to go on dates? They might be committing these online dating faux pas.