easier Archives

Smarten up, buttercup

⚡ Here’s gear that puts everything at your fingertips (literally).

Control these LED lights (10% off) from your phone or just ask Alexa.
Schedule automatic on/off times with a four-pack of smart switches ($66).
Need a group photo? This bendy phone tripod (20% off) has your back.
Type anywhere with a foldable keyboard ($50) that fits in your bag.
Use an ergonomic mouse (43% off) to scroll and click with less strain.

🧠 More smart stuff: I count on these gadgets to simplify my life. They’ll make things easier for you, too.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

3 secret things your TV can do right now

These hidden features make multitasking easier than ever. Try this today!

🚔 Crypto CEO sentenced: Alex Mashinsky, former Celsius Network CEO, just got slapped with 12 years for securities and commodities fraud (paywall link). Prosecutors wanted 20, but he got off slightly easier. Celsius collapsed in 2022, leaving a $1.19 billion crater. Turns out its slogan, “Unbank Yourself,” actually meant “Unpack Your Belongings in Cellblock D.”

Snap layouts in Windows 11: Great for multitasking. Open any app and hover over the Maximize button. You’ll see layout options for splitting your screen, like halves or quarters. Click where you want the current app to go, and Windows will prompt you to fill in the rest. Way easier than dragging and resizing.

Less mess, more yum

😋 Here’s your shortcut to faster meals and easier prep.

This 64-oz insulated bottle (21% off) keeps your drinks hot or cold all day.
Cut down on your meal prep time with a vegetable chopper (22% off).
This cute Splatypus jar spatula ($13) scoops every last bit.
Your food stays warm on an electric tray (33% off) when friends arrive late.
These oven rack guards (36% off) help protect against burns and scars.
Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Grab a 24-pack of glass storage containers (8% off) to keep them fresh.

👩‍🍳 My kitchen faves: From the breadmaker I use to the nontoxic cookware, check them out here.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Use a passphrase instead of a password. “Grape-soda-messy-shark-1973” is easier to remember and way harder to crack than “K1mR0cks!”

Polishing an email or report? Ask ChatGPT to check spelling and grammar. Just type: “Can you proofread this for me?” If you want it more formal, try: “Please rewrite this using Associated Press style.” You can also say, “Show the changes in bold,” so it’s easier to spot what’s different.

What a time to write

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With AI tools, it’s easier than ever to fake your way through school, work — anything.

💬 Wrong number scams: It starts with a random text like “Emily from the gym?” You reply “wrong number.” But instead of leaving you alone, they get friendly, pull on your heartstrings, then pitch an investment scam. Blame AI. It’s now easier to craft messages that feel personal. If you get one, don’t reply. Just block the number.

iPhone or Galaxy? Tariffs make the choice easier

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New tariffs will drive up prices on China-made phones. That’s bad news for Apple.

Losing your cursor on Windows 11? Make it bigger or change the color so it’s easier to spot. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Slide the Size bar to make it bigger, then pick a pointer style. Try the inverted option to have it adjust to any background, or pick a custom color you like.

📝 Deets in the sheets: Want free feedback? Whip up a survey on Google Forms. Just drop the link into your receipts, emails or even texts, and track responses in Google Sheets. It’s an easy way to hear from your customers, and an easier way to turn strangers’ opinions into a personality crisis.

🎬 Insta edits drops: Meta just launched Edits, a new free video editor app to compete with TikTok’s CapCut. It includes AI tools like “Cutouts” and “Animate,” and exports without a vibe-killing watermark. Finally, an easier way to spend three hours editing a video that gets 11 likes and a passive-aggressive DM from your aunt.

🚲 The Amish are riding e-bikes: In Ohio, the second-largest settlement is using them to zip past horse-drawn buggies and make life easier. But the community’s torn (paywall link). Horsepower? Out. Wattpower? In.

Create separate Netflix profiles: Netflix recommends content based on what you watch, so don’t let kids’ cartoons or your partner’s thrillers mess with your rom-com queue. Go to Manage Profiles > Add Profile > Name it > Continue > Save. Bonus: It also makes it easier to keep track of what they’ve been watching.

📸 Zoom and crop: This shortcut makes cropping your iPhone photos easy. Pick an image, then zoom in with two fingers. You’ll see Crop pop up in the top right corner. Crop or adjust using the editing tools, then tap Done. Cutting out your ex has never been easier.

3 must-have apps for dog owners

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Whether you’ve got a new pup or a seasoned pro, these apps will make life easier with training tips, dog-friendly spots, and trusted pet sitters.

Price tags can fool you: Always check the unit price (cost divided by the number of units). On sites like Amazon, it’s in parentheses in tiny letters next to the sale price. This makes comparing prices easier to see if buying in bulk is actually worth it.

⌨️ Shrink the keyboard on iPad Notes: The on-screen keyboard takes up half the screen, which gets frustrating when you need to scroll. Sure, you can hide it, but then you can’t type. Instead, pinch inward on the keyboard to shrink it into a small, floating version. It’s way easier to work with.

The new Apple iPhone 16e

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Want a cheaper iPhone? The iPhone 16e is here. It’s still not cheap, but under $600 is easier to handle.