Samsung’s Appliances of the Future Will Solve Your Biggest Headaches at Home

Jan 06, 2016

When you think of tech innovations, you often think of stuff like the new Huawei smartphone, tablets, wearables like the OMBra and even entertainment. Kitchen and home appliances don’t ever make the list — at least the “new and exciting” list. We’re continuing our CES 2016 coverage right here at Brit + Co with the most genius thing that has ever been in a home since… sliced bread. That’s how the saying goes, right? Today Samsung unveiled some of their seriously amazing home appliances at their press conference, and they’ll change the way you cook, do laundry, grocery shop and even interact at home.

1. Samsung Front Load Washer With AddWash: Not only is this massive washing machine packing five cubic meters of space for the biggest load of laundry ever, but this baby comes with an AddWash door too. You can pause the cycle at any time and pop open the little door in front to add in that second sock that fell on the ground, the towel you forgot about in the bathroom or even the shirt you’re currently wearing and really need to wash, thus solving the greatest and oldest laundry headache since the invention of the washing machine. That’s if you can get it in there before the cycle ends. This machine can wash up to 3.6 baskets of laundry in as little as 30 minutes. Kind of amazing, huh? It’ll be available in spring of 2016.

2. Samsung’s WiFi Slide-in Range With Soft Close Dual Door: Samsung is also releasing a gorg stainless steel five-burner electric range with a soft-close double door. No more banging oven doors. Plus, this oven comes with TWO levels. Imagine alllll the pies. But given this is Samsung, it’s no ordinary cooktop. The stove is part of Samsung’s range of IoT (that’s “Internet of Things”) appliances, so yes, it is WiFi-enabled. In fact, you can sync your stove up to an app that will tell you remotely if you accidentally left the stovetop on or not. This is exactly what forgetful cooks everywhere have been waiting for. Once again, you’re probably asking yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” The stove will also be available in spring of 2016.

3. Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: And now for the pièce de résistance. Here is the fridge that ups the ante for refrigerators everywhere. The fridge used to be a place you could hang your kid’s spelling test, family vacay photos and wedding invites. With the rise of stainless steel appliances, that’s become pretty hard to do. The Family Hub Fridge wants to recapture that. The smart hub not only allows you to upload family photos, but you can even text it messages for the family and have it notify you about appointments in your cal too.

The Family Hub Refrigerator allows you to grocery shop via MasterCard Groceries in a totally groundbreaking way by giving you access to thousands of online grocers like Fresh Direct, and have your food delivered right to your front door. If you happen to be in a store but you forgot your list, the fridge is fitted with cameras INSIDE so you can see what you have and what you need to buy. Plus, the folks at Samsung know that life in the home often revolves around the fridge, so guess what? The hub can sync your playlists and be a DJ too.

Stay tuned to our Twitter @BritandCo to get all the latest updates straight from CES 2016!

Meet The Latest Apple Lineup – The New iPhone 15 And Apple Watch

Apple unveiled their latest and greatest today, most notably introducing the iPhone 15 suite, improved iCloud storage plan options, and the Apple Watch Series 9. The new products bring forth some reasonably big changes to Apple’s existing technology – the company saying ‘goodbye’ to the Lightning port is just one example. Read on for everything, new and improved, that was just announced at the Apple Event.

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

iPhone SE will start at $429.
iPhone 13 will start at $599.
iPhone 14 will start at $699.
iPhone 15 will start at $799.
iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

Stay in the loop on current events and happenings with Brit + Co.

Images via Apple.

7 Delightful Bridgerton Cocktails For Your Season 3 Premiere Watch Party

Dear readers, if there's on thing that's certain, it's that we're just brimming with excitement for Bridgerton season 3(which premieres on Netflix May 16). The gossip amongst The Ton tells us that this next installment is absolutely worth giving a toast to – or even prepping an entire Bridgerton brunchspread! There are 8 whole episodes to indulge in, so you'll want something to sip on as the show unfolds. Take these Bridgerton-inspired cocktails with you for your season 3 watch party!

Garden Gimlet

This floral gimlet is perfect for an outdoor get-together, similar to how the Bridgerton cast strolls down the promenade. Simply mix 2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a coupe glass, then top things off tastefully with a lavender sprig. (via Empress 1908 Gin for Brit + Co)

London Fog Latte

These London Fog lattes are also traditionally made non-alcoholic, but you can always add in a splash of your go-to spirit! To make one, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, then add ¾ cup steamed (or warmed) milk and 2 to 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup or honey for sweetness. Yum! (via The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining for Brit + Co)

Rumor-Stirring Blueberry Lavender Fizz

These fizzy sips come sans-alcohol, but you can always spice things up with your favorite vodka or gin. To make one of these cocktails, muddle 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers in a cocktail shaker before adding 1 tablespoon blueberry jam, 1⁄2 ounce lemon juice, 1⁄2 ounce lime juice, 1⁄2 ounce heavy cream, and 1 large egg white and shaking vigorously (without ice) until texture changes to a foam. Next, add some ice and shake again until chilled. Strain the mix into a Collins glass and top it off with sparkling water and lemon zest! (via Brit + Co)

Alpine Wildflower Old Fashioned

Floral notes are key, and this Old Fashioned is a master at including the best flavors. To make it, muddle 2 oz Stranahan’s Original, 1 brown sugar cube, and a pinch of grated cinnamon in a rocks glass before adding 2 dashes Angostura bitters and stirring to combine. Add a big ice cube and garnish with edible flowers for full effect! (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

Paloma Tea Party

The ton might've not been drinking tequila, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a tequila cocktail for the season 3 release! This one takes on the flavors of a paloma, and it's scrumptious. To make it, mix 6 oz 21Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Infused Tequila, 2 oz simple syrup, 2 oz lime juice, and 6 oz grapefruit juice in a pitcher – or better yet, a tea kettle – with ice, and serve! (via 21Seeds Tequila)

Caviar Dreams

Remind yourself of all things fancy and elegant with this slow-sipper. To make it, shake 2 oz Stranahan's Original, 0.25 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes aromatic bitters over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass, then garnish lavishly with olives, caviar, and a potato chip on the side. (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

Orange Honey Smash

This sweet, citrusy smash reminds us of the stunningly bright visuals in the show, and it's sure to be a hit. To make it, stir 2 oz Stranahan's Original, 0.5 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz honey liqueur, 0.25 oz Amaro, 1 dash Angostura bitters, and 1 dash Orange bitters over ice. Then, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist. (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

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What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Small Businesses?

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

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Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" Is The Sizzling Romance Novel You'll Cancel Plans To Read

If you're a classic romance girl who craves a little spice — I'm looking at you, Bridgerton fans — then Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problemis everything you need. I thought I was hooked on romantasy books, but I think this book has coaxed me right back over to the more traditional romance side — and I mean who can really have too much of either type of romance anyway, right?

But before I dig into all things The Paradise Problem, it's important to be clear up one thing: Christina Lauren isn't just one author like I initially thought. The two women responsible for bringing the world 30 romance novels are absolute powerhouses who also happen to be best friends: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I know — this news alone seems like it deserves it's own summer novel. Since they don't have plans to do that, we at least get to have their unified essence in the books they've written and in this lovely interview.

It goes without saying, but The Paradise Problem is the perfect way to celebrate Christina Lauren's successful romance empire. Of their newest title, Christina and Lauren feel great about it being in the world. "This one is really fun so it's like going out and just celebrating. We're not worried," Lauren says with a smile. Confidence; I love it!

Ahead, learn more about how they birthed Christina Lauren and created the characters you'll come to love in The Paradise Problem.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire

Image via Brystan Studios

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Image via Jasmine Williams

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

Image via Jasmine Williams

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!

Be sure to watch our full interview with Christina and Lauren, officially known as Christina Lauren, on YouTube!

Lead image via Christina Lauren

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Glen Powell & Sydney Sweeney Already Have Ideas For "Anyone But You 2"

Rom-coms are SO back, and after the flop-turned-viral Anyone But You gave us Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney onscreen, audiences are begging to see them together again. Glen's latest Vanity Fair profile (ahead of this year's summer moviesHit Man andTwisters) confirms "ideas are being batted around" for an Anyone But You 2, which I need in theaters, like, yesterday. Here's everything you need to know about the potential sequel — and which Shakespeare adaptation the duo should tackle next.

Will there be a second movie for Anyone But You?

Image via Sony Pictures

Both Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney have teased a potential Anyone But You 2. "I'm just so thankful that everybody is loving [Anyone But You]...a little love, a little romance," Sydney told Jimmy Fallonthere's "a high nine chance" for a sequel, while Glen confirms to Variety that the duo is "definitely trying to find the next thing...We’re reading everything and just trying to see what makes sense, what we can turn into something that audiences are going to respond to.”

Which Shakespeare story will Anyone But You 2 adapt?

Image via Sony Entertainment

There's nothing like a Shakespeare adaptation, and Anyone But You is actually loosely inspired by William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (similar to how 10 Things I Hate About You is inspired by The Taming of the Shrew!). I think they should totally continue this theme for all future sequels. Glen and Sydney would do phenomenal with the hilarity of A Midsummer Night's Dream — maybe instead of an enchanted forest, they take on a busy and colorful local fair, with Claudia and Halle of course. Think about all the possibilities! Nothing says confusion and chaos like fun houses, carnival food, and dead cell phone batteries.

How old is Bea in Anyone But You?

Image via Eddy Chen/Sony Pictures

Bea is a law student at the beginning of Anyone But You, meaning she's in her mid-20s. Considering Sydney Sweeney is 26, this is the perfect fit!

What do you want to see from Anyone But You 2? Check out our TikTok for more pop culture news, and read up on Our Dream Sydney Sweeney & Billie Eilish Sister Movie!

Lead image via Sony Pictures

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