The Numbers Heading to Times Square: 2-0-2-4

The famous ball drop on New Year’s Eve requires a lot of advance preparation, and it’s taking place right now.

NYTimes New Year's Eve https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/nyregion/times-square-2024-new-years-eve.html James Barron

Original Source: NY Times >>

The 7 best Peloton alternatives for crushing those New Year's resolutions

UPDATE: Dec. 16, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated to reflect Mashable’s latest hands-on testing of the top Peloton alternatives and updated pricing information.

You probably know that the pricey, cult-favorite Peloton bikes skyrocketed in demand during the pandemic. Everyone was hyped to achieve their dream bodies without having to hit the gym alongside sweaty, overachieving strangers. It’s been over three years now — three years filled with a lot of ups and downs for Peloton — but the trend of sweating it out at home is here to stay. And around New Year’s, demand for smart gym machines like exercise bikes and fitness mirrors reaches its peak (so many fitness-related resolutions to fulfill! So little time!). To bank on this demand, spin bike brands like Nordic Track and Bowflex usually have major December and January sales. That means the shopping world is chock-full of stationary bike brands whose names don’t start with “Pelo-” and end with “-ton.” Given the ubiquitousness of these so-called Peloton dupes (only some of which are worthy alternatives) and their affordability factor, Peloton just isn’t the go-to option it used to be.Fortunately, Mashable shopping reporters are here to help you find the best Peloton alternatives for your home workout. So, if you’re, like, so over Peloton’s chokehold on American spin culture, then keep reading to learn more about our favorite non-Peloton home exercise bikes.What’s up with Peloton’s pricing and can you get cheaper alternatives?While Peloton had some significant price drops in 2022, permanent prices on its flagship products are back up, likely due to company instability. The OG bike originally sat at $2,195, dropped down to $1,895, then to $1,495, and finally down to $1,195, but now is at a stable $1,445. This original Peloton is now available at Amazon

Mashable https://mashable.com/roundup/best-peloton-alternatives

Original Source: Mashable >>

This $26 Bluetooth Ring can control apps and e-readers

TL;DR: As of December 14, get this Bluetooth Remote Ring for Apps, Camera & E-Readers with Page Turner (White) for only $25.99 — that’s 35% off.Sometimes, you stumble upon a product that you didn’t know existed, and you didn’t even realize you needed it. This Bluetooth ring may be one of those times. You can get it here for just $25.99 (reg. $39.99) through December 17 and start using it to help you keep your New Year’s resolution to relax more.It’s a Bluetooth app controller ring that allows you to simply click a button to control a variety of different Bluetooth-enabled things. Want to peruse TikTok while you are under your covers? Keep your hands inside and tap the ring to scroll in warmth.Another valuable way to use this ring is to control your camera shutter. This is kind of great for group photos and selfies, as it makes hitting the button on your phone’s camera less awkward and allows you to pose for the picture instead. It can also come in handy when you want to take candid shots of your loved ones, friends, or pets without being so obvious.It comes with a charging case to keep it safe and secure, which is especially convenient when you travel, with the ring’s battery lasting up to 86 hours. And it can be used with a variety of devices and apps, both Android and Apple. It can even be used with e-readers like Kindles to turn pages easier but only supports page forward, not back.Made to be comfortable and ergonomic, it’s the product you won’t believe you’ve been living without for so long.Pick up the Bluetooth Remote Ring on sale for just $25.99 (reg. $39.99) until December 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Mashable https://mashable.com/deals/dec-14-remote-bluetooth-ring

Original Source: Mashable >>

Holiday Preset: Focusing on Self-Care Before the Festivities

Some people are pulling back — in socializing, spending, eating — not to avoid Covid, but to bolster their mental health.

NYTimes New Year's Eve https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/18/style/holiday-preset-self-care.html Alyson Krueger

Original Source: NY Times >>

Gen Z Americans Embrace Nostalgia With Miffy, the Dutch Bunny

Hordes of young adults in North America are embracing joy and childhood nostalgia with Miffy, a poker-faced, fictional, Dutch bunny.

NYTimes New Year's Eve https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/style/miffy-dutch-american.html Sanam Yar

Original Source: NY Times >>