This Week The Trend (Issue 48)

💡This Week The Trend newsletter consists of me selecting three products worth buying at different price points. Each product is given a Value Score—based on price and function—and then one is crowned the winner at the end. Affiliate links may be used. It might be the week before

The running shoes I pack for every trip now replace two pairs in my suitcase

These running shoes feature an elevated design that makes them suitable for business casual events. They're a perfect travel hack for lighter packing.

I spent 30 days wearing Google’s $99 Fitbit Air—it only let me down in 2 ways

Google’s affordable wearable tracks sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, and workouts remarkably well, but buyers should understand where it falls short before purchasing.

I own a Tesla Model Y. The Rivian R2 impressed me in ways I didn't expect

After owning EVs since 2018 and driving a Model Y for years, I found Rivian's new SUV roomier, smoother, and more compelling than I expected.

I tested Polaroid's smallest instant camera and went through a pack of film in no time

Its compact design makes it a fun travel companion, even if film costs can add up fast.

Apple’s latest iPhone update is filled with changes—here are 33 you’ll notice right away

Siri AI may be the headline feature, but Apple’s latest software update also includes dozens of practical improvements to Messages, Photos, Maps, Wallet, Apple Watch, and more.

This Week The Trend (Issue 47)

This week's picks include ANC earbuds, instant camera, and tiny power adapter.

Apple is fixing one of the biggest annoyances in Find My location sharing

The popular tracking app is getting new tools that make sharing your location easier to customize.

This new Apple tool watches for restocks and price drops for you

This new AI-powered Safari feature watches online stores for restocks, sales, and other changes that matter to shoppers.

These 3 iOS 27 features will change how your iPhone works starting this fall

From faster performance on older iPhones to improved parental controls and a smarter Siri, Apple’s latest software update focuses on everyday usability.

This Week The Trend (Issue 46)

This week's picks include a karaoke mic, open-back headphones, and a wireless page turner.

These $99 wireless headphones fix a problem most over-ear models still have

If traditional over-ear headphones leave your ears hot and sweaty, these $99 headphones offer a practical alternative without sacrificing audio quality.

Studio Ghibli checklist: 6 movies to watch after 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Ponyo'

From overlooked coming-of-age stories to heartbreaking wartime dramas, these Studio Ghibli movies deserve a spot on your watchlist.

I found the perfect airplane gadget for more privacy and theater-like movies

At a fraction of the cost of a mixed-reality headset, these glasses offer a compelling upgrade for travelers who spend a lot of time in transit.

Marshall’s new ANC headphones have one standout feature—and it’s not the noise canceling

The Marshall Milton ANC fold into the palm of my hand, yet they still deliver powerful sound and impressive battery life.

This Week The Trend (Issue 45)

This week's picks include headphones, smart trackers, and a tiny power bank.

I’ve tested fitness trackers for years—Google’s $99 Fitbit Air gets a lot right

I compared the Fitbit Air with my Oura Ring and Apple Watch, and its sleep and activity tracking held up surprisingly well.

This new carry-on let me pack more without checking a bag—and that's not its only advantage

The Cotopaxi Coraza's removable packing cubes and wide-open compartments gave me more flexibility than most carry-ons I've tested.

This Week The Trend (Issue 44)

This week's picks include a transit bag, power adapters, and headhones.

Why this expandable carry-on backpack became my favorite travel companion abroad

The Bellroy Transit Travel Pack Pro gave me enough room for all my tech gear while still working as a comfortable carry-on for long flights.

I travel with a lot of tech. This tiny 65W charger just earned a spot in my bag

I've tested countless travel chargers, and the Ugreen Nexode Air 65W Charger balances size, speed, and convenience.

Sony's $650 1000X The Collexion ruined other wireless headphones for me

The ultra-luxury headphones combine standout design, incredible comfort, and noticeably better sound into one seriously expensive package.

I put my dog’s photo on this laptop charger—and now I’m obsessed with it

I expected fast charging and travel-friendly portability from this power adapter. I didn’t expect it to become the most charming piece of tech on my desk.

This Toy Story 5 Lilypad iPad case is fun and protective

The Lilypad case turns Apple’s entry-level iPad into a colorful movie tie-in, while still offering the kind of protection parents actually care about.

This Week The Trend (Issue 43)

This week's picks are a tiny flash drive, iPad case, and toiletry bag.