Tech
Im a full-time food blogger. Why my phone is the ‘brain’ of our household
If someone five years ago told me I’d be an influencer, I would have never believed them.
I’ve been cooking all my life. When I was a little girl, my grandmother would pull a chair up to the kitchen counter for me to stand on so I could see what she was doing and she would put me to work. Cooking for friends and family, experimenting with new recipes, and discovering delicious food has always been my passion.
Today, I’m a one-woman show and run my business Big Delicious Life at home, most of it right in my kitchen. I shoot and edit all of my own photos and videos, actively manage my website, create content for big brand campaigns, and balance being a full time mom and homemaker. I still can’t believe that this is now my business.
Technology helps me balance work and family
Technology is always changing, and when you depend on it as a creator to run your business, you are constantly learning new things. From work, to baby gear, to home management and entertainment, tech is at the center of everything in my life!
I depend heavily on my iPhone. With it, I shoot all of my photos and videos, edit them using apps like Lightroom, InShot, and Instagram Edits, and post them to the public. But my phone is also mission control for the various apps I use to manage the household.
Google Calendar helps me keep track of multiple schedules for our family. I can run our Roborock vacuum with the tap of a button to keep the floors in shape for a baby on the move. Nest cameras and Yale smart locks keep our home safe, secure, and comfortable. A Nanit Pro baby monitor lets me monitor how my little one is sleeping, and a Hatch Rest sound machine helps create her optimal sleep environment. I make sure to take care of myself too by booking different fitness classes on Classpass. I rely on a lot of tools and apps to make my life easier.
Technology gives me the freedom and flexibility to run my own business, take care of my family and my home, and share my passion for food and cooking with the world. I really can have it all, and by learning your way around the technology that's available to you both at home and on the go, you can too.
Choosing the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love is either an epic quest that you look forward to every year — or one you dread. Luckily, we spend our days testing all the latest gadgets and gear, and we know exactly what to recommend. For 2025, our Christmas wishlist is simple: It's all of the things we've loved the most this year, from the tech we're putting to the test every week, to the swoonworthy items we just had to take home and keep for ourselves. With input from Mashable's own reporters and editors across the Tech and Shopping teams, every item on our list is something we use, love, or have gifted to others ourselves. So whether you're searching for Christmas gifts for your mom and dad, or just in need of a good stocking stuffer, this may truly be the only Christmas gift guide you'll need.
Nintendo Switch 2
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Beloved by reviewer Alex Perry, who wrote that the new release is "a fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend" and that he "can't stop playing" with the handheld gaming device. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a Mashable Choice product, thanks in large part to "massively improved system software" and "wonderful online social features with GameChat." Read the full review of the Nintendo Switch 2.
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Kindle Paperwhite
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
"I love mine so much, and I think it's the best thing I've ever bought," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. The Kindle Paperwhite is well-loved across much of Mashable, in fact, and was given a coveted Mashable Choice award for "its responsive interface, quick-turning pages, and lightweight design." Read the full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.
Mario Kart Legos
Credit: Lego
These kits can be built quickly, are relatively cheap (compared to other Lego sets), and are super fun to play with, as Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently discovered during a playdate with his nieces and nephews. The magic comes from the "turtle shell-firing mechanism," just like in the video game. Read the full story from Werth.
Sony XM6 Headphones
Credit: Alex Humphreys / Mashable
We put these new headphones to the test and determined, "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver." An iteration of earlier models from Sony, the XM6 headphones feature improved audio quality, phenomenal active noise cancellation, and a comfortable headband and earcups. Read the full review of the Sony XM6 headphones.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer
Credit: DJI / Amazon
Creators, TikTokkers, and aspiring influencers will adore unwrapping this gimbal stabilizer on Christmas morning. Our tech editor calls it "the best gimbal I've tested so far." This high praise is due to the gimbal's ease of use, stability, and 10-hour battery life.
Technics AZ100 Earbuds
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
Another recommendation from our tech editor, these wireless earbuds are a Mashable Choice award winner and "easily beat the likes of Sony and Bose." They pair easily, are comfortable to wear, and sound fantastic. "If you're looking for earbuds with the best possible sound quality, these are now the buds to beat," says Werth. Read the full review of the Technics AZ100 earbuds.
Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler
Credit: Igloo
It's a cooler. It's a Bluetooth speaker. It's both! We love this highly giftable item for its retro design and exceptionally good sound quality. Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel owns this herself, saying, "I'm obsessed with it. I think it should go on every gift guide." Read the full review of the Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler.
Octobuddy Suction Phone Mount
Credit: Octobuddy
This is more of a stocking stuffer, but it's a great one for wannabe influencers or anyone who's dreamed of going viral. Recommended by Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel, Octobuddy is simply a silicone phone case with a series of suction cups on the back. TikTok-obsessed teens will especially appreciate the simple design that makes filming GRWM videos way easier — we frequently see the Octobuddy mentioned in our In My Bag series.
Loop Earplugs
Credit: Loop
Multiple editors and writers on Mashable swear by these noise reduction earplugs, saying they've worn them to concerts, while traveling, and more as a way to cut back on excess sound without missing out on what's going on. They're a great stocking stuffer, well-priced, and come in four different colors. Read our guide to the best sleep earbuds.
Mesa Gas Grill
Credit: Mesa
One of the more frustrating parts of cooking on a grill is that it's hard to know what's going on in there without living the cover. Of course, doing so lets out heat and can slow cook times. Enter the Monument Mesa Grill, which has a clear viewing window built into the top. Werth says that both his father-in-law and uncle are obsessed with it.
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Brooklinen Towels
Credit: Brooklinen
There is something so luxurious about a brand-new set of bath towels that all match and feel wonderful. It's like a warm hug each time you get out of the shower. The ones from Brooklinen are particularly loved by our staff — our tech editor says, "Brooklinen makes the best towels in the world." Period.
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Loftie Alarm Clock
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
What's old is new again with the Loftie alarm clock, which our staff loves for allowing them to ditch the screens while in bed. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard owns this and says it's "a very pleasant alarm clock to wake up to." It's customizable, with nice-sounding alarm options and a built-in night light. Read more about the Loftie alarm clock.
Ninja Luxe Café
Credit: Ninja
After testing Ninja appliances for weeks, this is the one that Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino has made her own. The 3-in-1 machine can tackle espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and even has a built-in bean grinder. Mangino says she really loved this one because it "streamlines the process and cuts down on the learning curve." See how the Ninja Luxe Café fared on our list of the best Ninja appliances.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Credit: Owala
Hydro Flask had her moment. We have now entered the Owala era. Almost everyone on Mashable's Shopping team has the Owala FreeSip, which reporter Sam Mangino dubbed the "best water bottle ever." The 24-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle is designed to accommodate both sipping (via straw) and good, ol' fashioned gulp when tipped back.
John Boos & Co. Cutting Board
Credit: John Boos & Co.
"I love it so much," says Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino, who owns this maple cutting board. Made in the USA, each cutting board is a thing of beauty. It's no wonder Mangino keeps hers out on the counter at all times, as if it was a piece of artwork — because it is.
Kobo Libra Colour
Credit: Kobo
Our staff loved the Kobo Libra Colour during testing, saying that it makes a really great alternative to the Amazon suite of products. The e-reader allows you to interact with the text and highlight passages in color (thus the name), making things like comic books and graphic novels a bit more enjoyable. Our reviewer said the ergonomics of the e-reader are particularly good too, especially if you like to read in bed. Read the full review of the Kobo Libra Colour.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Credit: Bose
We spend a lot of time testing headphones and earbuds, and we have no shortage of recommendations when it comes to this great stocking stuffer. Our staff swears by these Bose Ultra Open earbuds, saying they're really great for working out or going on walks while remaining aware of the world around you. Read more about the best open earbuds.
Solawave Wand
Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable
We're obsessed with this skincare wand, and after vigorous testing, have deemed it to be a Mashable Choice award winner. Our staff says that as far as beauty tools go, it's a great introduction to tech-powered skincare. It's not as effective as a red light mask and you have to be more diligent with the wand, but it will deliver that same experience at a fraction of the price. Read the full review of the Solawave Wand.
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Piecework Puzzles
Credit: Piecework
If you only gift one puzzle this year, let it be one of these. "I'm a huge puzzle nerd, and I adore Piecework puzzles," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. "All of the designs are super cute, and I have considered framing the ones I have." Others on the team agree. We love these puzzle for their bright photography and extra-thick pieces, which top out at 1,000.
KitchenAid Mixer
Credit: KitchenAid
This countertop icon is a workhorse for at-home bakers and cooks. We're obsessed. I have one, and love that it takes the muscle out of things like mixing, whisking, and kneading. One of the best parts about owning a KitchenAid Mixer are all the attachments, allowing you to utilize that powerful little motor in new ways, like grinding meat and making pasta. There's a reason why it landed on our list of the best products you'll buy once and own for life.
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Printer
Credit: Canon
Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern owns this and loves it, and after hearing her rave about it, it's now on the top of my very own Christmas wishlist. The portable printer works with any compatible iOS and Android device, allowing you to print photos on demand directly from your smartphone. The best part is the sticky photo paper, making this a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to journal or scrapbook.
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DJI Mic Mini
Credit: DJI
This super small and ultralight lavalier microphone would make a great Christmas gift for the creator, aspiring filmmaker, and podcast host in the family. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids (plus a host of cameras), these are the exact microphones that the Mashable social team used at VidCon. Highly recommend.
Rolling Garden Stool
Credit: Pure Garden
Don't tell my mom, but this will be her gift this year: a rolling garden cart with storage inside and a seat, so she can bop along weeding her garden without bending over so much. I feel pretty confident that she's gonna love it.
Personalized Family Member Sign Post
Credit: Uncommon Goods
A member of our staff asserts that this is "probably the best gift I've ever given my mom." We can see why. For those with family members scattered all over the globe, this simple visual reminder of their whereabouts can make everyone feel just a little bit closer. Plus, personalized Christmas presents are always so thoughtful.
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Bird Buddy
Credit: Bird Buddy
We have a feeling this might actually be the best ever Christmas gift for dads. Here's why: This bird feeder with a built-in camera takes birdwatching to a whole new level. The compatible app even includes AI-powered bird identification, a livestream, and alerts for when there's a visitor on the feeder. We're obsessed, and we have a feeling your dad will be too.
Moonbuddy Meditation Device for Kids
Credit: Moonbird
Anyone with kids knows that sleep can be hard to come by. We fell in love with this little gadget during testing, and now we're putting it at the top of our best Christmas gift ideas for kids. While Moonbird is designed for adults, Moonbuddy helps kids learn self-regulation, and it can be part of a calming bedtime routine and help ease stress. The secret is to have them match their breath to the handheld device.
The Charger
Credit: Counterpart
Another great stocking stuffer, especially for anyone who juggles a lot of tech, likes to travel, or works remotely. The Charger "features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, 'Why aren't all chargers like this?'" Read our full review of The Charger.
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Ninja Swirl
Credit: Ninja
Our reporters maintain that the Ninja Swirl is "way more fun" than the more basic Creami, thanks in large part to the inclusion of a soft serve function. When Sam Mangino reviewed the Swirl, she loved it so much that she awarded it a coveted Mashable Choice, declaring, you'll "never have to leave the house for soft serve again." Read the full review of the Ninja Swirl.
Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case
Credit: Belkin
Our team loves this as an add-on to the popular Nintendo Switch 2, with one reporter calling it their favorite gaming accessory. The case makes it easier to take the Switch 2 on the road, since the hard shell exterior keeps it protected in the event of a drop. The best part, though, is being able to quickly charge the device anywhere you are. Read our full take on the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case.
Rain Drum
Credit: MENGBEI
We test (and love) all the latest gadgets and tech products, but sometimes it's nice to take a step back from all of that and tune into nature. This steel drum sits in the garden and plays a series of 11 notes each time it's hit with rain. (Pro tip: You could also bring it into the shower.) It's soothing, it's unique, and it makes for a great Christmas gift.
Your Samsung smartphone might offer plenty of great features, but we'll bet that the earphones it came with aren't that great. That's a standard-issue problem with standard-issue earbuds. You're better off upgrading by buying a pair of earphones or headphones that offer superior audio and features.
But before you jump in and invest in a fancy new set, it's worth thinking about your specific requirements — particularly as a Samsung user. After all, some headphones are geared towards Samsung devices, and some are geared towards Apple devices.
Where will you use your headphones? Do you commute regularly? Do you love using Bixby, Samsung's voice assistant? Do you need noise cancellation? It's important to pick a pair that works for you. Especially if you're looking to spend a sizeable wedge of money. To help get through the jargon and figure out what works best for your Samsung devices, here's a quick guide.
Are wired or wireless headphones better?
When buying headphones, you can choose between wired headphones, wireless, or even "true" wireless. Wired means you plug them into your headphone jack with cables trailing up to your ears. This can be an issue if you're moving around a lot and don't want to get tangled up. These do tend to be cheaper than wireless solutions, though.
Wireless headphones, meanwhile, are typically connected via Bluetooth. That means you're free to move around without being physically connected to your device.
The latest Samsung smartphones don’t have a headphone jack. Instead, they have a USB-C port that connects to the standard-issue earphones. In other words, Samsung is following Apple in moving towards wireless listening. Be aware of this when ordering headphones that still use an old-school jack connection.
Should you buy headphones or earbuds?
Wired, wireless, and true wireless aren't the only variations you have to consider. There are also on-ear headphones or in-ear earphones aka earbuds. Neither is technically better than the other. It all comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of on-ear headphones. Others like buds that feed music directly into their ears.
There are benefits to both. On-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, while in-ear earphones are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. They’re also better suited to fitness or commuting.
What is noise cancellation?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a clever bit of tech that blocks out external sound. It uses mini microphones that detect incoming noise and then create anti-sound waves to cancel out that noise. Some headphones have variations of ANC, such as “adaptive” noise cancellation, which cleverly adapts to your surroundings, or ambient modes which let in certain types of external noise such as other people’s voices, so you know when someone has started a conversation.
Are Beats headphones compatible with Samsung?
This is a commonly asked question, because Beats is such a popular brand but was bought by Apple back in 2014. You'd think that you can't use Beats headphones with your Samsung smartphone but that is not the case. The people at Beats are quick to remind listeners that their headphones sync with other types of devices straight out of the box. They have one-touch pairing with Android devices and there's a Beats app specifically for Android. Although you will miss out on some iOS features.
Are cheap headphones any good?
It's pretty easy to find cheap headphones, but there are reasons why they're so inexpensive. Typically, you get what you pay for, and the cheapest set is going to be lacking. You'll want to make sure your headphones offer decent battery life, sound quality, durability, and portability, because otherwise you're just wasting your cash. The more you spend, the more features you tend to get.
What are the best headphones for Samsung devices?
If the sheer number of headphone options has you feeling overwhelmed, do not fear. We've made the whole process much easier. We've done the research, listened to the experts (not to mention some tunes), and pulled together a selection of your best options. Just pick something that sounds good to you.
These are the best headphones for Samsung devices in 2025.
There's an avalanche of Apple news coming our way in a matter of weeks.
The tech giant is fast approaching its annual iPhone announcement event, which should take place in early September, if previous years are any precedent. Apple hasn't officially announced the date and time for the event, or even acknowledged its existence, but we all know it's going to happen.
We all expect to hear about the iPhone 17 at the event, but what else is Apple going to show? Let's dig in and explore the upcoming Apple launches on the horizon.
Naturally, let's start with the iPhone itself.
iPhone 17 lineup
Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable
This is almost always a predominantly hardware-focused event. We know the new iPhones will run iOS 26, which will almost certainly launch at or near the same time as the phones. Apple has already outlined what makes iOS 26 different at WWDC earlier this year, but what about the devices it's designed for?
According to a cornucopia of leaks and rumors, we will get four iPhone 17 models this year:
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The base iPhone 17
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iPhone 17 Pro
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
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An ultra-thin iPhone, potentially called the iPhone 17 Air
Three of those will be familiar to anyone who has followed along with iPhone developments over the past few years, but the Air is worth noting for a moment because it's a brand-new model that's replacing the Plus model that Apple used to make.
Per the latest iPhone 17 Air rumors, this will be the thinnest iPhone yet, measuring between 5 and 6mm in thickness. It could also have a big display in the neighborhood of 6.5 inches, giving it a large surface area to go along with its thinness. Unfortunately, the new form factor is said to come with a couple of big compromises. Namely, there will only be one 48MP rear camera lens instead of the two or three you get on the other models. Another one is that the battery may be smaller to compensate for how thin the phone is.
According to various leaks, the new iPhones will get a 24MP selfie cam, an upgrade over the 12MP module on previous iPhones. Both the base model and the Air are also said to have 120Hz displays, which finally brings Apple in line with other smartphone manufacturers who got there years ago on non-flagship models. You can also expect at least a couple nifty software features exclusive to the new phones, though we'll have to wait and see what they actually are.
New Apple Watches
It's become tradition in recent years for Apple to provide some kind of Apple Watch update at this event, and this year seems to be no different.
According to Bloomberg, there will be a new Apple Watch Ultra model with 5G support, a new processor, and the ability to send text messages via satellite. That could be handy for outdoorsy types. There will more than likely also be a standard Apple Watch Series 11 and perhaps a new Apple Watch SE model for budget-minded folks, though it's not clear yet if those will offer any substantial, life-changing upgrades over previous models.
One thing to note is that recent leaks suggest the new Apple Watch models won't have serious performance boosts over their predecessors. That might be disappointing to those looking to upgrade, but hey, maybe they'll save some money by waiting another year for bigger upgrades.
New AirPods?
This one is less certain, but there are reasons to believe there will be a new AirPods Pro model at the September Apple event.
For starters, the last AirPods Pro refresh was two years ago, meaning it might be time for a glow-up. The second-gen AirPods Pro didn't provide much in the way of design changes, but Bloomberg reported a while back that the Pro model is getting a design refresh this year. They could also bring new health features like in-ear heart rate monitoring and temperature detection.
Interestingly, a recent slip of the tongue in Apple's iOS 26 public beta suggested AirPods are getting real-time language translation features soon. It seems like this feature may work with previous-gen AirPods rather than being exclusive to the new AirPods Pro 3, but it's possible that the feature only works with iPhone 17 models. We'll have to wait and see.
New Apple products we don't expect to see yet
Everything listed above is at the very least likely to show up. It's hard to produce a new flagship product without some news leaking out. Unfortunately, not every upcoming Apple product is expected to be shown here.
Namely, it doesn't seem like the heavily rumored foldable iPhone is ready to make its debut just yet. Reports earlier this summer indicated it is close to being production-worthy, but for a launch in 2026 at the earliest. There also haven't been any concrete rumors about new MacBooks, though in recent years those have typically gotten their own, separate announcement events, usually in October and the spring.
It would also be a surprise to hear anything about the rumored new HomePod, though that particular rumor mill has amped up recently. Per the latest news, we could get a new HomePod and a new Apple TV later in 2025.
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