Learn a New Language by Chatting With a Bot + 4 More Rad Apps!

CHEERS TO YOU! YOU MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK! As the weeks get colder, it seems like they also get longer. So now’s your time to celebrate. There are always lots of different ways to spend your two days off. For the tech-ier among you, we’ve got (as always) your list of the five best apps you should DL to your phone right now. Spend your weekend learning a new language, trying on some virtual makeup or directing an art film. You’ve got until Monday to play with these new apps.

1. Duolingo: Duolingo just released a new update that will make learning a language easier than ever before. Yes, learning vocab and grammar is important, but most of us want to know how to actually speak a language. The app’s new AI bots simulate conversation so it’s almost like you’re talking to a real person.

DL It: Free on iOS

2. Looks: Imagine if there were Snapchat filters to try out makeup, and you kind of have an idea as to how this new app works. Focus on your face, select which products you’d like to “try out” and see how they look in real time.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

3. Charmer: See what your friends really think of you in just three words. This new app lets you select three words to describe all your friends. As each friend selects words about you, your “word map” profile will grow. It’s almost like a personality quiz, but curated for you by your pals.

DL It: Free on iOS

4. Dramatic Ellipsis: We love hyper-dramatic texts. This new iMessage add-on will bring all of your mundane texts to comic book action in a second. Now you can slide into an inbox with a KA-POW!

DL It: Free on iOS

5. Prisma: You’ve definitely seen some Prisma “artsy” profile pictures popping up on Facebook recently, right? Well, the app just issued a new update that will let you add the cool effects to any video you shoot. So now you can turn your home movies into a work of art.

DL It: Free on iOS

Which was your favorite app this week? Let us know @BritandCo!

Prime Day continues to impress us! Apple products like iPads, iPhones, AirPods, and more are almost never on sale for prices this low. This Prime Day, we’re seeing hundreds of dollars worth of savings, which is especially satisfying if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current desk set-upor revamping your super old headphones. Scroll on for the 7 best deals on Apple products we’ve found, available for historic sale prices now.

Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9

$280, was $399

This powerful little sidekick is now $119 off for Prime Day! You can do practically everything you do on your iPhone with the Apple Watch, like talking, texting, navigation, and workout and sleep support. It easily syncs up with the rest of your Apple devices for a seamless experience. Plus, all of your activity will be super visible and bright, thanks to the Series 9's clear interface.

Amazon

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

$120, was $169

You can save nearly $50 on some brand-new AirPods this Prime Day. The 3rd generation model is snug-fitting, sweat and water resistant, and lightning fast when it comes to communicating with your devices. You get up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge, which is ample time to listen to your new favorite album or audiobook on repeat!

Amazon

Apple iPad (10th Generation)

$450, was $499

If you like to get things done on the go, the iPad is a total lifesaver. It's way more compact than a laptop, but its small size is still perfectly suitable to see the screen clearly. You can snag it in storage sizes 64GB or 256GB and four different vibrant colors on Amazon right now! This pick is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the Magic Keyboard (both are $50 off for Prime Day) based on your usage needs.

Amazon

Apple AirTag

$24, was $29

The AirTag ensures you'll never lose track of your wallet, keys, or backpack ever again. It communicates with the Find My app on your Apple devices, so you can locate your items in a single press of a button! This model even has a built-in speaker than can ring out loud to help you track down what you've (seemingly) lost forever.

Amazon

Apple iPhone 12

$282, was $398

The classic iPhone really speaks for itself, but this $115 off Prime Day deal makes it even better. We all live on our phones, so whether it's for scrolling TikTok, messaging your long-distance pals, or playing games, this device does it all. You can shop from storage sizes 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB and 6 different colors on Amazon right now!

Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

$395, was $549

We're never far from a pair of headphones, and the AirPods Max are definitely the hottest style to rock right now. They deliver high-quality audio through the cushioned ear cups, and you can even toggle between several different noise-cancelling settings. These wear really light on the head and even offer some nice breathability, since the headband is made from a light mesh material. With a single charge, you get up to 20 hours of listening time – and at $154 off, that's a major score!

Amazon

Apple Magic Mouse

$80, was $99

If you've been searching for an excuse to upgrade your clunky computer mouse, this wireless Magic Mouse from Apple is gonna feel like a total treat. It's compatible with both Macs and iPads to help you get the job done. This mouse works silently, too, so you won't ever be distracted by noisy scrolling or clicking again. It even has an incredibly long battery life, operating at full power even if you haven't charged it in a couple weeks!

Amazon

Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

$380, was $499

A slightly smaller iPad model, the Mini ($119 off) is still as great as the OG. It features a super bright and impressively clear screen display, fast wifi capability, and tons of storage to handle all your notes, apps, and photos. This model is available in storage sizes 64GB and 256GB and 4 different colorways on Amazon now.

Shop our Amazon storefront to snag more amazing Prime Day deals on beauty, home, fashion, books, and more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Sound the alarms: Starbucks' Valentine's cups have landed in stores! Four adorable cup designs hit shelves on January 3, with plenty of time left for you to snag your favorite design (or a few of 'em) ahead of Valentine's Day. Of course, the Starbucks Valentine's cups are covered in nothing but pinks, reds, and hearts.

You're not gonna want to miss this year's Starbucks Valentine's cups, because just like any reusable cup, they let you take $0.10 off your coffee order, plus earn 25 bonus stars if you're a Starbucks Rewards member.

Scroll on to see the cutest Starbucks Valentine's cups for 2025!

See The New 2025 Starbucks Valentine's Cups

Starbucks

Valentine’s Day Cold Cup

Starbucks' Valentine's Day drop includes some pretty bold designs, including this playful pixelated piece. This 24-ounce cold cup goes for $22.95, and it's perfect for holding your iced lattes and cold brews and keeping them cold all day long.

Starbucks

Pink Floral Cold Cup with Straw Topper

The next cold cup boasts a ton of eye-catching florals and an adorable straw topper for extra curb appeal. This baby hold 24 ounces and will cost you $24.95 at participating Starbucks stores.

Starbucks

Hot Pink Heart Tumbler with Charm

For all you hot drink lovers out there, you're def gonna want to snag this 12-ounce tumbler ($27.95) to help you get nice and caffeinated on your morning commute. It even comes with a heart charm for extra whimsy.

Starbucks

Valentine’s Day Tumbler

The final Starbucks Valentine's cup is this fun ombré tumbler that holds a whole 16 ounces. Find it at your nearest 'Bux for $14.95.

Surprise! Peep The Starbucks Lunar New Year 2025 Cups

Starbucks

Year of the Snake Cold Cup

The Starbucks Valentine's cups aren't all that's new to cafes – the coffee chain also dropped 3 adorable new cup designs for Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake!

The first item is this 24-ounce cold cup. We simply adore all the colors featured on this one. Plus, it comes with a cutie little snake straw topper! Find it for $24.95.

Starbucks

Year of the Snake Stainless Steel Tumbler

Next up is this stainless steel tumbler that'll keep 12 ounces of hot liquid, well, hot for the entire day. The illustration is just too cute! This baby goes for $22.95 at participating Starbucks locations.

Starbucks

Year of the Snake Ceramic Mug

Finally, the most adorable Starbucks mug of all time! This 14-ounce mug is shaped like a lil' rainbow snake to spark joy every time you sip. Shop it for $16.95 in stores.

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I am a very prepared person, which means I do my best to handle life's unexpected chaos with grace. A recent curveball that I did not prepare for was my phone dying in the middle of New York City. When you live in Manhattan, there's always a show to see, friends to grab margaritas with, and events to attend. That means you lose phone battery pretty quickly, which is exactly the one thing you don't want to go without in the middle of the city.

Ahead of my show at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, I was #influenced to buy this viral gadget to bring into the stadium with me — and it's the best portable phone charger I've ever used. I can't believe I've gone this long without it!

First Impressions

I grabbed the iWALK Small Portable Charger (which I got for $30), and the first thing I noticed was the size. The whole thing is smaller than my iPhone, meaning that it'll fit in just about any size bag and works with a lot of stadium concert rules!

It comes in multiple colors like pink and teal, but I got it in white.

The Timeline

I left for the concert at 2pm with a fully charged phone. I had to use Spotify, Google Maps, Uber, and my camera all before Taylor even came out, which means that by the time Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers had finished their opening acts (around 8 pm), my phone was on death's door.

The portable phone charger went right into the port and kept my phone alive for the rest of the night! It also didn't interfere with the audio in any of my recordings, which was super important to me.

Final Thoughts On This Portable Phone Charger

Image via Chloe Williams/B+C

This product really surpassed my expectations because of how much power you get from such a small device. I've used it multiple times, and every time I do, my phone ends up fully charged, meaning I have enough battery for another round of adventures and antics.

I'll definitely have it in my bag all summer long. You can search on the internet for some other portable phone chargers for your summer, but this is definitely my favorite.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The 2000s was a golden age for all kinds of fantasy movies. Think the Narnia trilogy, Harry Potter, and of course, Pirates of the Caribbean. Not only did it have me dreaming of a tropical vacation but who didn't fall in love with Orlando Bloom as Will Turner? The first film was so successful it led to a whole series (and a redesign of the Disney World ride that inspired it), not to mention the fact Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow has been cemented in pop culture history forever!

Here's the official Brit + Co ranking of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, from best to worst.

1. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl'

Walt Disney Studios

Yeah, the first film totally takes the cake as the best Pirates of the Caribbean movie. It has a super solid script, and introduces us to characters who feel three-dimensional, engaging, and memorable. Jack Sparrow and Will Turner search for Captain Barbossa, who's taken Jack's ship (alongside his past crew, who are now undead) and kidnapped Elizabeth Swann, Will's love.

2. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End'

Walt Disney Studios

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is such an emotional experience that I have to put it at number 2. It's the perfect conclusion to the original trilogy, and follows Will, Elizabeth, and Barbossa as they set off to find Jack. It's got everything: romance, adventure, humor. And Elizabeth becoming Pirate King? 2007 me was shook.

3. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'

Peter Mountain/Disney

The third spot on this list just has to go to the second installment of the OG trilogy. In this Pirates of the Caribbean movie, our favorite pirates are all hunting for the heart of Davy Jones: Jack hopes to avoid becoming Davy's slave, while Will wants to free his father. It's fun and opens with a crazy scene as Will and Elizabeth's wedding is interrupted by Lord Beckett arresting them.

4. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales'

Walt Disney Studios

The latest installment of the Pirates franchise (which was released in 2017) comes in at four. As Jack searches for Poseidon's Trident to defeat Captain Salazar, Will's son Henry teams up with astronomer Carina Smyth to help defeat the dangerous enemy. I love how this film brings Will and Elizabeth back (even if it's only for a bit), and I think the whole story is the perfect treat for fans of the series.

5. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'

Walt Disney Studios

In the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Jack and Barbossa are looking for the fountain of youth, only to learn they're up against Blackbeard and his daughter. Unfortunately, Will and Elizabeth are nowhere to be found, which means this movie just doesn't have the same magic as the originals (even though Sam Claflin has my heart).

Which Pirates of the Caribbean movie is your favorite? Let us know on Facebook!

The Office and One Tree Hill aren't the only old school TV shows getting the sequel treatment — a new Friday Night Lights is on its way! The reboot is in development at Peacock, with the original series' showrunner Jason Katims, director Peter Berg, and Brian Grazer on board (all of whom were executive producers as well). And it looks like we might just see our favorite stars return to Dillon, too.

Here's the latest news on the Friday Night Lights reboot — and its cast.

Is Friday Night Lights getting a reboot?

Yes, Friday Night Lights is getting a reboot! The news was announced at the end of 2024, and we'll once again see a local football team up against the odds. According to the show's official logline, "following a devastating hurricane, a rag tag high school football team and their damaged, interim coach make an unlikely bid for a Texas High School State Championship becoming a beacon of light for their town."

Will we see anyone from the original show?

The Friday Night Lights reboot cast hasn't been confirmed just yet, but one OG cast member just revealed we might see a few familiar faces. "I've been asked and we'll leave it at that," Taylor Kitsch (who played Tim Riggins) told SiriusXM’s The Spotlight. "I would come in and do something that maybe for an episode or something." He even pitches the idea that he could "maybe play an opposing team's coach or something and be on screen for like eight seconds. I would do that."

If Taylor's been asked then I'll bet some of our other favorite cast members have heard rumblings of the reboot as well. I'd love to see Zach Gilford and Minka Kelly return in literally any capacity.

Although Kyle Chandler (who starred as fan favorite coach Eric Taylor) revealed on TODAY he hasn't gotten any calls...yet. “I don’t know what I’ll say [if I’m asked].”

The Friday Night Lights cast included to Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Scott Porter, Aimee Teegarden, Minka Kelly, Michael B. Jordan, Adrianne Palicki, Taylor Kitsch, Zach Gilford, and Jesse Plemons.

Where can I watch the Friday Night Lights reboot?

We don't have a Friday Night Lights release date to give you just yet, but we do know we'll be able to stream the new TV show on Peacock. Stay tuned for more!

Check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025 for all the new titles to hold you over until you can press play on the Friday Night Lights reboot.