Lockitron It Up: Control Your Locks From Your Phone

Oct 04, 2012

We love technology that integrates with our daily lives. The trend towards automated home technology makes us feel a little bit like we live in the future, but also makes us really excited for the future of tech based around the home. So we were incredibly pumped to hear about the new version of the Lockitron, a wireless, keyless locking system that can be installed over an existing lock.

Once the Lockitron is attached to your lock, you can work it from anywhere you can use your phone. You don’t even need a smartphone: the system can be accessed via text as well as an app. Forget to lock your house when you leave? Do it from the bus! Have a friend taking care of your plants or animals while you’re away? Don’t hide the key under the mat, just unlock your door remotely when they get there or give them access to do so through the app.

Other cool features include the ability to wirelessly open your door via Bluetooth. Lockitron will sense the presence of your phone and unlock the door automatically. You can also set it up to let you know if someone knocks on your door when you’re away. You can be informed if someone else unlocks your door, so you get a heads up when your kids are home from school.

One of the coolest parts about this new version is that it’s designed to work with your current locks. In practical terms, this means that the Lockitron is an option for renters as well as home owners. You can get all the benefits of the Lockitron system without annoying your landlord :)

This is a great solution for anyone who tends to forget or lose their keys… although, if you tend to lose your phone, that’s a whole different issue!

What do you think of the Lockitron system? Talk to us in the comments below or over on Twitter.

This New Gadget Ensures You Never, Ever Run Out of Coffee Pods

Listen up, coffee lovers! If running out of K-cups is enough to derail your morning routine, allow us to introduce you to a solution that’ll ensure you’re stocked with with the stuff 24/7. It’s called the WePlenish Java Smart Container, it’s launching today on Kickstarter, and we’re pretty sure it’s the coolest thing to happen to coffee since the Keurig.

WePlenish may look like any other coffee pod container, but it’s actually a smart vessel that orders K-cups/Nespresso pods and has them mailed to your door before you ever run out. Essentially, it’s like asking your roomie to grab some coffee at the store — without the whole asking part.

Instead, the system relies on sensors, an app, and Amazon: The container senses when supplies are running low, the sensors communicate with the app, and the app re-orders your fave coffee capsules from Amazon Dash Replenishment (a service similar to Amazon Prime). What’s more, the app saves your coffee preferences and uses the info to recommend personalized picks.

The gadget comes in either black or white and can be stored literally anywhere, thanks to it being battery-operated. We love how it looks sitting next to a coffee maker, but it’s ideal for tucking away neatly in the pantry, too.

You can snag the WePlenish Java Smart Container starting today for $40 at weplenish.com — or get the early-bird pricing at Kickstarter. Cheers to a lifetime of unbridled coffee consumption!

What do you think of the new WePlenish system? Let us know @BritandCo!

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

(Images via WePlenish)

Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors 'Buffy' Little Sister Michelle Trachtenberg: "I Will Always Love You"

Tributes continue to pour in for the late Michelle Trachtenberg after she passed away on February 26, 2205 — and her former TV big sister, Sarah Michelle Gellar, just shared her own emotional post. The actresses played sisters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon's cult classic fantasy series that ran from 1997 to 2003. And now, Sarah paid tribute to her on-screen little sister with a carousel of sweet photos and an emotional Buffy reference. This is what she shared.

Here's what Sarah Michelle Gellar said about Buffy co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg:

Instagram/sarahmgellar

The post featured a slideshow of photos from Buffy, as well as snapshots of the two of them throughout their lives. Michelle was 15 years old when she joined the cast in 2000, and the carousel of photos really capture how these two grew up together the three years they were on set with each other.

Sarah captioned the post, “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you"

Sarah's moving words are a direct reference to her time with Michelle on Buffy. The quote comes from this emotional scene, but Sarah altered it to be about her late friend and former co-star.

Unfortunately, this loss comes on the heels of another Buffy co-star's passing — Shannen Doherty died on July 13, 2024 after battling cancer for years. Sarah's emotional tribute to Shannen was heartbreaking, starting with, "How can you possibly find the right words to sum up 30 years of friendship?"

We hope Sarah — and all of Michelle's family, friends, and fans — is able to take care of herself while she mourns this tragedy.

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The Top-Rated Humidifiers on Amazon

There are all sorts of reasons to use a humidifier, and winter is definitely one of them. When your heater is hard at work warming the air indoors, the humidity takes a hit. This, in turn, wreaks havoc on your skin, your respiratory system, and even your furniture (!). If you’re tired of dealing with these v. unwanted side effects, take a look below, because we’ve rounded-up the top options available on Amazon. Happy shopping!

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

With over 8,000 customer reviews, this top-rated option practically speaks for itself. It comes equipped with two speed settings and a 360-degree nozzle head to ensure the right amount of mist is emitted into the air for up to 16 hours. There’s also an auto shut-off and night light to guarantee that you can safely catch your ZZZs while the machine works away. And because it only costs $50, it’s easy to see what makes it a compelling choice.

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Here’s a warm mist option that gets a special shoutout from those prone to sickness. For starters, the device eradicates 95 percent of germs and bacteria floating around the air. (Score!) It’s also compatible with Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant products for extra relief for those battling colds and sinus issues. But perhaps the biggest win of them all is that the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier operates completely filter-free, saving you time and money in the long run. When can we get this in our home?

Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

Many reviewers rely on this dependable design to cure the dry mouth and bloody noses (gross, but true) that afflict them during the drier months. Much of this is credited to the patented Ultra-Violet light technology that kills germs almost completely (99.9 percent) and provides almost immediate results on humidity detectors. Consider it the real deal.

Crane USA Cool Mist Humidifier

We love the stylish shape of this product, and it fits on just about any nightstand or table. Its tear-drop design comes with a one-gallon tank, soundless operation, and a no-filter structure to make it your most simple humidifier option yet. If only all electronics could be this cool and well-equipped!

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser and Cool Mist Humidifier

With over 25,000 reviews (yes, really), this humidifier got our attention even before we knew a thing about it. But here’s why it’s so noteworthy: It works like an oil diffuser and humidifier all in one, emitting your favorite essential oils while generating a cool mist with enough moisture to alleviate any dryness. And with its compact design and seven color varieties, it’s no wonder this piece is one of the most raved-about.

TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier

This model comes with all the standard amenities — auto shut-off, multiple power functions, sleep mode, and a 360-degree nozzle capability — but with a larger water capacity. So if running to the faucet over and over to refill your humidifier doesn’t seem appealing, the four-liter tank will have you covered. Plus, it has the (unrelated) pro of ultra quiet operation, so you can rest easy (literally) knowing it’s keeping your room healthily humid.

URPOWER MH501 Humidifier

Speaking of large water tanks, this model holds up to five liters of water but has a more compact design compared to other large-tank varieties. It also has three misting modes, a late-night “no light” option, and ultrasonic cool mist components. (That is to say: It’s really effective.)

Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier

Sometimes, you just need a little humidity on-the-go. Whether you’re in a hotel room or crashing with your gals, this option pairs with any standard-size water bottle to keep you comfortable. But don’t let its small stature fool you: It comes with all of the amenities you love, like two- to eight-hour settings and water depletion detection. Plus it’s cordless, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

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Wait, Glen Powell Dated Nina Dobrev?!

Glen Powell has already had the career of a lifetime, and he's just getting started. Set It Up (the ultimate rom-com), Top Gun: Maverick (the ultimate sequel), and Twisters (the ultimate summer movie) are three of my favorite films of all time, but there's one role he had in 2017 you probably never knew: Nina Dobrev's boyfriend. YUP. Before the Vampire Diaries star got engaged to Shawn White, and before Glen Powell was seen in the back of a car with Lily James, these two were an item.

Let's take a look down memory lane — back to 2017 when Glen Powell & Nina Dobrev dated!

Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev definitely matched each other's energy.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images for InStyle

Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev celebrated a Texas New Year's together in 2017, and then Glen showed up to the premiere of Nina's movie xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Not to mention the fact they were spotted at a Golden Globes afterparty together.

"They have a similar group of friends and have been seeing each other on the low for a little while," a source told E! News, while another said, "All of their friends like them together. They both feel pretty comfortable around each other."

We already know Nina is the master of costumes (see her costumes with fiancé Shawn White for reference), and for Nina's 28th birthday in 2017, she threw a La La Land-themed party, complete with themed outfits — and the iconic pose from the movie poster with Glen.

In July 2017, Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev got very cozy (and goofy) in a photo booth at Julianne Hough's wedding to Brooks Laich. Say what you want about this couple, but they definitely matched each other's energy.

The couple seemingly called it quits by the end of 2017, but have been in the same circles since! They had a great time at the 2020 InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe afterparty and took a pic together at the 2022 Omega Masters. Nina and Shaun are also good friends with Miles and Keleigh Teller, and showed up to the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 (which, of course, also stars Glen Powell).

These two are proving you really can be friends with your exes.

Did you know Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev dated? I would have loved to see Glen make a guest appearance on The Vampire Diaries...but maybe they'll work together in the future. Follow us on Instagram for more celebrity relationship news!

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'Gossip Girl' Star Michelle Trachtenberg Passed Away At Age 39

In heartbreaking news, actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at age 39. According to PEOPLE, the Gossip Girl and Buffy star was declared deceased on February 26, 2025 by EMS. The NYPD told PEOPLE that "criminality is not suspected," however there was no public cause of death announced. Here's what we know about the tragic events.

Everything we know about Michelle Trachtenberg's devastating death:

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

On February 26, 2025, sources told the New York Post that Michelle Trachtenberg's mother found her at 1 Columbus Place at around 8:00am. PEOPLEnoted that police received a 911 call at around 8:00am, and made their way to the residential building in NYC. The NYPD said that police found Michelle (described as the "39-year-old female") to be "unconscious and unresponsive." Once EMS arrived and assessed the situation, they officially pronounced her dead at the scene.

The New York City Medical Examiner has yet to determine — or at least announce — Michelle's cause of death. According to the New York Post , the Ice Princess actress recently had a liver transplant, and sources told them she died of "natural causes." ABC News also noted that the death could be due to post-transplant complications.

NBC reported that Michelle's representative said, "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time."

Michelle is best known for starring in roles such as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, as well as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Other notable roles included Harriet (Harriet the Spy), Maggie (17 Again), Casey Carlyle (Ice Princess), and Jenny (Eurotrip).

Instagram/edwestwick

Former Gossip Girlcostar, Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) posted his condolences for Michelle's passing. He wrote on Instagram, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers 🙏🤍"

Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Gossip Girlco-creators, shared a joint statement about Michelle. "We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented," they said. "Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family."

Instagram/chacecrawford

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald, Gossip Girl) posted a moving tribute to Michelle on Instagram, too. He shared three snaps with his former costar, and captioned the post with, "Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️"

Gossip Girl matriarch, Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen) also shared an image of Michelle on her Instagram story. She captioned the post with "🤍🤍🤍🕊️"

And Taylor Momsen, the ever-iconic Jenny Humphrey, shared another photo of Michelle to her Instagram story as well. She wrote on the post, "One of a kind 💔"

Instagram/alysonhannigan

Michelle's former Buffy costars also shared their sympathies for the star's death. James Marsters (Spike) told PEOPLE, "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."

Alyson Hannigan posted a slideshow of photos on Instagram, sharing pictures with Michelle from over the years. She wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends."

20th Century Fox released a statement saying, "Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in Buffy." (via NBC) Meanwhile, David Boreanaz (Angel) wrote on his Instagram story, "So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family."

Instagram/kimcattrall

Sex and the Citystar, Kim Cattrall shared her own message on Instagram. She posted a photo of the two of them, with the caption reading, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle 💔" Kim played Michelle's skating coach in the Disney film, Ice Princess.

Rosie O'Donnell — who starred alongside Michelle in Harriet the Spy — told Us Weeklythat this is "heartbreaking." She said, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."

Michelle's Holiday for Love costar, Melissa Gilbert posted on Instagram as well. She shared a still from the movie and wrote,"Oh Michy…and we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl"

Leslie Mann, Michelle's 17 Again costar, posted an image with she and Michelle to her Instagram story. She shared, "I will miss you, Michelle ❤️"

And SNL star Kenan Thompson wrote on Instagram, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! ❤️"

This story is still unfolding, but our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fans.