Is This Ring the Future of Wearable Tech?

Wearable tech is one of the most exciting new trends in technology. From Google Glass to the Jawbone UP, we love being able to wear our tech while we’re out and about. The NFC Ring, a new Kickstarter project, is the latest to pop up in wearable tech and promises to be the (even) geekier version of the one ring to rule them all. It’s a ring with embedded data designed to let you control your tech and share information with simple gestures.

So how does it work? The technology itself is actually surprisingly simple. The ring has two inlays of NFC (near field communication) data built in. One of those inlays is a bit larger than the other, and that one is designed for public use. Contact information, links you want to share, your public Bitcoin account for accepting payment, whatever you want! The smaller is meant for private data, so here you can store passwords and codes that you want to keep literally at your fingertips.

What can it do? Well, a lot! The two coolest applications of the device that you can use right now basically use the ring as a key. You can use it to unlock any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet with just a touch. Unfortunately, the iPhone isn’t NFC-enabled, but for all you Android users, this is a crazy cool way to keep your phone private without having to remember another password. The second cool use of this tech is to coordinate it with an NFC-enabled lock for your front door. It’s like the Lockitron but instead of having to use your smartphone, you just have to wear your ring to open your door. The more NFC-enabled devices that enter the market, the more functions this ring will have!

Did we mention that you never, ever have to charge your ring? It’s completely passive so it literally takes no energy to work. All you have to do is wear your ring and never worry about taking it off to charge and then forgetting it at home. They look pretty sleek right now, but the company is going to release other covers in case the current isn’t exactly your style. No need to sacrifice fashion for tech :)

Not only is this project open source, meaning that anyone can create projects that use the NFC ring, the creator, John McLear, also released the designs for the ring itself to be used in 3D printing projects. That’s right, if you have access to a 3D printer, you can make your own ring! Awesome.


What do you think of the NFC ring? What would you use it for? Any other awesome wearable tech we’ve missed? Talk to us in the comments below or send links our way over on Twitter.

It’s 2019, people, and we could all use an upgrade. We’re not talking upgrades on your shoe closet or that old kitchen appliance that needs replacing. We’re talking about sleek, fancy new electronics to bring your home into the 21st century. And it turns out, Jet.com is an ideal place to find the latest models, the best brands, and the downright *prettiest* electronics that will turn your home into a smart home. To go with a very smart homeowner (that’s you, just in case you weren’t sure). Check out some of these elegant, new “toys” that you may not have realized were just waiting to jump into your cart at Jet.com.

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

If you choose to tackle your commute, gym session, desk job, or grocery shopping with the aid of good music or your favorite podcast, chances are you’re spending a lot of time wearing headphones. With more of us plugged in to portable devices than ever, should we be worrying about the impact of sending sound straight into our eardrums? The World Health Organization thinks so: They’ve warned that listening to audio devices too loud and for too long is damaging the hearing of millions of teenagers and young adults. So how can we protect our hearing while also enjoying our favorite songs or podcasts? Listen up.

How Bad Are Headphones, Really?

This question has intrigued experts since the Walkman (RIP) came out in the late ‘80s, says Dr. Marco Jurado, an audiologist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas. Dr. Jurado shares that the data is mixed: “Some studies have suggested that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was on the increase until the mid-2000s, whereas more recent studies have shown that it’s actually decreased in younger populations.” Regardless of how many young people are experiencing hearing loss, the experts agreed that the prevalence of headphones and earbuds have become a major contributing factor. “There are a number of causes of hearing loss, such as genetics or as a side effect of other illnesses, but the main culprit is noise, in particular, excessive use of headphones and earbuds,” says Dr. Leigh Hogan, an audiologist and founder of Hear Well Audiology.

It’s not simply that headphones are closer to your eardrums that makes them dangerous: As with any noise, it’s the volume that determines the impact on your hearing. Audiologist Dr. Meryl Hochdorf Miller from the Audiological Consultants of Atlanta in Georgia explains: “Sound loses energy, and therefore intensity, as it travels. If the sound coming out of your headphones is the same volume level as that emitted from a speaker, it is more dangerous, because the sound doesn’t travel as far to your eardrums.” The good news, then, is that headphones aren’t inherently damaging — but we have to use them responsibly.

What Makes for Good Headphones?

Given that the louder you listen, the more damage you’re doing, it’s best to look for headphones that reduce your urge to turn up the volume. Luckily, technology is here to help. “Noise-canceling or noise-reducing headphones mean you don’t have to increase the volume to overcome noise around you,” Dr. Miller points out. “Also, make sure that your headphones fit well. If they’re loose or tend to work their way out of your ears, you’re more likely to increase the volume to make up for the lost sound. If you have small ear canals, try over-the-ear headphones, earbuds that have a very small tip on the end, or having custom molds made.” That said, remember that it’s not just your hearing you have to think about when you’re walking down the street with your music blaring. “Be mindful of your surroundings when using noise canceling technology,” Dr. Jurado cautions. “There are some loud ambient sounds, like a car honk or approaching ambulance siren, that we still need to hear.”

If you feel comfortable broadcasting the fact you’re listening to a device and don’t mind carting around the extra bulk, headphones might be a better choice than earbuds. Dr. Whitney Hardy, a family medicine specialist with Ochsner Health System, warns, “Earbuds are more dangerous than headphones, because they sit closer to the eardrum and provide more direct vibration, increasing the decibel level of the sound by seven to nine decibels from its original level.” Solid justification for the headphones-as-accessory look.

What’s the Safest Usage?

The two key components of safe headphone use that all of our experts pointed to are, as Dr. Miller summarizes, how long and how loud? She describes a formula to keep in mind: “80 decibels (dB) is safe for up to eight hours: That’s about as loud as the garbage disposal in your sink. For every 3 dB you add to the volume, you have to cut the time in half. So if I listen to music at 83 dB and want to keep it at a safe level, I have to cut my listening time to four hours. At 86 dB, I will be safe at two hours, and so on.” So how do we make sure we’re not going over 80 dB? “Set the music so only you can hear it. If you turn headphones up loud enough that someone else in the same room can hear, it’s too loud.”

Don’t automatically trust your smartphone to protect you, either. “Many smartphones and MP3 players can reach a maximum volume as high as 100 dB, which is only safe for five minutes,” Dr. Hardy tells us. “A good rule to remember is the 60/60 rule, which is to listen for 60 minutes at 60 percent volume, then give your ears a break.”

One clue that the volume is too high, Dr. Jurado says, is tinnitus — that ringing in your ears you’ve probably experienced after going to a gig or a noisy nightclub. This specific form of tinnitus is known as a temporary threshold shift because it fades after a few hours, but “continuing use at this volume will certainly lead to hearing loss.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if overexposure to loud noises is damaging your hearing until it’s too late. Dr. Hogan says other symptoms to look out for are “feeling like your ears are full; difficulty understanding speech; having to ask people to repeat themselves; and having to turn the volume up on the TV or radio. If you notice any of these signs, get tested by a licensed audiologist.”

Even if you don’t — and especially if you use headphones a lot — Dr. Miller recommends getting tested to establish your baseline hearing, so you have a control to compare to later. Hearing safety might not be the height of rock ‘n’ roll, but take the careful approach now, and you can be tuning out the world with your headphones for years to come.

What headphones are your jam? Share them with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

Without a doubt, the best TV shows of 2023 included the emotional end to the Succession saga, as well as the beginning of my attachment to Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us. I got cozy thanks to Sullivan's Crossing and became even more obsessed with The Bear, but the one show I never saw coming was Beef.

The series picked up awards left and right (hello Emmys and SAG Awards!), and thank goodness, we don't have to say goodbye just yet because Beef season 2 is officially on its way! You might be wondering, 'Isn't Beef a limited series?' It was supposed to be — but the internet's obsession pushed Netflix to renew it. Before you catch up on the best new TV shows of 2024, here's everything we know about Beef season 2.

  • Beef was a standout TV show of 2023 — and Beef season 2 is on its way!
  • The Netflix hit will feature two feuding couples, doubling the drama.
  • Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan will lead the Beef season 2 cast.

Will there be a season 2 of Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Beef season 2! After waiting to hear whether the show would be back for another installment, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news on October 22. The sophomore season will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Who's in the Beef season 2 cast?

Mike Coppola/Arturo Holmes/Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Beef Season 2 Cast

This is the craziest part of all: Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny will play one of the feuding couples, with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as the other. This is an absolutely insane cast to see onscreen together, and I cannot wait to see how they balance soft-spoken, graceful moments with over-the-top drama. Beef season 2 is going to be as good as its predecessor — if not better.

What is Beef season 2 about?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Plot

THR also reports that Beef season 2 will follow a young couple (assuming that's Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton) who sees a crazy fight between their boss and his wife, “triggering chess moves of favors and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner.”

When is Beef season 2 coming out?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Release Date

We don't have an official release date for Beef season 2 yet, but considering season 1 started filming in April of 2022 and released in April of 2023, we could see the second season as early as winter 2025.

How many seasons and episodes of Beef are there?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Right now, there is one season of Beef comprised of 10 episodes. Beef season 2 will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Where can I watch Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

You can watch all ten episodes of Beef season 1 on Netflix now! You can also watch Unpacking BEEF | Inside the Season Finale and Steven Yeun & Ali Wong Break Down A Scene From BEEF on YouTube for the behind-the-scenes info you've been craving.

What do you want to see in Beef season 2? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.