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All The Best Pre-Prime Day Deals At Amazon

All The Best Pre-Prime Day Deals At Amazon

Buzz Feed24-06-2025
Amazon Prime Day is coming!
62% off the latest model of Blink outdoor security cameras (the cheapest they ever go for, and the first time they've been this price in 2025) offering 1080p HD day and infrared night footage so you can watch over your property right from your phone. The kit is easy to install (even if you're not tech savvy), you can save and send video, and there's two-way talk so you can scream at the squirrels stealing your bird food.
Squirrels need to eat, too, but I get it. These wire-free security cameras come with two-year batteries and a free 30-day Blink trial. The subscription is not necessary, but it offers extra features like video storage and person detection. Promising review: "I've never owned a home camera before so I asked around and did my research…The app alone is AMAZING! The quality of the video is great and you can adjust it how you want as far as motion detection. The night vision...WILD! And the fact that I can talk to my dog and hear him if he barks…I would definitely recommend both indoor and outdoor cameras. THEY ARE AMAZING!!!"—Jomyra MalavePrice: $99.99 (originally $259.99)
57% off a set of five KitchenAid mixing bowls in the chic shade "pistachio" — which brings them down to a new lowest price to date — perfect for whipping up pancake batter, tossing a summer salad together, or even just displaying fruit on the counter. Btw, they have a nonslip bottom so they'll stay in place during even vigorous whisking and stack neatly to save space.
Promising review: "I love these bowls. They stack nicely to save space, are durable, and have a slip-resistant bottom. I also love that there are so many sizes. I had acquired one of these bowls many years ago. I believe someone had left it at my house from a party. I loved that bowl and used it all the time. After 10 years of use, it was time to say goodbye. I decided to get this set so that I had all the sizes I needed. I know that these will last me another 10 plus years." —CandicePrice: $24.99 (originally $57.99; also available in aqua blue for a slightly lower discount; measuring cups/spoons and other bundles also available in the same listing) — and shop all the KitchenAid deals here
44% off Mixsoon Bean Essence — it's a multitasking marvel: you can use it as a super gentle exfoliating essence (massage it in for a few minutes and wipe it off) or a hydrating essence (just pat it in). The fermented soybean and pomegranate, plus hyaluronic acid, can help your skin feel smoother and appear ✨luminous✨. Reviewers are noticing seriously glowy, bouncy results!
Promising review: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and were left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —LosaPromising review: "I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMaePrice: $13.95+ (typically $25+; available in two sizes)
50% off the *newest* Amazon 4K Fire TV Stick — that's the best price outside of Cyber Week. It has 4K picture, Dolby sound, and ~WiFi 6~ to help with uninterrupted streaming, plus smart search so you can find a movie or TV show by actor, genre ("action movies with car chases"), or even quote! Just plug into your existing TV and stream all the shows, movies, and music you want at the push of a button.
Promising review: "I've been dealing with WebOS on my LG TV for three years now, and enough is enough. Fire TV stick is 🔥 I love this thing. I can even view my Blink cameras on the big screen now; so cool. Setup is so easy and it linked to my other Alexa-enabled devices just great. Picture is great, response is lightning quick." —MattSRPrice: $24.99 (originally $49.99) — and shop all of the Amazon device deals here.
$50 off a portable Black & Decker air conditioner (that also works as a dehumidifier and fan) with all the power and cooling you need, without any permanent changes — you can even move it easily from room to room as needed. And reviewers note it's much cheaper than running central air!
It comes with a window kit for easy installation, too!Promising review: "Incredible portable AC unit. This unit is a hoss. It is the only one we have gotten that cools our bedroom in under 30 minutes. We have tried at least three other units that were too weak, t,o loud, or failed after a few weeks. Stop looking around and get this one." —AndrewPromising review: "I love to sleep in a freezing cold room, but I hate the power bill that goes along with cooling an entire house. This unit was the best solution. It keeps the room frigid, and I sleep like a rock. It barely increases my bill and really improves my sleep." —MatPrice: $224.99+ (originally $329.99+; available in 8,000, 8,500, 10,000, 12,000, and 14,000 BTU versions, plus a version that also functions as a heater).
Tons of deals on school supplies, including backpacks, writing utensils, planners (including a best-ever price on the one pictured here!), water bottles, and more. I know, I know...it's only June, but we all know once the 4th of July hits, the rest of the summer is a blur. So why not save yourself a chore in August *and* some money now? And hey teachers! There are some really great deals for you, too!
We're talking:—35% off a Swingline 3-hole punch—33% off Contigo kids' stainless steel water bottles—35% off a 40-pack of Bic mechanical pencils—20% off an eight-pack of notebooks (the cheapest they go for)—51% off a 64-pack of Crayola mini colored pencials—And so much morePrice (for the student planner pictured above): $7.69 (typically $12.99) — and shop all the school supply deals here
30% off (that's $140 off, a good deal for this model and the cheapest it typically goes for outside of Cyber Week) a Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum that's lightweight, powerful, and capable of capturing ~99.99% of particles~. Plus it comes with a hair attachment to pick up pet fur and shed human hair too!
Or 40% off a cordless stick vac (this is the cheapest it goes for) that reviewers find comparable to the much more expensive Dyson...but for way less, especially on sale. It has built-in headlights to illuminate every speck of dust in your path, a fancy LED display, HEPA filter, and all the attachments you need to get the cleaning job done.
Promising review: "4-month use review. This vacuum is comparable to Dysons that are 2x-3x times time price. All attachments easily and securely snap together. Bright light on the head helps see dust and dirt on the floor. Suction is sufficient. Suction is aided by powerful rotating brush. I normally run it on max mode which lasts 15-25 minutes. The dust canister fills up pretty quickly, but it's easy to empty. Vacuum can charge while mounted; alternatively, battery can be removed and charged separately. No issues with brushes getting tangled so far." —PaulPromising review: "A true workhorse. This little vacuum is a workhorse! I purchased this with a little apprehension because of the price point, but in my opinion this performs the same as, if not better, than the Shark or Dyson. Tremendous versatility, and powerful suction. I am able to vacuum my entire 3000 square foot home on a single charge at high speed. I love the ability to convert this to a hand-held as well, which I use often to clean my car. If you are on the fence here, don't be. This is well worth the money!" —kevinPrice: $89.99 (originally $149.99)
20% off a Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan (that's the first-ever recorded discount) if you loveeee walking through the misters at Disney and want to bring the experience home. This bb — which can be configured as a pedestal or tabletop fan — lowers temperatures by up to 12 degrees, and you can even pop some ice cubes in the tank for extra chill!
Promising review: "We love this fan. Not only can you spray water through an attachment that goes to the fan, but you can charge the fan itself, disconnect it from the stand, set it up on a table, and it will run for about four hours with no electricity required. It will also run for about four hours before having to be recharged. You won't regret this purchase." —Nan LindstromPrice: $199.99 (originally $249.99)
35% off an electric, adjustable standing desk so you can easily get out of your seat without having to actually step away from work — and have your monitor comfortably elevated to eye level when standing or sitting down.
Promising review: "This desk is wonderful! I got it to switch from a stationary to a sit/stand desk. I liked that the desktop was one solid piece (vs some that are 2 pieces), and I liked the combination of desktop and desk leg colors. My dad and I worked to put this together, and it took us about an hour. All the of the screws and things needed came in nicely labeled bags and it was really easy to figure out what we needed to use. You do need to supply your own screwdriver or drill. Once put together, it was easy to set the default heights for sitting and standing. The desk is actually pretty quiet when it moves! It is not super fast to raise/lower, but it moves along at a nice pace, and everything feels sturdy when it's moving. I have been using this for about a week now and I love it!" —Amazon CustomerPrice: $109.98 (originally $169.99)
30% off a three-piece luggage set (only the second time it's been this cheap!) because your old suitcase has been worn down to the last shreds, and you've been needing to upgrade your luggage for a while. This comes with a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a toiletry bag — so you're ready for that summer trip you've got planned. ✈️☀️
Promising review: "I love my luggage set! They look gorgeous, and honestly, the quality is excellent. I've taken 15-day trips using only the carry-on and the personal bag — it's amazing. At first, I thought they'd get dirty easily since they're white, but they're actually very easy to clean. The toiletry bag fits my Shark FlexStyle hair dryer and all the attachments perfectly." —Mariana R.Price: $69.98 (originally $99.99; available in seven colors, but only the cream is on sale)
And up to 42% off a set of lightweight packing cubes to help you fit *more* in whatever back or backpack you're trying to squeeze everything into. The individual cubes mean you do *not* have to sit on your carry-on roller to get it closed. And you can even organize them by day, clothing type, ~segment of your trip~ (like city/beach/weather), etc. And they're mesh so you can easily see what's inside!
Promising review: "If you're looking to stay organized on the go for yourself or with kids, I cannot recommend this enough! I've used packing cubes before that were poor quality. The quality of this product exceeded my expectations. The material and zippers are lightweight yet durable. Packing for my daughter and me on our last trip was a breeze with these packing cubes! Highly highly recommend!" —es86Price: $14.44 (typically $24.99; the lowest price is on the cream colorway — it's a new best ever price!)
54% off an Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (the lowest it's ever been!) that you can use to stream from all your favorite services, listen to music, read books, and even use as a mini laptop in a pinch (if you snag an attachable keyboard). Reviewers especially love the "split screen" function that allows you to do two tasks at once, like watch Netflix or be on a Zoom call while writing an email or taking notes.
Promising review: "I don't see how you can beat this tablet, especially at this price. I wanted a super light tablet, mostly to read with, and watch some movies. I love the built-in blue filter and was surprised to learn that it works with me! It's light, durable, and even plays my FLAC music files. And I may be old-fashioned, but I really like the earphone port. I hope that never goes away." —EcyclerPrice: $54.99 (typically $119.99) — and shop all of the Amazon device deals here.
54% off a Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera (the best price it's ever been!) that will go a long way toward having peace of mind in your home. This wire-free, drill-free setup features an enhanced motion detection system that will let you see *and* speak through it on the Blink app, with a battery life of two entire years with the included batteries.
Promising review: "The setup is easy to do, and the sensitivity is perfect. I am thoroughly impressed. I wish I had made the change sooner. The cameras are very inconspicuous and extremely capable. My home feels more secure." —Darnell Lindsay Price: $59.99 (typically $129.98)
Up to 40% off a ridiculously durable, windproof travel umbrella with fiberglass ribs instead of flimsier aluminum to help it keep its shape in 70+ MPH winds. That means you won't deal with an inside-out brolly on particularly gusty days (impossible for staying dry!) without having to schlep around a bulky full-size umbrella.
Check out a TikTok of the Tumella Umbrella in action. Promising review: "Why would anyone want to purchase another umbrella with the warranty this one gives? Not like you will need the warranty with this build quality. Almost every umbrella I have owned has five, maybe six, thin metal rods held together with a tiny pin to form the frame. This thing has reinforced ribs, is as light as you can get, looks great, and all at a low price. Yeah, this is all I need." —E. SmokerPrice: $17.99+ (typically $29.99; available in 25 colors and packs of two)
35% off Beats Solo 4 headphones — full disclosure, these were just 50% off (and might be on Prime Day!), but this price is still enough of a steal that you might want to snag a pair early just in case they sell out the color you want! They flex some GORGEOUS spatial audio, a whopping 50 hours of battery life, and genuine "all day wear" comfort — reviewers love how lightweight and wearable these are compared to other brands.
Promising review: 'Impressive sound, stylish and sophisticated headphones. I personally like how it's not complete noise cancellation since I like to be aware of the environment around me. So this headphone is amazing for the right reasons. Quality, style, sound, and safety. Not to mention how sleek it is. Finally, headphones that are not bulky or heavy. I appreciate the smooth texture, feel, and the cushioned headband part. It's also easy to pair with my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The blue slate color is classy, too! Excellent product!' —Diane Price: $129.95+ (originally $199.99; available in four colors – discount varies per color)
37% off a lightweight, super compact folding beach chair that will become your new address during the summer months. Reviewers love how packable this is for beach trips and camping!
Promising review: "We got these to pack in our suitcases for a beach trip and they were perfect! They fit nicely in our suitcases, which was important. They weigh closer to 7 pounds, so they're not the lightest, but they still worked. They are very easy to set up and very comfortable! The cup holder is a great feature, too." —lucasPrice: $31.99 (typically $50.99)
27% off a collapsible heavy-duty utility cart (the cheapest you can get it for) you can use on all terrains to easily move up to 450 pounds — an absolute game-changer for beach trips, camping trips, big shopping hauls, and moving. It also collapses and folds up super easily to get stashed in the back of a car or stored in a closet!
Promising review: "I've had this for almost a year. It's excellent. Durable, easily maneuverable. My eight-year-old nephew can pull it with his brothers and beach picnic items inside. I pull it easily full of heavy groceries on grassy, uneven ground. Folds away very easily. Worth every cent." —Anjay EnnisPrice: $107.49 (typically $149.99)
20% off a Meridian trimmer great if you're worried about nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, and razor burn, particularly in your pubic area. Plus it's waterproof so you can use it in the shower!
Promising review: "I never thought about getting something like this until someone on TikTok was talking about how this changed her life. Literallyyyyy it's so easy to use, it doesn't take me an hour to shave anymore, so I save so much time. I hated shaving so much because it took so long and was to tedious but now it's so easy????? Please buy this thing, it is probably the best thing I've purchased on Amazon ever. I've never cut myself with it, it's very simple, just has one button to turn it off and on, and it comes with a charger. Like Y'ALL, it's so good." —grydneybeanPrice: $39.99 (typically $49.99; available in four colors)
30% off (some colors and sizes excluded) a drapey mockneck cocktail dress ideal for one of the many upcoming weddings or events you have on the calendar – without spending a fortune.
Promising review: "I ordered this dress for a wedding with a cocktail dress code. It fit beautifully. I received so many compliments on the dress. The fabric is soft and flowed in a way that did not show a panty line or undergarments. It was light and breathable. It was not see-through. The color is vibrant, just as shown in the pictures." —Katrina DrakePrice: $40.43 (originally $57.99; available in women's sizes S–XXL and 30 colors). Shop all the PrettyGarden deals here and all the fashion deals here
$60 off a rotating shoe rack tower to keep all of your kicks off the floor and in a neat, organized display — not only will you have less to trip over and your shoes will stay scuff-free but it'll also be easier to see and pick out the shoes you want to wear with your fit when you're trying to get out the door on time!
Promising review: "This is one of the best purchases I've done in the last few months, it was super easy to assemble, I've done it by myself, no tools required. I'm using it to put my shoes on and it saves a lot of space and it's so practical cause you can see all of your shoes and have easy access to them. 10/10 on functionality!" —Great pillow!Price: $129.98 (typically $189.98)
20% off Embryolisse Lait-Creme Fluide+, the lighter, face *and* body version of the cult-favorite Lait-Creme Concentre. If you love the nourishing, hydrating feel of the original (and how well it sits under makeup!) you'll love this for your body or as a less concentrated option for hot summer days.
Promising review: "I love this for myself and my clients! The pump makes it easy to access the product and sanitary! It's a great base to moisturize skin before applying the makeup. It helps for even application and isn't too greasy so it really covers all skin types. For really dry skin, I use the Embryolisse serum. This is affordable as a makeup artist and for personal use, you really get a lot. It has a great smell, and is lightweight on skin. A little goes a long way, so you need to pump out a tiny bit. Definitely recommend." —ChesterPrice: $28.80 (originally $36)
25% off outdoor string lights because you've been wanting to add a bit of ✨ooh la la✨ to your backyard, and these will make your backyard feel like that last prom scene in Twilight. Hang 'em up on your roofline, or drape 'em above your yard so that every single night feels like you're slow dancing with Edward Cullen.
Promising review: "Very bright and easy to put up! I got two of these and I was able to line the entirety of our backyard. It made it so much easier to see at night and its aesthetically pleasing. They're weather resistant and easy to up. If you get too the other one is able to plug in and you just need one plug for however many you'd like to use. They also come with extra bulbs if ones goes out! I've had this for over 6 months and I've only had one go out so its a great product. Love it!" —ErikaPrice: $29.99 (originally $39.98).
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Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2025
Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2025

Associated Press

time2 hours ago

  • Associated Press

Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2025

22 July, 2025 - Guangzhou, Mumbai, and London - The Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2025, a ranking of the world's unicorns, defined as start-ups founded in the 2000s, worth at least a billion dollars and not yet listed on a public exchange. The cut-off was 1 January 2025, with significant changes in valuation updated up to the date of release. Hurun Research has been tracking unicorns since 2017. This is the seventh year of the Global Unicorn Index. This report includes the Most Successful Unicorn Investors in the World 2025, a ranking of the investment houses that have invested in the most unicorns. Hurun Research found 1,523 unicorns in the world, based in 52 countries and 307 cities. 359 unicorns saw their valuations rise, of which 203 were new faces. 143 saw their valuations drop, of which 52 were 'demoted' as their valuation no longer cut US$1bn. 64 were 'promoted' out of the list, of which 34 went IPO and 30 were acquired. 1,073 saw no change to their valuations. Their total value was US$5.6tn. The world's unicorns are disrupting financial services, business management solutions and healthcare. 77% sell software and services, led by FinTech, SaaS, and AI, whilst 23% have a physical product, led by Semiconductors, New Energy, Biotech, and HealthTech. Hurun Chairman and Chief Researcher Rupert Hoogewerf said: '2025 has been the year of AI. Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, AI startups have rocketed, marking a critical inflexion point. Today, nearly a third of the world's unicorns are AI-related, underscoring its transformational impact across industries. Big Data, SaaS, and FinTech remain the most common sectors for AI-themed unicorns, whilst 128 are pure-play AI companies with a combined valuation nearing US$1 trillion, spanning AI assistants to machine learning platforms, and sector-specific AI applications in healthcare, security, robotics and fintech.' 'SpaceX has become the world's most valuable unicorn, with a staggering US$350 billion valuation, ahead of TikTok-owner ByteDance and OpenAI. It's the first time a space exploration company has led the pack.' 'No company encapsulates the 2020s unicorn boom quite like OpenAI. Two years ago, OpenAI was valued at just US$20 billion; today, it's US$300 billion. That jump in valuation in just two years is the fastest we've ever seen, driven by the revolutionary potential of generative AI.' 'Some founders don't stop at one unicorn. With xAI, Elon Musk is now the founder or co-founder of three of the world's four most valuable unicorns, as well as Neuralink (US$8bn) and The Boring Company (US$7bn) – a testament to how one visionary entrepreneur can repeatedly create massive value in completely different industries. Five have founded three unicorns and 33 have founded two.' 'When it comes to unicorns, the world can essentially be split into three regions: the US, China, and the Rest of the World. The US accounts for half of all unicorns, China a quarter, and the remaining quarter is spread across dozens of other countries, led by India and the UK. Surprisingly, perhaps, the EU countries together have just over 112 unicorns, less than 8%, despite contributing to 20% of the world's GDP. Each region has its strengths – American unicorns are heavy in SaaS, FinTech and AI, China's in AI, Semiconductors and Renewable Energy, while the rest of the world leans towards FinTech and E-commerce – reflecting different regional innovation focuses.' 'The United States is in a league of its own with 758 unicorns – fully 50% of the world's total. California alone is home to 396 companies valued at a combined US$2.1tn. The East Coast, led by New York with 141 unicorns, Massachusetts with 44 unicorns and Florida with 15 unicorns, continues to thrive in FinTech, Healthcare, and Enterprise Software. The Midwest, while smaller in count, shows growth in states like Illinois, with 15 unicorns, and demonstrates increasing startup momentum beyond coastal hubs. States like Texas, with over 32 unicorns, Colorado and Washington are emerging as strategic tech centres, boosted by talent migration and business-friendly environments. This dispersion indicates a maturing innovation landscape where startup ecosystems are flourishing across diverse regions, not just Silicon Valley.' About Hurun Inc. Promoting Entrepreneurship Through Lists and Research Oxford, Shanghai, Mumbai Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, Hurun is a research and media group, promoting entrepreneurship through its lists and research. Widely regarded as an opinion-leader in the world of business, Hurun generated 8 billion views on the Hurun brand in 2023, mainly in China and India, and recently expanded to the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Best known for the Hurun Rich List series, telling the stories of the world's successful entrepreneurs in China, India, and the world, Hurun's other key series focus on young businesses and entrepreneurs, through the Hurun Unicorns Index, two Hurun Future Unicorns indices, the Hurun Uthseries, and the Hurun Pioneers series. Hurun has grown to become the world's largest list compiler for start-ups, ranking over 3000 start-ups across the world through its annual Hurun Global Unicorns Index (startups with a valuation of US$1bn+), and two Hurun Future Unicorn Indexes: Gazelles, most likely to 'go unicorn' within three years, and Cheetahs, most likely to 'go unicorn' within five years. The Hurun Pioneering Young Startups and Entrepreneurs series focuses on startups set up within the last ten years and founders aged 45 or under. The Hurun Uthseries includes the Under25s, Under30s, Under35s, and Under40s awards, representing the cream of each generation of young entrepreneurs who have founded businesses with a social impact and worth US$1m, US$10m, US$50m, and US$100m, respectively. Other lists include the Hurun 500 series, ranking the most valuable companies in the world, China and India, the Hurun Global High Schools List, ranking the world's best independent high schools, the Hurun Philanthropy List, ranking the biggest philanthropists and the Hurun Art List, ranking the world's most successful artists alive today. Hurun provides research reports co-branded with some of the world's leading financial institutions and regional governments. Hurun hosts high-profile events across China and India, as well as London, Paris, New York, LA, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, Luxembourg, Istanbul, Dubai, and Singapore. For further information, see or For media inquiries, please contact: Hurun Report Porsha Pan Mobile: +86-139 1838 7446 Email: [email protected] Ke Zhang Mobile: +86-139 6432 2777 Email: [email protected] Media Contact Company Name: Hurun Report Contact Person: Porsha Pan Email: Send Email Country: United Kingdom Website:

Ditch Your iPhone, Grab Your Kodak: Here's How To Have An Offline Summer
Ditch Your iPhone, Grab Your Kodak: Here's How To Have An Offline Summer

Elle

time2 hours ago

  • Elle

Ditch Your iPhone, Grab Your Kodak: Here's How To Have An Offline Summer

Once upon a time, Instagram used to be the place where I'd connect with the people I loved. I was at university and, for the first time, many of my closest friends were living in different cities. The app was like a virtual pub – I could see what my friends were doing and share pictures that captured my own new life. Fast forward 15 years, and my feed began to look very different: a jarring mix of nihilistic memes, targeted ads and escapist celebrity news. Somewhere along the way, I had become too self-conscious to post and my friends' updates felt curated and calculated. I feel mean writing that, which is exactly what social media brought out in me: a cruel, bitter cynicism. Then, in January, Mark Zuckerberg removed fact checkers from Meta platforms in a thinly veiled attempt to win Donald Trump's approval. I'd had enough. Reader, I deleted Instagram. For the past decade, we've been sleepwalking into a digital dystopia. But from the mass exodus of X (formerly Twitter) after Elon Musk's takeover, to the proliferation of digital detoxes and anti-tech tech, people are starting to push back. Across generations, increasing numbers are taking a stand and actively trying to reduce their dependence on technology and social media. It's a movement that prioritises human connection and mental health, and holds Big Tech companies accountable. Cue the rise of 'offlining' or digital minimalism, the latter defined by Cal Newport, journalist and author of Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, as 'a philosophy that helps you question what digital-communication tools add the most value to your life'. For the majority of us, the thought of cutting tech out of our lives completely is unrealistic. Instead, it's about being more intentional with the technology we do use and finding sustainable ways to spend less time online. For some, it's an embrace of all things analogue. Recent figures show specialist- and independent-magazine sales thriving. There's been a return to point-and-shoot cameras, with Kodak reporting demand for film has roughly doubled in the past few years. The growing popularity of phone-free bedrooms has led to renewed interest in alarm clocks and radios, while sales of CDs, cassettes and vinyl are on the rise for the first time in 20 years, largely driven by Gen Z. 'There's definitely a lot more younger people interested,' says Kevyn Long, owner of Hackney records store Jelly Records. 'I always think buying a record is the most engaging way of discovering music, rather than an algorithm telling you what you might like. It's about ownership, too – people like having an item to hold.' For others, it's time to ditch smartphones. Internet searches for flip phones surged by 15,369% in 2023 among Gen Z and younger millennials, while cult Noughties models like the Nokia 3310 and Motorola Razr have been reissued for a modern audience. Of course, the resurgence of these models taps into a broader thirst for nostalgia. Nineties and Noughties aesthetics have been an enduring trend across fashion and culture, but perhaps they also reflect our collective longing for a simpler life that contains less tech. Kaiwei Tang is CEO and co-founder of Light, a start-up making phones 'designed to be used as little as possible'. 'We always have options,' he says of our relationship with tech. 'We know burgers and chips aren't healthy, so we might eat them now and again and try to make healthier choices. For some reason, when it comes to phones, we think we're tied to smartphones.' Light is one of the most popular styles of 'dumb phones' – devices with limited capabilities compared to smartphones. There's no email or apps. You can make and receive calls and texts, set alarms, get rudimental directions and listen to music. 'It's not about going back in time, deleting apps or adding one more app from a third party to try and minimise your smartphone use,' says Tang. 'We wanted to create an entirely new phone that's designed to be in the background. It's like a hammer: it's there when you need it. When you put it back, it disappears. We wanted to return technology to a more utilitarian format.' The first model had a waiting list of 50,000 people after a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Tang says people from all walks of life are buying Light models. Some make it their only phone, while others use it in tandem with a smartphone. Again, it's Gen Z – the demographic with the highest average screen time – that is driving the demand. 'Our customers are aware of how many hours they spend on smartphones and they are stressed and anxious. I think we all feel like, 'What happened? I just went to the toilet [with my phone]! Why can't I stop swiping?!'' Attracted to the idea of a background phone that wouldn't encourage doomscrolling, I ordered a Light Phone III. The first thing I notice when it arrives is how chunky and uncomfortable it is to hold. I realise it's not just what's on the screen: even the physical design of a smartphone promotes constant use. Once I'm set up, I text a friend, try out the camera and then… put it away. Without the option of endless scrolling and the pull of notifications, it becomes easy to put my phone down. Tang argues that exercising self-control on a regular smartphone is virtually impossible. 'Every social-media browser is thinking about the attention economy. They don't charge you, they track you. That's the business model: they collect your information, categorise you and give it to advertisers to target customers. Companies relying on that model want you to be online as much as possible. If you don't pay for the product, you are the product.' I have a newfound respect for the people who refuse to be 'the product'. Anna Burzlaff, 33, director of global research and insights at international fashion brand Highsnobiety, has never had social media. 'I've been told it's my green flag,' she says. 'At the start, I wasn't consciously opposing it – it just didn't interest me. I wouldn't join now for a lot of reasons. Anytime I have gone on friends' accounts, I find it impacts my mood negatively. And I still don't find it particularly interesting. What is actually happening there? What is exciting or new? No one has really shown me anything compelling that I can only discover through Instagram. I don't feel like there's much on there that I can't get from legacy publishers or going to an art gallery.' The average daily screen time for UK adults has been steadily rising and now stands at 5 hours and 36 minutes. By this point, we're all aware of the addictive nature of technology and its impact on our mental health; the dangers of digital worlds is a huge theme across popular culture. Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror, now in its seventh season, warns of a grim future if we continue being this online, while Netflix's Adolescence became one of the most talked-about shows of the year, with the first episode drawing in 6.45 million viewers. Set during the aftermath of a young girl's violent murder, it follows a group of teenagers whose lives are increasingly shaped by social media. While Adolescence doesn't explicitly point to a clear motive for the murder, it does highlight the radicalisation of young people through online spaces. So huge was its impact that Keir Starmer met the creators to discuss the issues it raised, with screenwriter Jack Thorne urging the Prime Minister to consider banning smartphones in schools. The increasing call for policy change around tech use feels like a rebellion rising. 'There's a growing attention to the mental and emotional impact of constant connectivity,' says Dr Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Centre in California. 'There is a concern that too much digital stimulation can come at the cost of meaningful, in-person experiences and deeper relationships.' While many of us fear slipping into 'digital dementia', a shorthand for the brain fog and reduced attention span associated with excessive phone use, Rutledge is more optimistic. 'There is no conclusive evidence that digital technology causes neurodegeneration or long-term dementia-like symptoms. The most frequently cited effects of 'heavy' digital use are short- to medium-term memory issues, however they are reversible with behaviour change.' While improving our mental health and reclaiming our attention span are huge drivers, there's also a creeping discomfort with Big Tech. Silicon Valley was once the heart of creativity and innovation; Sheryl Sandberg told us to lean in, and with couples such as Grimes and Elon Musk, or Serena Williams and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, dating a tech mogul was practically a status symbol. But, somewhere along the way, through unchecked growth and a disregard for the broader societal consequences, companies became monopolies, and the ecological toll reached new extremes: Amazon, Google and Microsoft all plan to build massive data centers in the world's driest regions, threatening communities already battling water shortages. Meanwhile, the pervasive power of algorithms has left privacy unprotected, with personal data being mined and manipulated in ways that feel less like innovation and more like exploitation. Not to mention news of data breaches breaking every other week. For many, participating in the great tech rebellion is an act of self-care. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, every generation has experienced the birth of a technology so profound it changes the way we live. When television sets became mainstream in the 1970s, allowing audiences to get global news and entertainment in real time, the way people interacted with the world changed fundamentally. By the time the internet became a mainstay in the late Nineties and early Noughties, we no longer needed to leave the comfort of our own homes for entertainment or socialising. As Andy Warhol put it: 'When I got my first television set, I stopped caring so much about having close relationships.' Today, the speed of digital innovation is so rapid that we've stopped getting excited about it. What is more thrilling is revelling in the joy and social connection of less tech dependence. 'Reducing time online can give people a greater sense of control over their attention and decisions, increasing satisfaction with life,' Rutledge says. Tang tells me about an annual survey of Light Phone users; customers report feeling happier and less stressed, and notice improved relationships with family: 'One man with a chronic health condition said his heart rate reduced.' For Burzlaff, 'the biggest thing is that I save an incredible amount of time. Every day, I'm probably saving an hour at least, and that's massive.' Embracing digital minimalism doesn't have to be daunting. 'Even small wins – like reclaiming 15 minutes in the morning – can help you build momentum,' says Rutledge. 'You're not breaking up with tech, you're just renegotiating the relationship.' There's also no one-size-fits-all approach. I couldn't quite hack the Light Phone as my only mobile device and, as a friend pointed out – via WhatsApp – I haven't totally managed to extricate myself from Zuckerberg's grip. While I ditched the platform that encourages endless scrolling, I kept the one that helps me feel connected to friends and family. The great tech rebellion is simmering, gaining momentum among the people who rely on it the most. This time, perhaps, the revolution will not be televised. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.

Hatch Restore 3 review 2025: A versatile sunrise alarm clock well worth the upgrade
Hatch Restore 3 review 2025: A versatile sunrise alarm clock well worth the upgrade

Tom's Guide

time4 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

Hatch Restore 3 review 2025: A versatile sunrise alarm clock well worth the upgrade

Released in January 2025, the Hatch Restore 3 is a phone-free upgrade on the popular Hatch Restore 2 and after testing we think it's worthy of replacing the Restore 2 as the best sunrise alarm clock you can buy online right now. I've tested over half a dozen sunrise alarm clocks and, I'll admit, I was hesitant over whether a sunrise alarm clock would be useful in summer when the sun naturally shines through my window by 5:30am. Alas, I was wrong. The Hatch sunrise alarm clock is a versatile sleep gadget that operates as a sound machine and wake up and night light. It's built to elevate your bedtime and morning routine, and align your circadian rhythm, with an authentic sunrise simulation and library of 60+ sleep sounds from historical stories to meditative sound tracks. Type: Sunrise and sunset light alarm clockBest for: Sleepers looking for a better wind-down and wake-up routineDimensions: 7.24" L x 2.43" W x 5.31" HWarranty: 1 yearPrice: $169.99 at Hatch Hatch has always shone as a good looking sunrise alarm clock, and the Restore 3 is no different. In terms of looks, it is similar to the previous generations, sporting the sleek cloth finish in neutral colors. The difference with the new Restore 3 is it has a bigger button on top, enabling you to operate it without your phone to hand. The device gradually brightens to mimic a natural sunrise, and dims for a sunset effect, aiding energizing wake-ups and gentle nighttime routines. It's chic upon first look, but I also discovered some fun twists in the Hatch audio library including house music alarm sounds. There plenty of soothing sleep sounds too (which we'll delve in to below) and a night light setting to help lull you to sleep and find your way to the bathroom at night. Alongside being a well-rounded bedside light, the Hatch is a proficient sound machine packing music, sleep stories, dreamscapes and guided mindfulness practices in the digital Hatch library (accessed via its accompanying app). Do note, you need to be confident with smart phone tech to easily navigate all of the functions. The Hatch Restore 3 is available in three neutral colors and there was a limited edition Rosy colorway released for Mother's Day, so we may see other exclusive colorways hit the shelves in future. The device also comes with a 30-day trial period and a one-year warranty. I've tested the Hatch Restore 3 through July and it'll certainly be the one I keep on my bedstand come autumn, when the benefits of a sunrise alarm clock really come into play. Here's why… Hatch is at the forefront of the sunrise alarm clock industry, which is projected to reach over $651 million in value by 2032, according to Dataintelo. You've likely come across Hatch in the trendy wellness corners of TikTok or Instagram, but if you're not familiar, the Restore 3 is the third generation Hatch released in January this year. Built on customer feedback, the Hatch Restore 3 comes with phone-free controls you can head expert advice and keep your sleep space screen-free. Plus it has enhanced audio and a greater selection of sleep sounds, all for no extra cost. Value for money is where the Hatch Restore 3 shines. Despite its upgrades, the Restore 3 costs no more than the previous generation. At $169.99, the Hatch is a premium model compared to other sunrise alarm clocks. But that does mean elite features. Considering its upgrades on the Restore 2, we expected to see a price hike when the Restore 3 was released, yet that wasn't the case. In fact, it's stayed cheaper than the Restore 2, which retailed at $199 when it hit the market in July 2023. In comparison, the Restore 3 launched at $169.99 and has stayed at that MSRP, even dropping to $139.99 during Prime Day sales. In short, I think it's great value for money. How does Hatch compare to other sunrise alarms? Of course, it's not the cheapest model (head to Amazon for budget buys like the the JALL sunrise alarm clock at $31.18 now), but it's also not the most expensive. The Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, which matches the Hatch in terms of sunrise simulation but falls short as a sound machine, retails at $179.99. Do note that to access all features it has to offer, you must sign up to the Hatch+ subscription which will set you back $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Of course, a subscription fee isn't ideal. But one less coffee a month for better sleep? Take my money, Hatch. Although you can get away with using the sunrise setting and basic sleep and wake sounds without it too. But to access the full library of sounds, making the Hatch a worthy investment, you must get past the paywall. Price score: 4.5/5 Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock: $169.99 at HatchThe Hatch Restore 3 is a versatile sleep gadget coming in clutch as a sound machine, wake up light and night light. Plus it looks chic. It retails at $169.99 and we've recently seen it drop to $139.99 around major tech sale periods. Though you may need to wait until Black Friday to see this discount again. The premise behind a Hatch alarm clock is pretty simple: it uses light and sound to help you sleep peacefully and wake up with energy. Even in summer months, I've found there are benefits to using a sunrise alarm clock like the Hatch. The Hatch Restore 3 comes in three standard colorways (Putty, Greige, and Cocoa) and a limited edition Rosy if you shop at the right time (unfortunately, it's sold out right now). I tested the Putty and it blends seamlessly with my neutral bedroom aesthetic. Thanks to its partial cotton cover, it looks chic on my bedside unit — one of the reasons I love Hatch over other plastic sunrise alarm clocks. Plus it's minimal and doesn't take up too much space. In the morning, it wakes you up with colorful light and gentle sounds (goodbye, jarring iPhone alarm and incessantly hitting the snooze button). By night, it sends you to sleep with calming, sleep-inducing audio from podcasts to guided meditations. And you can customize your routine to suit your changing mood through the week. Personally, I like the upbeat Coachella sunrise on weekdays when I need to rise early for work and the more calming sound of crashing waves on weekends. Although you must set it up via the Hatch app, you can leave your phone out of the bedroom once set up is complete and operate the clock via buttons (a request of previous Hatch customers). Even as a sleep tech writer, one thing I hate is sleep gadgets that require extensive tech knowledge and I'm pleased to report the Hatch app is easy to navigate. And the buttons, though sparse, work well without being overwhelming — bravo, Hatch. Features score: 4.5/5 You need a fair understanding of Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone technology to set up the Hatch and personalize your routine. But once that's done you can operate the Restore 3 via buttons on the device. There are three buttons on the top of the device: a pause button, an Unwind Swap button, and what Hatch calls the Big Button, aka the one with a lot of responsibility. It's the snooze button, volume button (twist to turn up and down), and the one you'll use to start and stop your Unwind routine. Next to that, the swap button is used to move to the next step in your unwind routine. The other side, the pause button is there to pause audio. On the side of the device there's the alarm toggle to disable and enable the audio alarm. On the other side the light button is there to sync your clock with Bluetooth. To see the digital time? Simply tap anywhere on the cloth clock front. The Hatch App is where you'll pick your sleep and wake sounds of choice and set your preferred alarm times. I subscribed to Hatch+ for the testing period, which offers a wider variety of wake-up and wind-down sounds and light settings. Though I think going subscription-free would suit my needs. I found the app easy to navigate and I like how you can alter your sleep and wake times by day of the week to suit your work routine (the last thing I want is to be woken at 6am on a Sunday morning.) It's great that you can save your favorite sleep sounds too, cutting out the hassle of scrolling to find them each night. Ease of use score: 4/5 I've been testing the Hatch Restore 3 for just over a week, assessing it in key areas of performance, including ease of use, set up and general night-to-night function. Here's how it performed in tests... Everything about the Hatch is sleek, including its packaging. In the box, you'll find the device, cable and plug and a brief three-step instruction manual (the rest of the information you need is found through a QR code). Once you're plugged in, you must download the Hatch Sleep app from the Apple or Google Play store. There's a QR code that takes you to the Hatch website when scanned, where you will be guided through the rest of the set-up process and user guide. Here you'll find all the information you need on the installation and controls. As a returning Hatch app customer, I was able to log into my account and add a new device. For reference, I found setting up my Hatch account when I first started using the Restore 2 an easy process which took just a few minutes while you type in the usual details (name, email etc). There are three routines to customize in the app: Unwind, Sleep and Sunrise Alarm, and you can choose from Hatch's variety of sounds and lights for each one. The Unwind helps you prepare for bed with audio and a sunset simulation. The Sleep programme can either run for a set amount of time or all night long if you like sleeping to a sound machine. And the Sunrise Alarm wakes you up with your audio of choice, be that soothing bird tweets or upbeat house music for any party rockers. There was no problem with my iPhone picking up the Hatch Restore 3 via Bluetooth upon set up and I like how you can sample sleep and wake up programmes when deciding what ones to add to your personalized routine. However, the clock didn't automatically connect to my phone some nights and I had to fiddle with flicking Bluetooth on and off for a minute or two to get it to pick up a connection. This was a slight nuisance, but you only need it to connect if you want to edit your winddown routine. Otherwise, you can simply click the Big Button and away with the relaxing. A sunrise simulation inside your bedroom is a lifesaver in winter, but amplifying the light inside my bedroom with fun colors, I've found the Hatch helps me wake up brighter in summer too. Of course, there's a selection of wake-up programmes from Coachella Sunrise to Nordic Sunrise and Hiking in the Dawn. Each has different light colors including red, warm amber or cool blue and green hues. This light gradually lights up over 30 minutes, gently pulling you from sleep so that you reach the end of a sleep cycle by the time the audio alarm sounds. And science shows that light is the ideal wake-up call. A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in 2014 concluded: "Light exposure during the last 30 min of habitual sleep can increase subjective alertness and improve both cognitive and physical performance after waking." Although the goal of a sunrise alarm clock is to wake you up naturally with light, the Hatch Restore 3 is complete with 20 audible alarm settings too to much sure you don't snooze through your morning meeting. Could it even help you become a morning person?! As a deep sleeper, I appreciate the audio alarm too. Although the light helps stir me from slumber, I need the sound to properly wake me up. My alarm noise of choice is tweeting birds as I like a wholesome call to wakefulness. Though I have tested the house music setting too and can confirm it makes for an energising start to the day. Although this is a sunRISE alarm clock, the Hatch Unwind programme actually has the most range in its content. There's podcast episodes, guided meditations and historical story narrations to go with the gradually dimming night light. Once you hit the Big Button around bedtime, the light will come on and gradually get less powerful over the course of 30 minutes to an hour (your choice). I usually set it to an hour an have the warm light illuminate my room while I complete my bedtime routine which involves stretching and reading. I like how you can add your preferred night light colors to your Unwind programme, choosing from cherry blossom, pure red waves or meditative gold (to name a few). I find the red light helps me feel super sleepy, and I often drifting off mid-page with this setting — likely due to the fact the red light helps promote melatonin. From soothing nature soundscapes and soundbaths to Hatch's Pillow Talk podcast, guided body scans and ASMR, there's a sleep track for everyone at Hatch. You can create and save three nighttime routines with different audio so you don't get bored of the same thing night-in, night-out. As for sounds to see you through the night, there's 12 color noises (white noise, pink noise, etc.), 11 ambient home sounds like a bedside fan or humming fridge (if that's your jam), 10 water-inspired sleep sounds and five idyllic nature sounds. Plus there are tracks tuned into your zodiac sign with the Hatch+ subscription. I'm not the only one to sing praises about Hatch. The Restore 3 exhibits a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from customers at Hatch and 4.5 stars at Amazon. One reviewer writes: "This has been the biggest game changer for my sleep. I will always recommend." Others claim they have "the best routine" with Hatch and say it's helped them "get excited about going to bed and waking up." Any drawbacks? The main customer complaints revolve around the subscription fee. As one customer says: "My gripe is that all the good stuff is locked behind a subscription service." Another has some design complaints. They write: "The buttons are very hard to see due to the design and the user will have to read the instructions to fully understand how to work all of the functions." ✅You're a night owl: The Hatch can be a real game changer if you struggle to wake up early in the morning. The gradual light stirs you from sleep so you are more alert by the time you have to get up. ✅You want a chic sunrise alarm clock: Aesthetic is where Hatch excels, providing a functional device that also looks great. You simply won't find a better looking sunrise alarm clock. ✅You're struggling to wind down at night: Hatch's library of sleep sounds and effective sunset simulation is sure to help calm your mind and body when you hit the hay. ❌You're not confident using a mobile app: Yes you can operate it with simple buttons, but you need to connect to Bluetooth and the mobile app to set up your clock and customize your routines. ❌You're on a budget: As a stylish and super smart alarm clock, the Hatch Restore 3 does come with a higher price tag than other, more basic sunrise alarm clocks on the market. Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light: $179.99 at PhilipsAlthough it doesn't come cheap either, the Philips SmartSleep HF3651 has a strong sunrise simulation which can make dark early morning wake-ups a lot easier all year round. There aren't currently any discounts on this wake-up light, with MSRP sitting at $179.99 with a 2-year warranty. Read our Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light review for more information. Momcozy sunrise alarm clock: $49.99 at MomcozyThe Momcozy Sunrise Sound Machine is a 4-in-1 device that not only functions as a sunrise-simulating alarm clock, but also a sleep sound machine and seven-colour night light, all for the affordable price of $50. Marketed towards moms and babies, it's a reliable night light and sound machine to get you through bedtime routines, night feds and early mornings. JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock: $45.44 $29.95 at Amazon The JALL sunrise alarm clock is a great budget option suitable for both adults as well as for helping get kids out of bed on school mornings. At $45.44 MSRP, the JALL is affordable (even more so now there's 34% off cutting the price to $29.95) and functional. A selling point is this device's combination of eight solid color lights and seven red, green, and blue mood lights. Plus, it doubles as an FM radio. Read our full JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock review for more information.

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