The best gadgets and apps in August (so far)

Hollywood comedy production has decreased by 27% since 1990, despite audience demand ranking it second for desired genres, according to Letterboxd data. While comedies average $26.5 million budgets and return 102% on investment, they constitute only 9.3% of sequels, as studios favor globally marketable franchises over domestic comedies, leaving classics like Beverly Hills Cop unmatched by contemporary films. Want More Context? 🔎

We have updated our list of the best robot vacuum and mop combos, catering to both tech enthusiasts and those seeking convenience. While these innovative devices are often expensive, making them inaccessible to some, they represent a significant advancement in home cleaning technology. Want More Context? 🔎

Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and popular YouTube creator, is set to bring his engaging science experiments to Netflix later this year, followed by a family competition series in 2026, produced in collaboration with Jimmy Kimmel's Kimmelot. This move is part of Netflix's strategy to enhance its family-friendly science programming by incorporating content from notable YouTube creators. Want More Context? 🔎

Microsoft is exploring making Xbox Cloud Gaming more affordable, potentially introducing a free ad-supported version, as indicated by recent comments from Jason Ronald, VP of Next Generation. This comes amid competition from Nvidia's superior GeForce Now, while Microsoft also works on next-gen hardware and AI capabilities to enhance gaming experiences. Want More Context? 🔎

Anthropic’s Claude AI chatbot can now end conversations it deems “persistently harmful or abusive” in its Opus 4 and 4.1 models, aiming to improve AI welfare by terminating distressing interactions. Users can continue new chats if Claude cuts conversations short, and the company has updated policies to prohibit harmful content creation. Want More Context? 🔎

A good gaming monitor significantly enhances gameplay with smooth visuals, low input lag, and improved immersion. Key considerations when buying include panel type (LCD vs OLED), with LCD offering TN, VA, and IPS options, while OLED provides superior contrast and HDR but may have brightness limitations; various models cater to different budgets and gaming styles. Want More Context? 🔎