Valentine’s Day gifts get tricky when you want something that feels thoughtful but also genuinely useful. That’s why a foot massager can be a sleeper hit. It’s comfort, stress relief, and “I noticed you’ve been tired lately” wrapped into one box. Right now, the RENPHO Foot Massager Machine with Heat is $79.99, down from $149.97 for 47% off. If you’re shopping for someone who’s on their feet all day or simply loves at-home comfort upgrades, this is one of those deals that makes the gift feel smarter than the price tag.

What you’re getting

This is a shiatsu-style foot massager with heat, designed to deliver that kneading, pressure-based sensation people associate with a real massage. It’s positioned for common soreness issues like plantar fasciitis and general foot fatigue, and it comes with cordless control so it’s easy to adjust settings without fumbling around mid-session.

Why it’s worth it

The best gifts are the ones that become part of someone’s routine. This is ideal for the person who finishes a long shift, gets home, and wants ten minutes of peace. It’s also a solid pick for anyone who works out regularly, travels often, or just carries a lot of daily stress in their body.

At $79.99, this is a great value buy because you’re getting the heated massage feature at a price that usually sits closer to “basic” massage gadgets. If you want to make it feel extra intentional, pair it with a simple add-on like cozy socks or a note that says, “Use this whenever you need a reset.”

The bottom line

If you want a Valentine’s Day present that feels personal, practical, and likely to be used all year, this RENPHO heated foot massager at $79.99 is a great deal. It’s especially well-suited for anyone who’s on their feet a lot or loves easy, at-home relaxation.

How to watch The Artful Dodger season 2

The property management platform aims to help asset managers streamline and utilise fragmented contract data.

A Dublin-based property management AI start-up named MARC has raised $1m from angel investors in a pre-seed funding round.

The platform uses AI to analyse fragmented sources of vendor contract and invoice data related to property units and consolidates the information for use by owners and managers to help identify discrepancies leading to overpayments.

No VC investors were involved in the recent funding round, but there was participation from 23 individuals including Ireland-based backers like Jack Pierse, Tom Kennedy, Susan Spence and Eoghan Quigley, as well as multiple institutional real estate investors and US-based multifamily executives, according to the company.

Since launching in 2024, MARC has expanded from working with local Irish property managers into the US and Canadian markets, with some clients managing up to 30,000 units. MARC’s customers now hold a company estimate of over $75bn in assets under management.

CEO Aaron Devitt – who was 22 when he founded the start-up – said: “When you manage thousands of units, contract data directly affects asset values, but most teams can’t access that data quickly or reliably.”

“On top of this, the relationship between the accounts payable systems and contract management systems have been historically disconnected, causing marginal and continuous overbilling at scale – to the tune of many millions of dollars for larger residential portfolios.”

The platform works by reading existing property contract data, which may be dispersed in multiple locations and systems, and extracting information around key terms like fees, renewal dates and termination clauses to create a live “source of truth” for asset portfolios, the company said.

Devitt said the aim is to “ensure every portfolio contract is accurate, up-to-date and being billed for accordingly, without thousands of human hours required to find, vet and verify thousands of contracts”.

“Backing founders like Aaron is how we continue to build Ireland’s next generation of global technology companies,” said Jack Pierse, co-founder of Wayflyer.

“MARC is tackling a deeply entrenched problem in real estate with an AI-native approach, and the early traction in the US speaks for itself. This is the kind of ambition and execution we should be supporting more of from Irish startups expanding internationally.”

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.

SIVGA is a Chinese HiFi audio brand that was founded in 2016. They’re an end-to-end organization, running their own R&D, branding, and manufacturing, in-house. This all-original approach gives SIVGA freedom to experiment and innovate, but also creates a distinct “SVIGA-iness” across their lineup. The company builds both over-ear headphones and in-ear monitors, and its latest release, the Nightingale Pro, revisits the original planar magnetic Nightingale IEM with revised tuning and execution.

The first Nightingale earned a loyal following but never crossed into broad market relevance. The question now is simple and unavoidable: does the Nightingale Pro finally have the balance, refinement, and accessibility to break out of the niche—or is it still speaking mainly to the faithful?

About My Preferences

This review is a subjective assessment, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest. I do my best to separate personal taste from performance-based criticism, but bias never fully disappears—it just gets managed. So consider this your calibration point. My ideal sound signature prioritizes competent sub-bass, textured mid-bass, a slightly warm midrange, and extended but controlled treble. I also have mild treble sensitivity, which means I’m quick to notice glare, edge, or artificial sparkle.

Sources, DAPs, and Dongles Used

Listening was split between dedicated digital audio players and dongles to reflect how most people will actually use the Nightingale Pro. DAPs included the HiFiMAN SuperMini, Hidizs AP80 Pro MAX, and the Astell&Kern PD10, covering everything from ultra-portable to genuinely high-end. Dongle testing included the Astell&Kern HC5, Audioengine HXL, Meze Audio Alba Dongle, and the ubiquitous Apple USB-C dongle.

Testing equipment and standards can be found here.

Build

As is typical for SIVGA, the Nightingale Pro is constructed from a carefully chosen mix of high-quality, tactile materials. The faceplate is carved from polished zebrawood and set into a precisely anodized aluminum chassis, giving the IEM a premium, handcrafted feel that’s immediately apparent in the hand and consistent with the brand’s design ethos.

The Nightingale Pro uses metal nozzles with an integrated debris filter positioned just below the lip, a practical touch that should help with long-term durability and maintenance. At the top of each shell is an extruded 0.78 mm two-pin socket, firmly set into the housing to ensure a secure cable connection and reduce long-term wear from repeated swaps.

Because of the extruded design of the Nightingale Pro’s sockets, the pool of compatible third-party cables is smaller than with a standard flush 0.78 mm connection. Fortunately, that limitation is softened by the fact that the included cable is genuinely solid.

It uses a two-tone twisted braid paired with metal hardware and feels purpose-built rather than disposable. SIVGA also employs a substantial spring as strain relief near the base of the fixed 4.4 mm termination, lending the cable an almost industrial look while adding real-world durability. From a construction and longevity standpoint, there’s nothing here that raises red flags.

Comfort

Comfort is inherently personal and heavily dependent on individual ear anatomy, so mileage will vary. The Nightingale Pro features a shallow fit profile, with nozzles that are slightly shorter than average. As a result, some experimentation with eartip sizes and shapes is likely required to achieve an optimal seal.

That said, the IEMs themselves are neither heavy nor bulky, and once dialed in, they proved comfortable for multiple consecutive hours of listening. The trade-off is isolation. The shorter nozzle and shallower insertion mean passive noise attenuation is below average, especially compared to deeper-fitting designs. For that reason, the Nightingale Pro isn’t an ideal choice for air travel or consistently noisy environments, where isolation matters as much as comfort.

Accessories

The Nightingale Pro’s accessory bundle is fairly bare-bones. Inside the box, you’ll find a semi-hard carrying case and six pairs of silicone eartips—and that’s about it. Unfortunately, the included eartips are the weak link here. Paired with the Nightingale Pro’s shallow fit profile, they simply didn’t work well for my ears and made achieving a consistent seal more difficult than it should be.

For an IEM in this price range, the accessory selection feels underwhelming. At a minimum, higher-quality silicone eartips would be a welcome upgrade. Including a pair or two of Comply-style foam tips would also go a long way toward improving comfort, seal, and perceived value out of the box.

The Nightingale Pro’s carrying case is a bright spot in an otherwise modest accessory bundle. It offers enough internal space to comfortably store the IEMs, the attached cable, and even a compact dongle without feeling cramped. With a bit of careful arrangement, you can also fit a few spare pairs of eartips. Protection is solid but not exceptional—best described as average—making the case well suited for static storage and light travel rather than heavy-duty, throw-it-in-a-bag use.

Technical Specifications

The Nightingale Pro is built around a 14.5 mm planar magnetic driver, a relatively large diaphragm for an in-ear monitor. With a 16 ohm impedance and 107 dB sensitivity, it’s an easy IEM to drive and performs well from dongles and portable sources without requiring excessive power.

Its rated frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz aligns with the Nightingale Pro’s airy top-end and controlled low-frequency extension, while the supplied 1.25 m cable terminates in a 4.4 mm balanced connector, reinforcing its intended use with modern balanced sources. At 14 g, the shells remain light enough for long listening sessions, even with the slightly shallow fit. Overall, the specs point to a planar IEM designed for portable versatility rather than source dependency, with few practical barriers to entry for everyday listening.

Listening

The Nightingale Pro presents a largely linear tuning with a subtle warm tilt. Its low end is well extended and lightly emphasized in the lower registers, while the midrange remains even and neutrally voiced overall. The upper mids receive a modest lift to improve instrumental separation and vocal clarity without pushing the presentation forward.

Treble is expressive but deliberately restrained, never asserting itself as the focal point. By carefully attenuating energy around the 8, 10, and 12 kHz regions, the Nightingale Pro avoids sharpness and metallic timbre. Extension, however, is excellent, reinforcing the point that convincing air and detail don’t require aggressive treble peaks to fully articulate the upper registers.

Glittering, Gleaming, Subtlety

The Nightingale Pro is not an in-your-face IEM, and that restraint is most evident in its treble tuning. While planar drivers are often associated with a boisterous or overly dramatic upper register, that reputation is more a byproduct of inconsistent tuning than an inherent trait of the technology itself. Here, the Nightingale Pro operates firmly in the realm of linearity, delivering strong resolution, texture, and dimensionality while integrating treble information naturally into the soundstage rather than spotlighting it.

The gentle, muted snares in the background of “Anna Sun” by Walk the Moon peek through the edges of the soundstage during the intro, then open up and sit more forward in the mix during the chorus. The Nightingale Pro’s carefully measured treble makes that kind of finesse easy to follow. A brighter treble would have been more “exciting,” sure—but it also would have been more likely to smear that detail and mask what the track’s mastering is actually doing.

Muted Mids

SIVGA tuned the Nightingale Pro’s midrange to be deliberately linear, resulting in a warm, smooth presentation that stands in clear contrast to the more aggressive upper-midrange peaks often associated with planar IEMs. This predictable, even-handed approach makes the Nightingale Pro a strong candidate for reference-style listening, but it also places it outside the comfort zone of more mainstream tastes. Certain genres and mastering styles can come across as overly warm, which in turn affects the perceived width and scale of the soundstage.

EDM tracks like “Light Up The Sky” by Wooli are largely unaffected by this tuning, retaining their drive and structure. Rock recordings, however, such as “Lost in the Echo” by Linkin Park fare worse. On tracks like these, the soundstage can feel compressed, with vocals and guitars sounding dense and constrained.

Male vocals, while full-bodied and weighty, can lean heavy at times. Female vocals and higher-pitched male vocals are better served by the tuning and tend to sound clearer and more balanced. Even so, lyric intelligibility remains strong, and instrumental layering is consistently well handled. The Nightingale Pro presents music in an intimate, close-up manner, but it avoids sounding muddy thanks to its solid technical performance. Listeners accustomed to a more recessed lower midrange may take issue with this tuning choice, as it meaningfully reshapes how instruments and vocals are positioned within the mix.

Gentle and Firm Bass

Thanks to its mildly lifted bass shelf, the Nightingale Pro is reasonably well equipped to resolve low-frequency information. Drum hits carry a touch of punch and a hint of rumble, though not to the extent you’d expect from a traditional dynamic-driver design. The lower register isn’t boisterous, but it is clean, quick, and well controlled, which makes the Nightingale Pro a capable partner for fast-moving genres like metal.

Electronic music can also fare well, depending on the mastering. The Nightingale Pro is able to dig into the sub-bass to resolve deep synth lines and will occasionally deliver a convincing sense of rumble. This gives it enough low-end contrast to support tracks like “Swimming in the Sky” by ARMNHMR, helping establish tonal depth without overwhelming the rest of the presentation. It won’t shake your skull, but it also avoids the flat or anemic low-end character that plagues some planar IEMs.

Comparisons

Kiwi Ears Aether

The Kiwi Ears Aether is a $170 planar IEM built around plastic shells with metal nozzles and a thin 0.78 mm two-pin cable. It uses a fixed 3.5 mm termination, rather than the fixed 4.4 mm balanced termination found on the Nightingale Pro. At roughly $130 less, the Aether clearly targets more cost-sensitive buyers—and it looks the part. Build quality and material choices fall short across the board, from the faceplates and nozzles to the cable itself. Nothing about the Aether’s physical execution approaches the Nightingale Pro’s level of refinement.

Sonically, however, the gap narrows considerably. The Aether ranks among the stronger planar IEMs currently available, offering a well-balanced, natural tuning and solid technical performance at an accessible price. The Nightingale Pro, by contrast, caters more directly to listeners who favor linearity and a flatter, reference-leaning presentation. The Aether brings slightly more mid-bass presence and a less emphasized lower midrange, while its upper mids are marginally more forward. Treble is another point of divergence: the Nightingale Pro is more restrained overall, whereas the Aether’s lower treble is noticeably more forward, making it easier to create a sense of air and openness.

Between the two, the Aether is the easier recommendation for everyday listening. Its broader genre compatibility and less linear tuning make it more forgiving and more enjoyable across a diverse music library. Listeners who are treble-averse or specifically seeking a more reference-oriented presentation, however, will likely find the Nightingale Pro better aligned with their preferences.

7Hz Divine

The Divine is a relatively recent planar IEM from 7Hz, typically priced around $150. It features polished metal shells and a detachable cable that’s noticeably thicker and heavier than the Nightingale Pro’s. That cable terminates in a fixed 3.5 mm plug rather than a 4.4 mm balanced connection. Despite costing roughly half as much as the Nightingale Pro, the Divine ships with a larger carrying case and a more generous selection of eartips.

In terms of tuning, the Nightingale Pro leans more linear and reference-oriented, with a warmer overall balance than the Divine. Both IEMs employ modest bass shelves, but the Divine’s low end comes across drier and more matter-of-fact. The Divine also features a larger upper-midrange lift and a more pronounced upper treble, giving it a cooler, airier presentation. From a technical standpoint, both perform competently, though the Nightingale Pro does a better job of capturing fine vocal inflections that the Divine tends to smooth over. The Divine can surface certain details more readily, but it misses some of the subtler mastering nuances that the Nightingale Pro renders more convincingly.

Between the two, the Nightingale Pro edges ahead. While the Divine offers broader genre flexibility, the Nightingale Pro’s bass tonality is more satisfying, and its overall presentation is easier to live with over long sessions. Comfort also plays a role: despite its attractive design, the Divine can become fatiguing to wear, whereas the Nightingale Pro proves more accommodating for extended listening.

Juzear Harrier

The Juzear Harrier is a tribrid IEM built with resin shells and metal nozzles, typically priced at $330, though it was available for $300 at the time of writing. It includes a modular 0.78 mm two-pin cable with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations. The cable itself is quite good—noticeably thicker than the Nightingale Pro’s—and feels more substantial in hand. In terms of construction, the Nightingale Pro’s metal-and-wood chassis is clearly sturdier than the Harrier’s resin build, though the Harrier does fit my ears more comfortably.

Sonically, the Harrier takes a very different approach. It is the bassier of the two, with a much more pronounced low end and a particularly forward mid-bass. The Nightingale Pro counters with tighter, more controlled mid-bass and sub-bass performance, along with stronger technical discipline. The Harrier leans cooler overall, with a larger upper-midrange lift and greater treble emphasis.

By comparison, the Nightingale Pro sounds more linear and noticeably more cohesive from top to bottom. While the Harrier’s treble is more forward, it can also come across as grainier. The Nightingale Pro generally exhibits superior technicalities, though it can sound congested when directly A/B tested against the Harrier on certain tracks.

Between the two, the Nightingale Pro takes the nod. Its sturdier build quality, stronger technical performance, and greater tonal cohesion work in its favor. The Harrier is still an appealing option, but it feels like a less fully realized execution of its tuning vision. Listeners who are sensitive to warmth or prefer a more open, brighter midrange and treble balance may gravitate toward the Harrier. Personally, I’m comfortable sticking with the Nightingale Pro.

The Bottom Line

The Nightingale Pro is a thoughtfully built planar IEM that sticks closely to SIVGA’s established design language and tuning philosophy. Its presentation leans linear and reference-minded, with real sub-bass reach, a touch of warmth through the mids, and a treble response that stays extended without ever tipping into sharpness or sibilance. The craftsmanship is legitimately excellent—shells and faceplates feel premium in a way that’s immediately apparent—but sound quality, not aesthetics, is where buying decisions are made.

And this is where the Nightingale Pro becomes selective rather than universal. The restrained mid-bass and more relaxed treatment of male vocals and electric guitars limit its emotional punch, especially for listeners accustomed to more forward or dynamic presentations. In a price range crowded with strong alternatives, build quality alone isn’t enough to move it to the top of the list.

That said, there is a clear audience here. Listeners chasing a clean, sharpness-free planar sound, engineers looking for balance over excitement, and anyone drawn to a controlled, reference-style tuning will find a lot to respect. Bassheads, V-shaped devotees, and those who want vocals pushed front and center should keep moving. The Nightingale Pro doesn’t try to win everyone over—and that may be its most honest trait.

Pros:

• Sibilance-free tuning that stays composed even on hot recordings
• Expressive, nuanced midrange with strong vocal and acoustic texture
• Genuine sub-bass extension with reach and control
• High-quality craftsmanship that feels deliberate, not mass-produced
• Excellent layering and separation, especially in complex mixes
• Impressive upper-treble extension that adds air without bite

Cons:

• Mid-bass lacks authority, limiting slam and rhythmic weight
• Cable feels wiry above the Y-split, detracting from overall ergonomics
• Included silicone eartips are sub-par and do the IEM no favors
• Shallow shell profile demands careful tip selection to get proper seal
• Below-average passive isolation, especially for commuting or travel
• Male vocals and electric guitars sound muted on select tracks

Where to buy:

Related Reading:

ASUS has expanded its AI PC lineup in India with the launch of new Zenbook and Vivobook laptops powered by AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors. ASUS has confirmed that the official launch of the new Zenbook models will take place on February 12. The latest lineup focuses on on-device AI capabilities, improved battery life, and OLED displays across multiple price segments.

Pre-orders for the Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 are now live in India. ASUS is offering pre-order benefits worth ₹5,599 on both models. Buyers can also opt for an extended warranty package that includes two additional years of warranty and three years of accidental damage protection for ₹1. These offers are valid until February 11.

ASUS Zenbook S16

The Zenbook S16 is designed for users who want strong performance in a thin and premium form factor. It uses the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU for AI-powered computing. The laptop features a 16-inch 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a six-speaker Dolby Atmos system. ASUS claims the battery can last up to 23 hours on a single charge.

ASUS Zenbook 14

The Zenbook 14 is a compact AI-powered laptop aimed at mobile professionals. It uses the AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 processor with a dedicated NPU for smarter computing. The laptop features a 14-inch FHD+ OLED touchscreen with HDR support and includes Copilot Key and NumberPad 2.0. Furthermore, it claims the battery lasts up to 25 hours.

ASUS Vivobook S16

ASUS has made the Vivobook S16 a stylish AI laptop for working professionals. It runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processor and supports Copilot+ PC features. Additionally, the device offers an FHD+ OLED display with strong colour accuracy and up to 23 hours of claimed battery life. It focuses on delivering AI capabilities without premium pricing.

ASUS Vivobook 16 (M1607GA)

The Vivobook 16 focuses on productivity with its spacious screen and durable design. It uses the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor for efficient multitasking. Moreover, the laptop comes with a slim-bezel display and is MIL-STD 810H certified.

ASUS Vivobook 15 and Vivobook 16 (M1605NAQ)

The Vivobook 15 and Vivobook 16 are designed for general use and entertainment. The Vivobook 15 features an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and a Full HD anti-glare display with a 180-degree hinge. Vivobook 16 delivers a larger FHD+ display with a NanoEdge design. Both laptops support up to 16GB DDR5 RAM and fast SSD storage.

Pricing and Availability in India

Sony’s PS Vita is still regarded by many as one of the best handheld gaming devices, thanks to its brilliant screen, comfy design, and extensive game catalog. Anbernic has already released two new handhelds that clearly take design inspirations from the original classic: the RG Vita and the RG Vita Pro.

Both of these devices appear to be Android-powered handhelds, with a primary focus on retro gaming and emulators. They’re designed to resemble the original PS Vita, with a 16:9 screen, robust shoulder buttons, and a sleek glass front. Even the corners bend gently in the palm of your hand, and the back features some elegant circular pads that do nothing.

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The control scheme is familiar, with dual analog sticks, a directional pad, face buttons in a Nintendo-style design, and real analog triggers rather than touch-sensitive surfaces. They have the regular RG Vita in black or retro grey, with a 5.46-inch IPS touchscreen and 720p resolution. A Unisoc T618 processor powers the device, which also has 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded via a microSD card slot. A 5,000mah battery allows for extended playtime, and connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as a USB-C port on top and a 3.5mm socket on the bottom. The underlying OS is Android 12, which allows you to run emulation programs for a wide range of platforms, including Game Boy Advance, PSP, Nintendo DS, and even some PS2 or Wii games, depending on how well the game and settings are supported.

The RG Vita Pro is the higher-end model, although specifics are still scarce, as the company hasn’t yet released all of the hardware info yet. Everything indicates that we might expect enhancements like more RAM, a higher-resolution screen, or possibly a switch from an IPS to an OLED panel for improved contrast and colors. Perhaps they’ll even manage a 1080p screen and 4GB or more RAM, which should help speed up PS2 and GameCube emulators, as well as early 3DS models. The Pro appears to have a glossy glass front, which may add to its high-end vibe.

Anbernic has not announced the prices or when they will be available, but it appears that the regular model will be reasonably priced, similar to other mid-range emulation handhelds ($149 – $199) they have released. Because of all the extra features, the Pro will most likely cost more. As soon as they become available, you should be able to purchase them via Anbernic’s website as well as other shops.

LG makes some of the best TVs you can buy. Its OLED TVs in particular are perennial favorites at WIRED, with C-series models like the C4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) providing among the best performance for your dollars on the market. LG is about way more than TVs of course. The Korean brand offers multiple products across the A/V landscape, from soundbars to Bluetooth speakers, along with a host of other products to upgrade your home setup. Save over 40% with LG promo codes and online exclusive discounts on home appliances, gaming monitors, and more tech.

Save 20% With Today’s LG Promo Codes

If you’re looking to save on LG gear today, you can get up to 20% back on your first order with select eligible products when you sign up for LG rewards with your email address. Simply go to the My LG Membership rewards page, follow the instructions to sign up and save.

If you’re ready to check out one of those TVs mentioned above, LG’s C4 and the ultra-bright step-up model G4 are both eligible right now in 77-inch sizes. Otherwise, there are plenty of other products to shop currently on sale that you stack with MyLG Rewards for 5% back and points on every purchase.

Watch for LG Fridge Deals and Price Drops

One of the most sought after appliances from the brand is the LG fridge. While we don’t have any set LG promo codes and discounts for refrigerators now, be sure to check back often and track price changes on these sought-after powerhouse appliances. The Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator is a sleek, three-door stainless steel machine with a fancy ice maker and luxe mirror design. The Side-By-Side InstaView Refrigerator is the fridge of the future, with a translucent door to easily see what’s inside the fridge without having to open the door. The simple Single Door Refrigerator features a clean, compact design and easy-to-reach organization.

Students, Teachers, and First Responders Get a 10% Off LG Promo Code

Looking for further discounts? If you’re a teacher, student, or first responder, you could receive an additional LG Promo Code for more savings. To see if you’re eligible, simply click on the LG Appreciation Program link and follow the info to register your account. Exclusive discounts include free installation on refrigerators, cooking ranges, and washer/dryers, including select LG Studio and LG Signature appliances. You could also get year-round savings on LG products with a minimum guaranteed discount of 10% compared to sale prices you’ll find on their website.

Get up to 20% Back With MyLG Rewards or 5% Off Referral Code

With MyLG Rewards, you can get up to 20% back in rewards, as well as exclusive deals, extended warranties, and free installation. Eligible rewards members can get an additional 5% off LG products if you refer a friend or loved one with the LG Referral program when they make an eligible purchase of $200 or more. They’ll get 5% off, and you’ll earn 5,000 MyLG Rewards points, so it’s a win-win. This coupon is stackable with other promotions too, so you can still take advantage of the many other featured discounts.

Save $1,000 on Appliances With Winter Bundle Offers

During LG’s Presidents’ Day Sale, taking place now through February 25, you’ll save (a lot) more. Some of LG’s most advanced appliances are over 30% off, like smart refrigerators, washer and dryers, oven ranges, and more. Plus up to $1,000 in savings is up for grabs. This includes buy one get one free bundle offers, where you’ll get a free single-door fridge when you purchase a French Door model. That doesn’t just mean extra storage for overflow; you’ll save up to $515.

Plus, when you bundle 2 or more eligible appliances, you’ll get up to $800 off, through April 8. You can also get a free vacuum when you purchase a single unit LG WashTower. To sweeten the pot further, most major appliances come with free delivery to your room of choice and free installation.

The most seductive narrative in American work culture right now isn’t that AI will take your job. It’s that AI will save you from it.

That’s the version the industry has spent the last three years selling to millions of nervous people who are eager to buy it. Yes, some white-collar jobs will disappear. But for most other roles, the argument goes, AI is a force multiplier. You become a more capable, more indispensable lawyer, consultant, writer, coder, financial analyst — and so on. The tools work for you, you work less hard, everybody wins.

But a new study published in Harvard Business Review follows that premise to its actual conclusion, and what it finds there isn’t a productivity revolution. It finds companies are at risk of becoming burnout machines.

As part of what they describe as “in-progress research,” UC Berkeley researchers spent eight months inside a 200-person tech company watching what happened when workers genuinely embraced AI. What they found across more than 40 “in-depth” interviews was that nobody was pressured at this company. Nobody was told to hit new targets. People just started doing more because the tools made more feel doable. But because they could do these things, work began bleeding into lunch breaks and late evenings. The employees’ to-do lists expanded to fill every hour that AI freed up, and then kept going.

As one engineer told them, “You had thought that maybe, oh, because you could be more productive with AI, then you save some time, you can work less. But then really, you don’t work less. You just work the same amount or even more.”

Over on the tech industry forum Hacker News, one commenter had the same reaction, writing, “I feel this. Since my team has jumped into an AI everything working style, expectations have tripled, stress has tripled and actual productivity has only gone up by maybe 10%. It feels like leadership is putting immense pressure on everyone to prove their investment in AI is worth it and we all feel the pressure to try to show them it is while actually having to work longer hours to do so.”

It’s fascinating and also alarming. The argument about AI and work has always stalled on the same question — are the gains real? But too few have stopped to ask what happens when they are.

The researchers’ new findings aren’t entirely novel. A separate trial last summer found experienced developers using AI tools took 19% longer on tasks while believing they were 20% faster. Around the same time, a National Bureau of Economic Research study tracking AI adoption across thousands of workplaces found that productivity gains amounted to just 3% in time savings, with no significant impact on earnings or hours worked in any occupation. Both studies have gotten picked apart.

This one may be harder to dismiss because it doesn’t challenge the premise that AI can augment what employees can do on their own. It confirms it, then shows where all that augmentation actually leads, which is “fatigue, burnout, and a growing sense that work is harder to step away from, especially as organizational expectations for speed and responsiveness rise,” according to the researchers.

The industry bet that helping people do more would be the answer to everything. It may turn out to be the beginning of a different problem entirely.

NordVPN is having a big sale on its two-year plans right now. The Complete tier, for example is 70 percent off, bringing the price of 24 months down to just $130.

NordVPN regularly appears on Engadget’s list of the best VPN services thanks to its wide server network, strong security tools and consistent performance across devices. NordVPN’s latest promotion puts one of its most comprehensive plans at a price that undercuts many competing premium VPN subscriptions.

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Save on all NordVPN plans right now; the Complete plan includes a password manager and 1TB of cloud storage for 70 percent off.

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The Complete tier includes full access to NordVPN’s core VPN service, which encrypts internet traffic and masks a user’s IP address to help protect online activity on public Wi-Fi networks and at home. Subscribers can use the service on multiple devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs, with apps available for major operating systems. It also includes access to NordPass (more on that below), an ad blocker and 1TB of cloud storage. You’ll find similar discounts on all of NordVPN’s other plans: Basic, Plus and Prime.

Beyond the basics, NordVPN offers features like threat protection to help block malicious websites and trackers, as well as specialty servers designed for added privacy or faster performance in specific scenarios. In our NordVPN review, the service was praised for its evolving feature set and overall reliability, even as the VPN market becomes increasingly competitive.

Engadget regularly tracks VPN pricing trends and this offer compares favorably with other current promotions. It also appears alongside NordVPN deals featured in Engadget’s ongoing roundup of the best VPN discounts available right now, which compares offers from multiple major providers.

Those looking for additional security tools may also want to note that NordVPN’s Complete plan bundles in extra services beyond the VPN itself. One of those is NordPass, the company’s password management app. NordPass is also discounted as part of a separate promotion, if you’re primarily looking for a password manager rather than a VPN. The Premium tier is currently 50 percent off, bringing the price down to $36 for two years. NordPass Premium adds features such as cross-device password syncing, secure password sharing and breach monitoring, which alerts users if stored credentials appear in known data leaks.

Both offers are available for a limited time, though Nord has not specified an end date for the promotion. If you’re still unsure whether NordVPN is right for you, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can change your mind and get a full refund.