Amazon, in what it described as a "difficult decision," is winding down Kindle Vella and shutting it down completely in February 2025. When the company launched the serialized story platform in 2021, it said Vella was a way for readers to discover new fictional stories and a new way for authors to earn from the Kindle Direct Publishing service. But it hasn't caught on as it had hoped, Amazon explains on its website, and it has decided to throw in the towel three years after Vella's debut.
Authors can only publish stories on Vella until December 4, which is also the last day readers can purchase tokens. While readers will no longer be able to purchase tokens after that, they can continue using those tokens to unlock episodes until the program closes in February. The good news for those who've been following specific authors or stories on Vella is that they won't lose their access to whatever episodes they've already unlocked even after the platform shuts down. They can always read the stories they've purchased in their library in the Kindle app for iOS and Android, though they can no longer open them on the web. Any token they don't use by February will be refunded.
Responses to Vella have been pretty lukewarm since it became available. Some authors liked the fact that they could use it to earn money from unfinished stories, while some readers said they'd prefer getting a whole book instead of paying for installments. Personally, as someone who follows a lot of indie authors, I only know of one who publishes on Vella and very, very few readers who actually use it. Amazon tried drumming up interest earlier this year by making the first ten episodes of a story, instead of just three, available to readers for free. The company has also tried keeping authors on the platform by giving away bonuses, but its strategies probably didn't work enough to make it consider keeping Vella around longer.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/amazon-is-shutting-down-its-kindle-vella-serialized-story-platform-in-february-2025-120030125.html?src=rss
I often struggle with managing my daily routine and find myself drowning, with a whole bunch of different tasks to attend to. In today’s world optimizing our daily routines and enhancing our homes are important for maintaining productivity, wellness, and happiness. The right collection of products can aid us in this task, providing us with functionality and style.
If your family and friends are on a mission to better organize their routines, then this collection of ten innovative products could be the perfect gift for them. These products are designed to transform their everyday routine and home environment. They’re simple, functional, and thoughtful designs that could help them enhance their quality of life. From an innovative desk organizer to an alarm clock that brews coffee for you while waking you up, these unique products offer practical solutions to rejuvenate lifestyles.
1. Gather Desk Organizer
For those seeking to streamline their work-from-home setup, the Gather Desk Organizer is a game-changer. This innovative organizer offers a modular magnetic system that allows you to customize the arrangement of your desk accessories, ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach. Whether it’s a designated spot for your phone, pens, or laptop, the Gather Desk Organizer transforms clutter into a well-ordered workspace, enhancing productivity and peace of mind. Its sleek design not only elevates the aesthetics of your desk but also contributes to a more organized and cleaner home environment. This makes it the perfect gift for anyone looking to simplify their daily routine and create a more efficient workspace.
By investing in the Gather Desk Organizer, you’re not just tidying up your desk; you’re investing in a more focused and stress-free workday. Perfect for professionals and students alike, this desk organizer is the ultimate tool for anyone who values organization and efficiency in their work-from-home lifestyle.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from premium materials and serves as a versatile solution for a messy desk. Since it uses a magnetic system, you can customize the desk setup according to your everyday needs and requirements. The system supports complete flexibility, allowing you to build your own set, and select the additional elements you like. The MagSafe Phone Stand is one of my favorite elements, as it keeps your phone charged and offers easy access to it.
What we like
It features a customizable setup, enabling you to arrange your essentials the way you like
It is a space-saving design that delivers a clutter-free and organized desk
What we dislike
Made from high-quality materials which leads to a higher cost
2. Painless Key Ring
How often do you find yourself misplacing your keys, only to end up frantically searching for them in the depths of your bag or the nooks of your home? This common conundrum can eat away at your valuable time, disrupting your daily routine and causing unnecessary stress. For those who frequently find themselves in this predicament, or if you know someone who is part of the “careless and clumsy” club, the Painless Key Ring offers a brilliant solution. This isn’t just any ordinary keyring; it is a groundbreaking innovation inspired by the sophisticated mechanisms used in the aerospace industry.
The Painless Key Ring features a unique wave spring design that not only securely holds your keys but also makes them easily accessible. Its ergonomic design ensures that adding or removing keys is a hassle-free experience, eliminating the struggles associated with traditional keyrings. Moreover, its sleek and modern aesthetic makes it a stylish accessory suitable for any key set. Whether it’s for personal use or as a thoughtful gift for someone prone to losing their keys, the Painless Key Ring is a practical tool that blends functionality with innovation, ensuring you never have to worry about misplaced keys again.
The Painless Key Ring makes managing your keys a total breeze. It allows you to organize your keys using a sturdy and high-tech design, offering easy accessibility to your keys at all times. You don’t need to spend unnecessary time shuffling around for keys, which you could use for more important tasks.
What we like
Utilizes a wave spring technology to easily add and remove keys
Cuts down the task of handling tight or deformed key rings
What we dislike
Equipped with an advanced design, which makes it more expensive
3. Sunrise Alarm Clock Coffee Maker
A successful day starts with a well-organized and productive morning, setting the tone for your overall wellness. Waking up feeling groggy or hitting the snooze button too many times can derail your entire day, leaving you feeling unproductive and out of sync. Enter the Sunrise Alarm Clock Coffee Maker—a revolutionary device designed to transform your morning experience. This innovative gadget combines the essential functions of an alarm clock with the delightful convenience of a coffee maker, ensuring you start your day on a high note.
Instead of the usual blaring alarm, imagine being gently awakened by the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your room. This sensory experience not only invigorates your senses but also aligns with a more natural wake-up process, promoting wellness and reducing morning stress. Ideal for those who struggle to maintain a consistent morning routine, this device encourages a more relaxed and productive start to the day. The Sunrise Alarm Clock Coffee Maker is the perfect gift for anyone looking to enhance their mornings and boost their productivity. By integrating this device into your daily routine, you can look forward to a seamless transition from sleep to wakefulness, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features a compact and stylish form that would make it an eye-pleasing addition to your bedside table. It wakes you up to the smell of coffee and keeps your daily dose of caffeine ready for you. So, you can quickly get up, down your coffee, and get going with your day. It sets the tone for a pleasant and peaceful day ahead.
What we like
Eliminates harsh alarms with a gentle wake-up that leaves you refreshed
Saves time, as you can have your coffee as soon as you wake up
What we dislike
Unsure if it can brew enough coffee for multiple people
Not the best option for those who prefer other morning beverages
4. Iron Frying Plate
Cooking can often consume a significant portion of our day, making it essential to have multifunctional tools that streamline the process and enhance our wellness through home-cooked meals. For those who are passionate about meal prep and seeking to simplify their kitchen routine, the Iron Frying Plate is an invaluable addition. This innovative kitchen tool is designed to assist in preparing quick and healthy meals without compromising on quality or taste. The Iron Frying Plate not only excels as a frying pan but also doubles as a stylish serving plate, thanks to its unique removable handle.
This clever design allows you to seamlessly transition from cooking to serving, reducing the need for extra dishes and saving valuable time. The durable iron construction ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for a variety of recipes, from sizzling stir-fries to hearty breakfasts. Whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or enhancing your own kitchen, this versatile tool supports a wellness-oriented lifestyle by encouraging home-cooked meals and efficient meal prep. Embrace the convenience and elegance of the Iron Frying Plate and transform the way you approach cooking, turning meal preparation into an enjoyable and rewarding experience
The Iron Frying Plate supports direct-from-the-pan serving, allowing you to cook up something delicious, and serve your food in one continuous process. It saves precious minutes and makes your cooking experience more efficient and quick, allowing you to move on to other activities.
What we like
The handle is removable, allowing you to use the pan as a serving plate too
What we dislike
The pan is made from iron, making it a bulky and heavy design, which can be difficult to store away
5. Spark Digital Planner
As cliché as it may sound, gifting someone a planner can be a powerful step towards helping them organize their life and home. However, we’re not talking about just any ordinary planner—those are a dime a dozen. Instead, consider the transformative potential of the Spark Digital Planner. This is not merely a planner; it is a comprehensive digital tool crafted to enhance your planning, wellness, and routine.
The Spark Digital Planner is designed to help you manage your time more effectively and achieve your goals with greater speed and efficiency. It provides a structured, streamlined approach to goal setting, allowing you to break down your yearly aspirations into manageable monthly and weekly tasks. This not only keeps you on track but also helps reduce stress by promoting a sense of accomplishment and progress. The digital format means you can access your planner from anywhere, ensuring you never miss a beat in your routine. With features that encourage reflection and mindfulness, the Spark Digital Planner supports a holistic approach to wellness, integrating personal growth with daily productivity. Whether for personal use or as a thoughtful gift, this planner is the ideal tool for anyone looking to enhance their organizational skills and foster a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.
Why is it noteworthy?
This product isn’t a typical planner, it guides you and embarks on the process with you. It also features a wellness tracker and vision board, offering a holistic and interactive approach to goal setting and personal development, which can often seem overwhelming to people.
What we like
It features a goal-oriented structure, supporting goal-setting and achievement with a clear roadmap
Offers visual motivation through a vision board
What we dislike
Since it requires a device to operate, it creates digital dependence
The complex system may take some time to understand and use
6. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
If you have a loved one or friend who struggles to relax amidst their hectic routine, gifting them an aromatherapy diffuser can be a thoughtful gesture towards enhancing their wellness. The Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser is an exceptional choice, offering a unique blend of simplicity and effectiveness that makes it an ideal gift for anyone looking to create a more serene home environment. Unlike traditional diffusers, this compact model is designed to operate without electricity or batteries, relying instead on the gentle warmth of a simple candle. This eco-friendly approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also imbues the air with soothing scents, promoting relaxation and tranquility.
As the candle warms the diffuser, it releases the calming fragrances of essential oils, allowing users to take a refreshing breath and unwind after a long day. The elegant design of the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser complements any decor, making it a versatile addition to any room. By incorporating this diffuser into their routine, individuals can harness the benefits of aromatherapy to reduce stress and enhance their overall sense of well-being. Whether for personal use or as a gift, this diffuser is a perfect tool for fostering a peaceful atmosphere and supporting a balanced lifestyle.
The Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser can function without any batteries or external power sources. It utilizes the heat of a single candle to spread its soothing aromatic scents throughout the room. The diffuser is made from sustainable materials, hence showcasing an eco-friendly ethos that we support.
What we like
You can use all kinds of essential oils with the diffuser, pick your favorite one
Built from recyclable materials, promoting an eco-friendly attitude
What we dislike
Since it doesn’t feature electric controls, adjusting the intensity of the aroma can be tough
7. Znie Light
Znie is a groundbreaking silent sleep device designed to seamlessly integrate into your nightly routine, offering a non-invasive solution to enhance your sleep quality. This innovative device, known as ELF, is crafted to help users not only fall asleep more easily but also maintain a restful state throughout the night. By promoting deeper, uninterrupted sleep, Znie significantly contributes to overall wellness, ensuring you wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day.
Unlike other sleep aids that may require lifestyle changes or have potential side effects, Znie works quietly and effectively without drastically impacting your daily habits. Its user-friendly design makes it an excellent addition to any bedtime routine, providing a gentle yet powerful tool to improve sleep hygiene. A good night’s sleep is foundational to wellness, influencing everything from mood to cognitive function. With Znie, you can experience the benefits of sound rest, which include increased energy levels, enhanced focus, and a more streamlined, productive daily routine. Whether you’re seeking to improve your own sleep or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone struggling with restlessness, Znie offers a safe, effective, and unobtrusive way to achieve the restful sleep you deserve.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is a silent sleep device that is non-invasive making for an excellent addition to your night routine. The ELF helps users fall asleep and stay asleep, enhancing their sleep quality safely and effectively, and without drastically impacting their lifestyles. Sound sleep at night can help them feel fresher, leading to a streamlined and productive daily routine.
What we like
The ELF technology improves sleep without using medications
It is inaudible to humans and animals, creating a peaceful sleep environment
What we dislike
It may not work well for everyone, since individuals have different sleep issues
8. Technogym Bench
In today’s fast-paced world, busy schedules and demanding work routines often leave little room for regular workouts or exercise. Yet, incorporating physical activity into daily life is crucial for maintaining wellness and overall health. If someone you care about struggles to find time for fitness, consider gifting them the TechnoGym Bench—a thoughtful and unconventional present that serves as a comprehensive home workout solution. This compact and versatile fitness bench is expertly designed to fit seamlessly into any living space, making it ideal for those with limited room.
Despite its space-saving design, the TechnoGym Bench is equipped with a variety of workout tools, including elastic bands, dumbbells, and a training mat, allowing users to perform a wide range of exercises without the need for multiple pieces of equipment. This all-in-one solution encourages regular workouts by making it convenient and accessible, helping users to seamlessly integrate exercise into their daily routine. By providing a dedicated space for fitness, the TechnoGym Bench supports a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical wellness and mental well-being. Whether for personal use or as a gift, this innovative bench is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their home fitness routine while maximizing space efficiency.
Why is it noteworthy?
The TechnoGym Bench helps you perform over 200 exercises, and it seamlessly fits into your modern home. You don’t need to make time for the gym, you can easily incorporate a home workout into your daily routine. It is great for maintaining a fitness routine, without paying for an expensive gym membership.
What we like
It supports a whole bunch of different exercises
Great fit for small apartments or homes with space constraints
What we dislike
Not a suitable option for those who lift heavy weights
Will require some setup and organization before you can use it
9. SHIVR
Creating a focused and distraction-free home environment is essential for enhancing productivity and wellness, and noise-canceling headphones are an indispensable tool in achieving this. Enter the SHIVR Noise-Cancelling 3D headphones—an ideal gift for those who prioritize a serene and efficient workspace. These headphones are meticulously designed to provide an immersive audio experience, effectively blocking out external noise and allowing users to concentrate fully on their work. The advanced noise-cancellation technology ensures that background distractions are minimized, creating a tranquil environment conducive to focus and creativity.
Beyond their functionality, the SHIVR headphones offer exceptional sound quality, making them perfect for both work and leisure, whether it’s listening to music, participating in virtual meetings, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, making them a practical addition to any home office setup. By gifting the SHIVR headphones, you are not only providing a tool for improved efficiency but also supporting the recipient’s overall wellness by promoting a distraction-free, calming atmosphere.
Why is it noteworthy?
The headphones use gyroscope technology to provide an exceptional audio experience. They simulate a 3D sound experience, enhancing your listening experience, irrespective if you’re working, traveling, or relaxing at home. They block out distractions, ensuring you work, cook, or relax in peace
What we like
Features a comfortable design, ideal for extended wear
Creates a realistic and immersive sound environment
What we dislike
Some users felt that the build quality wasn’t great, although the sound quality made up for it
10. Rolling World Clock
For those striving to maintain an organized lifestyle and achieve the elusive work-life balance, having a reliable tool to manage time effectively is crucial. The Rolling World Clock offers more than just a visual representation of time passing—it provides a comprehensive view of 12 different time zones, making it an invaluable asset for anyone juggling international commitments. This innovative clock is the perfect gift for loved ones who need to optimize their daily routine and stay on top of their schedules, especially when dealing with clients or colleagues across the globe.
By displaying multiple time zones at a glance, the Rolling World Clock eliminates the guesswork and potential for error in scheduling, ensuring that meetings and deadlines are met without a hitch. Its sleek and modern design complements any workspace, serving as both a functional tool and an elegant decor piece. With the Rolling World Clock, users can effortlessly coordinate their professional and personal lives, fostering a sense of organization that contributes to a healthier work-life balance. Whether for a home office or a corporate setting, this clock is a thoughtful and practical gift that supports efficiency, reduces stress, and enhances overall productivity.
The clock offers access to different timezones through a simple one-handed movement. Users can move the clock to reach their city of choice, while the watch hand adjusts to the correct timezone automatically. The clock also features a minimal and sleek ethos, making it a visually pleasing element to add to home offices and living spaces.
What we like
You don’t need to check your phone or other digital devices to check the time
Makes time-telling an analog and organic affair
What we dislike
The clock only offers access to 12 cities, for checking other timezones it is of no use
If you’d like to learn how to install and use the latest Apple Intelligence features introduced this week in the new 18.1 iOS update, Brandon Butch has prepared an in-depth guide. His step-by-step instructions cover the installation process and outline everything you need to access Apple’s AI features on iOS 18.1. In a world where […]
OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research laboratory, has recently unveiled new insights into its ongoing research and development efforts, offering a compelling look into the future of AI technology. This announcement highlights OpenAI’s firm commitment to advancing the boundaries of AI capabilities, with a particular focus on evolving AI models such as ChatGPT-5 and exploring […]
Apple Intelligence, the company’s all-encompassing branding for its AI tools, features and curios, is finally here. Did you think Apple launched this ages ago? It was announced in June, and drip fed to beta testers, first in the developer preview, then the open preview.
It was even a big part of the iPhone 16 sales pitch at launch, but Apple’s newest phones lacked those AI features — until now. Arriving as part of Apple’s updates to iOS, iPadOS and macOS, it’s not everything teased at WWDC (no making your own emojis for now), but it’s a tract of new features showing how the company is tackling AI in its software.
As well as new proofreading and rewriting tools, there’s live transcription for phone calls and Notes’ audio recordings. Apple Intelligence also adds text summaries for websites, emails and all those transcriptions. There’s also my personal favorite: notification summaries.
We’ll be taking a closer look at what Apple Intelligence is capable of, but broadly (and from our experience testing the preview builds), the additions won’t change your smartphone life. Some of them are very useful, while others, like photo editing, fall behind rivals like Google and Samsung.
In time for those new features, Apple’s new iMac includes new colorways and the latest Apple silicon. The new model has the same display and design as previous models, but there’s a new nano-texture glass screen option for a proper splurge. Apple says the M4 inside the new iMac makes the computer 1.7 times faster for daily productivity and up to 2.1 faster for more demanding tasks (i.e. gaming and photo editing) than the M1-powered iteration. The M4 iMac will be available on November 8, starting at the same $1,299 as its predecessor.
Netflix is rolling out a new feature called Moments, which lets you save, share and rewatch certain scenes from shows and movies. For now, it’s mobile only, starting on Netflix’s iOS app and coming to Android in the next few weeks. Netflix says episodes and films will start playing from bookmarked scenes when you rewatch them, with an array of share buttons for messaging and social media apps. It’s perfectly timed for my recent binging of Kath and Kim. All four series, done.
Google is selling refurbished Pixel 6, Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 handsets directly through the Google Store. Discounts are up to 40 percent compared to new models, but we are on Pixel 9 now, so there are no brand new Pixel 6s on sale, at least not from Google. Prices start at $339 for the Pixel 6.
If the new Apple iMac computers equipped with M4 Silicon have caught your attention, and you’re curious about how they stack up against the previous version, you’ll be pleased to know that Matt has prepared an in-depth comparison of the iMac M4 vs M3. Choosing between the latest tech gadgets can feel like standing at […]
TheOregon Trail, which is probably one of the most recognizable computer games for people who grew up in the 80s and 90s, is set to become a movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple is developing a live-action film adaption for the game, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon attached to the project as directors and producers. Seeing as the collaborators are known for films like Blades of Glory,The Oregon Trail movie will likely be a comedy rather than a depressing drama about a 19th-century pioneer family dying off one by one due to dysentery and starvation.
The Hollywood Reporter's sources also said that the movie will feature a couple of musical numbers "in the vein of Barbie." Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen and who were recently nominated for an Emmy for a number Steve Martin performed in the past season of Only Murders in the Building, will reportedly produce original music for the film. Kenneth and Keith Lucas (Judas and the Black Messiah), along with Max Reisman, are writing the screenplay. It's still very early days for the production, though: There are no actors attached to the project yet, and Apple hasn't even formally announced it.
Originally created by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann and Paul Dillenberger, the original Oregon Trail game was first released in 1971. In the game, you're supposed to buy supplies, hunt for food and travel west at a reasonable pace while trying to keep your caravan your caravan alive.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-is-reportedly-developing-a-comedy-film-based-on-the-oregon-trail-110022317.html?src=rss
TheOregon Trail, which is probably one of the most recognizable computer games for people who grew up in the 80s and 90s, is set to become a movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple is developing a live-action film adaption for the game, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon attached to the project as directors and producers. Seeing as the collaborators are known for films like Blades of Glory,The Oregon Trail movie will likely be a comedy rather than a depressing drama about a 19th-century pioneer family dying off one by one due to dysentery and starvation.
The Hollywood Reporter's sources also said that the movie will feature a couple of musical numbers "in the vein of Barbie." Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen and who were recently nominated for an Emmy for a number Steve Martin performed in the past season of Only Murders in the Building, will reportedly produce original music for the film. Kenneth and Keith Lucas (Judas and the Black Messiah), along with Max Reisman, are writing the screenplay. It's still very early days for the production, though: There are no actors attached to the project yet, and Apple hasn't even formally announced it.
Originally created by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann and Paul Dillenberger, the original Oregon Trail game was first released in 1971. In the game, you're supposed to buy supplies, hunt for food and travel west at a reasonable pace while trying to keep your caravan your caravan alive.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-is-reportedly-developing-a-comedy-film-based-on-the-oregon-trail-110022317.html?src=rss
In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, finding the right printer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into this fascinating technology, the QIDI Plus 4 has likely caught your eye. With its promise of effortless setup and a suite of advanced […]
The iOS 18.1 update brings a host of new features and improvements to your Apple device. To fully harness these enhancements and optimize your device’s performance, it’s crucial to take specific actions immediately after updating. This comprehensive guide by iDeviceHelp will walk you through the essential steps to ensure you’re making the most of your […]
