App Lets Users Spend Hundreds on Digital Pokémon Card Packs in Minutes

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Rips is a mobile app that allows users to purchase and open digital trading card packs, including Pokémon, in rapid succession. A Wired journalist spent $892 on the app in under 15 minutes, ultimately yielding only 62 cents in returns. The experience is designed to replicate the excitement of physical card-pack openings, but at a far faster and potentially more costly pace. The format has drawn comparisons to gambling due to its high-spend, low-return mechanics and the adrenaline response it triggers in users.

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NYC's Summer of Ludd Festival Helps Gen Z Unplug from Big Tech

New York City is hosting a festival called Summer of Ludd, aimed at helping people reduce their dependence on technology and Big Tech platforms. The event draws inspiration from the historical Luddite movement, which resisted the disruptive effects of industrial machinery. The festival taps into a growing frustration among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, toward the overwhelming influence of large technology companies. Attendees are encouraged to explore offline lifestyles and reclaim time from digital devices. The event reflects a broader cultural pushback against the pervasive role of Big Tech in everyday life.

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Meta Introduces Subscription Tier to Unlock Advanced Smart Glasses Features

Meta is introducing a subscription model for its smart glasses, requiring users to pay for access to the device's most advanced features. This comes after customers have already purchased the hardware upfront, adding an ongoing cost on top of the initial investment. The move reflects a broader shift in consumer technology toward recurring revenue models tied to hardware products. Meta has framed the paid tier as offering 'expanded access,' suggesting a base level of functionality will remain free. The development signals a new phase in wearable tech where the purchase price alone may no longer guarantee full product capability.

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July Fourth Festivities Heighten Heat Illness Risk Amid Eastern US Heat Dome

A heat dome is spreading dangerous high temperatures across the eastern United States around the July Fourth holiday period. Outdoor celebrations, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol consumption during the holiday are expected to significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness. World Cup matches are also drawing crowds outdoors for extended periods, adding to the concern. Health experts warn that the combination of intense heat and holiday activities creates especially hazardous conditions. Residents are being urged to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke during the festivities.

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Dell Promo Codes Offer Up to 20% Off Laptops and Tech in July 2025

Dell is currently offering verified coupon codes that provide discounts of up to 20% on a range of technology products. Shoppers can also access deals of up to $600 off select items including laptops and Alienware monitors. The promotions cover a broad selection of Dell's tech lineup. These deals are available for a limited time and are intended to help consumers save on popular electronics purchases.

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