Category: feature

With temps hovering in the 70s long after sundown, locals trade indoor dining for open-air feasts. Night markets merge global bites, artisan booths, and late-night beats—ideal for Fourth-of-July weekend wanderings.

1. 626 Night Market

One of California’s largest Asian-inspired night markets returns for summer weekends, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Expect 250 vendors: ramen, birria tacos, ube funnel cake, and boba flights. A VIP fast-pass ($20) reduces the 45-minute entry line to five.

2. Smorgasburg L.A. After-Hours

The Sunday institution occasionally hosts dusk pop-ups—watch its calendar for “Summer of Smorgasburg” nights. Craft beer gardens stay open past 10 p.m.; grab Filipino lechon sliders while DJs spin at one of DTLA’s best open markets.

3. Alhambra Main Street Market

Held the first Sunday of every month, this open-air bazaar has shifted to summer-evening hours through August. Expect 50-plus vendors slinging everything from birria bao to vintage vinyl. Live DJs, family craft stations, and plentiful street parking make it an easy, all-ages hang long after most farmers’ markets have packed up.

4. Melrose Trading Post

The beloved Fairfax flea teases occasional evening sessions. While none have been announced yet for this summer, you can still enjoy MTP from 10am to 6pm. Golden-hour shopping means cooler temps and exclusive vendors—think vintage Versace sunglasses and small-batch candles.

5. KCRW Chinatown Summer Nights

Held the first Saturday monthly, these free fêtes combine lion-dance parades, craft beer, and a DJ-lit dance floor beneath glowing lanterns. Parking is tight; Metro Gold Line drops you a block away.

How to Enjoy Night Markets Like a Pro

• Arrive Hungry: Share plates to sample more stalls. 
• Cash & Venmo: Wi-Fi hiccups can stall card readers. 
• Bring Tote Bags: Artisan ceramics and plants sell out early; secure finds hands-free. 

Night markets prove fireworks aren’t the only after-dark spectacle—follow the scent of grilled squid and you’ll find summer magic with every bite.

As the summer months carry on, there is no better time than to ensure your abode is ready for the season. That’s why July is a great time to review your summer seasonal cleaning checklist. Luxury finishes—think marble, brass, and hardwood require special care when temperatures soar. A tailored summer home cleaning checklist sets your cleaning routine up for success as you prepare your estate for summer houseguests.

1. Exterior First Impressions

Wash Windows & Screens

Remove winter grime with an eco-friendly solution of white vinegar, distilled water, and a drop of dish soap. Dry with a rubber squeegee to avoid streaks.

Seasonal Pressure-Wash Hardscape

Blast patios, walkways, and driveway pavers. A clean slate not only looks sharp but reduces slippery algae growth that summer sprinklers can foster.

Inspect Stucco and Paint

High UV can fade paint faster. Patch chips, then touch up with UV-resistant exterior paint to prevent moisture intrusion during late-summer storms.

2. Pool & Patio Seasonal Perfection

Skim, Vacuum, Shock

Balance chemicals weekly—guests will notice cloudy water before you do. Invest in a robotic pool vacuum to save hours every month.

Seasonal Refresh of Outdoor Fabrics

Remove cushion covers, machine-wash on delicate, and line-dry to prevent shrinkage. Spray waterproofing fabric guard once dry for spill defense.

Polish Stainless Appliances

Outdoor kitchens gather pollen. Wipe grills and fridges with microfiber cloths and stainless steel cleaner formulated with UV inhibitors.

3. Interior Seasonal Deep Dive

Rotate Mattresses

Summer hosts equal high turnover. Flip for even wear, vacuum surfaces, and spritz linen spray.

Clean Upholstery

Rent a commercial steamer or hire a pro for silk and velvet. Spot-clean spills immediately to avoid setting stains in hot weather.

Detail Light Fixtures

Chandeliers dimmed by dust, dull evening ambience. Remove bulbs, wipe crystals with isopropyl alcohol, and replace spent LEDs.

4. Kitchen & Pantry Seasonal Reset

Seasonal Purge of Expired Items

Summer ants love forgotten syrup and half-used condiments. Clear, wipe, and reorganize shelves by category for chef-level efficiency.

Descale Coffee Machines

Mineral buildup peaks when iced coffee output triples. Run a vinegar cycle, then rinse until odor-free.

Deep-Clean Garbage Disposal

Freeze vinegar in ice-cube trays with lemon slices; grind cubes to deodorize and sharpen blades simultaneously.

5. HVAC & Air Quality

Replace Filters Monthly

Dust and pollen clog filters quickly. Upgrade to MERV-13 for superior allergen capture.

Vacuum Air Vents

Use a soft brush attachment to keep louvers dust-free and airflow strong.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

Every two years suffices, but if renovation dust or wildfire ash infiltrates, bump up to annual service.

6. Guest Suite Seasonal Finish

Stock fresh towels, travel-size sunscreen, and chilled water carafes. Add a card with Wi-Fi code and local summer activity suggestions—hospitality without the concierge desk.

Maintenance Mood Boost

Set a 20-minute timer nightly for a quick tidy: wipe counters, fluff pillows, and empty trash. Small daily actions preserve the sparkle you’ve worked hard to achieve.

With this summer home cleaning checklist, your estate will gleam from curb to cabana—ready for every clinking glass and poolside laugh the season promises.

As the week winds down, it’s time to wrap up the leading tech headlines from across the web. This week, we’re breaking down everything, from Samsung’s Trifold phone to Zoom VR and more. Read on and stay connected with the tech news of the week!

Samsung Hints at Trifold Phone Launch Later This Year

Samsung’s acting head of device experience, TM Roh, confirmed the company plans to release its much-rumored trifold smartphone before the end of 2025. The device, reportedly codenamed “Galaxy G Fold,” has been showcased in concept form at Mobile World Congress and briefly teased in One UI 8 animations. Roh emphasized that Samsung is refining usability and evaluating market demand before settling on a final name and feature set. An unnamed executive told Android Authority that while the hardware is ready for production, the company is still pinpointing the unique use cases for a three-pane foldable. This trifold design could offer unparalleled multitasking and screen real estate—if Samsung can perfect its purpose and durability.

Apple’s Next-Gen Vision Pro Expected by Year’s End

According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing a second-generation Vision Pro headset for release as early as late 2025. The upgraded model will likely feature an M4 chipset—offering more than 16 neural engine cores—and a redesigned strap to alleviate neck and head discomfort. The current $3,499 Vision Pro uses an M2 processor, so the M4’s enhanced NPU could more than double AI performance for immersive apps and multitasking. Bloomberg also reports Apple is eyeing a lighter, budget-friendly AR headset for 2027, indicating a multi-year roadmap for its spatial computing platform. These developments signal Apple’s deepening commitment to blending AI and augmented reality in its hardware lineup.

Perplexity Launches Comet, an AI-First Web Browser

AI search startup Perplexity debuted “Comet,” a Chromium-based browser integrating its own AI assistant for seamless, context-aware browsing. Subscribers to Perplexity Max (at $200/month) can use Comet’s built-in assistant to answer on-screen queries, make bookings, or even complete purchases autonomously. Comet uses Perplexity as its default search engine, surfacing AI-generated summaries alongside traditional links. The browser is currently invite-only for Max subscribers and supports Windows and Mac, with plans for broader rollout later. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas envisions Comet as a foundational agent workspace, aiming to challenge Google’s search dominance.

Android’s “Circle to Search” Gains Google AI Mode on Foldables

Google enhanced Android’s Circle to Search tool by embedding its AI Mode chatbot directly into visual searches on Pixel and Samsung foldables. Users can long-press the home button, circle any on-screen content, and receive AI-powered overviews with follow-up Q&A through Gemini’s chatbot interface. For gamers, Circle to Search now provides real-time in-game assistance, offering strategy tips and character info without exiting the app. Samsung’s new Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Watch 8 series ship with these capabilities pre-installed, alongside Wear OS 6 and Android 16. Google plans to expand AI Mode to Lens and third-party apps, further blurring lines between search and assistance.

Gmail’s “Manage Subscriptions” Tab Simplifies Unsubscribing

Gmail introduced a new Manage Subscriptions view to help users declutter inboxes overwhelmed by recurring newsletters and promo emails. Positioned in the left navigation pane, this tab lists all active subscriptions sorted by frequency, each with a one-click unsubscribe link. The feature launches on the web today, on Android starting July 14, and on iOS beginning July 21, rolling out globally across personal and Workspace accounts. Users can also review historical email counts per sender to make informed decisions about which lists to leave behind. This streamlined approach aims to restore sanity to crowded inboxes by centralizing subscription management.

Zoom’s Standalone Quest App Brings Meetings to VR

Zoom released a standalone app for Meta Quest headsets. Likewise, the update allows any Zoom account—free or paid—to host and join virtual meetings in VR as Meta Avatars. Previously confined to Horizon Workrooms, the new app supports Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro. Of course, the latest from Zoom offers a passthrough mode for blending real-world surroundings with virtual conferencing. Zoom has been ramping up AI avatars and Vision Pro support. This move by Zoom extends its immersive meeting experience to the consumer VR market. Participants can interact with desktop, mobile, or web users seamlessly, fostering cross-platform collaboration. This expansion underscores Zoom’s bet on spatial computing as the future of remote work and social interaction.

Jack Dorsey Unveils Bitchat for Encrypted Bluetooth Messaging

Block CEO Jack Dorsey launched Bitchat, an account-free, mesh-networking messaging app. Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy to send encrypted texts directly between nearby devices. The open-source app auto-relays messages across devices to extend its effective range beyond standard Bluetooth limits. Bitchat features password-protected channels and a “Panic Mode” to wipe data instantly with a triple-tap gesture. Inspired by protest-tool apps like Bridgefy and FireChat, it aims to ensure private, resilient communication without internet or cellular networks. Currently in beta via TestFlight, Bitchat promises future updates to boost speed and range via Wi-Fi Direct.

Dive into the latest tech news that’s sweeping the web! From DMs on Threads to the Honor V5 and more, we have you covered with what’s happening in the world of tech. Check out our weekly round-up below and stay connected!

Honor Launches the Magic V5: World’s Thinnest Foldable (Almost)

Honor’s new Magic V5 debuts as the slimmest foldable smartphone available, measuring just 8.8 mm when closed for its Ivory White model, narrowly edging out the Oppo Find N5’s 8.9 mm thickness. Other color variants, finished in fiber and vegan leather, clock in at a still-impressive 9 mm, though the pronounced triple-camera bump adds bulk that undercuts the “world’s thinnest” claim. Inside, the V5 packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and a 5,820 mAh battery, promising flagship-level performance. Both the cover and main displays use 120 Hz LTPO OLED panels, ensuring smooth visuals whether folded or open. Honor also includes IP58/IP59 dust- and water-resistance ratings and wireless charging, rare features in the foldable category.

Google Home Introduces “Admin” and “Member” Roles

Google Home’s latest update adds tiered “Admin” and “Member” roles to streamline smart-home management. Admins gain full control over devices, settings, and user permissions, while Members are limited to basic controls—viewing camera feeds or adjusting lights—unless granted extra “Settings” or “Activity” access. The Home app now lets you invite children under 13 via Family Link directly, automatically assigning them Member status to simplify onboarding. This role-based model improves security by preventing accidental or unauthorized changes while letting households tailor access for guests, kids, or roommates. Google plans further expansion of these roles, including more granular permission controls and activity logs for enhanced transparency.

Threads Rolls Out Direct Messaging to All Users

Meta’s Threads platform has officially enabled one-on-one DMs, allowing you to send private messages to followers or mutual Instagram followers within the app. Access your inbox via the new envelope icon and compose messages with the pencil button—ideal for off-timeline conversations. Currently limited to users aged 18+, DMs are not end-to-end encrypted, but Meta promises ongoing enhancements to privacy and safety infrastructure. Upcoming features include message-request folders, settings to control who can DM you, and group messaging support. Threads also introduced a “highlighter” feature, surfacing noteworthy posts in your For You feed to spark deeper engagement.

Casio’s Novel Ring Watch Briefly Returns to Stock

The Casio Ring Watch (CRW001-1), a sub-inch LCD timepiece on a silver ring, was restocked online for the first time since December before selling out again within hours. Released to celebrate Casio’s 50th anniversary, this $120 wearable blends retro digital-watch functionality with fashion, offering time, date, stopwatch, and dual-timezone modes. It comes in one ring size (10.5) but ships with 16 mm and 19 mm spacers to fit smaller fingers comfortably. Reviewers praise its surprising practicality—despite its novelty—highlighting its sturdy metal build and clear display. Casio has not announced when the next restock will occur, so enthusiasts are advised to monitor official channels closely.

Google Calendar Debuts Native Apple Watch App

Google finally brought a dedicated Google Calendar app to watchOS, offering a streamlined week-view of events and integrated Google Tasks on Apple Watch. While it lacks the customization of Apple’s native calendar—with no alternate views or rich interaction—it displays your next seven days of appointments with time and location details. Two watch-face complications (“Today’s Date” and “What’s Next”) provide quick-glance access to upcoming events, tapping through to the full app for more info. Google’s re-entry into watchOS follows a period of app withdrawals, and it now supports four first-party apps on Apple Watch, including Keep, Maps, and YouTube Music. This release fills a gap for heavy Google Calendar users who rely on watchOS for on-wrist scheduling.