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On Tuesday (Aug. 13), Google introduced a fresh lineup of smartphones that features AI and a more advanced camera. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel Pro Fold are packed with upgrades including camera enhancements, AI technology and a better weather app.
Pixel 9 has a sleeker design than its predecessor, updated finishes with “a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides for a distinctly premium feel,” per Google.
Amazon
Google Pixel 9 – Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini – 128 GB
The phones are equipped with Super Actua display screens — Google’s brightest to date — a 42 MP camera with new features such as “Add Me,” an editing tool that uses “augmented reality, and AI algorithms that allow you to snap photos and add yourself in them. The battery lasts for more than 24 hours (up to 100 hours in Extreme Power Saver mode).
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Pixel Screenshots, another new feature, helps you organize and save screenshots, plus Pixel 9 offers access to Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant.
Pixel Weather App also got an update. The weather app now features Gemini Nano technology to generate “custom AI” weather reports.
According to Google, Pixel 9 has an “elegant, sculpted” silhouette with “more rounded corners” than previous iterations, flat glass on the front and back, and new size options. It’s thinner design is constructed with recycled aluminum making for a lighter feel in your hand and for the first time ever, Pixel 9 is available in two sizes: 6.3-inches (Pixel 9 Pro) and 6.8-inches (Pixel 9 Pro XL).
The Pixel 9 ($799) is available in porcelain, hazel, peony and wintergreen. Pixel 9 Pro ($999) and Pixel 9 Pro XL ($1,099) are available in porcelain, obsidian, hazel and rose quartz. Pre-order the Pixel 9 bundle at Amazon to save up to 16% off and receive a gift card worth up to $200.
Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – Rose Quartz – 256 GB with $200 Amazon Gift Card
$1,199.00
$1,399.00
14% off
Pixel Pro Fold ($1,799), Google’s first foldable phone, features a new “fluid-friction” hinge that opens to 180 degrees. In addition to new phones, Google debuted the redesigned Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Watch 3, now available in two new sizes to compliment the Pixel 9.
Pixel 9 is available for pre-order at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy and the Google Shop. The phones will be released on Aug. 22 and Sept. 4.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Whether you’re sprinting to your next class, standing in line for coffee or strolling across the quad with friends, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. But finding the right footwear can be challenging. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of five comfortable sneakers to wear back to school.
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For those looking to replicate celebrity looks, you might want to consider getting Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty sneakers to channel a fresh and youthful look. If you’re looking to add more variation into your wardrobe, Nike, Lululemon, Puma and S Sport by Sketchers have designs that are great for walking through campus.
Nike
Nike Dunk Low Women’s Sneakers
If you’re looking to upgrade your sneaker collection, consider these Nike Dunk Low Women’s Sneakers. You can find these sneakers in eight different colors from pink to teal. You can also design and customize your own pair. All you need to do is click on the “Design Your Own” button.
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Lululemon
Lululemon Cityverse Women’s Sneakers
These Lululemon Cityverse sneakers provide 3D-moulded support and cushioning, so you’ll feel supported wherever you go. You can get it in Lemon Chiffon, White, Raw Linen and Jade Whisper. As one Lululemon customer pointed out, “These shoes are so comfortable and great for my wide feet.”
Puma
Puma Mayze Sunflower Embroidery Sneakers
For those looking for a standout piece, add these cute Puma Maize Sunflower Embroidery Sneakers to your cart. With its trendy platform and sunflower designs, this is one you won’t want to take off. It’s available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
Nike
Nike Air Max 90
These Nike Air Max 90 sneakers is not only a great back-to-school option, they’ll look fresh in fall. If you use code FALL25, you can get up to an extra 25% off. The shoe is available in eight different color combinations.
S Sport By Sketchers
$23.99
$29.99
20% off
Let’s be honest: We all need a pair of shoes that make our lives easier. These pull-on S Sport by Sketchers provides ultimate comfort. With its easy slip-on casual style, you’ll be ready to go about your day. All you need to do is slip and slide your feet in. It’s available in sizes 5.5 to 12.
For more product recommendations, check out these Hoka Mach X: Everyday Sneakers and alternative Nike sneakers.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Hair dryers have made it possible for you to achieve a fresh blowout without having to make a salon appointment. Over […]
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If you are looking to upgrade your living room, you might want to invest in this DHP Cooper Reversible Sectional Sofa. Originally priced at $268, you can now snag it for just $199.
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For those looking to add a pop of color to your space, this sectional may be the way to go — its velvet finish and versatile design brings comfort and style to any space, making it a great selection for a refreshing update.
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The brand describes the couch as “contemporary with a touch of modern flair.” This reversible sectional offers spacious seats with one elegant L-shaped sectional, complete with pocket coil seats for ultimate comfort. According to the brand, this couch is great for naps and movie night. This must-have piece is available in beige and green, it’s currently out of stock dark grey.
Walmart
DHP Cooper Reversible Sectional Sofa (Green Velvet)
$199
$268
26% off
Customers enjoy its sturdy structure and it’s easy to put together, according to shoppers. One Walmart customer said, “Overall, this is a great couch for the price. I got the Gray Linen version and think the color is nice… putting it together took about 30 minutes and was extremely easy. It feels sturdy and that it will last quite a while. It’s comfortable but firm. The seat cushions have springs in them so you don’t sink into them but it also means they won’t go flat.”
For those looking for an alternative option, check out this PaPaJet Sectional Sofa, which is currently on sale for just $299, down from the original price of $599.99. It comes with a built-in storage section for shoes or personal items, soft seats, and also includes the reversible pull out feature, making it easy to transition from a sofa to a cozy bed. It’s currently available in beige and gray.
If you are in search of a bigger couch for movie night gatherings, you might want to check out this EDX Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa. It includes a six seat U-shaped sofa and can also be used as a couch bed. Is this couch too big for you? Don’t fret, you can get this one and select your preferences from just one seat to nine seats. Keep in mind, the prices vary based on the number of seats you select.
Want free shipping on Walmart items? Join Walmart+ for free for the first 30 days. The membership includes free shipping and free delivery from your local store, free Paramount+ and so much more!
For more home-related product recommendations, check out these must-haves items for your home and kitchen and portable air conditioners to keep you cool.
Unlike the other subjects interviewed in Demi Lovato‘s upcoming Child Star documentary, JoJo Siwa recalls her early start in the limelight as being mostly positive. One exception, however, would be the aftermath of her coming out as part of the LGBTQ community in 2021. In the film, Siwa alleges her coming out led to her partnership with Nickelodeon changing.
According to a new article published by The Hollywood Reporter Wednesday (Aug. 14), the Dance Moms alum claims in the doc — which arrives on Hulu Sept. 17 — that her relationship with the entertainment company was never the same after she posted a video on social media confirming her queer identity. “I basically got blackballed from the company,” she says.
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Siwa also allegedly claims that the president of Nickelodeon called her after she posted her coming out video. “What are we going to tell the kids?” she recalls him asking, to which she says she replied, “That I’m happy?”
He then allegedly told a 17-year-old Siwa to “have a call with every retailer” selling her merch and assure them that she wasn’t “going crazy.” The “Karma” artist, who’s now 21, says she proceeded to get on the phone with Target, Walmart and Claire’s.
A spokesperson for Nickelodeon, however, denied Siwa’s claims in a statement to THR. “We are unaware of the incident JoJo is referencing and she was certainly not blackballed by Nickelodeon,” they said. “We have valued and supported JoJo throughout our incredibly successful partnership, which included a JoJo-themed Pride collection at a major national retailer, among our many collaborations together. We continue to cheer her on and wish her nothing but the best.”
Siwa first signed with Nickelodeon in 2017 when she was just 13, after which she starred in a number of projects for the network including JoJo Siwa: My World, JoJo’s Follow Your D.R.E.A.M., JoJo’s Dream Birthday and The JoJo and BowBow Show Show. A few months after coming out in 2021, Siwa claimed that Nickelodeon was preventing her from singing songs from her musical film The J Team, which the company produced, on her D.R.E.A.M. Tour.
“There has been a [response], but it’s not on me to share,” she said at the time. “I love my brand, but I think it’s forgotten that I’m a human sometimes and that hurts.”
The following year, Siwa told followers that she hadn’t been invited to the 2022 Kids’ Choice Awards and implied that it was because of her queer identity. “The only year that @itsjojosiwa didn’t get invited to the kids choice awards is when she comes out and cuts her hair?????? Sus @Nickelodeon,” wrote one fan on X, who was then retweeted by Siwa.
At press time, a number of JoJo Siwa Pride items are available for purchase from Paramount, which owns the Nickelodeon brand.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Before Rauw Alejandro hits the stage for the upcoming 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, the 31-year-old is bringing his fashion to […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The most anticipated musical of the year has its own doll collection. The Wicked Barbie dolls inspired by Ariana Grande’s Glinda, Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Marissa Bode’s Nessarose landed online on Thursday (Aug. 13).
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Billboard, has your look at the full Wicked collection, which is comprised of seven dolls, including singing Elphaba and Glinda dolls, and fashion dolls showcasing signature looks from Grande’s Glinda, Erivo’s Elphaba and Bode’s Nessarose.
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Mattel‘s Wicked dolls retail for $24.99 to $39.99 (for the Deluxe Elphaba Fashion Doll and Deluxe Glinda Fashion Doll). The dolls are available at Amazon, Walmart and Target in addition to Mattel Shop.
The Singing Elphaba Fashion Doll ($24.99) is available exclusively at Target. The retailer also carries other Wicked merch that fans can pre-order such as the Lego dormitory collectable and Emerald City collectible sets.
Grande and Erivo shared a sneak peek at the Wicked dolls on Instagram last week. “What a dream come true to be realized as Elphaba and Glinda in the form of Sweet Little dolls. Little Cynthia and Little Ari are pleased,” the Oscar-nominated actress wrote.
Mattel did a great job of capturing their likeness, down to the tiniest details — from wardrobe to hairstyles, makeup and even “baby hair,” as Erivo pointed out.
“It’s perfect,” Grande said while looking at the doll. “I love that it got my anxious eyebrows,” she joked.
Elphaba’s doll features long, black braids, the character’s signature green skin and a pointed hat. Grande’s dolls is dressed in pink with long, blonde hair. The deluxe doll comes with a crown and wand.
Wicked tells the origin stories of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship forged with Glinda the Good Witch. The blockbuster musical, directed by Jon Chu, hits theaters on Nov. 22.
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If you enjoyed the 1996 film Twister, you might want to check out the new Twisters, now streaming on Prime Video and other platforms. This action-packed thriller hit theaters on July 19 and, according to Decider, it has already earned over $310 million worldwide. The film continues the story with rival storm chasers Kate (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler (played by Glen Powell) battling a tornado.
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The film is directed by Lee Issac Chung, known for the 2020 Oscar-nominated film Minari. In addition to Jones and Powell, you’ll also see Twisters co-stars Kiernan Shipka, David Corenswet, Sasha Lane, Maura Tierney, Katy O’Brian, Brandon Perea, Daryl McCormack, Harry Hadden-Paton, Nik Dodani and Tunde Adebimpe.
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Keep reading for details on how to watch and stream Twisters.
How to Watch Twisters
You can now stream Twisters on Prime Video and Apple TV+. Although it’s not on Max, you can catch the original 1996 Twister film on the streaming network.
If you choose to watch via Prime Video, you can rent Twisters for $19.99 or buy it for $24.99. You don’t need a Prime membership to rent or buy the movie through Prime Video—simply make your purchase, and the movie will automatically download to your video library. Rentals remain available for 30 days after purchase and 48 hours after you start streaming the movie.
Prime Video provides an extensive array of exclusive TV series, movies and other must-watch programs, and you can add Prime Channels such as Paramount+, Max, Starz and Showtime, BET+ and AMC+.
Besides Twisters, Prime Video features exclusives like Despicable Me 4, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Space Cadet, Marlon Wayans: Good Grief, Prime Video features exclusives like The Idea of You, Fallout, Them 2, Invincible, Road House, Reacher, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Citadel, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Swarm, Harlem, The Boys, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Fleabag, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Wheel of Time and The Legend of Vox Machina.
If you are looking for an alternative way to stream, you can watch Twisters through Apple iTunes on VOD. You can rent Twisters online for $19.99, or you can purchase the movie for $24.99. Apple TV doesn’t require an Apple TV+ subscription to watch the movie — you just need access to the Apple TV app or you can purchase Twisters through the official Apple TV website. After purchasing, the movie will automatically download into your video library, allowing you to stream it at your convenience. Similar to Prime Video, rentals are accessible for 30 days after purchase, and for 48 hours once you begin watching the movie.
Curious about what else you can watch on Apple TV+? The streaming service offers a top-tier selection of exclusive content, including movies, sports and bingeworthy TV series such as The Big Cigar, The Morning Show, Franklin, High Desert, Silo, Shrinking, The Big Door Prize, Loot, Sugar, Palm Royale, Acapulco, Blade Runner 2049, Hollywood Con Queen, Manhunt, Masters of Air, Bad Sisters, Ted Lasso, Severance, Schmigadoon!, and Dark Matter.
If you want to rewatch the original 1996 film, Twister, you can catch it on Max. Max is available as a stand-alone streamer for $9.99/month to watch with ads and $15.99/month for ad-free streaming. It’s also available on Prime Video, Hulu and Verizon Fios.
The platform combines movies, TV, sports and news into one streaming platform. Max subscribers can stream HBO, Max Originals, ID Network, TLC, CNN, Discovery and more.
Some of the movies, TV shows and exclusive series streaming on Max include Lady Gaga’s Chromatic Ball, Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, The Last of Us, And Just Like That, House of the Dragon, Hacks, True Detective: Night Country, Succession, Selena + Restaurant, Dune: Part 2 and Ironclaw.
According to Decider, there’s a possibility Twisters could release on Peacock. However, an official release date has not been announced yet. But, for now, you can watch Twisters on Prime Video and Apple TV+ while you wait.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Vitamin C has been proven to work wonders on your skin, so if it’s not already part of your daily routine, it needs to be. When it comes to skincare, the natural antioxidant packs a powerful punch. From hydrating to reducing the appearances of wrinkles, treating sun damage and restoring collagen, vitamin C wear many hats.
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Whether you’re a novice or well-versed in skincare, there’s an almost overwhelming amount of vitamin C products out there, but we’ve found a few products to help you get started.
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First up, Kopari’s Star Bright Vitamin C Moisturizer. A perfectly lightweight and hydrating option for various skin types.
Kopari
Kopari Star Bright Vitamin C Moisturizer
It works well if you have sensitive skin, like myself, and are looking for a moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy (or watery) but it also helps clear away breakouts and blemishes.
Over the last few months, Kopari’s moisturizer has become a star player in my daily skincare routine and I’m not alone in loving the product. Over 90 percent of 54 people surveyed by Kopari noted improvements in their skin after just 30 days of using the Star Bright Vitamin C Moisturizer. The product also scored 4.9 out of 5 stars on Kopari’s website.
Star Bright Vitamin C Moisturizer brightens, restores and protects the skin. Besides vitamin C, it’s made with starfruit and soothing actives such as niacinamide, which protects and strengthens the skin, and panthenol, which maintains hydration and smooths the skin.
Kopari‘sStar Bright collection also includes the Vitamin C Discoloration Correcting Serum and Bright As Day Mineral Face SPF 50.
Kopari
Kopari Brighter Days Vitamin C Bundle
$99
$155
36% off
Bundles are great, but if you’d rather mix it up like I do, you can use Kopari’s moisturizer and correcting serum with other products such as La Roche Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (a personal favorite) and Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance SPF-5O sunscreen body oil.
For more skincare recommendations, check out this $19 face mask that shoppers can’t stop buying, the cutest pimple patches on the web and a viral face oil for dry skin.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Sitting down on a plush white couch with a paper coffee cup of bone broth in hand, Charlie Puth buzzes with energy as he prepares for a day of helping to shape the young minds of aspiring musicians. Through his ongoing partnership with BIC and the Save The Music Foundation, the 32-year-old played teacher while hosting a Creativity Camp for teachers and students on August 7.
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Before helping guide attendees through stations like journal writing, beat making, album cover drawing and a live performance, the Grammy-nominated artist had a chance to share with ShopBillboard his must have music writing tools, favorite back-to-school supplies and thoughts on Taylor Swift name dropping him on her track “The Tortured Poets Department.”
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“I still am the person that writes out the lyrics by hand,” Puth says. “I feel like it’s more solidified when you write it in your own handwriting versus typing it out on the phone.”
His choice of writing utensil? BIC’s 4-Color Retractable Pen, which the “Attention” singer finds makes it easier to cross out his mistakes and write out his most standout lyrics on paper quickly.
Charlie Puth x BIC
Courtesy of BIC
Similar to Taylor Swift, Puth likes to incorporate different pen colors into his songwriting process, but rather than base the shade off the type of song he’s writing, color determines the quality of the lyric he’s come up with.
“Red is the color that I use the most,” he says. “Lately, I’ve been starting with the lyric before the melody and if the lyric comes out of my head really quickly, it’s urgent, I have to write it in red.”
If he thinks a lyric is just okay though, he’ll jot it down in blue ink.
Amazon
BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pens
$6.15
$7.99
23% off
$9.63
BIC’s color-changing pen features four colors: red, black, blue and green, which you can switch from shade-to-shade with just a simple click. The wide barrel design aims to sit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to have long writing sessions without worry of discomfort.
A solid pen isn’t the only thing that helps Puth have a successful music writing session, the “See You Again” singer also enjoys clearing his mind while bike riding — specifically on an electric bike.
“I can’t ever sit in the studio and just force a song out of me,” he says. “I have to go outside and I just bike around my neighborhood and then hear the song in my head and come back to a notepad full of red scribbles.”
Walmart
Gocio Adult Electric Bicycle
$499.99
$1,599.99
69% off
Walmart is offering a major deal on its bestselling ebike dropping the cost by 69% for an under $1,000 pick. The design is compact, built with a foldable design that can easily be stored away once you’re done using it. The electric bike comes with thickened tires that can transition from smooth to bumpy roads while the lithium-ion battery is removable.
With eager students waiting to meet the singer, the conversation easily drifted to back-to-school season and what he used to look forward to stocking up on.
Target
Elmer’s Washable School Glue
$1.79
$5.75
$7.95
28% off
$1.72
“I was one of the nerdy kids that liked glue,” Puth describes. “I love arts and crafts class. One of the main reasons why I’m really excited to be here with BIC is that any time that I started my scholastic day with art, music, anything that utilizes the right side of your brain, it just made everything else better throughout the day.”Elmer’s glue is one bottle of glue is washable and comes with a white texture that dries clear. It’s made with non-toxic material that can be used on paper, cloth and some wood and ceramic materials.
Target
BIC Refillable Mechanical Pencils
In addition to BIC’s 4-color pen, the singer really enjoys a classic mechanical pencil as “it’s just fun to press.”BIC’s 5-pack comes with a rubber grip for a more comfortable hold and has a built-in eraser that can be taken out when it’s time to refill the lead. You’ll also receive a tube filled with extra lead that’ll glide smoothly with each use.
Amazon
Five Star Spiral Notebook
$2.99
$4.93
$9.99
51% off
Puth also enjoyed doodling in class, which means you’ll need a durable notebook to fill with all of your notes and thoughts. Five Star’s notebook is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for subject notebooks with more than 30,000 purchased in the past month (so far).
As Puth looks to motivate aspiring artists, he himself received a push this year from Swift after she name-dropped him on her chart-topping album. Looking towards the future, he’s using it as affirmation while making new music.
“My goal as an artist now is to inspire other people to be artists” he says. “So if that means I should be an even bigger artist than I am now, maybe that means I’ll reach more people to inspire them to be bigger artists. So I’m perfectly fine with that notion.”
He’s also taking notes on how the “Fortnight” singer makes music and looking for ways to infuse it into his own writing process.
“I’ve always loved how her songs were journal entries” Puth notes. “I don’t think I’ve ever approached my music like that before. I was already starting that, but when she sung my name, I guess it reaffirmed that I was doing a good job. Doing what I’m already doing. So that’s what [the new music] is going to be like.”
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best gifts for musicians, vinyl record player accessories and gifts for singers.