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Funny Business: TikTok Is Putting a New Spin on Standup Comedy

Funny Business: TikTok Is Putting a New Spin on Standup Comedy

As the lights dim, the doors fly open and the shadow of Reuben Kaye — "actress, model and," as he tells his audience every night, "the only horseman of the apocalypse to ride side saddle" — is thrown across the auditorium, stretching up the wall like something from your wildest fever dream.

With over 3,500 shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe — the world's biggest arts festival, which runs in the capital every year for all  of August — it's pretty hard to stand out if you're a performer wanting to make a name for yourself. But there are shows, and then there are the jazz-hands, capital-letters *SHOWS.*

Kaye's The Butch Is Back is definitely the latter. Whereas many Fringe shows happen in the city's rabbit warren of old vaults, upstairs at pubs and in hotel conference rooms, with very little in the way of lighting, backdrops and tech, Kaye's is a Las Vegas show in miniature. With his band, he sings, dances and interacts with the audience with rapid-fire patter and comedic timing that fills the high ceilings of the old church he performs in with hoots and screeches.

This isn't Kaye's first rodeo at the Fringe, but he returns in 2022 after two years of being restricted to his homeland of Australia with some new tricks up his sleeve. Since his last Fringe run, Kaye has found success on TikTok, where he has 203,000 followers, which has not only opened him up to new audiences, but forced him to write faster and better in a way that's transformed his shows.

"This show is pretty much a TikTok, it does not stop," he said in an interview in the bar of Fringe venue Assembly Checkpoint last week. "The opening number and the closing number are written as TikToks — line after line after line, boom, boom, boom, costume change — as quick as it can be. And it's also amazing cardio."

Reuben Kaye on stage in Edinburgh.

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

Kaye's act isn't the only place where TikTok has made its mark. The short-form video app's fingerprints are all over the Fringe this year, shaking up the 75-year-old arts festival with an injection of new talent and energy. Freshly TikTok-famous comedians have come to the Fringe for the first time, buoyed by their online success, while old hands are using the platform to find new audiences and experiment with material. 

"The Edinburgh Fringe is all about offering anyone a stage and everyone a seat — and that's the ethos of TikTok too," said Melissa McFarlane, head of content programming at TikTok, in a statement.

TikTok, which has enjoyed an explosion of popularity over the last few years (now at over 1 billion active monthly users, compared to 2.1 billion on YouTube and 2.9 billion on Facebook), boasts a physical presence in Edinburgh as the festival's first virtual partner. The company broadcasts live on its own platform from the TikTok stage, invites creators to make use of its live studio in the heart of Edinburgh and works with performers to hone their TikTok skills.

The result: a festival with more original and unique acts for audiences, and new opportunities for a more diverse group of performers who might not have necessarily gotten a shot in this notoriously difficult business.

"It opened me up to a new demographic of people who would not have thought cabaret was for them," said Kaye. "TikTok comedians are incredibly — to use an overused phrase — diverse. They're people of color, they're queer, they're trans women and comedy has for a very long time been a white boys club."

A ball for debutantes

One of those who performed on TikTok's stage was Serena Terry from Derry, Northern Ireland, who on TikTok goes by Mammy Banter. With 1.4 million followers, Terry is popular for her sketches of parenting petulant children and teens, but until TikTok reached out inviting her to take one of its one-off standup spots she'd never performed live comedy.

"It's incredible that TikTok can create these opportunities for people who have just jumped on the app in the last few years and haven't done any standup comedy, but have established themselves in the digital world," she said. "Absolute superstars have been born at the Fringe, so it was just a no-brainer for me."

She had just two weeks to write and learn her show, but the experience has given her a taste for live performance. "It really has got me excited and it's taken me out of my comfort zone in a very good way," she said. Now she's considering bringing back a full show next year.

Other comedians who found success on TikTok during the pandemic have brought their debut shows to Edinburgh for the entire month-long run.

After dancer and choreographer Christopher Hall lost all of his work for the third time in the UK's series of COVID-19 lockdowns, he decided that it was finally time to do what he'd long dreamed of and try his hand at comedy. He'd held back from posting on TikTok, in part due to worrying what others would think, but the isolation of lockdown gave him a safety net. 

"If everyone thought it was stupid, I wasn't gonna see them for at least six months," he said. "Because it just started off with zero followers, I was like, it could either blow up, or it could just be a sketchbook of ideas." 

Hall wrote videos based on what he was experiencing at the time: being a millennial forced to move back in with his parents. He posted one TikTok per day and on the fifth day he scored his first viral 100,000-view hit. He now has more than 130,000 followers and is in the middle of a month-long Fringe run of a two-man comedy show Two Sour Gays, with fellow comic Mark Bittlestone.

"TikTok comedians are incredibly – to use an overused phrase – diverse."

Reuben Kaye

Among those making their Fringe debuts after finding success on TikTok, many have harbored long-running ambitions of working in comedy that finally came to fruition during the pandemic.

Like Hall, sisters Chloe and Tabby Tingey had a background in musical theater before making musical comedy TikToks during lockdown. Tabby had studied musical theater at Glasgow Conservatory and Chloe had won a scholarship to study songwriting at Berklee College of Music, but both had long given up on their dreams of working in the arts by the time they moved in together during the pandemic. Everything that came next was a "happy accident," said Chloe.

Chloe and Tabby Tingey are the Sugarcoated Sisters.

Steve Ullathorne

They started making TikTok videos of Tabby weightlifting Chloe — "she's very strong, she's like an ox," Chloe said of her sister. But after discovering comedy content on the app they switched to making musical parodies, with a video of them making fun of Chicago's Cell Block Tango being their first big hit. 

After winning best newcomer at the UK's Musical Comedy Awards earlier this year and racking up 401,000 followers, the pair, who collectively go by the Sugarcoated Sisters, decided to try the festival. TikTok has supported them by securing a spot on the inside front page of the Fringe brochure and putting them on digital bulletin boards.

Selling out shows

Edinburgh Fringe has a reputation for being a star maker, having launched the careers of performers and writers including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Bo Burnham and Robin Williams. But the reality for many performers is that they will shell out their savings to bring a show to the festival and then have to perform it every night to mostly empty rooms.

Micky Overman is at the Fringe for the third time.

Matt Crockett

It's especially tough for new performers who haven't already established an audience to help them sell out their rooms. "There's a lot of pressure on people coming here for the first time." said Micky Overman, a comic on her third Fringe run with her show Small Deaths. But she's noticed that debut acts from TikTok aren't struggling in the same way as others. "New people that are debuting and people who are successful online are properly selling their shows this year," she said. 

The livestreams on TikTok's virtual stage have translated into real-world ticket sales, according to McFarlane. There's no way for artists to tell for sure how many people are coming to shows solely because of TikTok, but it's harder to find a spare seat at shows with those who boast huge followings. The comedian Rosie Holt, who is known for her online political satire, had to add extra performances after the whole run sold out before the festival even started — something that's almost unheard of aside from the most famous names.

"We're very charmed in the fact that our followings online seem to really translate to in-person audiences," said Hall. He and his comedy partner both have largely UK-based followings that led to near sold-out shows. It's not so easy to fill Edinburgh seats if your following is more international.

Shirley Gnome got on TikTok during the pandemic.

Shirley Gnome

Chloe and Tabby Tingey were unsure what impact their following would have on ticket sales given that only half of their audience is based in the UK. But they usually get people coming to them at the end of shows identifying themselves as followers, with one woman flying all the way from Illinois to see them live. "She stayed for four days and had a whale of a time," said Tabby.

"People who are successful online are properly selling their shows this year."

Micky Overman

Finlay Christie, a debut act who has regularly been selling out his show OK Zoomer after shooting to fame on TikTok (173,000 followers), described feeling "the looming specter of digital" at this year's Fringe. "You see the odd act up here who's got a following and bringing their show up here and selling out, but it still feels like you're trying to impress the gatekeepers," he said. Most newer acts have been assigned to smaller rooms, but he said he wouldn't be surprised if in the next few years they're headlining big venues.

Comedy is a notoriously difficult industry to get into, involving immense financial risk and relying on club promoters to book acts. TikTok is changing this, said Hall, as it paves the way for people of all races, sexualities, genders and socio-economic backgrounds to get a leg up in an industry that might have otherwise been inaccessible to them. It can help prove that minority acts have mass-market appeal.

Form dictating content

Comedians who have succeeded at TikTok have seen a massive influx of new interest in their work. At the Fringe, this lifts some of the need to pass out flyers. "It's not like here where you're just shouting into the wind and hoping people walk past," said Kaye.

TikTok's algorithm makes it much easier to reach people who will appreciate you, weeding out those who never would have come to see you live anyway, said Lara Ricote, who is performing her show GRL/LATNX/DEF at the Fringe for the first time. "It's like, oh, you love hard-of-hearing comedy? Guess what I do?" she said. "That difference is very cool. You can arrive at it quicker when usually it's a freakin' 25-year process to find your audience."

Lara Ricote's show is about what it's like to be Latin, hard of hearing and a girl.

Steve Ullathorne

The algorithm has delivered the Sugarcoated Sisters a following of good-humored musical theater lovers. "They're so specific and genius at tailoring the content to people who are interested in it," said Tabby. "It seems like the kind of community that they're creating around the Edinburgh Fringe on TikTok is really supportive, really engaged."

But it's not just about reeling audiences in, said Overman. It's equally valuable in ensuring that people who come to see your show and enjoy it can find more content when they look you up after. "Give them something that they come back to," she said. It's not like newer comics have Netflix specials they can point people towards, she added, but TikTok allows fans to connect with more of their content. "That's how they can become invested."

The Sugarcoated Sisters' most viral hit — an original song about Chloe's bipolar and Tabby's diabetes, which they thought might be too niche to resonate at the time of writing — is now the opener to their show. But on the whole, it's rare to see much overlap between a comedian's stage show and their TikTok presence.

If there is crossover, it tends to be that TikTok informs the live comedy rather than the other way around. "I definitely have incorporated things that were popular on TikTok back into my show," said Shirley Gnome, who found TikTok to be a great way of testing out what material was resonating best among audiences during the pandemic. 

The adage that content dictates form doesn't apply to TikTok, said Kaye. It's usually the other way around. Many existing stand-up comedy acts have found success using TikTok for sketch and character-based comedy, which is somewhat out of fashion at the Fringe right now.

Milo McCabe is better known as Troy Hawke.

Steve Ullathorne

Milo McCabe, who goes by the stage name Troy Hawke, struck gold when he started making TikToks using a character he first invented eight years ago — a well-spoken greeter who stands outside of stores. McCabe is a Fringe veteran, but has returned to the Fringe this year to perform his show to sold-out rooms, with audiences who have come to ogle "the bloke from the video." 

"I've had to tweak it slightly and… make it a little bit easier to digest," he said, noting his show is different from his TikToks. "That's what I've been doing in the show day by day."

Living for live

Many established comedians have yet to get on TikTok, unsure either of how to use it or whether there's an audience for them on the app.

It turns out that TikTok is an ideal medium for comedians, as it gives them full creative control of their material so they ensure their jokes land as planned. McCabe has honed his editing skills, shaving off tenths of a second here and cutting anything that sounds inauthentic until it sounds "more fluid and watchable."

Ricote is still trying to figure out a way to make TikTok work for her as someone who doesn't do characters and wants to focus on standup. To get a closeup on your face, which she understands to be better for the algorithm, it means having a tripod setup close to her and performing for the camera while also performing for the audience. At this point, she said, "it's not for the room anymore."

Posting standup on TikTok at least partly takes away the purity of the art form, said Overman. "But at the same time we would all be lying to ourselves if we were saying that we didn't want to reach a big audience. And it's right there."

For the majority of comedians wanting to make it big at Edinburgh or anywhere else in the world of comedy, finding an audience who will engage with them as they perform to sold-out rooms is always the end goal. While others on the app try to follow the well-trodden influencer pathway of acquiring enough followers to score brand partnerships, comics are largely avoiding monetizing their followings on the platform. 

"For me," said Gnome, "that's not very interesting." Rather than flogging products, she is motivated by the thrill of being in front of a real audience. "I'm really live oriented… so it really all does come back to the live thing."

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Score Yourself a Refurb Dell Chromebook for as Little as Just $50 Today

Score Yourself a Refurb Dell Chromebook for as Little as Just $50 Today

A basic laptop for browsing the web and performing simple word processing doesn't have to be expensive. With summer nearly here, kids will be returning home and more people may travel. If all you really need is a web browser and a decent screen, consider getting a refurbished Chromebook. Dell Chromebook options are on sale at Woot for as low as $50 now through June 6 while supplies last.

Each of the Chromebooks have durable, lightweight designs and come with a 90-day Woot limited warranty, just in case. It's an ideal setup for kids or older parents who just need the basics, and it even makes a handy travel laptop. 

If you're seeking the absolute lowest cost in this deal, you can snag the Dell Chromebook 11-inch Notebook for $50. It comes with 16GB of storage and has an anti-glare HD LCD screen, dual array microphones and front-facing speakers, as well as all the best Google apps built-in. 

But if you can, we recommend splurging for the slightly more expensive 2-in-1 convertible 11-inch Chromebook by Dell. It comes equipped with 32GB of storage on a solid state drive, an Intel dual-core N3060 processor and 4GB of RAM. It will easily handle video chatting and simple streaming. Plus, the screen is versatile and can lie flat, like a tablet. It has options available for $75 (Scratch and Dent) or $100 (Grade A Refurbished).

If you need more power to do things like video editing or multitasking between projects, you'll want something with a little more power, but if you or someone you know just wants a laptop for the essential things that aren't easy to do on your phone, this is a great deal. 

Keep in mind that refurbished products may have some minor cosmetic imperfections that show signs of wear. Also note that these two laptops no longer receive ChromeOS updates, which means even though the laptop works, you won't get new features found in any future ChromeOS updates. 

Read more: Best Chromebook for 2022: 8 Chromebooks Starting at Under $300

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Subaru Solterra STI concept revealed, but extra power missing in action

Subaru Solterra STI concept revealed, but extra power missing in action

The Subaru Solterra STI shown at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon on Friday likely previews a natural extension to come from the brand's first electric car. But, it may be a poor idea to get your hopes up for more power. Instead, this Solterra STI concept is all about show, rather than go.

Subaru kept quiet about any performance upgrades the Solterra STI features. Instead, "the model inspires Subaru's superior driving dynamics," the brand said. It looks the part, though, with a neat periwinkle blue color and cherry red ground effects. There's an STI wing at the top of the rear hatch and some red accents that look right at home in the multispoke wheel design.

However, a true Solterra STI would hopefully provide a little more punch. It'd do the STI badge a disservice to pack exterior changes without just a little more oomph to go along with it. All of this assumes Subaru will build a production Solterra STI, but considering Toyota showed a BZ4X sports concept, it certainly seems like something along these lines is on the table.

But, if Tokyo Auto Salon fans wanted something spicier from Subaru, they got it. The STI E-RA concept previews an electric race car to come, and the brand rolled out a WRX STI S4 performance and Levorg STI performance concept.

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Best Dell Laptop Deals: Save $700 on XPS 15 or XPS 17, $1,050 on Alienware x15

Best Dell Laptop Deals: Save $700 on XPS 15 or XPS 17, $1,050 on Alienware x15

If you're looking for a new laptop, you'll likely come across a few options from Dell, no matter your budget or computing needs. Along with Lenovo and HP, Dell is one of the big three PC manufacturers and offers a wide selection of Windows-based laptops. 

On Dell's sprawling website you'll see a constantly rotating selection of laptop sales. You can save on everything from low-end Inspiron laptops for basic use to high-end XPS laptops built for content creation and media editing. And gamers can find some deep discounts on Dell's own Alienware brand of gaming laptops that feature the latest AMD and Intel silicon and Nvidia RTX 30 series graphics.

Read more: Best Laptop Deals at Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg

I scoured Dell's Laptop Deals and XPS Deals pages to find the best bargains, including big price breaks on a few of our favorite laptops. Tracking Dell's deals is a bit like trying to hit a moving target, however. The prices and discounts are valid at the time of this writing, and I'll update this story as sales expire and new deals begin. 

For more, check out the best laptop deals, OLED laptop deals and gaming laptop deals.

When shopping for a laptop with a budget less than $1,000, the first items I look for are a modern CPU, at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB or more of solid-state storage. Many models at this price force you to make do with a previous-generation or underpowered processor, a meager 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD that you are sure to fill up fast. This Inspiron 16 5000 features a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU along with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The 16-inch touchscreen has a 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio. The screen is roomy but not the brightest; it's rated for a mere 250 nits of brightness.

Dell

This 13-inch XPS laptop checks a lot of boxes. Modern CPU? Check. Ample RAM? Check. Plenty of solid-state storage? Check. Roomy and bright display? Check and check. Thin and light, and all-metal design? Check, check and check. It centers on a 13.4-inch, 16:10 display powered by a 12th-gen Core i7 CPU and 32GB of RAM. It also supplies a huge 1TB SSD. You might not think of a 13.4-inch display as roomy, but the taller 16:10 aspect ratio does wonders to make it feel larger than a widescreen 13.3-inch, 16:9 display with which you might be familiar. The machined aluminum chassis is a sleek 0.55 inches thick and weighs only 2.6 pounds.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Dell's 15-inch XPS laptop isn't necessarily geared toward gamers, but this configuration certainly can handle AAA titles with its 11th-gen Core i7-11800H CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics. You also get 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD -- both sufficient. The OLED touchscreen has what Dell calls 3.5K resolution (3,456x2,160 pixels) in a 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical space and less scrolling. It's rated for a bright 400 nits and should offer stellar contrast and vibrant colors.

Dell

The big-screen XPS 17 is geared more toward creative work than 3D gaming with its huge display powered by an 11th-gen Core i7. You also get 16GB of RAM and a roomy 512GB SSD. The 17-inch screen has a 4K (3,840x2,400-pixel) resolution with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio and is rated for an impressive 500 nits of brightness. It's rather compact for a 17-inch laptop, and boasts a machine-milled aluminum chassis and a black carbon fiber palm rest.

Dell/Screenshot by CNET

This budget gaming laptop is based on Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3060 graphics and AMD's awesome octa-core Ryzen 7 5800H processor. The 15.6-inch display has full HD resolution and a speedy 165Hz refresh rate. It borrows the Alienware Command Center from Dell's high-end Alienware line that lets you customize game and system settings.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The superthin and sleek x15 has replaced the m15 as the flagship 15-inch gaming laptop in Dell's Alienware lineup. The m15 looks overqualified to be a midrange laptop, particularly this model that's currently $249 off and one of the least expensive Alienware laptops you'll encounter. It features a 12th-gen Core i7 CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, and the 15.6-inch display has Full HD resolution and a fairly fast 165Hz refresh rate. Although it's not the thinnest Alienware laptop, the m15 is still less than an inch thick, and Alienware's Cryo-Tech cooling system keeps thermals in check.

Read our Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5 review.

Alienware

If you want the latest and thinnest gaming laptop from Dell, the Alienware x15 is it. This model features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a blazing 360Hz refresh rate powered by an 11th-gen Core i7 CPU and RTX 3070 graphics. It also supplies 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You can knock a hefty $1,050 off its price right now and get it for a reasonable $1,700. You can also get the same configuration in the larger Alienware x17 for the same price.

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9 Tips to Help You Sleep Better While You're on the Road

9 Tips to Help You Sleep Better While You're on the Road

Whether you're going on vacation, a work trip or visiting family for the holidays, all that traveling can take a toll on your sleep... especially if you're crossing time zones. From bumpy plane rides to long car trips and the jet lag that comes with time changes, getting proper sleep while traveling isn't always easy. This is especially true if traveling itself makes you anxious. All of these disruptions can add up to travel fatigue, which can lead you to feel groggy, cranky and exhausted. 

A full night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining your physical and mental health. It promotes brain functions, repairs muscle tissue and boosts your mood so you can be your best self while you're away. Consider the tips below to help cure poor-sleep woes for your next trip and get better sleep while traveling.

What is travel fatigue?

Travel fatigue is the physical manifestation of travel's grievances. It can happen for instances such as: having anxiety about flying on a plane, stress from planning, long layovers, delayed flights or lack of sleep during travel. And although you're mentally drained, travel fatigue can make it more difficult to get restful sleep. 

Jet lag

Aside from travel fatigue, jet lag during travel can also make it a struggle to achieve quality sleep. Jet lag is a temporary sleeping disorder that develops when you cross time zones, and your body is thrown out of whack from its regular sleep-wake cycle. 

Our body heavily depends on outside factors like sundown, sunrise and eating times to regulate the release of melatonin. As a result, your body has a difficult time readjusting during travel, leaving you feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating. 

How to sleep better during travel 

Combat travel fatigue, jet lag and uncomfortable sleeping circumstances by following these tips. 

Prepare your body for the new schedule

Starting three days before you go, set your bedtime an hour later (depending on the time zone of where you're traveling) each day. This will help your body become accustomed to the new time change that you'll be experiencing in a few days, and allow you to fall asleep at a reasonable time when you're away. 

An exception to this rule: If you expect to be gone across time zones for only two days, stick to your regular sleeping schedule. By the time you adjust to the new time, you'll be getting ready to head back home.  

Do as the locals do

Once you arrive at your destination, try to sync up to their schedule. When people are awake in the morning and out-and-about, you should be, too. When the people around you are gearing up for bed, you should be about ready to hit-the-hay, as well. Unless your stay is two days long, this will help your body readjust even if it means you'll be half-asleep at dinner. 

Pack comfy 

Pack your comfiest clothes for travel and a pillow to sleep with if you can fit it inside your suitcase. Loose-fitting fabrics can help you feel comfortable while you travel long distances, which is key if you're hoping to get some sleep while on the road. 

A pillow can also make it easier to fall asleep. Bring a standard pillow for the back seat of a car or a C-shaped pillow to wrap around your neck while on a plane or train. 

Eat nutritiously and drink water

Staying hydrated and eating well while traveling not only will help you remain fueled up for different stages of travel, but it will also keep you from feeling hungry or thirsty if you want to doze off on the plane or in the car. 

Use light to your advantage

The sun is a signal to our circadian rhythm that it's time to be awake, and the night tells us it's time for sleep. 

If you travel from west to east, the best times of day to get light exposure are the late morning and late afternoon. That way, you stay awake and vigilant during the day, but you give your body the chance to wind down into the nighttime. If you travel from west to east, remain in the sun into the evening to help adjust to the new time.

Avoid alcohol on your first day

Hear me out. As fun as it is to get a drink on the airplane on the way to your destination or at dinner when you arrive, alcohol messes with your sleep-wake cycle. This is something you want to avoid during your first day of getting acclimated to the new time. 

Avoid caffeine and nicotine 

Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that will make your body feel like it wants to be awake. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to five to six hours, making you feel wired when you should be winding down for bed. Nicotine, on the other hand, causes cravings and has no time limit. That means you can be laying awake in bed feeling tired, but your body stays awake wanting more nicotine.  

If you have to stay awake, keep moving

Like light, body temperature also plays an important role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles. If your body is higher in temperature, it's a signal that it's time to be awake. It's a reason why hot sleepers can have trouble getting quality sleep if they're too warm. By keeping your body in motion and your heart rate up, you can help fight grogginess and fatigue that come with travel. 

Use natural sleep aids 

Melatonin is always an option, but I'm always wary of recommending it, because it can mess with your body's natural production of melatonin. As an alternative, consider using natural sleep aids to help you fall asleep at night like herbal tea or CBD oil.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Amazon's new Glow interactive kids device follows in the footsteps of products like Caribu and Osmo

Amazon's new Glow interactive kids device follows in the footsteps of products like Caribu and Osmo

Amazon announced a new device called the Glow during its fall product launch event, a $250 video chatting gadget that allows children to virtually interact with loved ones by playing games and reading books together. Although the company has been selling the Echo Dot Kids Edition for years, it's rare for Amazon to develop an entirely new device designed specifically for children. 

While it's new for Amazon, the general concept behind Glow might sound familiar -- especially if you've ever used the storytelling app Caribu or the Osmo brand of educational tablet accessories. That's because although they're different products, they share a lot of underlying qualities with Amazon's Glow. Caribu is designed to help kids play games and read stories with relatives remotely through an interactive video chatting platform, and Osmo is all about incorporating real-world game pieces into educational games you can play on a tablet. 

Read more: Amazon unwraps privacy features as it tries to roll deeper into your home

To understand the similarities, it's important to know how the Glow works. Amazon Glow is an Alexa-free video chatting device that consists of an 8-inch upright display, a camera with a built-in shutter and a projector. The device isn't available to the public yet and can only be obtained via invitation since it's part of the company's Day 1 Editions program.

The basic premise behind the Glow is simple. Children can video chat with relatives and loved ones on the device's screen, while a projector conjures up a virtual play area for games and activities that's displayed on a silicone mat in front of them. The person on the other end of the call can participate in that game or puzzle on their tablet through the Glow app.

The activities are also designed to combine real-world elements with digital ones. For example, in a demo video on Amazon's website, kids can be seen arranging physical game tiles, drawing pictures with their finger on the play mat and moving digital puzzle pieces on the mat -- all while a grandparent or aunt on the other end cheers them on. The device will come with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus and will feature content from Disney, Sesame Street, Barbie, Pixar and Hot Wheels.

The Caribu app is built on a similar concept, but with a different execution: It's an app with the same goal, not a purpose-built device. Caribu is meant to make the video calling experience more interactive by enabling children and loved ones to share experiences like bedtime stories, coloring sheets and games virtually. It's essentially like a Zoom for kids that's available on iOS, Android and the web, but with built-in activities. 

The app has been around since 2016, but grew in popularity throughout the pandemic as relatives looked for ways to connect with little ones they couldn't see in person. Maxeme Tuchman, Caribu's CEO and co-founder, doesn't seem bothered by Amazon's entry into the space.

"What I can say is that Caribu obviously identified a problem in the market, started a trend, and now everyone wants in," Tuchman said in a statement.

You can use the Caribu app to video chat and read stories to the child in your life.

Caribu

Osmo, on the other hand, is more about turning your tablet into an interactive device for educational games and activities rather than social interaction. Osmo's system involves slotting a compatible tablet into a base that enables it to stand upright in portrait mode. You would then place a red reflector piece over the device's camera. This reflector enables the tablet to detect physical game pieces so that these real-world elements can be incorporated into the game on screen. 

Games designed for the Osmo cover a range of skills, including coding, literacy, critical thinking, drawing, math and science. Certain Osmo bundles are priced similarly to the Amazon Glow, but the starter kit -- which includes the base, reflector, and four games aimed at children ages 3 to 5 -- costs just $79.

Read more: Always Home Cam: Amazon's flying Ring drone might be tricky to get your hands on

Like Caribu, Osmo isn't an apples-to-apples competitor to Amazon Glow. Amazon seems focused on the technology while it relies on big-name partners for most of the content, unlike Osmo. And Osmo is centered on solo playtime and learning, rather than shared experiences. 

There are also some fundamental differences in how the products work. Osmo doesn't project images onto a nearby surface like the Glow. Instead it uses the reflector to send an image of game pieces or a child's drawing to the tablet's camera so it can be incorporated into the game. Amazon also specifically mentions that the Glow itself isn't a toy, despite its similarity to products that are considered to be part of the toy market.

Osmo

Still, the core appeal of both products comes down to combining an on-screen experience with real-world play elements. As is the case with Caribu, the concepts are just carried out in different ways. 

Similar to Tuchman, Osmo co-creator Pramod Sharma didn't express concern about increased competition from Amazon. 

"We're excited to see Amazon join the play movement we started with Osmo over seven years ago," Sharma said via email. 

Amazon's device also isn't the first experimental computing device to rely on a projector as a central part of the interaction. You might remember HP's Sprout Windows 8 all-in-one PC from 2014, which projected a second screen onto a 20-inch touch sensitive mat situated in front of the computer for drawing and other creative work.

It's easy to understand why Amazon would develop a product like the Glow at a time like this. The pandemic has normalized remote learning and fueled interest in connecting with family members virtually. At the same time, technology is playing a bigger role in the global market for educational toys, which is expected to grow from $19.2 billion in 2020 to $31.62 billion by 2026, according to Arziton Advisory and Intelligence. Toys that use augmented reality to overlay digital graphics on real-world objects will likely boost the demand for learning toys year-over-year, says the report.

Tech companies are also increasingly tailoring their products to appeal to younger audiences. Facebook offers a version of its Messenger chat app for children, and the company has been building a version of Instagram for kids, too. (Those plans were recently put on hold following backlash over the concerns that come with exposing younger age groups to social media.) Apple launched parental controls for the iPhone in 2019 and released Swift Playgrounds in 2016, a game aimed at teaching children how to code in Apple's Swift programming language. 

It's too soon to know whether the Amazon Glow will be a success. Amazon's Day 1 Editions program is meant to provide access to new products before they're ready for prime time, meaning they may not be ready for widespread release. Not all products in the program make it past the Day 1 Editions phase either. The Echo Loop, an Alexa-powered smart ring, never graduated from Day 1 Editions to become a real product, for example.

We'll have to wait until we've tried Amazon's new child-friendly gadget to know how it stacks up against existing products. 

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How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control?

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control?

If you're considering stopping birth control for any reason, it's important to understand your reproductive system so you aren't shocked by a pregnancy or disappointed that it didn't happen immediately.

"I tell my patients not to stop their birth control until they're ready to get pregnant," says Dr. Leena Nathan, an OB-GYN at University of California, Los Angeles Health. Whether it's the IUD, the pill or another birth control method, most people return to their normal fertility "pretty much immediately." 

Some patients who stop birth control conceive before their first period off the pill, Nathan says. And while everyone's body is different and not everyone will get pregnant the month they stop the pill or remove their IUD, there's no fertility latency period for the majority of birth control methods out there.

There are many different types of birth control: pills, patches, condoms, sponges and T-shaped devices that sit in your uterus. And like always, no two people are alike, and factors other birth control use play into someone's chance of conceiving. So how can you know when you'll be fertile after foregoing birth control and letting your reproductive system do its thing?

The return of fertility after stopping the pill

Birth control pills  either have a combination of two hormones, estrogen and progestin, which work primarily by stopping ovulation, or come as progestin-only pills (also called the "mini pill") which mostly work by disrupting fertilization through changes to the cervical mucus and uterine lining. With either pill, you're safe to start trying to conceive immediately after you stop taking the pill, Nathan says. (In other words, the claim that you need to wait three months is a myth.)

Because ovulation resumes quickly after birth control pills, you should start another birth control method immediately if you don't want to get pregnant (and are having sex with someone who produces sperm). Also, if you're starting a new hormonal birth control method, like the pill or a hormonal IUD, they can take up to a week to become effective at preventing pregnancy.

In addition to stopping conception, birth control pills are also used to lessen painful or heavy periods, regulate cycles or help with other hormone-related concerns. Dr. Shari Lawson, assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says that sometimes patients have been on the pill for so long, they forget the reasons they started it in the first place. 

"The pill is just engineered to give you a regular period, but that's completely manufactured," Lawson says. "So once you stop taking the pill, your body's going to go back to what its normal cycle is." This means that if you had irregular periods before going on the pill, and then regular periods with the pill, you should expect your periods to be irregular again once you stop taking the pill.

How long till I'm fertile after taking out my IUD?

Whether it's the copper IUD (Paragard) or one of the hormone-releasing IUDS, you can get pregnant right away after your IUD comes out. The copper IUD prevents fertilization because the copper it releases is toxic to sperm, so it never stops ovulation or your "real" menstrual cycle. The IUDs with hormones, such as Mirena, sometimes stop ovulation but mostly work because the progestin they release thickens the cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus. 

The only method that can delay someone's return to fertility is Depo Provera, Nathan says, which is an injection or shot of progestin you get at a doctor's office. According to the Mayo Clinic, it might take as long as 10 months for ovulation to resume after stopping the shot (but it could start much sooner).

In terms of other birth control methods: Barrier methods such as condoms don't prevent pregnancy once you stop using them. As far as the NuvaRing or "the patch" is concerned, these methods release the same hormones as combination birth control pills, meaning they temporarily stop ovulation and it will quickly resume again for most people. Fertility after removing your birth control implant, Nexplanon, also resumes as soon as it's taken out. (The implant, in particular, is known for being extremely effective as birth control.) 

The copper IUD (Paragard) doesn't use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Other IUDs release small amounts of the synthetic hormone progestin, which mimics the natural hormone progesterone. 

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How long does it take to get pregnant? 

If you have regular cycles (occurring every 24 to 34 days), Lawson says, and you're engaging in "regularly timed intercourse," you have an 85% chance of conceiving within a year. For a person under the age of 35, conceiving in the first month of trying, or the 10th, can be considered normal. Patients in this group are given a year of actively trying to get pregnant before an evaluation for infertility is recommended. 

For patients who are age 35 and up, the recommendation is to try for six months, then go in if pregnancy hasn't happened. That's because someone's egg quality starts to decline around age 35, making pregnancy, on average, a little more difficult. 

Age is not the only factor that impacts someone's ability to conceive. Common conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and having a past pelvic inflammatory infection can make pregnancy more difficult. Lifestyle factors, like alcohol consumption, smoking or even exercising too much, can also impact someone's fertility, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. 

What's more, health professionals estimate one-third of fertility issues stem from the other partner, most commonly with their sperm, according to the ACOG. 

Chemical pregnancies, or very early miscarriages, are also common and can happen before someone even realizes they were pregnant. Such early miscarriages most commonly happen because of problems in the embryo. 

Aside from chemical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss in general (also called miscarriage or spontaneous abortion) occurs within the first trimester (13 weeks) of pregnancy, and happens in about 10% of known pregnancies, according to the ACOG. 

Are you more fertile after birth control? 

Lawson says that while it's not likely, there's information that suggests that being on a combination birth control pill that suppresses your ovaries raises the "possibility that you may have more than one ovulation event," meaning two eggs could be released and the likelihood of at least one of them getting fertilized is greater. 

Infertility doctors may also put their patients on birth control pills to keep their uterine lining "nice and clean" prior to pregnancy initiation, Nathan says. But for the average patient? "That's a myth," she says. 

Read more to find out what happens each month and trimester of pregnancy , and what doctors say about COVID-19 vaccines and future pregnancy . 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Best iPhone Deals: Save Up to $800 With Trade-In, Gift Card Deals and More

Best iPhone Deals: Save Up to $800 With Trade-In, Gift Card Deals and More

Apple's iPhones are among the best phones out there but they certainly aren't the cheapest. Some of the top iPhone models go for $1,000 and up. Even at the low end, Apple's entry-level iPhone SE will set you back $429 or more so it's well worth hunting down an iPhone deal to make the cost a little more palatable. 

The iPhone 13 Pro is one of the top phones you can buy right now.

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Fortunately, we're constantly scouring the web for the best iPhone deals so that you don't have to. We keep tabs on iPhone prices across all of the major retailers and also have our finger on the pulse when it comes to carrier promotions and phone deals during seasonal sales. Below, we've rounded up the best iPhone deals currently available to make things easy for you. 

iPhone 13 deals

The iPhone 13 series is Apple's current flagship line of phones and includes the diminutive iPhone 13 mini, standard iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and top-spec iPhone 13 Pro Max. Being Apple's latest and greatest, these phones don't come cheap though there are plenty of iPhone deals out there to cut their sticker prices down to size. Check out our iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro reviews for everything you need to know on these devices and scroll down for the latest iPhone 13 deals.

Apple is offering up to $600 in credit when you trade in an eligible device. The service is called Apple Trade In and the steps to get it are described on the Apple website. First, you'll answer some questions to get an estimated trade-in value. You can then finance your phone and Apple will apply the value as credit, or you can pay the full amount of the phone and they'll credit your payment method after receiving the old phone. Say you have an iPhone 12 that's in great condition and you get a $600 credit. That makes your new iPhone 13 just $200.

One of the best trade-in options is with AT&T. You can get up to $700 off your new iPhone 13, making it just $99 after trade-in. Eligible items include the iPhone 12, iPhone 11 and iPhone X. You have to pay the remaining balance in installments and it can only be activated with an AT&T monthly plan. This deal is open to both new and existing customers who want to upgrade or add a line.

Verizon is offering up to $800 off iPhone 13 purchases when you trade in your old or damaged device and get a new line. That figure falls to $440 for upgrading existing lines. You have to buy the iPhone 13 with a select 5G Unlimited plan, which can start at $65 a month for a welcome plan and go up to $90 a month for unlimited data and 50GB high-speed mobile hotspot data. Devices eligible for that maximum trade-in value include iPhone X or newer. You can get an extra $200 in credit when you switch from another carrier, or save up to $150 when you also purchase a smartwatch. Save $30 on AirPods, too, with any iPhone purchase at Verizon.

You can save up to $100 when you buy an iPhone 13 at Boost Mobile. Both new and existing customers can capitalize on this deal. The 13 Pro is also $100 off at the carrier. Since Boost Mobile is a prepaid carrier, you have to buy the phone outright; there are no financing options. 

iPhone 12 deals

Though no longer the latest model, Apple still sells the iPhone 12 and reduced is price when the iPhone 13 launched in 2021 making for some stellar iPhone deals. It's a solid upgrade for anyone still using an older iPhone that doesn't want to spend top dollar to have the latest and greatest tech. 

Apple offers as much as $600 off iPhone purchases with trade-in, though the top discounts are for people trading in iPhone 12 series devices which you're unlikely to be doing when buying an iPhone 12. That being said, older models like iPhone 11 Pro Max can still net you up to $400 off and select Android phones are also eligible for trade-in.

Verizon is offering $700 off iPhone 12 with a new line on an unlimited plan meaning you can effectively get the 64GB device for free there without the need to hand over your old phone. There's an additional $200 bonus for switchers, too. If you're upgrading an existing line, you'll get $350 off iPhone 12. 

AT&T is cutting iPhone 12 prices in half and you don't even need to trade in an older device to get in on the savings. The deal requires an eligible installment plan and you'll receive the 50% discount (up to $365) in the form of bill credits applied over 36 months. 

T-Mobile has a few deals on iPhone 12 right now including as much as $800 off when you trade in your old phone and add a new line ($400 for existing customers). Devices eligible for the maximum value include iPhone XR and newer plus a variety of Android phones. Alternatively, you can buy one iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 series device and get up to $700 off a second via 24 monthly bill credits when you activate two or more new lines. If the iPhone 12 mini is what you're after, there's an extra deal on that model dropping it down to just $250 for new customers. 

You can save up to $200 when you buy an iPhone 13 at Boost Mobile. Both new and existing customers can capitalize on this deal. Since Boost Mobile is a prepaid carrier, you have to buy the phone outright; there are no financing options. 

Get your iPhone 12 via Visible, port in your number, and receive $150 back as a gift card to spend wherever Mastercard is accepted. The deal requires you to transfer your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments you'll receive a code to claim your virtual gift card. Go for the iPhone 12 mini and you'll get a $100 gift card.

iPhone SE (2022) deals

The budget option in Apple's lineup, the iPhone SE is targeted squarely at people who want a no-frills iPhone experience. It's the perfect device for anyone who wants to stick with the familiar home button-first experience and the device was updated for 2022 with powerful new internals to ensure the device will be functional for years to come. With a starting price of just $429, you can snag a great iPhone SE deal on one if you know where to look.  

Surprisingly, Best Buy doesn't seem to be carrying any unlocked models of the iPhone SE. But if you're a T-Mobile customer, there is an offer you can take advantage of. Customers who use T-Mobile as their carrier can save up to $215 in monthly bill credits on their new iPhone SE. Just note that you'll have to add a new line of service, and choose the 24-month installment plan to get the discount. T-Mobile customers will also get an extra $100 in savings, on top of the usual value, when they trade in a used device. 

If you prefer to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all the carrier models along with the unlocked one. And if you're already an iPhone owner looking to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $600 when you trade-in an iPhone 8 or newer. With a base price of $429, that means that you could theoretically get the new SE totally free. If your trade-in value exceeds the cost of your new phone, you'll receive an Apple Gift Card for the remainder. If your trade-in doesn't cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining cost in full, or or split it into 24 months of interest-free payments when you use an Apple Card during checkout.

There is also an exclusive offer for existing T-Mobile customers, who will receive up to $400 of credit with the trade-in of an iPhone X or newer.

While Verizon deals on upgrading existing lines are pretty slim right now, there is a great offer available if you're looking to add a new line of service. When you buy an iPhone SE on a new line with any unlimited plan, you can save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount will be applied in the form of monthly credits over a three-month period, even if you buy the phone outright. 

Plus, if you're in the market for even more Apple devices, Verizon is offering up to $200 off iPads and $150 off Apple Watches over a period of 36 months with the purchase of a new iPhone SE. This offer is valid for new and existing customers, but you are required to have a data plan for the new device as well as the phone.

New and existing customers on any Sprint or T-Mobile plan are able to save $400 on the iPhone SE when trading in an eligible device. This comes in the form of 24 monthly credits, but you'll only pay $29 (plus tax) for the iPhone SE. And if you're looking to add a new line to your plan, you can save up to $215 on the iPhone SE via 24 monthly credits, no trade-in required.

Buy your iPhone SE (2022) at Visible, port in your number, and receive $200 back as a gift card to spend wherever Mastercard is accepted. The deal requires you to transfer your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments you'll receive a code to claim your virtual gift card. 

Spectrum is another carrier that has the 2022 iPhone SE available for purchase, though the deals are pretty slim. The only offer available is an extra $100 on top of the estimated value of your device with a qualifying trade-in and a new line of service.

Metro has the best prepaid offer of any retailer or carrier out there at the moment. When you purchase an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number over to Metro's $60-per-month unlimited data plan, you'll get an instant $330 rebate. Meaning you're getting the iPhone SE for a single $100 purchase, rather than discounted via monthly credits. Those who don't have a number to switch over can still save $100 with the activation of a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you're looking to purchase your phone outright, this is the best offer you'll find, though you'll have to actually go to the store in person to claim it.

Note: Because Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those switching their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.

Older iPhone deals

In recent years, Apple has formed a habit of keeping some older iPhone models in the lineup at reduced prices for those that don't want to pay more for newer devices. Because of this, it's possible to find some really competitive iPhone deals on previous-gen models. 

Get your iPhone SE (2020) via Visible, port in your number, and receive $100 back as a gift card to spend wherever Mastercard is accepted. The deal requires you to transfer your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments you'll receive a code to claim your virtual gift card. 

Which iPhone is the best?

While it appears a simple question at first, the best iPhone for you might be different to the best iPhone for someone else. Apple currently sells eight different iPhone models, so choosing the right one for you means assessing your needs and preferences when it comes to things like design, features, cameras and price. 

The current iPhone 13 is our pick as the best iPhone for most people as it balances top-tier features with a relatively affordable price (especially with the above deals). It has a bright and clear OLED display, 5G support, cameras that are more than good enough for day to day use and the A15 Bionic chip powering it is a portable powerhouse. 

Take the step up to the iPhone 13 Pro line and you'll get an additional camera lens for macro photography, an extra GPU core, a high-refresh rate display and a heftier feeling stainless steel construction. It's the best iPhone for those that want the latest and greatest technology from Apple. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

If value is your main decision driver, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are still available from Apple and from carriers with some significant markdowns. Just because these are previous-gen devices it doesn't mean they might not be the best iPhone for you with their great displays, cameras and speedy performance making them great value for money. Plus, Apple is great at supporting its older devices with software updates for many years after they are released. 

If you want the most affordable iPhone, you're going to be looking at the iPhone SE (at least when it comes to brand new phones, that is). Updated for 2022, the 3rd generation iPhone SE maintains the overall design of the iPhone 8 which will be familiar to a lot of iPhone buyers. Don't be fooled by its classic appearance, though, as inside it is powered by the beefy A15 Bionic chip found in the current flagship iPhone models. It also offers 5G connectivity and a 12-megapixel camera. For $429, it's a lot of iPhone for not a lot of money. 

What is the cheapest iPhone?

To buy outright in new condition, the iPhone SE is going to offer the cheapest iPhone prices. It starts at $429 contract-free and you can find carrier deals offering iPhone SE deals from as little as $11 per month making it a super affordable choice. 

Apple also still sells the iPhone 11 from $500 meaning you can get a more modern-looking device with an edge-to-edge display and dual camera system for not much more, though it's powered by the slower and older A13 Bionic chip. 

When is the best time to buy an iPhone?

There are a few points in the year that make the most sense to buy an iPhone. The first is when a new model launches, usually in September each year. If you're an early adopter that wants the best device as soon as possible, that's when you'll get it. It's also a great time of year to buy if you're looking for an iPhone deal as prices on older models drop to make room for the new devices. 

Other times of year that make the most sense are during major sale seasons, including annual events like Labor Day sales, Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Apple tends not to participate in these events, at least not directly, but you can bet third-party retailers and carriers will be offering some of their best iPhone deals of the year at these times. 

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Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?

Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?

When you live somewhere with extreme weather or regular power outages, it's a good idea to have a backup power source for your home. There are various types of backup power systems on the market, but each serves the same primary purpose: keeping your lights and appliances on when the power goes out.

It might be a good year to look into backup power: Much of North America is at an elevated risk of blackout this summer thanks to an ongoing drought and expected higher than average temperatures, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said Wednesday. Parts of the United States, from Michigan down to the Gulf Coast, are at a high risk making blackouts even more likely. 

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you're interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

In the past, fuel-powered standby generators (also known as whole house generators) have dominated the backup power supply market, but reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many to search for alternatives. Battery backups have emerged as a more eco-friendly and potentially safer option to conventional generators. 

Despite performing the same function, battery backups and generators are different devices. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in the following comparison guide. Keep reading to find out about the main differences between battery backups and generators and decide which option is right for you.

Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Battery backups

Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU, store energy, which you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. They're also better for your wallet.

Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your energy bills. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal -- but at a cheaper rate.

LifestyleVisuals/Getty Images

Generators

On the other hand, standby generators connect to your home's electrical panel and kick on automatically when the power goes out. Generators run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage -- typically natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Other generators have a "dual fuel" feature, meaning that they can run on either natural gas or liquid propane.

Certain natural gas and propane generators can connect to your home's gas line or propane tank, so there's no need to refill them manually. Diesel generators, however, will need to be topped up in order to keep running.

Battery backup vs. generator: How do they compare?

Pricing

In terms of cost, battery backups are the pricier option upfront. But generators need fuel to run, which means that you'll spend more over time to maintain a steady fuel supply. 

With battery backups, you'll need to pay for the backup battery system upfront, as well as installation costs (each of which are in the thousands). Exact pricing will vary based on which battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, it's common for an average-sized home battery backup system to run between $10,000 and $20,000.

For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator can range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, remember that generators require fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your generator, which type of fuel it uses and the amount of fuel used to run it.

Installation

Battery backups earn a slight edge in this category since they can be mounted to the wall or floor, whereas generator installations require a bit of additional work. Regardless, you'll need to hire a professional for either type of installation, both of which will require a full day of work and may cost several thousand dollars.

Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a generator also requires pouring a concrete slab, connecting the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.

Maintenance

Battery backups are the clear winner in this category. They're quiet, run independently, don't produce any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.

On the other hand, generators can be quite noisy and disruptive when they're in use. They also emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which type of fuel they use to run -- which may irritate you or your neighbors.

Keeping your home powered

As far as how long they can keep your home powered, standby generators easily outperform battery backups. As long as you have enough fuel, generators can run continuously for up to three weeks at a time (if necessary).

That's simply not the case with battery backups. Let's use the Tesla Powerwall as an example. It has 13.5 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own. You can get extra power out of them if they're part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple batteries in a single system.

Expected lifespan and warranty

In most cases, battery backups come with longer warranties than standby generators. However, these warranties are measured in different ways.

Over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge, much like phones and laptops. For that reason, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating, which measures how effective a battery will hold a charge by the end of its warranty period. In Tesla's case, the company guarantees that the Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by the end of its 10-year warranty.

Some backup battery manufacturers also offer a "throughput" warranty. This is the number of cycles, hours or energy output (known as "throughput") that a company guarantees on its battery.

With standby generators, it's easier to estimate lifespan. Good-quality generators can run for 3,000 hours, as long as they're well maintained. Therefore, if you run your generator for 150 hours per year, then it should last about 20 years.

Which one is right for you?

Across most categories, battery backup systems come out on top. In short, they're better for the environment, easier to install and cheaper to run long-term. Plus, they have longer warranties than standby generators.

With that said, traditional generators can be a good option in some cases. Unlike battery backups, you only need a single generator to restore power in an outage, which brings down the upfront costs. Plus, standby generators can last longer than battery backup systems in a single session. As a result, they'll be a safer bet if the power is out for days at a time.

Explore more home energy topics

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