How one video game is teaching and preserving American naval history

2026-08-17T02:01:01

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • Video games can be a powerful tool to teach and preserve history.
  • World of Warships, a free-to-play multiplayer naval combat game, offers players an opportunity to immerse themselves in American naval history.
  • One of the most recent game updates celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.
  • Beyond gameplay, the game’s developer and publisher supports other educational ventures to connect players with military history.

Many modern video games aim to immerse players in the game’s world. And when coupled with historical events, these games can teach history and preserve it for current and future generations. One game that stands at the forefront of this trend is World of Warships, a leading naval multiplayer online game that brings American military history to life.

World of Warships prides itself on being the world’s largest virtual naval museum, boasting 800 ship models and counting. Each ship has been faithfully recreated down to the rivets. As players progress through the game, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in several events inspired by history, including famous World War II battles and other key conflicts across the 20th century.

Celebrating the dawn of the nation

A screen capture of video game

Last month, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Wargaming — the game’s developer and publisher — released a special update that allows players to explore America’s origins. In the new “Dawn of a Nation” narrative campaign, players could experience the personal stories of four characters from different nations and learn how the Thirteen Colonies won their independence. As players progressed through the campaign, they’d collect narrative-specific rewards, including the formidable Tier VIII U.S. cruiser Congress.

Wargaming continued the Fourth of July celebration in an update to World of Warships: Legends, an adapted version of the original video game featuring faster-paced, arcade-style gameplay. Players could immerse themselves in dedicated historical activities, including the “Three Eras of Freedom” Collection and the “Big Chief” Calendar. By completing the daily calendar, players unlocked the legendary Commander Ernest E. Evans, alongside three Commander guises of notable figures from defining eras of U.S. Navy history.

Beyond gameplay: Preserving America’s naval heritage

Wargaming doesn’t limit its dedication to preserving American history to direct gameplay alone. The game developer has also invested heavily in connecting players with naval museums around the world through its annual “Longest Night of Museums” event.

This year’s event dove into 160 years of torpedo history across seven world-class museums during a special live broadcast on the official World of Warships Twitch channel. Alongside the livestream announcement, a special video commemorated the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the Bismarck, an iconic German battleship.

Man with muddy face and type that says,

Another great example of Wargaming’s efforts to preserve and spread knowledge of American naval history is its partnership with the veteran nonprofit FORCE BLUE. Marking the 80th anniversaries of the D-Day landings, and the Battle of Okinawa — two pivotal moments in the European and Pacific Theaters of World War II — Wargaming and FORCE BLUE collaborated on “Frog Fathers: Lessons from the Normandy Surf” and “Frog Fathers 2: Last Battle of the Pacific.”

Four men with boat and type that says,

These documentaries follow two teams of veterans comprised of Navy SEALs, Marines (including actor and FORCE BLUE co-founder Rudy Reyes), and a Green Beret as they follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, revisiting battle sites and retracing the unique challenges faced by the Naval Combat Demolition Unit and Underwater Demolition Teams of old.

Finally, for ongoing historical education, the company’s dedicated YouTube series, Naval Legends, showcases naval museums around the globe and fosters deep appreciation for maritime heritage.

Educational entertainment is a powerful tool. Through its games and educational initiatives, Wargaming proves that playing video games and learning history are not mutually exclusive. To learn more about World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends, visit WorldOfWarships.com.

Need to stay cool? Consider a portable power station

2026-08-14T15:33:01

(BPT) – Does it feel like heatwaves keep happening, no matter where you live? It’s not your imagination. June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record in North America, and this summer’s heat is forecast to last longer into autumn. That puts more strain on the country’s aging power grid, which can cause rolling blackouts and brownouts when people need cooling and refrigeration most.

Beyond keeping cool when temperatures skyrocket, you need power to prevent food spoilage, and to run your home office and entertainment center. You may not know how much you really need power until you can’t connect to your WiFi router, or use your washer or dryer, blender and hair dryer, and of course all your lighting.

Smart solutions: Portable power stations

Power grid failures and storms have made portable power stations, once considered a “nice-to-have,” must-haves. Fortunately, recent technology advances mean solar generators and portable power stations are more accessible than ever, with a variety of sizes and power outputs to suit the unique needs of every household.

Jackery, a global leader in home backup, innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions, offers multiple options to help you stay cool, whether you live in a house, apartment or anywhere else you want to be. These options give you peace of mind that you’ll have the power you need to work, play and stay cool, no matter what Mother Nature or the power grid is doing.

Options to keep you cool

Here are solar power backup options from Jackery to meet your household’s needs.

Full home backup: Solar Generator 5000 Plus

This option gives you the best of both worlds: connected home backup AND a portable power station. It can keep all your large appliances running thanks to its 5040 Watt hours (Wh) capacity, expandable up to 60 kilowatt hours (kWh). That’s enough power to keep your home running through extended outages, not just overnight. Its Smart Transfer Switch connectivity offers 0 milliseconds (ms) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) switching to keep computers, appliances and critical devices running without interruption.

The 5000 Plus has a 7200W rated output/14400W surge power and recharges 8 ways, including up to 4000W solar input, giving you full AC charge in as little as 1.7 hours. The unit is compatible with both high- and low-voltage solar panels. It’s also whisper-quiet, under 30 decibels (dB) and indoor-safe, with built-in wheels and pull handle for portability.

Keep several appliances running: HomePower 3600 Plus

This generator’s 3600W output and 3584Wh capacity, expandable to 21kWh, can keep your fridge running up to 14 days. A single unit runs on 120V and pairs for 240V. The unit connects to home circuits via Manual Transfer Switch and recharges six ways, including solar and standard AC power. The 6,000-cycle LFP battery provides over 16 years of durability, and the sub-10ms UPS switching keeps devices like fans, fridges and home offices running through outages.

The HomePower 3600 Plus is also ultra-portable and ready to roll effortlessly from the kitchen to the garage as needed to power your fridge, water pump, dryer and more.

Compact power backup solutions: HomePower 2000 Plus v2 and HomePower 1000 v2

These units are part of Jackery’s newly expanded home backup lineup designed for remote workers, apartment dwellers and homeowners who want reliable backup power and energy independence in more compact footprints.

The HomePower 2000 Plus v2 has a 2400W output and 2048Wh capacity that can be expanded to 12kWh, providing power to weather blackouts with ease. The lightest expandable 2kWh system on the market makes powerful energy more portable than ever. And at just 30dB, it’s so quiet that you can enjoy uninterrupted peace in your workspace or bedroom.

With 1024Wh capacity, 1500W output and sub-10ms switchover, the HomePower 1000 v2 provides professional-grade backup to keep your PC running 100 times longer than a traditional Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Built-in lightning protection and 3kV surge resistance safeguard your PC and fridge, ensuring your devices remain unharmed during lightning strikes or sudden restarts.

Jackery Priority Routing™ lets you decide what stays powered. When the battery reaches your preset level, it automatically shuts down less critical devices and keeps essentials like your refrigerator, router, lights and other household appliances running as long as possible.

Ultra-compact backup: FridgeGuard

This is the world’s slimmest smart fridge backup, a design-forward solution that keeps refrigerators running during outages, which is especially valuable during heatwaves when food safety and other critical temperature-sensitive items are at risk. FridgeGuard is built with a wall-mountable 2.6-inch profile designed to blend seamlessly and quietly into your kitchen, or wherever its companion appliance is. You can tailor its orientation to any kitchen layout with floor-standing, bracket-mounted or wall-mounted options.

FridgeGuard is purpose-built to protect your home’s most essential, always-on appliance. It can be set up once and remain ready, and switches to battery power in under 10 milliseconds, fast enough that your refrigerator’s compressor never registers a gap. With 1024Wh capacity, FridgeGuard delivers up to 15 hours of runtime (or 30 hours with an expansion battery).

Solar-powered generators to depend on

Jackery solar generator panels in a driveway on a sunny day.

Jackery’s home backup solutions have LiFePO4 battery chemistry engineered to retain at least 70% of their capacity after 4,000 full operating cycles (Solar Generator 5000 Plus) and 6,000 full operating cycles (HomePower 3600 Plus), about an 11-year and 16-year average lifespan, respectively. They offer eco-friendly, off-grid recharging via solar panels or vehicle setups for everything from short-term outages to long-term emergencies.

Don’t let the next heatwave leave you powerless. Check out all the energy backup solutions at Jackery.com.

Stay connected this school year without the big bill

2026-08-14T16:37:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season can bring excitement, a fresh routine … and a long shopping list that can squeeze your family’s budget. And this school year is set to be more expensive than ever before.

According to PwC’s 2026 US Consumer Poll on Back-to-School Shopping, parents expect to spend an average of $922 this year, and nearly half (47%) say they plan to spend more than they did in 2025.

Technology has become an important part of the equation. From coordinating school pickups to sending a reminder about band practice, or accessing digital school resources and communicating with teachers, technology plays a big part in families’ everyday lives. But as costs rise, families are looking for ways to spend smarter. Deloitte’s recent back-to-school survey found that parents are planning to cut technology spending by 16% this year as they put off device upgrades. This makes finding the right value especially important.

So, how can families get the technology and connectivity they need without further straining their back-to-school budgets? One place to start is with their wireless provider.

Metro by T-Mobile is helping families stay connected while sticking to their budgets during one of the most expensive times of the year and beyond. With affordable wireless plans, value-packed device offers and weekly perks, families can find practical ways to save while keeping students connected at school, at home and everywhere in between.

Value-packed device offers

A new school year can be a good time to upgrade a student’s device, but the cost can add up quickly. The good news is that customers who bring their number to Metro now can get a free Samsung Galaxy A37 5G with no activation fees — a $450 value — on the $40 PERIOD plan. Combined with unlimited 5G data and a five-year price guarantee on talk, text and 5G data, families can have peace of mind knowing how much they’ll pay each month for their wireless plan.

Affordable family plans

When it comes to choosing a wireless plan, you need one that makes life easier and more affordable. That’s why Metro offers affordable plans designed to help families stay connected during busy school days, after-school activities and everyday check-ins.

For families with loved ones abroad, Metro also offers unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and select Latin American countries on select plans, making it easier to stay in touch with grandparents and other family members no matter where they are. It’s just one more way Metro delivers value without compromise.

Weekly savings beyond wireless

An affordable family plan and device upgrade offers are just the beginning. Metro customers also get access to T-Mobile Tuesdays offers, including giveaways, discounts at restaurants and more. For families already juggling school supplies, after-school activities and everyday expenses, these weekly offers provide additional ways to save and add a little fun during the school week.

Stay connected while sticking to your budget

Back-to-school shopping may be expensive, but staying connected doesn’t have to be. With affordable plans, smart device offers and weekly savings, Metro helps families stay connected while making room in the budget for whatever else the school year may bring.

To learn more about how you can save this school year without sacrificing connection, visit MetroByT-Mobile.com.

LEGAL: Price guarantee: exceptions apply. $450+ based on Metro device discount and waived activation fee. If you use a lot of data, more than 35GB/mo., you may notice slower speeds when our network is busy. See details at MetroByT-Mobile.com.

The back-to-school health checklist families shouldn’t skip

2026-08-14T10:47:00

(BPT) – The transition from summer days to the back-to-school season is notoriously hectic. Between new routines, extracurriculars and supply shopping, schedules are packed. But there’s one thing that shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle: a back-to-school health checklist.

From updating health forms to stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials, early preparation is key to keeping the household running smoothly. Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, breaks down the health to-dos to knock out before the school year starts:

1. Get ahead of seasonal and routine vaccines

The start of a new school year is a good time to ensure the whole family is up to date on routine and seasonal vaccinations, such as those protecting against flu, COVID-19, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

Pro tip: “Keep in mind that many vaccines take about two weeks to provide protection,” Picking said. “That’s why it’s worth scheduling appointments before kids and teens are back in close contact with classmates and respiratory virus season ramps up.”

At Walgreens, patients can schedule vaccination appointments for up to four people in a single visit and book well in advance, giving families more flexibility to plan ahead and save time. myWalgreens® members can also earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards when they spend $5+ on their next eligible in-store purchase, plus 10% back in Walgreens Cash on eligible in-store purchases for 30 days when they get vaccinated.*

2. Coordinate school medications and medical forms

For students with conditions like asthma or severe allergies, early coordination with school staff is essential. Make sure to check the expiration dates on emergency inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors and verify that the school has updated health forms on file.

Pro tip: “Don’t wait until the first day of school to get those required medical forms filled out,” Picking said. “Local pharmacy teams can also help refill essential emergency medications, so families are prepared before the first bell rings.”

3. Restock the medicine cabinet

Having sick-day supplies on hand is a key part of back-to-school readiness. Take stock of overall household health and wellness needs, including items like daily vitamins, cough drops, antacids, cough medicine, combination flu & COVID-19 tests and other essentials like a first aid kit.

Pro tip: “As a mom of three, I always do a quick check of the medicine cabinet and replace anything that’s expired or running low before the school year starts,” Picking said. “It only takes a few minutes, but it means you’re not caught off guard when someone actually gets sick.”

For families short on time, Walgreens has options to grab what you need with 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup.**

4. Reset daily wellness habits

Transitioning from relaxed summer schedules to structured school routines can be physically taxing for kids and parents alike. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, prioritize nutritious meals and reinforce healthy habits, like proper handwashing and using hand sanitizer, to form a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Pro tip: “Getting enough sleep and practicing good hygiene are two of the simplest ways to start the school year on the right foot,” Picking said. “It’s easy to let healthy routines slip during the summer, so ease back into them a week or two before school starts.”

Walgreens: A partner in health and back-to-school prep

Walgreens is a one-stop destination for vaccinations, over-the-counter essentials and last-minute school supplies. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled online, through the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS. For any questions, expert pharmacists are ready to provide trusted guidance and personalized support.

*Must be a myWalgreens® member. Offer available for a limited time and valid for 14 days from vaccination date. Must scan coupon at checkout to earn rewards/activate. Coupon offer not valid in AR, NJ or NY. Limit three coupons per person. See coupon for terms and restrictions. Vaccines subject to availability. Walgreens administers applicable vaccinations for children ages three and older. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. Additional terms and exclusions apply. Complete details, including Walgreens Cash rewards expiration dates, at Walgreens.com/offerdetails.

$15 Offer

  • Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $5+. Limit one storewide coupon redeemed per transaction, up to three redemptions per offer period. Maximum $45 Walgreens Cash rewards per member.

10% Offer

  • Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $1+. Scan once to activate offer. Limit one offer per myWalgreens® member. Maximum $100 Walgreens Cash rewards. Offer valid for 30 days following activation.

**Delivery in as little as 1 hour and Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). Exclusions, restrictions, and fees may apply. For details, visit Walgreens.com/same-day-delivery and Walgreens.com/Pickup.

How colleges can create flexible pathways for today’s students

2026-08-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • Modern academic pathways can be confusing and riddled with barriers.
  • Learners desire an education. However, they’re often hindered by affordability issues, confusion around applications and enrollment, and a disconnect with career relevance.
  • Institutions that integrate AI platforms into their processes can boost student enrollment and educational outcomes.

For decades, the college journey followed a similar script: graduate high school, enroll full-time, earn a degree in four years and begin a career. That well-worn path still works for some. However, for millions of students, the path through higher education is no longer linear, and institutions are being challenged to adapt.

Today’s learners are balancing jobs, caregiving responsibilities, rising costs and rapidly changing workforce demands. Some start college and pause. Others transfer schools, return later in life or pursue shorter-term credentials to build new skills. Students now expect education to fit into their lives — not the other way around.

This shift in expectations is forcing colleges and universities to rethink how they support student success. Their focus is no longer on enrollment or graduation rates. It has evolved to prioritize helping learners navigate complex journeys with greater clarity, flexibility and confidence.

The good news is that leading institutions are beginning to embrace new technologies, including AI-powered tools, to create more connected and personalized student experiences. When integrated into application, enrollment and academic planning processes, AI can help simplify complex systems, effectively guide students and provide support throughout the student journey. In short, it allows learners to focus more fully on achieving their educational and career goals.

Obstacles that hinder academic achievement

The path to education presented by conventional institutional processes is filled with many hurdles linked to affordability, clarity and relevance.

Affordability: Cost remains the leading barrier to pursuing higher education. According to the 2025 Student Voice Report from Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, 53% of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent.

Similarly, 56% of opt-outs (individuals who never attended college) said financial uncertainty was the top reason for not attending, and almost a quarter of stop-outs (students who started but didn’t complete a degree) said they could not afford the up-front costs to return to school.

While colleges can’t always lower tuition costs, they can make it easier for students to understand expenses, compare aid options and avoid unexpected financial barriers.

Clarity: Administrative tasks students must complete before and after admission can be confusing and unclear, discouraging students from enrolling or returning to college.

In fact, Ellucian’s report found that many high school students are unsure of how to begin the college application process. Instead of seeking information from universities, students are turning to social media for guidance or entering the workforce directly.

Students considering returning to complete their education were discouraged by unclear academic pathways.

According to Ellucian’s report, only 22% of stop-outs understood their remaining credit requirements, and even fewer (15%) felt confident in the credit transfer process. Also, the majority of students interested in transferring credits expressed uncertainty about how their previously earned credits would be recognized.

That said, many former students are interested in returning to their education. Of the students surveyed, 60% of stop-outs said they would return to college with a clear path to completion.

Relevance: Higher education’s benefits and its connection to future careers aren’t always apparent. When surveyed, many individuals opted out because they believed college was not essential for their career goals. Many also didn’t believe the cost and time investment outweighed the benefits of obtaining a college degree/certificate.

Nondegree options that offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities could be a draw for learners seeking a clearer connection to workforce-relevant pathways — if they were aware of them.

The survey report revealed that more than a quarter of enrolled students had never heard of these alternative offerings. Even among those who had heard of nondegree programs, many couldn’t articulate their purpose or value. However, when informed, many graduates, current college students and opt-outs saw the value in nondegree programs.

How can institutions re-engage learners?

So, the question becomes: How can institutions re-engage learners? It begins with unifying academic, financial and operational processes to simplify the student experience from the first application through graduation day, using an AI-powered system such as Ellucian Student.

When integrated into an institution’s application, enrollment and academic planning processes, AI becomes an ongoing resource for students throughout their educational journey.

AI platforms can automate the educational planning process, helping students better understand which classes meet their degree or certificate requirements and enroll in them each semester. And, as they learn, the platform can provide a transparent map of their educational path, leading to better outcomes.

By offering easy-to-understand financial aid offer letters, automated aid processes and optimized fund utilization, an integrated AI platform can help students better understand the total cost of their education, allowing them to plan how to afford higher education, ultimately reducing the top barrier to student enrollment and persistence.

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from AI integration. Institutions can improve their efficiency by using AI to automate routine operations, freeing up more time for the human element. When faculty and staff spend less time on operational tasks, they can focus more on students to help learners get on track, stay on track and get ahead.

Just as important, institutions need direct input from students to ensure the technologies and processes they implement truly meet learners’ needs. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, students can help shape more accessible, transparent and effective educational journeys for future generations. Students interested in helping shape the future of higher education technology can join EnlightenED, Ellucian’s student ambassador program. Participants gain opportunities to build career-ready skills, expand their professional networks, contribute their perspectives to conversations about higher education innovation and help influence solutions designed to improve the student experience.

[Executive Corner] The Daylight Test: Why the True Value of Perfect Black Is Revealed in Bright Rooms

2026-08-13T18:05:00

(BPT) – By Lee Myong Young, Research Fellow at Display Picture Quality Development Team, LG Media Entertainment Solution Company at LG Electronics

Every premium TV looks spectacular in a pitch-black, cave-like room. But that isn’t how most of us watch. More often than not, when we actually have a moment to sit down and catch up on our must-see shows, there’s either sunlight pouring in through the windows, or all the lights are on inside the house. And it is in these bright environments that the true value of a display’s black levels becomes more apparent.

At LG, we recognized that mastering this daylight viewing experience required a two-fold solution: maximizing screen brilliance and shielding that brilliance from ambient light. This realization led us to pair Brightness Booster Ultra, which dramatically elevates luminance, with Reflection Free Premium technology, a picture quality solution designed to help preserve OLED evo’s Perfect Black1 and Perfect Color,2 even in the most brightly lit rooms.

The Hidden Trade-Off of Reducing Reflection

Coatings or technologies that reduce screen glare are nothing new. The conventional approach is to scatter incoming light across the screen’s surface, breaking up the sharp, mirror-like reflections that make a TV hard to watch in light-soaked spaces. It works up to a point. But it causes a side effect that we weren’t willing to accept.

True reflection-reduction technology must do more than simply lower the reflectance rate. It must be able to minimize reflections without compromising the original picture quality. Diffusion-based anti-reflection treatments successfully cut down on mirror-like reflections, but they frequently make the screen look hazy, blurring fine details and degrading color vibrancy.

Picture a canvas painted with vivid, richly saturated colors, and then imagine someone spreading a layer of dust across the entire surface. The images on the canvas are still visible, but the colors have become muted, flat and lifeless. The same thing happens when a TV employs a conventional light-scattering coating to combat reflections: the picture is still there, but the vitality is gone.

The real question, then, is not “Does your TV have anti-reflection technology?” It’s “Does that technology preserve the picture quality you paid for in the first place?”

Why Perfect Black Isn’t Just About Dark Scenes

The impact of conventional reflection-reduction technology on picture quality goes deeper than you might realize. Take “black level” for instance. This isn’t a standalone specification of interest only to tech reviewers. It’s the foundation everything else in the picture is built on, including color accuracy and fine detail.

Consider a tightly zoomed-in scene: a woman with blonde hair fills the screen. Around her hairline, subtle shadows help distinguish individual strands from the skin beneath. If black levels become washed out, those shadow gradations begin to disappear. You can no longer tell exactly where the hairline ends and the skin begins.

The effect compounds at higher resolutions. A 4K image can only reveal the full extent of its razor-sharp detail, such as a single bead of sweat or the weave of a silk scarf, if there is enough contrast between neighboring pixels. When black levels wash out, that contrast margin shrinks and the finest details become indistinct. As a result, the benefits of 4K resolution can become harder to perceive. Not because the number of pixels has somehow shrunk, but because weakened contrast makes it difficult to perceive visual nuance and subtlety. However, when Perfect Black remains intact, all those minuscule details stay clearly defined and the overall image retains its depth and vibrancy.

LG’s Answer: Absorb, Don’t Scatter

Our answer to dealing with reflections came from an obsession with detail. Rather than scattering incoming light, LG’s Reflection Free Premium technology is engineered to absorb it, taking in the vast majority while dispersing the rest in multiple directions. What little reflection remains is not enough to distract the eye. Relying on light-absorbing materials alone cannot drop a screen’s reflectance below the 1 percent mark, as residual light inevitably bounces back. Through earlier advances in reflection reduction, our previous generation of OLED had already overcome this barrier, achieving an impressive reflectance rate of 0.6 percent.

Pushing reflectance down by a further 0.1 percentage point required an additional technological breakthrough. To achieve this, we developed a three-layer coating designed to make incoming light waves collide and cancel each other out, much like two ocean waves meeting and flattening into calm water. Any minuscule amount of light that survives this process is then finely dispersed to minimize visible, mirror-like reflections.

The road to Reflection Free Premium technology wasn’t straightforward. Although the difference between 0.6 and 0.5 percent may sound marginal, developing and optimizing the three-layer coating took a year and a half of relentless engineering.

The real challenge wasn’t just dropping the reflectance rate but doing so without introducing secondary issues like color shifts, screen haze or loss of sharpness.

Matching reflectance, color accuracy, surface quality and sharpness all at once proved to be a monumental engineering hurdle. Even the slightest mismatch in the formulation ruined the entire result. We built and tested hundreds of display samples, repeatedly refining the formulation to find the perfect balance. But in the end, as a growing number of customers can now attest, these exhaustive efforts yielded significant and measurable returns.

The latest LG OLED evo displays have been independently certified by Intertek as Reflection Free Premium,3 achieving an exceptionally low reflection rate of around 0.5 percent. However, this certification goes far beyond just measuring how much light bounces off the screen. It is a comprehensive evaluation of uncompromised picture quality. Achieving the “Premium” tier signifies that the display can deliver outstanding picture quality in bright environments, reducing reflections without sacrificing resolution, low-tone detail visibility or color accuracy.

This rigorous standard unlocks a new level of freedom in how we design our days around entertainment. Historically, enjoying a truly cinematic experience at home meant choosing between living in a dimly lit cave or accepting a compromise on what we saw. LG OLED evo removes this barrier entirely. By satisfying Intertek’s dual demands for reflection reduction and absolute image fidelity, the technology protects from the daylight so it doesn’t dilute the deep, velvety shadows and rich textures of your favorite content. You no longer have to wait for sundown or manually adjust your environment to appreciate every subtle detail on screen.

Ultimately, this breakthrough actively and effectively safeguards everything that makes the OLED experience so incredible: pure blacks, vibrant colors, high contrast, smooth gradations and sharp details.

Premium Picture Quality, Designed for Real Living

Reflection Free Premium technology is applied to the LG OLED evo W6 and G6 AI TVs, bringing the technology described above to LG’s latest flagship OLED lineup.

These flagship models are powered by Brightness Booster Ultra, which achieves luminance levels up to 3.9 times brighter than conventional OLEDs.4 By pairing this intense brilliance with the glare-absorbing defense of Reflection Free Premium, LG OLED evo’s signature depth and vividness remain uncompromised, even when daylight floods the room. Combining refined design with this powerful engineering synergy, our TVs deliver peak performance in real-world living spaces.

For many years, the display industry wrestled with the challenge of how to lower screen reflectance without sacrificing picture quality. A rejection of the compromise solutions that have come before it, Reflection Free Premium technology is our declaration that a true premium viewing experience — and the true value of Perfect Black — should be available at any time, regardless of lighting conditions.

1 LG OLED Display is verified by UL for delivering black levels 0.24nit up to 500lux, based on IDMS Section 11.5 Ring light reflect measurement.

2 LG OLED Display is verified by UL for delivering color consistency levels >99 percent up to 500lux, based on IDMS Sections 11.5 Ring light reflect measurement.

3 LG OLED display is certified by Intertek for Reflection Free measured to IDMS 11.2.2 sampling-sphere implementation. Reflection Free Premium applies to W6 and G6 series (except 97, 48-inch models).

4 Brightness may vary based on model, screen size, and market region. Peak brightness is 3.9 times brighter than conventional OLED @3 percent window by internal measurements.

LG Electronics launches ‘2026 Life’s Good Campaign’ to free up people’s minds for what truly matters

2026-08-13T12:59:00

(BPT) – LG’s new global campaign spotlights the mental load of modern life and shows how LG AI can help ease it

News Summary

  • LG Electronics launches its 2026 Life’s Good campaign under the key message “Free up your mind.”
  • According to LG survey findings, people spend nearly a quarter of the year burdened by mental load — the equivalent of 87 days a year. While people work hard to stay organized, what they miss most is the freedom to be spontaneous.
  • Through the campaign, LG AI demonstrates how it can reduce routine demands and free up people’s minds to focus on what truly matters.
  • The campaign marks the fourth year of LG’s Life’s Good campaign, showcasing how innovation makes Life’s Good and bringing the brand promise to life.

LG Electronics (LG) launched its 2026 Life’s Good campaign under the key message “Free up your mind.” The campaign explores how LG AI can help reduce the mental load of everyday life by quietly taking care of routine demands, creating more room for people to focus on what truly matters.

The campaign arrives at a time when people work harder than ever to keep everyday life running, yet increasingly struggle to switch off from its demands. According to LG survey findings, people spend nearly a quarter of the year burdened by mental load — the equivalent of 87 days a year. Mental load is the invisible burden of constant information, countless micro-decisions and everyday demands. For many people, mental load follows them home, occupying their minds even during moments of rest and recharge.

“As technology becomes part of everyday life, it should quietly help people reclaim their time and attention to enrich their lives,” said Kim Hyo-eun, head of LG’s Brand Management Division. “Now in its fourth year, the Life’s Good campaign continues to showcase how innovation makes Life’s Good and brings the brand promise to life.”

Building on previous campaign films such as We don’t make life good, you do (2024) and Less artificial. More human (2025), this year’s campaign centers on the growing mental load of modern life and making room for what makes life good.

Bringing the Campaign to Life

The real family featured in the 2026 Life's Good campaign film shares their everyday mental load.

The real family featured in the 2026 Life’s Good campaign film shares their everyday mental load.

The campaign’s hero film follows a family stepping away from the mental load of everyday life for one evening. The film captures small but meaningful moments crowded out by everyday demands, from spontaneous conversations and shared meals to the simple pleasure of being fully present.

With this story, LG invites people to consider a simple question: what might you make room for if you could set your mental load down, even for just one evening?

The campaign’s message comes to life through product-focused films featuring LG WashTower, LG Styler, LG OLED and LG DUALCOOL. The films show how LG products can help reduce everyday mental load by quietly taking care of routine demands, freeing up people’s minds to enjoy life’s meaningful moments.

As part of the campaign, LG also offers an interactive experience designed to help people better understand their own mental load. By answering a set of questions, people can reflect on how much mental load they carry and what contributes to it. By making an invisible burden more visible, LG hopes people will free up their minds to experience Life’s Good.

The campaign is grounded in research that reveals just how deeply mental load has become embedded in everyday life.

The Scale of the Problem

Survey findings show that, on average, people experience 27 mental load interruptions during their waking hours.

“Through my research on high-functioning depression, I’ve found that the constant weight of unshared domestic tasks is a silent trigger for emotional exhaustion,” said Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and a 2026 TIME100 Creator. “LG’s focus on reducing mental load targets the root of this modern crisis. True well-being in the AI era means easing these invisible burdens with intelligent technology, freeing up the psychological capital required to reclaim joy, spontaneity, and human connection.”

The Human Cost

More than half (51%) of respondents said mental load stops them from sleeping well, while nearly half (49%) said it impacts their physical health.

The findings also revealed a key human truth: people work hard to stay organized, yet what they miss most is the freedom to be spontaneous. When asked what they would do if that weight were lifted, people did not reach for greater productivity or achievement. Instead, they spoke about getting lost in a book, spending unplanned time with loved ones and enjoying moments free from everyday responsibilities.

The Role of Technology

The study found that unpaid responsibilities at home contribute more to mental load than paid work, highlighting the opportunity for household technology to make a meaningful difference.

Nearly three in four (73%) of respondents believe the right household technology could help reduce their mental load, with the strongest demand for solutions that proactively handle routine tasks without requiring constant attention.

The findings suggest a clear direction for technology: not simply to help people do more, but to quietly take care of everyday demands so they can spend less time managing life and more time living it. This insight aligns with LG’s Affectionate Intelligence vision and the campaign message: Free up your mind. Life’s Good.

A scene from the 2026 Life's Good campaign film.

A scene from the 2026 Life’s Good campaign film.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.lg.com/lifesgood.


Survey Methodology

Fieldwork: Conducted April 24–28, 2026 via Focaldata

Countries: US, UK and Australia

Age: 18–64

Sample size: 3,165 respondents (a minimum of 1,000 per market), nationally representative by age, gender and region

Note: Survey results reflect respondents’ perceptions and do not constitute clinical or scientific evidence of health benefits.


Photo above: A scene from the 2026 Life’s Good campaign film.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 89 trillion in 2025. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names the world over. Visit www.LG.com/global/newsroom/ for the latest news.

Media Contacts:

LG Electronics, Inc. LG Electronics, Inc.
Lea Lee Jiyoung Bang
+82 2 3777 3981 +82 2 3777 3692
lea.lee@lge.com jiyoung.bang@lge.com

What parents of teens need to know about meningitis

2026-08-11T23:01:00

(BPT) – It’s back-to-school season. That means your schedule is packed with fall prep like gathering your child’s school supplies, scheduling sports physicals, shopping for a new wardrobe and preparing to send your young adults to college. As you write down your to-dos, make sure to add one more item to your list: vaccinating your teen against meningitis.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Different viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause meningitis, but cases caused by meningococcal disease are especially urgent because they can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening. Of those who develop meningococcal disease, one in 10 will die.

How does meningitis spread?

Meningitis spreads quickly through close contact, including coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing drinks, utensils and vapes. Anyone can contract meningococcal disease, but certain groups like preteens, teens and college-age students are at a particularly high risk. At these ages, students spend more time in close contact with their peers in classes, locker rooms, dorms, parties and other group settings.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Meningitis may not seem serious at first. In fact, it can feel like a cold or flu. However, meningococcal disease can become life-threatening within 24-48 hours. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Fever/flu-like symptoms
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Confusion
  • A dark rash (in some cases)

Symptoms can escalate quickly. If your child’s symptoms appear suddenly, worsen quickly or feel unusually severe, seek medical attention.

Those who survive the disease may face lifelong complications, including brain damage, hearing loss and limb loss. Recognizing symptoms quickly is important, but preventing meningococcal disease before exposure is the best decision you can make for your teen this fall.

How can I protect my children from meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is the best way to reduce your teen’s risk of meningococcal disease. There are two meningitis vaccines that protect against the most serious types (A, B, C, W, Y). Together, these vaccines offer your teen protection against meningococcal disease. These vaccinations are recommended for ages 11-23.

If you’re not sure whether your child has received the recommended meningococcal vaccines, talk with your child’s doctor. They may be able to help review your child’s health records and identify what vaccines may be missing.

Don’t wait until school is back in session

This fall, add meningococcal disease prevention to your back-to-school routine. Make sure to check your child’s vaccination records. If they haven’t received their meningococcal vaccines or need a booster, make sure to schedule an appointment before the first bell rings so you can tackle the new school year with confidence. Or, if they are already back at school, have them get vaccinated at their local clinic. To learn more, visit AmericasMeningitisAlliance.org.

The Little Convenience That’s Making Busy School Mornings Easier

2026-08-11T15:07:00

(BPT) – As families prepare for a new school year, they’re stocking up on everything from notebooks and backpacks to lunchboxes and new shoes. But beyond the traditional back-to-school checklist, many parents are looking for something even more valuable this time of year: small ways to make busy mornings a little less hectic.

Between packing lunches, getting kids dressed, finding missing homework and making it to school before the first bell rings, mornings can quickly become a race against the clock. Once the school day ends, the pace doesn’t slow down, with sports practices, after-school activities, errands and homework filling the evening.

Convenience has become one of the biggest trends shaping the products families choose, including their footwear.

That’s where Skechers enters the picture.

Known as The Comfort Technology Company®, Skechers has continued to innovate with features designed to make everyday life a little easier. One of its most popular innovations, Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®, eliminates one of the smallest, but surprisingly time-consuming, parts of the daily routine: putting on your shoes.

The concept is simple. There’s no bending down, no tying laces and no adjusting the back of your shoe. You simply step in and go. Each pair is designed with Skechers’ unique Heel Pillow® technology that helps hold the foot securely in place while delivering the comfort consumers have come to expect from the brand.

The beauty of Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins is that the technology isn’t limited to one style. It’s available across a wide variety of footwear for men, women and kids, making it easy for the entire family to enjoy the convenience of hands-free comfort.

For parents balancing work, school drop-offs and packed schedules, styles like Skechers Cozy Fit® Slip-ins combine soft quilted materials with Contour Foam™ cushioning that adapts to your foot’s unique shape, perfect for tackling busy days without missing a step.

For children heading back to the classroom, Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins encourage independence by making it easy to put on their own shoes. That means one less thing for parents to help with during the morning rush — and one more confidence boost for kids learning to do things on their own.

Close-up of a pair of black, red and white Skechers Slip-Ins on top of a notebook.

Those looking for a sportier option can turn to Skechers Glide-Step® Slip-ins, featuring a unique geometric midsole that promotes natural momentum with every step. Whether it’s walking across campus, heading to the gym, coaching after-school sports or cheering from the sidelines, these versatile sneakers are designed to keep pace with busy lifestyles.

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The convenience doesn’t stop there. Skechers also offers Hands Free Slip-ins across its Work collection for teachers, healthcare professionals, restaurant employees and others who spend long days on their feet, as well as performance styles designed for running, golf, pickleball and walking.

With styles available across nearly every lifestyle category, Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins prove that sometimes the smallest innovations can have the biggest impact. During one of the busiest seasons of the year, saving a few moments each morning can help families spend less time rushing — and more time enjoying everything the school year has to offer.

Learn more about the latest Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins collection at skechers.com.

Easy ways to support better sleep and well-being without the fuss

2026-08-11T13:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • Wellness routines have become incredibly complicated, and people are seeking effective solutions to support their daily habits without adding more work.
  • Ryde: SLEEP simplifies bedtime routines with a quick 2oz shot designed to help you unwind and get ready for better rest.
  • The functional shot is designed for busy people who want to feel more prepared for the next day, whether that means work, workouts, travel or everyday commitments.
  • Rob Gronkowski brings the message to life by showing that even a “Full Gas” lifestyle needs smart recovery and simple tools that actually fit into real life.
  • Alongside SLEEP, Ryde: FOCUS gives consumers another easy functional dietary supplement shot for moments when you want help tuning out distractions and locking in.

Wellness used to be simple. Somewhere along the way, it turned into a cabinet full of supplements and a bedtime routine too complicated to keep up with. As people look to simplify their daily habits without sacrificing results, easy, effective solutions are having a major comeback.

Enter Ryde:, the globally loved well-being brand known for its pocket-size 2oz functional dietary supplement shots. Challenging the increasingly complicated nature of modern wellness routines, Ryde: is proving that taking care of yourself doesn’t need to be a tedious chore with its newest launch in partnership with Rob Gronkowski, Ryde: SLEEP: a simple, science-backed solution that fits seamlessly into busy lives.

The power of the night before

Whether preparing for an intense workday, an early morning workout, or back-to-back commitments, feeling your best starts hours before the alarm goes off. Ryde:’s SLEEP shot was built specifically for people who know that the night before matters just as much as the morning after.

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Formulated with a delicious blackberry flavor, Melatonin, GABA, L-Theanine and Chamomile, SLEEP is designed to support sleep quality and helps you fall asleep faster.

Informed Choice certified and developed with science-backed ingredients, zero calories, zero sugar and no unnecessary extras, Ryde: delivers functional support without the fuss. Every shot also features Ryde: Ryplenish™, a scientifically backed formula that works right when you need it, making it the perfect daily ally for well-being on-the-go.

Whether preparing for an intense workday, an early morning workout or back-to-back commitments, feeling your best starts hours before the alarm goes off.

“Full Gas” living meets smart recovery

This no-nonsense approach to rest is why football legend Rob Gronkowski partnered with Ryde: to launch SLEEP and support the brand’s “Drink Ryde: It Works” campaign. Famous for his “Full Gas” lifestyle, the secret to Gronkowski’s longevity is knowing when to shift into low gear. He doesn’t just “crash,” he optimizes his downtime. By incorporating Ryde:’s well-being shots into his daily routine, Gronk is able to show up as his best self, both on and off the field.

In the campaign’s hilarious social content piece, “Zonk The Gronk,” the NFL star highlights how overhyped sleep trends — from choking on lavender mist to wrestling with a tiny weighted blanket — overcomplicated his bedtime routine, leaving him more exhausted than before. Finally, he abandons the gimmicks and reaches for Ryde: SLEEP to help him unwind and get ready to sleep like a champion.

The simplicity doesn’t stop at bedtime. The campaign also spotlights Ryde: FOCUS in “Little Shot, Game Changer,” where Gronkowski battles everyday gym distractions — a buzzing phone, an overeager dog — until a Ryde: FOCUS shot clears the noise and gets him locked back into business. Built to deliver sustained clarity, FOCUS helps de-fuzz and fuel your mind for when you need a lightbulb moment.

“I’ve always lived life at full speed, but the real secret to staying on top of my game is knowing how to recover,” said Rob Gronkowski. “Wellness shouldn’t be a tedious chore. I’ve tried all the overhyped bedtime trends and complicated gym hacks that don’t work, Ryde: keeps it easy. Whether I need to lock in my concentration with FOCUS or shut things down with SLEEP — it just works. No gimmicks, no nonsense, just quick, delicious shots that help get me ready to dominate the next day.”

From elite athletes to everyday achievers, Ryde: is redefining what it means to feel your best by making your well-being routine easier. Ryde: continues to be your no-nonsense partner in feeling good when you need it.

For more information about Ryde: visit us.ryde.com or amazon.com and follow along on YouTube and Instagram, @Drink.Ryde.

*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.