DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE crosses $700M

ALSO: SearchGPT Blocked, Creative ways to spend time without screens, MCU movie slate and more...

Welcome back to What's Popular Now!

Another week, another edition of What's Popular Now! Get ready for a weekly deep dive into the world of pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle essentials.

TRENDING THIS WEEK

In the Spotlight: Must-Read This Week

Looking for fun, creative ways to spend time without screens? From outdoor adventures and crafty hobbies to mindfulness practices and social activities, we've got you covered. Discover how to unplug and enrich your life with these screen-free activities. [Read More]

Italian boxer Angela Carini, who left her match against Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds, has issued an apology for her behavior. She regrets not shaking Khelif's hand and expressed her disappointment over her Olympic hopes. Khelif’s eligibility remains controversial. [Read More]

Discover the power of mindfulness with three essential exercises perfect for beginners. From the Body Scan to Mindful Breathing and the Five Senses Exercise, these techniques will help you find calm and clarity in your daily life. Ready to dive in? [Read More]

About a week after OpenAI launched SearchGPT, major news publishers, including The New York Times, have blocked the OAI-SearchBot. They express skepticism about its data collection practices, fearing it might secretly gather content for AI training. [Read More]

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

  • Stray Kids deliver a stunning headlining performance at Lollapalooza. [watch]

  • Charli xcx and Billie Eilish drop the music video to ‘Guess’ remix [watch]

  • Lisa teases her next single. [watch]

Entertainment

  • DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE crosses $700M at the worldwide box office tonight.

  • Marvel Studios’ movie slate:

    2025

    Feb. 14 - ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

    May. 2 - ‘Thunderbolts’

    Jul. 25 - ‘Fantastic Four’

    Nov. 7 - ‘Blade’

    2026

    Feb. 13 - TBA

    May 1 - ‘Avengers Doomsday’

    Nov. 6 - TBA

Tech and AI

ChromeBoost

Google Chrome AI Features August 2024 Update
Google Chrome is rolling out new AI-driven features designed to enhance user experience. These updates include personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and improved security measures. The integration aims to make browsing smarter and more intuitive for users. Read more

CodeGenius

Introducing GitHub Models
GitHub has launched its own set of AI models to assist developers in code generation and debugging. These models aim to streamline the development process, offering suggestions and automating repetitive tasks. This move positions GitHub as a central player in the AI-driven software development landscape. Read more

AvatarMagic

Synthesia's Custom Avatar Feature
Synthesia introduces a new custom avatar feature, allowing users to create personalized digital avatars for video content. This innovation caters to businesses and individuals seeking unique, professional-looking avatars for various applications. The feature enhances engagement and personal connection in digital communication. Read more

VideoAI

Vimeo Announces AI-Powered Video Creation Tools
Vimeo unveils AI-powered tools to simplify video creation, including automated editing and content generation. These tools are designed to help users create high-quality videos quickly and easily, making professional video production accessible to everyone. This update positions Vimeo as a leader in AI-driven video solutions. Read more

MidJourney's Masterpiece

MidJourney's Latest AI Art Generation Update
MidJourney announces a significant update to its AI art generation capabilities, enhancing the creativity and quality of generated artwork. This update introduces new styles and improved realism, allowing users to create stunning digital art with ease. MidJourney continues to push the boundaries of AI artistry. Read more

LIFESTYLE

5 Easy Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier You

Small steps can lead to big improvements in your overall well-being. Here are five simple lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Prioritize Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep is essential for physical and mental restoration. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a sleep-conducive environment, and limit screen time before bed.

Nourish Your Body

Focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Move Your Body

Find physical activities you enjoy. Whether it's dancing, walking, swimming, or yoga, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Remember, any movement is better than none.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature. Prioritize self-care activities that help you unwind and recharge.  

Cultivate Positive Relationships

Strong social connections are vital for overall well-being. Spend quality time with loved ones, join social groups or clubs, and volunteer in your community. Building and maintaining supportive relationships can boost your mood and reduce stress.

Remember, consistency is key. Start with small, achievable changes and gradually build upon them. Listen to your body, and find what works best for you.