Consumer Reports: 3 Budget-Friendly Office Chairs to Buy and 3 to Steer Clear Of

**3 Affordable Office Chairs To Purchase And 3 To Steer Clear Of According To Consumer Reports**

When establishing a home office, selecting the appropriate chair is vital for comfort and efficiency. While premium chairs such as the Herman Miller Aeron may approach $2,000, many individuals look for budget-friendly options. Consumer Reports has evaluated various economical office chairs, highlighting three to consider and three to avoid.

### What is Lumbar Support and Why Does it Matter?

Lumbar support is critical for preserving the natural curve of the lower spine, helping to avoid back pain during extended periods of sitting. A quality office chair should include adjustable lumbar support to suit various body types and guarantee comfort.

### How to Modify Your Chair for Maximum Comfort

To avert back and neck discomfort, tailor your chair’s height, armrests, and footrest. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and the chair should undergird your thighs without pushing against the backs of your knees. The backrest should recline slightly, and lumbar support should be modified to conform to your spine’s curve.

### Chairs to Consider

1. **Staples Dexley Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides adjustable lumbar support, tilt tension, and armrests.
– Lauded for its sturdiness and breathable mesh material.
– Priced at $149.99 on Amazon, with assembly choices available at Staples.

2. **Flexfit Hyken Mesh Chair**
– Boasts adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh structure.
– Limited customization but delivers good value at $139.99 from Walmart.

3. **Ikea Flintan**
– Recognized for its ergonomics and simplicity of use.
– Features a reclinable backrest and a removable seat cover.
– Available for $119.99 with armrests from IKEA.

### Chairs to Avoid

1. **Mainstays Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Headrest**
– Lacks adjustable lumbar support and comes with fixed armrests.
– Priced at $75 from Walmart, but unsuitable for all body types.

2. **Staples Essentials Ergonomic Fabric Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides limited padding and no lumbar support.
– Costs $89.99 from Staples, but falls short on durability.

3. **Smug Ergonomic Mid Back Mesh Task Chair**
– Recognized for inadequate build quality and insufficient support.
– Does not have a headrest and features a low weight limit.

### Approach

Consumer Reports analyzed chairs for ergonomics, adjustability, and user-friendliness. The top three recommended chairs achieved the highest ratings in these areas, while the three to avoid received the lowest. Further feedback from online retailers and discussion forums was also taken into account.

Selecting the right office chair can significantly improve your remote work experience by delivering comfort and support without exceeding your budget.

Denzel Washington Turned Down a Well-Known Brad Pitt Movie Because of Its ‘Demonic’ Themes

“Off Script” interview seems like one that will linger with the legendary Oscar-winning actor throughout his entire career. He surely turned down a few roles that later became beloved (or even iconic), but perhaps not at the level of Brad Pitt’s David Mills in David Fincher’s timeless crime masterpiece, “Seven.”

Washington recounted, “I declined ‘Seven.’ They wanted me to portray the Brad Pitt character. I felt the script was too dark. Then I watched the film; I thought, ‘Oh, I messed up.’ But you know, it turned out fine.”

In hindsight, Pitt was likely a better fit for that part (being in his early 30s back then, while Washington was already in his 40s, for starters), but if you’re a genuine film enthusiast, it’s difficult not to imagine how that scenario could’ve unfolded. Denzel as a rookie investigator under the guidance of Morgan Freeman’s wise and experienced officer, Somerset, could’ve made for a fantastic duo, without a doubt.

Seven is likely perfect as it stands, however

Apple CarPlay Set to Gain Significant AI Functionality with iOS 26.4 Upgrade

**iOS 26.4 Is Set to Introduce a Major New AI Functionality to Apple CarPlay Soon**

Apple is poised to transform the CarPlay experience with the forthcoming iOS 26.4 update, bringing support for AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others. This innovative feature will enable developers to incorporate voice-activated conversational applications into CarPlay, improving user engagement while on the road. Although users won’t be able to summon these chatbots with a wake word, Siri Shortcuts will allow for smooth transitions between Siri and the chosen chatbot.

Developers will have the chance to include up to four action buttons and navigation bar buttons within their applications, laying the groundwork for more interactive and user-centered applications. This initiative by Apple signals a transition toward integrating third-party AI solutions even prior to the expected overhaul of Siri, which is likely to utilize Google’s Gemini models in the future.

In addition to support for AI chatbots, iOS 26.4 will bring video functionality to CarPlay, enabling users to stream content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video when the vehicle is stationary. This feature, unveiled following the WWDC 2025 keynote, will also incorporate the Apple TV app into CarPlay, representing a significant upgrade in the infotainment experience.

These changes underscore Apple’s dedication to enhancing CarPlay’s capabilities, responding to long-held user demands, and evolving with the escalating interest in sophisticated infotainment systems. As more vehicles integrate CarPlay Ultra, these improvements will provide drivers and passengers with a more enriched, engaging in-car experience.

iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Brings Notification Forwarding Onboarding, New iCloud.com Search Functionality, and More Updates [Video]

# What’s New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1?

The latest installment of *iOS Decoded* delves into the enhancements and modifications brought by iOS 26.4 beta 1, showcasing important updates that improve user experience. Here are five notable features present in this beta release.

## Notification Forwarding

Among the most eagerly awaited functions in iOS 26.4 beta 1 is the launch of notification forwarding for third-party smartwatches and devices, particularly for users located in the EU. The configuration process is crafted to be intuitive, akin to the pairing of AirPods. Users can seamlessly link compatible Bluetooth devices, initiate notification forwarding, and choose which notifications to send. Nonetheless, this capability is presently restricted to one device at a time, meaning users cannot receive notifications on both an Apple Watch and a third-party smartwatch concurrently.

## Allow Search on iCloud.com

iOS 26.4 beta 1 brings a fresh setting that empowers users to search for Photos and iCloud Drive files directly on iCloud.com. This function necessitates users to activate search access on their trusted devices. Once set up, users can conduct searches in both the Photos and iCloud Drive areas of the iCloud Beta site, improving access to stored content.

## Migrate Data Between Browsers

With the latest update, Apple simplifies the data migration process between browsers. Users can now import or export data straight from compatible web browsers, rather than relying solely on the Files app. This feature facilitates smoother transitions between various web browsers, making it easier for users to oversee their data.

## New Ambient Music Widgets

iOS 26.4 beta 1 unveils two new ambient music widgets that enable users to play suggested or personalized playlists directly from the Home screen. Offered in small and medium dimensions, these widgets allow for one-tap playback, enhancing the ease of accessing music without having to navigate through various menus.

## More HomePad Evidence

The update also presents additional clues regarding Apple’s forthcoming HomePad smart home device. A new application called *CompanionSetup* emerges in the beta, presumably designed for pairing with the HomePad. This app also includes a new chime, indicating ongoing advancements within Apple’s smart home ecosystem.

These features are merely a snapshot of what iOS 26.4 beta 1 encompasses. For an exhaustive review of all the new updates, don’t miss the complete video walkthrough.

Exciting Additions to Apple Music in iOS 26.4 for iPhone: An In-Depth Summary

iOS 26.4 is filled with fresh features and modifications, including five updates for the Music app. Here’s all that’s new for Apple Music in iOS 26.4.

## #1: Playlist Playground

iOS 26.4 leverages Apple Intelligence to introduce a new Playlist Playground feature in Apple Music. When you create a new playlist in the Music app, you’ll now find the option to submit a prompt for AI to automatically generate a playlist. The Music app also offers suggested prompts to help you begin. You can always manually add or remove songs as you wish and make subsequent requests, but Playlist Playground delivers a convenient launchpad for new playlists.

## #2: Redesigned albums and playlists

Apple has revamped the design of albums and playlists to a new, fullscreen layout in iOS 26.4. Now, the artwork for an album or playlist will dictate the styling of the entire background of the track list and other user interface elements. If an album features a dominant blue hue in its artwork, a matching shade of blue will probably cover the entire screen. Complementary colors are sometimes utilized as well, like a black background when the artwork includes shades of white and gray.

Last year, Apple debuted a new Ambient Music feature for Control Center. It allows you to quickly and easily start playing music tailored to one of four moods:
– Chill
– Productivity
– Sleep
– Wellbeing

Now, in iOS 26.4, the same Ambient Music feature can be accessed through a new Home Screen widget. Small and Medium widget sizes are available.

## #4: Add songs to several playlists simultaneously

iOS 26.4 allows you to effortlessly add a song to multiple playlists at once. When adding to a playlist, there’s a new selection button in the bottom-right corner. Tap it, and you’ll be able to choose several playlists at the same time. It’s a minor change, but very useful for instances when you want to quickly add to different playlists.

## #5: Concert details

Apple has integrated concert details directly into the Music app in iOS 26.4. Artist profiles in the app will now display ‘Upcoming Concerts’ when concert information is accessible. You can scroll down further to review all upcoming performances. Tap on a specific concert, and the app will provide a link to purchase tickets, along with details on the venue, start time, and more.

Which iOS 26.4 features in Apple Music are your favorites? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Apple Music is priced at $10.99/month, or you can subscribe to it as part of the Apple One bundle.