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“Shark Tank” has been the starting point for numerous outstanding products throughout the years, with the Squatty Potty and Bombas socks ranking among the top achievers. However, some pitches are remembered not for securing a favorable deal from the Sharks or thriving independently, but for the peculiar or odd nature of the product itself. The NoPhone, featured in a Season 7 episode, exemplifies a “Shark Tank” pitch that fits into the latter category.

As the name suggests, the NoPhone isn’t a smartphone; it’s a tech-free piece of plastic shaped like one. It was developed by entrepreneurs Van Gould, Chris Sheldon, Ben Langeveld, and Ingmar Larsen as a humorous gift aimed at highlighting the dangers of smartphones in daily life while assisting “users” in decreasing their screen time. The product boldly claims to be devoid of any useful features provided by leading smartphone companies, with NoPhone asserting that it lacks a camera, isn’t Bluetooth compatible, and cannot make calls. Nevertheless, the NoPhone is shatter-proof, waterproof, and resistant to toilet bowls, which is a plus.

Not surprisingly, the NoPhone didn’t land a deal from the Sharks, who were unimpressed by Gould and Sheldon’s presentation and were equally unmoved by the Selfie upgrade, which simply adds a mirror to the “screen.” None of the Sharks extended an offer, with Daymond John expressing he’d feel “foolish” for investing in it and Mark Cuban criticizing the pair for attempting to patent a piece of plastic. Yet, while the entrepreneurs didn’t receive the $25,000 for 15% they sought, NoPhone’s saga didn’t conclude with its “Shark Tank” appearance.

What transpired with the NoPhone after Shark Tank?

A decade post-“Shark Tank,” NoPhone remains operational. Its website is still up and running, offering NoPhone-branded merchandise including T-shirts, baseball caps, and (ironically) iPhone cases. You can even purchase the NoPhone Air, an invisible phone that its product page refers to as “The Lightest Phone on the market.” In layman’s terms, it’s an empty bag — but it’s available for $6, down from its regular price of $9.

However, the NoPhone itself is no longer available. Both the Original and Selfie models are sold out at the time of this writing, as are NoPhone bundles for couples or families wishing to hold something other than their phones together. The website provides no indication that the product will not return, but co-creator Ingmar Larsen stated in a January 2026 LinkedIn post that he had “shipped the last NoPhones from my stock to destinations worldwide” and mentioned environmental concerns as a reason for ceasing the production of the plastic item. However, he hinted at the possibility of “a new Eco Phone made from biodegradable materials,” inviting prospective collaborators to reach out.

Regardless of the brand’s future, it’s difficult to argue that the NoPhone wasn’t a success in its own right. As per Larsen’s post, the company has sold over 20,000 “phones,” a testament to the creators’ savvy marketing considering their product serves no purpose other than being a passive-aggressive joke for your phone-obsessed niece’s Christmas stocking.

What are the NoPhone creators doing now?

Of the four founders, only Larsen and Sheldon are still involved with NoPhone according to their LinkedIn profiles, although all have pursued other ventures. Larsen is the founder of This Agency, a small advertising service based in Amsterdam, while Ben Langeveld, who held the ironically named Head of Technology position, departed NoPhone in 2022 and is now the Creative Director for Dutch PR agency Treffend & Co.

Regarding the duo from “Shark Tank,” Sheldon and Gould have continued to partner on various initiatives. Since November 2021, the two have taken on roles as Creative Directors for Maximum Effort, a production company and marketing agency established by Ryan Reynolds and George Dewey that, as stated on its website, “creates movies, shows, ads, investments, and cocktails for the personal amusement of Hollywood Star Ryan Reynolds.” In addition to being a producing partner on Reynolds’ films such as “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Free Guy,” the studio produces ads for the actor’s other enterprises like Mint Mobile (one of the phone carriers offering the most affordable plans) and Aviation Gin, as well as for other clients.

Maximum Effort has showcased its ability to rapidly produce viral ads, exemplified by one for Peloton that debuted just three days after the character Mr. Big’s death on “And Just Like That…” triggered a drop in the exercise equipment maker’s stock price. This brand of “fastvertising,” as the company calls it, secured Maximum Effort a spot on Time’s list of the 100 most influential companies in 2025. Most recently,

making computers more expensive. Increases in prices for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and practical gadgets are also being observed. Nevertheless, there might be a potential solution on the horizon, as Google has unveiled information regarding a new compression system aimed at enhancing AI’s efficiency in managing RAM, thereby assisting the enormous new data centers emerging that require less of the component.

Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder of Cloudflare, mentioned that the algorithm is “Google’s DeepSeek,” on X, undoubtedly alluding to how DeepSeek AI gained popularity by significantly enhancing the training and resource utilization of large language models. The attention given to TurboQuant — the title of Google’s new efficiency algorithm — is intriguing. Yet, there remain two pressing questions.

Why should consumers be interested in this innovation, and what impact will it have on RAM prices in the long run? For starters, it could reduce the demand for RAM in data centers, which may improve overall availability for consumers.

Microsoft 365, which encompasses additional applications such as OneNote, OneDrive, and Teams, has also become a pricier software package due to the inclusion of unwelcome and irritating features. This includes the integration of the Copilot AI chatbot into the suite, intended to facilitate what it refers to as “vibe working.”

These modifications, in conjunction with the existence of free alternatives that provide a superior overall user experience, indicate that Microsoft Office is no longer essential for individuals who do not have a job or educational institution that explicitly mandates its use.

MacBook Neo assessment. We discovered the basic MacBook to be a far superior choice compared to any Windows laptop in the same price range.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ uphold the design tradition of their forerunners, the S25 series, with minor modifications. Retaining the flat-edged metallic look, these devices showcase a high-quality build that remains aesthetically pleasing. The main design alteration is an updated camera module on the rear, with the base Galaxy S26 having a slightly larger size, while the S26+ maintains the same measurements as the S25+. The S26 dimensions are 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm and it weighs 167g, whereas the S26+ is 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm and weighs 190g. Both versions are slim, lightweight, and easy to grip.

The construction quality is exceptional, featuring IP68 water resistance for protection against accidental immersion. Nonetheless, some users may prefer the newer IP69 standard available in competing brands. The color selections, which include black for the S26 and blue for the S26+, are simple yet stylish, although more vivid options might be welcomed in the future.

Essential features consist of a USB-C port, power button, and volume controls along the right edge, with no extra AI or customizable buttons present. While the design is refined and high-end, it remains conventional, appealing to those who enjoyed the S25’s design but may not intrigue those in search of groundbreaking changes.

If you’re scanning Netflix for your next marathon viewing, you’ll encounter an astonishing number of selections to wade through. New titles are introduced constantly, which can complicate your efforts to make a dent in your watchlist, even if your interest leans heavily towards the streaming service’s original content. This makes it crucial for a show to seize your attention right from its inaugural episode, captivating you so completely that you find yourself consuming the entire series from beginning to end.

Not every fantastic show is a strong opener — take, for instance, a cherished sitcom like “The Office,” which required time to truly establish its rhythm. If you’re in search of Netflix offerings that instantly draw you in rather than taking their time to develop, the five titles listed below fit the criteria. They aren’t miniseries you can binge in a single day — instead, these are multi-season series that commence powerfully right from episode one. We even ensured to provide a little something for everyone, with genres spanning comedy to thriller to romance.

The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024)

The premiere episode of “The Umbrella Academy” introduces viewers to the Hargreeves siblings, seven (mostly) super-powered adopted brothers and sisters born to women who unexpectedly gave birth on the same day due to a bizarre mass immaculate conception. Their father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, is an eccentric billionaire who forms them into a superhero ensemble, the titular Umbrella Academy — and that’s merely the start. After growing apart and leading separate lives, the dysfunctional family convenes following their father’s passing, culminating in a dramatic revelation that influences the series going forward.

“The Umbrella Academy” provides a novel take on superhero narratives that distinguishes itself from DC and Marvel endeavors. It’s adapted from a comic book series authored by My Chemical Romance lead singer Gerard Way alongside artist Gabriel Bá, so if you’re acquainted with Way’s music, you should have an impression of the show’s atmosphere. The inaugural episode raises numerous questions, from the origins of the Hargreeves siblings’ births to the true fate of Reginald. Yet, what stands out even more is how it establishes intricate, dysfunctional family dynamics that are just as compelling as the super-powered escapades.

Season 1 of “The Umbrella Academy” boasts a 77% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Forbes’ Merrill Barr commenting, “If you’re after a pulpy series filled with action, melodramatic plots, and quirky characters, then ‘The Umbrella Academy’ is your ticket.” It only improves from there; Seasons 2 and 3 both hold a 91%. However, the fourth and concluding season has not been particularly well received, with many viewers finding the finale rushed and unsatisfactory.

A Man on the Inside (2024-present)

If you appreciate comedies that offer depth without sacrificing laughter, “A Man on the Inside” is bound to impress you. This sitcom was created by Michael Schur (who also developed shows like “Parks and Recreation” and “The Good Place”) and features Ted Danson as Charles Nieuwendyk, a retired widower who reignites his zest for life after becoming an amateur private investigator. The first episode outlines how he transforms into an unlikely spy, and from that point onwards, you’ll be eager to see how his initial case unfolds.

“A Man on the Inside” is one of those uplifting Netflix series that will lift your spirits, while also addressing significant themes like loneliness and aging. The show highlights the necessity of human connection, especially for those often overlooked like the elderly, showcasing tender and reflective moments that will resonate particularly with those who have cared for aging loved ones. It strikes a delicate balance, though one that feels natural and effortless.

The series has garnered largely favorable reviews, with a 94% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80% audience rating on the Popcornmeter. Rolling Stone’s Alan Sepinwall commended it, stating, “It’s smart and it’s kind and it’s incredibly warm, a much-needed remedy at a time when the world feels very angry and cold.” Season 2 launched in November 2025 and even stars Mary Steenburgen (Danson’s real-life wife) as Charles’ romantic interest. His escapades aren’t finished yet, as “A Man on the Inside” has been renewed for Season 3.

Castlevania (2017-2021)

The opening episode of the dark adult animated series “Castlevania” is distinct in that it doesn’t showcase the show’s main character, Trevor Belmont. Instead, it serves more as a prologue to the vampire horror drama, presenting the audience with 15th-century Wallachia and establishing Dracula’s motivations for his animosity towards humanity. From this point, you’ll be inclined to continue watching to discover who might challenge such an overwhelming force — and they’re likely not the type of hero you anticipate.

“Castlevania” excels in its clever writing, endearing characters, and thrilling battle sequences, preserving a dark horror tone without taking itself too seriously.

Safewise reports that nearly 50% of residences in the U.S. are equipped with some type of security camera system. This trend is primarily attributable to the popularity of smart security cameras, which have made home surveillance options available to a greater number of property owners than ever.

Nevertheless, although the specifications of various home security cameras differ from one model to another, many do not provide clear images. This issue with clarity can obscure crucial details (such as faces or license plates) in recorded videos. In a time when smartphones can produce professional-grade photos, many consumers may rightly question why the footage from their security cameras resembles a scene from a low-budget horror film. With all the sophisticated features these systems boast, why do they still fall short in delivering visual quality?

There is a legitimate reason behind the difference in the image quality obtained from a smartphone camera versus that of a home security camera. It primarily relates to file size. In order to record and store video continuously, most smart home security camera systems must compromise on image quality to accommodate storage needs.

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