New AI-Powered Fitness App TrueFits Tackles Gym Wastage, Brings Workouts to Your Phone
PNN Advertisement Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 16: We live in a world where more than 70% of gym memberships go unused. This is happening because people can’t commit to gyms due to busy and rigid schedules. Due to this, Fitness often feels more like a financial burden than a healthy lifestyle. Rigid schedules, intimidating equipment, […]
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 16: We live in a world where more than 70% of gym memberships go unused. This is happening because people can’t commit to gyms due to busy and rigid schedules. Due to this, Fitness often feels more like a financial burden than a healthy lifestyle. Rigid schedules, intimidating equipment, and long-term contracts have made traditional gyms difficult to stick to. It is especially difficult for beginners, busy professionals, and those in Tier 2-3 cities.
There is a growing disconnect between gym infrastructure and user convenience. With the rapid advancement of AI, the need for smart fitness solutions has become more urgent than ever. India’s underused gym economy demands an innovative approach. Any approach that can make fitness more accessible and flexible. In today’s busy and fast-paced world, committing to a traditional gym routine is very much difficult.
We need a solution that allows people to stay fit without being tied to expensive monthly or annual commitments. TrueFits is an AI-powered fitness platform. It is working to bridge this gap. It aims to provide users with personalized workouts, expert-designed fitness plans, and even access to gym sessions — all without the pressure of long-term memberships.
Why should fitness be locked inside four walls or rigid packages? TrueFits is a platform that is built to fit your life — not the other way around.
One of the biggest issue with traditional gyms is the burden of monthly or annual commitments. Many busy users prefer a solution that allows them to pay only when they use the gym. People, these days, don’t want to be locked into long-term plans. They want to pay only when they actually attend a gym or use a service.
TrueFits addresses this problem with its “pay-as-you-use” model. It allows users to pay only when they visit a partner gym or access advanced features. This eliminates the guilt and waste of unused memberships. On the other hand, gyms also benefit by filling slow hours and reaching new customers digitally with this technology.
Backed by over 105 fitness experts, TrueFits uses AI to analyze user body type, health goals, and workout history. It then delivers a customized workout plan directly on the user’s phone, laptop, or smart TV. They have over 135+ training modules. Users can start exercising anywhere, anytime without need of a personal trainer or gym commitment required.
The platform currently supports over 100,000 daily active users. It shares regular updates to ensure that users always have access to fresh and adaptive content. It also helps trainers find jobs and enables small gyms to boost footfall — especially in semi-urban and rural regions.
Based in Bangalore, TrueFits is not just creating a product but building a new fitness economy–one that’s more democratic, accessible, and driven by real human needs. The company is also developing special programs for people with medical conditions, senior citizens, and differently abled users.
In future updates, company plans to integrate smartwatches and health bands. It will enable real-time tracking and adaptive coaching. The team is preparing to expand across India and into select international markets. TrueFits also aims to grow from 1 lakh to over 5 lakh daily users in the next few years.
About TrueFits
TrueFits is an AI-powered fitness platform developed by First Move Software Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Bangalore. With a flexible model that prioritizes user convenience and affordability, TrueFits is transforming fitness for modern India–bringing workouts to fingertips and redefining how gyms engage with users.
Learn more at: https://truefits.app/
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)
Revolutionary Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Latest Game-Changer in Foldable Tech!
Samsung has recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, focusing on a sleeker design and enhanced performance. Samsung continues to advance its flagship foldable smartphones annually: the Galaxy Z Flip, which resembles a flip phone, and the Galaxy Z Fold, similar to a book in design. The company has officially introduced the […]
Samsung has recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, focusing on a sleeker design and enhanced performance.
Samsung continues to advance its flagship foldable smartphones annually: the Galaxy Z Flip, which resembles a flip phone, and the Galaxy Z Fold, similar to a book in design. The company has officially introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, marking a significant redesign for this new generation.
Explore everything there is to know about the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, including its features, prices, and release date.
A Thinner, More Powerful Galaxy Z Fold 7
The most noticeable aspect of the new Z Fold 7 is its design. After years of feedback regarding the bulkiness of its foldable smartphone, Samsung has significantly slimmed down the Z Fold 7, making it resemble a regular smartphone in size (plus it folds).
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now measures only 8.9 mm when closed and 4.2 mm when opened. This is a nearly 26% reduction in thickness compared to its predecessor, making it only slightly thicker than its USB-C port.
Weight reduction is also a highlight for the Z Fold 7, as the smartphone is now 19 grams lighter than last year’s model, weighing in at just 215 grams. This is due in part to a new, lighter yet more durable hinge.
As for the display, the inside screen of the Z Fold 7 has increased to 8 inches (up from 7.6 inches for the Z Fold 6), while the external screen has grown from 6.2 inches to 6.5 inches. The internal fold has also been improved and feels less noticeable than in the previous generation. The inner screen’s brightness can now reach up to 2600 nits.
The camera system on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has also been upgraded. The main sensor now features a 200 MP camera, similar to those found in the S25 Ultra and Edge. The selfie camera has been updated with a new 10 MP sensor, and the ultra-wide-angle now includes a macro mode for capturing fine details.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is set to be a powerhouse with its processor: a fully Galaxy-configured Snapdragon 8 Elite. This chip can be paired with either 12 or 16 GB of RAM, depending on the configuration you choose.
Despite its thinness, the Z Fold 7 doesn’t skimp on battery life. It features a 4400 mAh battery and Samsung claims it can last up to 24 hours on video playback, which is an hour more than the previous generation. Charging capabilities remain at 25 W wired and 10 W wireless.
Increased Price with an Upcoming Release Date
Unfortunately, the enhancements in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 have led Samsung to raise the price of the smartphone by 100 euros compared to the previous version. The foldable phone will be available in the following three versions:
2099 euros for the 256 / 12 GB version
2219 euros for the 512 / 12 GB version
2519 euros for the 1 TB / 16 GB version
Three color options will be available at official retailers: midnight blue, absolute black, and gray. A fourth color, aqua green, will be exclusively available on Samsung’s official website.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be available starting July 25, 2025, with pre-orders opening on July 9. Samsung is offering up to 150 euros off if you opt for a version with additional storage.
Gaming in China: A Global Powerhouse Redefining Digital Entertainment
Introduction: China’s Gaming Juggernaut In 2025, China’s gaming industry is the world’s largest, valued at $71.18 billion and projected to reach $102.8 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.63% CAGR, per Mordor Intelligence. With 668 million gamers—46% of the population—China commands 25% of global gaming revenue. Fueled by 800 million 5G connections and a digital-first […]
In 2025, China’s gaming industry is the world’s largest, valued at $71.18 billion and projected to reach $102.8 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.63% CAGR, per Mordor Intelligence. With 668 million gamers—46% of the population—China commands 25% of global gaming revenue. Fueled by 800 million 5G connections and a digital-first culture, the industry thrives on mobile gaming, esports, and innovative tech like VR and cloud gaming. This post explores China’s gaming ecosystem, its technological and cultural drivers, and the challenges shaping its global dominance, showcasing a digital revolution transforming entertainment.
Mobile Gaming: The Industry’s Backbone
Mobile gaming accounts for 68% of China’s gaming revenue ($48.4 billion in 2025), driven by widespread smartphone adoption (83% mobile penetration) and affordable data plans. Titles like Honor of Kings and Peacekeeper Elite dominate, with 150 million monthly active users, per a 2024 Newzoo report. Tencent and NetEase hold 61% of the mobile and PC market, though competitors like miHoYo, behind Genshin Impact, are gaining ground. The rise of mini-games on platforms like WeChat, with 100 million daily users, enhances accessibility. 5G’s ultra-low latency enables console-quality graphics on mobiles, while cloud gaming, led by Migu and Xiaomi, reaches 30 million users, expanding access to rural areas.
Esports: A Cultural and Economic Force
China leads the global esports market, valued at $35.76 billion in 2024, with 102 tournaments hosted annually. Honor of Kings tournaments boast $14.7 million prize pools, per Niko Partners. Tencent’s League of Legends Pro League and Valorant draw millions, with 42.8% of gamers making in-game purchases while watching streams. The government’s recognition of esports as a sport has professionalized the industry, with academies in Shanghai training 5,000 players yearly. Offline events, revived post-COVID, attract 10 million spectators, amplifying China’s esports dominance and cultural influence.
Cultural Innovation and Global Expansion
Chinese studios are crafting globally resonant games, like Black Myth: Wukong, China’s first AAA title, which generated $5.17 billion in overseas sales in Q3 2024. Rooted in Chinese mythology, such games export cultural narratives to 50 countries, contributing $17.34 billion in global revenue. Tencent’s investments in Riot Games and Epic Games, alongside miHoYo’s cloud-rendering partnerships, strengthen China’s global footprint. The government’s AVGC policy and $300 million in R&D foster local IP development, with 1,000 domestic games approved in 2023, signaling a shift toward creative autonomy.
Technological Frontiers: VR, AR, and Blockchain
China’s gaming industry leverages cutting-edge tech. VR gaming, backed by the 2021–2025 Five-Year Plan, gains traction with 5 million users, driven by Meta’s deal with Tencent for VR headsets. Cloud gaming, supported by 892 million 5G connections by 2025, delivers high-quality experiences to low-end devices. Blockchain-based games with NFTs, like those by miHoYo, enable asset ownership, attracting 2 million users. AI enhances game design, reducing development costs by 10%, while 5G investments ($116 billion) ensure seamless multiplayer experiences, positioning China at the forefront of gaming innovation.
Challenges: Regulation and Accessibility
Stringent regulations, including a 2021 crackdown limiting minors to three hours of weekly play, reduced the under-18 gamer base by 0.33% to 664 million in 2022. Game approval freezes, like the 2021 eight-month halt, cost 14,000 studios, per the South China Morning Post. Rural areas, with 35% of gamers, face connectivity gaps, with 20% lacking stable 5G. Addiction concerns and piracy, costing $500 million annually, persist. Clearer licensing and infrastructure investments are needed to sustain growth.
Conclusion: China’s Gaming Legacy
China’s 668 million gamers in 2025 drive a $71.18 billion industry that blends mobile dominance, esports fervor, and cultural innovation. With $400 billion in tech investments and policies fostering global expansion, China redefines gaming. Despite regulatory and accessibility hurdles, its embrace of 5G, VR, and AI ensures leadership. This is not just a market—it’s a cultural and technological revolution, shaping global entertainment with every play.
Revolutionary Pre-Workout BUZZ BOMB Launches With Instant-Action Technology
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) announced the launch of its new pre-workout supplement BUZZ BOMB™ at two major fitness conventions – FitCon in Salt Lake City (August 1-2) and FitExpo in Anaheim (August 2-3, 2025). The product features 50mg of caffeine delivered through sublingual nano technology, offering nearly […]
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) announced the launch of its new pre-workout supplement BUZZ BOMB™ at two major fitness conventions – FitCon in Salt Lake City (August 1-2) and FitExpo in Anaheim (August 2-3, 2025).
The product features 50mg of caffeine delivered through sublingual nano technology, offering nearly instant energy through easy-to-use packets. As a Gold Sponsor at FitCon (20,000 attendees) and sponsor at FitExpo (33,000 attendees), BUZZ BOMB™ will receive prominent placement, extensive marketing exposure, and product sampling opportunities to all attendees.
The company aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar pre-workout market with its innovative delivery system that provides immediate effects compared to traditional pre-workout supplements that require 20-30 minutes to activate.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) ha annunciato il lancio del suo nuovo integratore pre-allenamento BUZZ BOMB™ in due importanti convention fitness: FitCon a Salt Lake City (1-2 agosto) e FitExpo a Anaheim (2-3 agosto 2025).
Il prodotto contiene 50mg di caffeina somministrata tramite tecnologia sublinguale nano, offrendo energia quasi istantanea attraverso pratiche bustine. Come sponsor Gold a FitCon (20.000 partecipanti) e sponsor a FitExpo (33.000 partecipanti), BUZZ BOMB™ avrà una posizione di rilievo, ampia visibilità pubblicitaria e opportunità di campionamento per tutti i presenti.
L’azienda punta a rivoluzionare il mercato multi-miliardario dei pre-allenamento con un sistema di somministrazione innovativo che garantisce effetti immediati, a differenza dei tradizionali integratori che richiedono 20-30 minuti per attivarsi.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) anunció el lanzamiento de su nuevo suplemento pre-entrenamiento BUZZ BOMB™ en dos importantes convenciones de fitness: FitCon en Salt Lake City (1-2 de agosto) y FitExpo en Anaheim (2-3 de agosto de 2025).
El producto contiene 50 mg de cafeína administrados mediante tecnología nano sublingual, ofreciendo energía casi instantánea a través de prácticos sobres. Como patrocinador Gold en FitCon (20,000 asistentes) y patrocinador en FitExpo (33,000 asistentes), BUZZ BOMB™ tendrá una ubicación destacada, amplia exposición de marketing y oportunidades para muestrear el producto a todos los asistentes.
La compañía busca revolucionar el mercado multimillonario de suplementos pre-entrenamiento con un sistema de entrega innovador que proporciona efectos inmediatos en comparación con los suplementos tradicionales que requieren 20-30 minutos para activarse.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP)는 새로운 운동 전 보충제 BUZZ BOMB™을 두 개의 주요 피트니스 컨벤션인 솔트레이크시티의 FitCon(8월 1-2일)과 애너하임의 FitExpo(2025년 8월 2-3일)에서 출시했다고 발표했습니다.
이 제품은 50mg의 카페인을 설하 나노 기술로 제공하여 간편한 팩 형태로 거의 즉각적인 에너지를 제공합니다. FitCon(참가자 20,000명)에서 골드 스폰서로, FitExpo(참가자 33,000명)에서 스폰서로서 BUZZ BOMB™는 눈에 띄는 위치, 광범위한 마케팅 노출 및 모든 참가자에게 제품 샘플링 기회를 얻게 됩니다.
회사는 기존 운동 전 보충제가 활성화되기까지 20-30분이 걸리는 것과 달리 즉각적인 효과를 제공하는 혁신적인 전달 시스템으로 수십억 달러 규모의 운동 전 보충제 시장을 혁신하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) a annoncé le lancement de son nouveau supplément pré-entraînement BUZZ BOMB™ lors de deux grandes conventions de fitness : FitCon à Salt Lake City (1er-2 août) et FitExpo à Anaheim (2-3 août 2025).
Le produit contient 50 mg de caféine délivrés par technologie nano sublinguale, offrant une énergie quasi instantanée via des sachets faciles à utiliser. En tant que sponsor Gold à FitCon (20 000 participants) et sponsor à FitExpo (33 000 participants), BUZZ BOMB™ bénéficiera d’une visibilité de premier plan, d’une large exposition marketing et d’opportunités de distribution d’échantillons à tous les participants.
L’entreprise vise à bouleverser le marché des suppléments pré-entraînement, qui pèse plusieurs milliards, grâce à son système innovant de délivrance offrant des effets immédiats, contrairement aux suppléments traditionnels nécessitant 20 à 30 minutes pour agir.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) hat die Einführung seines neuen Pre-Workout-Supplements BUZZ BOMB™ auf zwei großen Fitnessmessen angekündigt – FitCon in Salt Lake City (1.-2. August) und FitExpo in Anaheim (2.-3. August 2025).
Das Produkt enthält 50 mg Koffein, das mittels sublingualer Nanotechnologie verabreicht wird und nahezu sofortige Energie durch einfach zu verwendende Portionsbeutel bietet. Als Goldsponsor bei FitCon (20.000 Teilnehmer) und Sponsor bei FitExpo (33.000 Teilnehmer) erhält BUZZ BOMB™ prominente Platzierung, umfangreiche Marketingpräsenz und Produktprobenmöglichkeiten für alle Besucher.
Das Unternehmen möchte den milliardenschweren Pre-Workout-Markt mit seinem innovativen Abgabesystem revolutionieren, das sofortige Wirkung bietet, im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen Pre-Workout-Supplements, die 20-30 Minuten zur Aktivierung benötigen.
Negative
No sales projections or market size specifics provided
New entrant in a highly competitive pre-workout supplement market
Sublingual nano technology delivers 50mg of caffeine rapidly to the body, bringing its unique benefits to the pre-workout market
ESTERO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / July 22, 2025 / Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP) (“Aspire” or the “Company”), developer of a multi-faceted patent-pending supplement delivery technology, today announced it plans to launch its newsublingual pre-workout supplement, BUZZ BOMB™, at FitCon and FitExpo, two of the largest fitness conventions held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah (August 1-2) and Anaheim, CA, (August 2-3), respectively.
Featuring 50mg of caffeine and designed to support sustained energy and mental focus, BUZZ BOMB™ is bringing its unique delivery technology benefits to the multi-billion-dollar pre-workout market to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximize their performance potential. Buzz BOMB™, offered in four flavors, provides nearly instant energy, in easy-to-use small sublingual packets, which can be taken right before and during work out as needed. Unlike pre-workout products that are mixed with water and taken well before a workout, BUZZ BOMB™ is sprinkled under the tongue for immediate effect.
FitCon: Mountain America ExpoCenter, Salt Lake City, UT on August 1-2, 2025, Located in Sponsor Alley
FitCon is an event that brings together fitness enthusiasts, professionals, brands, and influencers in the health and wellness industry with approximately 20,000 attendees and hundreds of exhibitors. BUZZ BOMB™ is one of seven “Gold Sponsors” at FitCon, which provides benefits including samples provided to every attendee, a large booth located along “Sponsor Alley” where all attendees pass through, as well as FitCon website marketing, advertising and communications to attendees, and a liberal exhibiting of Buzz Bomb’s distinctive trademark throughout the exhibition.
To learn more about FitCon, please visit https://fitcon.com/
The FitExpo: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA, August 2-3, 2025, Booth #401
FitExpo brings together a diverse range of fitness brands, competitions, and demonstrations to inspire and guide individuals on their fitness journey and is one of the largest fitness conventions in the world with over 33,000 people expected to attend. As a convention sponsor, BUZZ BOMB™ will be provided numerous benefits and support, including:
BUZZ BOMB™ will be mentioned on all signage throughout the convention, including in the lobby where patrons enter, as well as on the convention’s website, newsletter, and social media postings
Company representatives (mostly professional trainers) will be running “Feel the Buzz” contests at both conventions with 250 BUZZ BOMB™ t-shirts offered as prizes to contestants. The Company also plans to sell product at the conventions and generate “BUZZ”.
“The launch of BUZZ BOMB™ at two of the major fitness conventions represent the ideal venues to introduce our disruptive pre-workout formula designed to boost endurance, energy metabolism, and overall performance, ensuring that athletes and fitness enthusiasts can perform at their best, both in and out of the gym,” said Michael Howe, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire. “We are also very excited about the positive initial consumer feedback we received recently from our sampling of BUZZ BOMB™ to not only fitness trainers and gym owners, but to active and fitness-minded consumers, expanding the addressable market opportunity within the multi-billion-dollar health and wellness categories.”
BUZZ BOMB™ Pre-workout Benefits:
• Speed – works nearly immediate vs. 20-30 minutes
• Convenience – easy to use single-use packets vs. mixing and measuring for beverages
• Energy management – use as needed to precisely manage caffeine intake
• Single Safe Active Ingredient – well-known benefits and use of caffeine
• Low manufacturing & packaging costs – competitive pricing with high margin potential
About the Aspire Targeted Oral Delivery Platform
Aspire’s technology delivers fast-acting supplement formulations which have been developed by using our patent-pending methodology, and “trade secret” process. The technology’s new mechanism of action allows for rapid sublingual absorption. The benefits of “rapid absorption” are to provide rapid impact in more precise quantities.
About Aspire Biopharma, Inc.
Headquartered in Estero, Fl., Aspire Biopharma has developed a disruptive technology that can deliver supplements and drugs rapidly and precisely. For more information, please visit www.aspirebiolabs.com.
Certain statements made in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” “potential,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Aspire’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the control of the parties, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
Contact
PCG Advisory Kevin McGrath +1-646-418-7002 kevin@pcgadvisory.com
SOURCE: Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
What is BUZZ BOMB’s main feature as a pre-workout supplement from Aspire Biopharma (NASDAQ:ASBP)?
BUZZ BOMB features 50mg of caffeine delivered through sublingual nano technology, providing nearly instant energy through easy-to-use packets placed under the tongue.
When and where will Aspire Biopharma (ASBP) launch BUZZ BOMB?
BUZZ BOMB will launch at two major fitness conventions: FitCon in Salt Lake City (August 1-2, 2025) and FitExpo in Anaheim (August 2-3, 2025).
How many attendees will BUZZ BOMB potentially reach at the fitness conventions?
BUZZ BOMB will reach approximately 53,000 combined attendees – 20,000 at FitCon and 33,000 at FitExpo.
What are the key advantages of BUZZ BOMB over traditional pre-workout supplements?
BUZZ BOMB offers immediate effects versus 20-30 minute activation time, convenient single-use packets, precise caffeine intake management, and competitive pricing with high margin potential.
How will BUZZ BOMB be promoted at the fitness conventions?
As a sponsor, BUZZ BOMB will receive prominent booth placement, product samples in all attendee gift bags, social media promotion to 1.8+ million accounts, and convention-wide branding exposure.
Fortune Telling on Sports: What Big Surprises Are Kept in Store for Gamblers
The betting industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving rapidly alongside technological breakthroughs. Recently, cutting-edge innovations have been ruling the sports staking sector, altering how people engage with athletics, bets, and tournaments. Looking ahead, it’s clear that these advancements will keep crafting the coming years of virtual platforms like UK horse race […]
The betting industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving rapidly alongside technological breakthroughs. Recently, cutting-edge innovations have been ruling the sports staking sector, altering how people engage with athletics, bets, and tournaments.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that these advancements will keep crafting the coming years of virtual platforms like UK horse race betting sites. In this article, we’ll explore the key technological drifts that are metamorphosing betting prospects and discuss what lies ahead for agents and players in this ever-evolving digital era.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics have contributed decisively to the kingdom of bets. For instance, bookmakers are steadily applying AI-based algorithms to more accurately predict outcomes and set odds that reflect likely scenarios. This not only benefits oddsmakers in terms of more efficacious risk management but also ameliorates the betting experience for clients through tailored suggestions and real-time statistics.
In addition, AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming omnipresent within customer support, providing instant answers to queries and guaranteeing individualized assistance to bettors. Shortly, these intelligent systems are expected to deliver concurrent support, promptly responding to customer queries and potentially reducing waiting times by up to 90%.
It is essential to note that a full-fledged AI hub for sports betting does not yet exist. In cyberspace, one can come across numerous myths about magic software that claims to skyrocket sports prediction accuracy within seconds. Nevertheless, a comprehensive cognitive computing system for sports betting is rather an anticipated implication than a present-day reality.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) is rapidly gaining momentum in the betting market. The reason for this maturation is that virtual sports wagering allows players to see the whole iceberg without ending up underwater. As VR and AR technologies allow for a broader picture, we can expect bookmakers to utilize them to provide a more hands-on experience while blurring the lines between real and virtual betting.
The mesmerizing involvement that virtual reality provides promises to convey an unprecedented level of purpose-led engagement in betting. Imagine not just binge-watching your favorite team play on a screen, but feeling the atmosphere of the stadium, absorbing the fans’ screams, and even sensing the tension of the players. Such a versatile experience will undoubtedly deepen emotional connections with the game, making every action on the field more meaningful and memorable.
VR also opens up fresh avenues for reciprocity. Betting platforms could evolve from mere places to place bets into social zones where users can disseminate information and get valuable support. Cyberspace meetings, strategy discussions, sharing opinions and experiences – all this reigns supreme when it comes to simplicity and trustworthiness of betting process.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have disrupted various industries, and sports betting is one of them. The decentralized nature of blockchain is called to ensure transparency, security, and immutability of betting transactions. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have gained acceptance as a viable payment method across several betting platforms due to their efficacy and low-rate transaction costs.
Over the years, blockchain technology is likely to play a more prominent role in ensuring fair and transparent betting practices, while cryptocurrencies may become even more integrated into mainstream betting platforms.
One significant benefit of a blockchain-based platform is the ability to tokenize sports bets. Essentially, each bet turns into a token that guarantees its owner that the terms of the bet will be fulfilled. In the long term, this will lead to the emergence of decentralized sports betting markets. For example, just ten minutes before the end of the match, it might get possible to sell a bet that was made before the start to another player. This shift will contribute to the development of an additional ecosystem around betting software, creating more opportunities for players to generate profit.
Mobile Betting and Hyperconnectivity
The ubiquitous presence of smartphones has made mobile betting the preferred choice for many users. With the deployment of 5G connectivity, mobile wagering is set to become swifter, more genuine, and more alluring. 5G’s low latency and towering data rates will enable high-quality live streaming of events and facilitate quicker in-play betting.
Over time, mobile bookmakers must showcase this mobile-centric demand by honing their platforms for mobile use and providing a seamless customer experience to remain competitive in the market of the future.
Mobile betting is a new trend in the realm of betting. Now, a player can place bets anywhere, whether they are outside, at work, or in the comfort of their homes. The only requirement is possessing a smartphone with the appropriate functions and capabilities. Ultimately, mobile-based and 5G possibilities take up an ever-increasing share of bookmaker bets every year, thanks to their convenience and intuitiveness.
Social Betting and Collaboration in Action
Digital communication has shifted the ways people interact and share experiences online, and is also impacting the betting sector. Social betting platforms allow users to create communities, share tips, and compete with friends, adding a social element down the line.
It is worth noting that the majority of bookmakers are keen on effectively integrating social features into their platforms to foster a sense of community and loyalty among users, ultimately boosting engagement and retention.
All in all, sports gambling is a great way to connect with companions and like-minded people. Watching the game together, discussing bets, and analyzing the results strengthen friendships and make leisure time more engaging.
Final Thoughts
The future of placing bets is undoubtedly technology-driven. Advances in artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, blockchain, mobile, and social media will subsidize the ways how bookmakers operate and how users interact with betting platforms.
As technology gets more worldly-wise, the betting experience will become more gripping, customized, and protected from frauds. By staying ahead of the curve and leveraging these innovations, bookmakers can pose themselves as pioneers in the future of gambling.
Wondering where the comments are? We encourage you to use the share buttons below and start the conversation on your own!
Patrick Talty knew that having an event-hosting résumé dating back more than a century wasn’t enough to propel Indianapolis into the next generation of business. He had started his career in the early 2000s as an executive at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, before holding leadership positions, at various periods from 2006 to […]
Patrick Talty knew that having an event-hosting résumé dating back more than a century wasn’t enough to propel Indianapolis into the next generation of business.
He had started his career in the early 2000s as an executive at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, before holding leadership positions, at various periods from 2006 to 2019, at State Farm Stadium, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Bank Stadium and WWE. He returned to Indianapolis in 2019 when he was named COO of the Indianapolis Sports Corp.
When he was interviewing for the president’s role in 2022, he knew it was time to look ahead. Talty was elected president of the ISC three years ago this week.
“I had seen the way Indianapolis did things,” he said. “Then I saw how others did things. They were not the ‘Indy’ way. I believed that we needed to think differently about our sports ecosystem and look ahead 10 years.”
The ISC, the country’s oldest sports commission (founded in 1979), hired business consultants Next Practice Partners to come up with a strategy.
“Their strategy right off the bat was, ‘Why 10 years? Why not 25 years?’” he said.
The group spent nearly two years talking to and surveying more than 100 of its partners and stakeholders, Indiana residents and even properties that had not held their events in Indianapolis to get their feedback on sports’ impact in the state.
From this research came the 2050 Vision, its guiding principles and five pillars of focus.
Indy Stability
Current lease agreements:
Indians — March 31, 2036:
Pirates affiliate has up to four five-year extensions
Colts — August 31, 2038: If the club is not among the top five NFL teams in total gross operating revenue for the 2030 fiscal year, they have the right to terminate the lease effective as of August 31, 2035
Pacers/Fever — June 30, 2044: PS&E has three one-year options
Additionally, Talty said, the entire city and state changed their mentality from viewing sports as an economic segment that generates an economic impact to an investment that generates long-term economic development.
Everyone in the region is considered a stakeholder, from high-level executives at the hotels, restaurants, airport, pro and college teams and sports national governing bodies, as well as those at public works and government, sports venues, destination marketers and other sectors who meet on a monthly basis to share calendars, best practices and to strategize on how each specific event can generate future economic growth for the region.
The collaboration is loosely called “Team Indy,” and industry veterans say that there is nothing like it in the sports business world.
“The ecosystem is multigenerational,” said Sarah Myer, Indiana Sports Corp chief of staff and strategy. “It feels less like a job and more like a responsibility to the century of people before us.”
Hoosier Hospitality
One of Team Indy’s top objectives is to make one of the country’s busiest sports calendars even busier.
The city rolled out the red carpet this past weekend for its first WNBA All-Star Game, extending an 18-month stretch that included winning the bids to host the 2024 NBA All-Star Game; the most lucrative WWE Royal Rumble ever; the historic U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium; landing eight major Big Ten championships through 2028, which will generate a projected 125,128 hotel room nights (including an extension of the league’s football championship game through 2028, where it has been played since the 2011 inaugural game); the NFHS/NCAA/SFIA Team Sports Conference and many other events.
Fans at the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis. courtesy of Visit Indy
The region’s event-hosting skills generated a record $17 million in operating revenue and $24 million in revenue last year from various taxes on lodging, car rental, event tickets and other sources, according to the annual comprehensive financial report completed last month by the region’s Capital Improvement Board (CIB).
The CIB, a public body that was created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1965 to “finance, construct, operate, and maintain capital facilities or improvements,” uses that revenue to help fund the marketing, bidding and hosting efforts of Visit Indy, Indiana Sports Corp and the Indianapolis Convention Center. The organization owns Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Victory Field and the Indiana Convention Center. The Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts practice facilities are also located on land owned by the CIB, and there are similar agreements in place for the Indiana Fever’s under-construction training center and the proposed new MLS stadium.
To complement the earmarked tax revenue, the CIB in 2015 established a bid fund to assist with those efforts, where $4.88 million had been disbursed through the end of 2024 and there was $6.5 million in reserve. Additionally, the state’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation last month approved a two-year extension to the 2-year-old Statewide Sports and Tourism Bid Fund, meaning that $20 million will have been pledged by the state to bring in new events over four years. At least 30% of those must occur outside Marion County.
“We have a bright red state house and a bright blue city,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA senior vice president of policy and governance, the organization’s longest-tenured employee, who began his career in April 1986 before the NCAA moved to town from the Kansas City area. “But this state and city are partisan when it comes to sports business.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett is a Democrat, and the state’s governor, Mike Braun, is a Republican whose party has maintained a supermajority in the state Senate since 2010 and in the House since 2012. All pull for sports.
Approximately two dozen states have a fund or grant to help destination marketing organizations attract and/or operate sporting events, according to data provided to Sports Business Journal by Stoll Strategies.
The region’s event-hosting chassis was built, of course, by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500. The sports industry knows that the 500 is the most-attended single-event weekend in the world, but natives are even quicker to point out that the spectacle is twice as old as the Super Bowl and draws far more out-of-towners. The inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 drew an estimated crowd of 80,000 to 85,000 spectators (in a county of 263,000). This year’s race day drew nearly 350,000 fans, more than five times the 65,719 that attended February’s Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
Additionally, the Class AAA Indianapolis Indians are the second-oldest minor league team in the country, having played continuously since 1902.
“We’ve been moving traffic for more than 100 years,” exclaimed Visit Indy’s executive vice president and CMO, Chris Gahl, who oversees the non-private, nonprofit’s budget of more than $12 million to market the region as an event destination.
Looking ahead, a record 251,523 hotel room nights were booked in 2024 that were directly related to future sporting events, according to Visit Indy, as the region is preparing to host (among other things) the NCAA 2026 and 2029 men’s and 2028 women’s basketball Final Fours; a WrestleMania and a two-night SummerSlam, as part of a first-of-its-kind partnership struck between WWE and Indiana Sports Corp earlier this year; and TEDSports Indianapolis, which will explore the intersection of technology, creativity and the human potential in sports.
Additionally, through a 30-year agreement formalized in 2009, Indianapolis hosts at least one major NCAA event every year to 2039, including 90% of its committee meetings.
Everything, Everyone is Connected
To accommodate growing numbers of visiting fans, the city continues to build on the physical infrastructure that boasts all the major sports venues within walking distance of each other and one of the most extensive networks of skywalks on the continent. When the Signia by Hilton opens next fall, for example, there will be 12 hotels connected via skywalk to the convention center, for a total of more than 5,100 rooms (see map above), plus an underground connector that extends to Lucas Oil Stadium. Another skywalk will connect Gainbridge Fieldhouse to the Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s under-construction site that will include a 170-room Shinola Hotel and a 4,000-capacity music venue operated by Live Nation, scheduled to open in 2027.
Victory Field, home of the Indians, has always been considered a top minor-league ballpark. Courtesy of Visit Indy
And, of course, in a city that was purposely designed to keep residents and visitors connected, the historical influence of the world’s most-attended single-day sporting event seeps into every facet of the economy.
“We all understand what came first,” said the Capital Improvement Board’s Andy Mallon, who has been the organization’s executive director since 2019, and holds a law degree at IU. “The sports teams all lean on each other, but the whole city leans into the 500.”
Building a Tech Hub
Since launching the nonprofit Sports Tech HQ in 2021, Jeff Hintz and Brian Alkire have assembled a collective of more than 50 companies, evenly spilt between what head of marketing Alkire said “were homegrown companies that joined the collective because they already had a significant presence here,” and the other half were lured by the accelerated growth of tech companies in the region.
mayflower box here
Sports Tech HQ is helping develop the Research & Development HUB at Grand Park, the training home of the Colts, Pacers and USL Championship Indy Eleven.
“Our goal is to future-proof the state by stopping the brain drain of innovators and connecting everyone to everyone,” said Hintz, vice president of innovation at ISC and executive director of Sports Tech HQ.
The latest addition to the collective is Edge Sound Research, which this summer signed a tech partnership with Indiana University, installed its multisensorial sound technology at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and IMS, and earlier this month raised $2.75 million in another round of funding, which included participation by USTA Ventures and the DeVos family (the majority owners of the Orlando Magic).
The Women’s Sports Capital
“Caitlin [Clark] is the accelerator, but Indianapolis has supported women’s sports for a long time,” said ISC’s Myer, noting that the city just hosted its 26th Big Ten women’s basketball tournament, and that Mel Raines (president and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment), Allison Melangton (senior vice president of Penske Entertainment) and Allison Barber (executive leader and chair of the Marvella Foundation, the organization behind the under-development Marvella Sports Complex) are among the many executive-level women running local sports properties.
“Herb Simon is the unsung hero of the Fever,” said Raines of the longtime Pacers and Fever owner. “He invested in women’s sports 26 years ago, and he never once stopped believing.”
Indianapolis-based Sport Graphics installed a 30-story Caitlin Clark Nike ad on the downtown JW Marriott. Getty Images
The Fever were the first WNBA team to have their own dedicated space within an NBA arena, and PS&E is now building the club a stand-alone $78 million practice and training facility on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse site.
The $98 million Marvella Sports Complex, overseen by Barber, who is also the former president of the Fever, is the country’s first leadership and sports complex specifically for young female athletes. It is located in Fair Oaks Farms, Ind., about two hours from Indianapolis. The 300,000-square-foot facility will feature 16 courts and fields, has a formal partnership with Sports Tech HQ and this summer received a financial grant from the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee.
Additionally, the Portland, Ore.-based Sports Bra, a bar that is dedicated to showing only women’s athletics on its TVs, announced last month that it will open an Indianapolis location.
And Room to Grow
The city has long marketed itself as the Amateur Sports Capital of the World, thanks to the presence of the NCAA, the National Federation of State High School Associations, USA Track & Field, USA Gymnastics and USA Football. But the goal is to be home to “the largest cluster of sports organizations and governing bodies in the world,” according to Talty.
“How do we attract businesses to our state?” asked Talty. “For example, we are home to the second-most sports NGBs in the country. How do we get more? By completely surrounding them with leaders who are here now.”
The initiative also focuses on building sports business academic and research opportunities. For example, Purdue’s motorsports engineering program (which includes a five-year dual degree in motorsports and mechanical engineering) will be housed inside the U.S. headquarters of Dallara, the largest multinational Italian race car manufacturer, beginning later next month.
Fans remember stars of the past and honor current stars in Indianapolis. Courtesy of Visit Indy
Located one mile from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, students will get hands-on training and diagnostic testing alongside working designers and engineers. Dallara’s portfolio includes being the exclusive chassis supplier of the NTT IndyCar Series since 2012; the designer of the Next Gen car (Gen-7) for the NASCAR Cup Series; and the manufacturer of the Cadillac and BMW Le Mans Daytona Hypercar prototype for IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).
“Indy doesn’t have casinos or palm trees or beaches,” said Lennon. “But we sure can host an event.”
Forward Progress
The Indiana Convention Center is undergoing its sixth expansion, adding 143,500 square feet including a 50,000-square-foot ballroom connected to the new 800-room Signia by Hilton. And a massive expansion of Grand Park, one of the country’s busiest youth sports facilities, will begin this fall that will include the construction of a 10,000-seat stadium, an ice skating facility that will be the largest in the state, numerous hotels and business space.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber visited Indianapolis again this spring, and the city has earmarked about 16 acres for construction of a new MLS stadium at the site of the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport for a proposed expansion team, and is working with Populous on the design. “It would help us attract international residents and companies, it would help the companies here attract talent, fill a void in our facilities offering,” said Talty.
The Caitlin Effect: Average attendance in the Fever’s 33 homegames since Clark joined the team was 16,952 as of press time, up 129% over the average of the 375 regular-season home games the club played since its debut in 2000-01. She has marketing deals with Indy-based Gainbridge and Lilly, and the city sees a spike in hotel room revenue for every Fever home game.
The region’s swimming business is booming. Last month, USA Swimming awarded Indianapolis its 2028 Olympic Team Trials leading into the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The 2024 trials at Lucas Oil Stadium broke the sport’s records for attendance (more than 285,000 fans across all sessions) and generated significant exposure for the city. Additionally, the Toyota National Championships returned to the IU Natatorium last month, and a $55 million expansion and renovation of the Carmel High School natatorium 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis was completed in December. The facility meets or exceeds FINA and USA Swimming standards, and was recently selected to host the first leg of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in October.
TWG Motorsports, a racing portfolio that includes Indianapolis-based Andretti Global (IndyCar) and Wayne Taylor Racing (IMSA), is the owner of the Cadillac Formula 1 team scheduled to join the grid next year as the only U.S.-based team. The team’s 400,000-square-foot headquarters is under construction, and Keanu Reeves is producing and narrating a documentary on the team’s birth. TVG’s CEO is Dan Towriss and longtime motorsports executive Jill Gregory is COO, as well as president of Andretti Global — because, once again, everything in Indy is connected.
IU broke ground in February on the $110 million James T. Morris Arena. The 4,500 seats will give the city a smaller marketable venue not currently provided in the downtown area, and will serve as the headquarters for USA Track & Field.
Indianapolis has hosted every NFL Combine since 1987 and is locked in for next year. But even though the city has won every bid since 2021, the league began soliciting bids from other cities to host the annual pre-draft event, so nothing is guaranteed beyond 2026. “Every time we host an event, we treat it like we are auditioning for the next one,” Myer said.
Better call Mayflower!
Indianapolis Colts (in Indy since 1984) — Baltimore (1953)
Note: If you have to ask …
NCAA (1999) — Overland Park, Kan. (1952)
Note: In 1997, Indy was chosen over Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Kansas City, Orlando and San Antonio to be the NCAA’snew headquarters.
National Federation of State High School Associations (2000) — Kansas City (1979)
Note: The 105-year-old organization leads 8 million athletes at nearly 20,000 schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Corteva (2022) — Wilmington, Del. (2018)
Note: The agricultural chemical and seed company last fall signed a 10-year, $4 million deal for naming rights to the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, home to the IU Indianapolis men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Lucas Oil (2024) — Corona, Calif. (1989)
Note: CEO Morgan Lucas is a former pro drag racer and the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is about 10 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis.
ai.io (2025) — London (2017)
Note: The AI-powered sports analytics company, with more than 50 professional club, collegiate and NGBs on its roster, announced this spring that Indy would be its U.S. home.
Sportable (2025) — London (2015)
Note: The company known for its ball and player tracking technologies recently selected Indy as the location for its North American Innovation Center.
Last year, I became a parent and recently completed what is commonly called the newborn stage. It was filled with rich emotions, a lack of sleep and a total realignment of priorities. What made it easier was the kindness and generosity of friends and family, who sent us positive messages and occasional gifts. I’ve written […]
Last year, I became a parent and recently completed what is commonly called the newborn stage. It was filled with rich emotions, a lack of sleep and a total realignment of priorities.
What made it easier was the kindness and generosity of friends and family, who sent us positive messages and occasional gifts. I’ve written gift guides for years, and as a semi-new parent, I am freshly aware of certain gifts that were exceedingly helpful to me and my family in those first few months. I’ve collected personal favorites, NBC Select staff picks, and other bestsellers below.
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Best gifts for new parents in 2025
Newborns grow fast — this clay hand and footprint keepsake can remind them how small their baby was once upon a time. It comes with air-drying clay, letter stamps and a wooden frame with glass cover that leaves room for a few pictures.
Many new parents could use some help catching up on sleep. The Hatch Restore 3 provides several sounds and features to help your giftee unwind. They can select and adjust the audio via the Hatch app and can schedule it to turn on and emit a light anytime in the morning or before bed. NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez has a Hatch alarm clock and wakes up to it everyday. “I love that I can program it to play a gentle harp sound in the morning to help me wake up, rather than a blaring alarm on my phone,” he says. “I also listen to podcasts on the app or rain sounds before bed.”
Sleeping like a baby really means waking up throughout the night, especially in those first few weeks. These Grace & Stella Eye Masks are our favorite eye patches, made with amino acids, hyaluronic acid and sea moss to help brighten and moisturize skin. While they probably won’t help them get more sleep, they may help with inevitable dark under-eye circles.
Everyone wants photos of their new baby, but sharing them can be tricky, especially when you have to start explaining the concept of a shared digital album to grandma. Sharing physical photos can be easier, especially with this portable photo printer. It prints small 2×3-inch photos with peel-and-stick backs straight from your phone — no cords or finicky networking required.
This hand cream is a favorite among NBC Select staff, mainly because it has a pleasant scent and it dries incredibly fast. It isn’t greasy at all and doesn’t leave stains on clothing, according to Fernandez, who bought it after it got a lot of hype on social media. “This lotion keeps my hands moisturized and prevents me from developing calluses, especially after lifting weights at the gym,” he says. “I also love that it doesn’t leave my hands looking shiny.”
One of the hardest parts of the newborn season for me was finding time (and energy) to get groceries and cook. Anyone who sent us a food delivery credit (or better yet, just sent meals straight to our door) was a hero. Not having to worry about food made taking care of baby that much easier. Grubhub was our food delivery app of choice — it has a huge selection of restaurants in New York City.
Getting as much rest and relaxation as possible is the name of the game for new parents, and this cozy bathrobe helped us do just that. The soft, slightly plush, slightly waffle-textured cotton fabric was soothing and relaxing, whether I was post-shower or holding baby in the middle of the night.
Pre-baby, I was content with moving one reusable water bottle around the house as needed. One month into the newborn stage, I realized having a water bottle by the rocking chair, the couch and the bed was not just a matter of convenience but necessary for staying hydrated and not waking the baby to go refill my one water bottle. This 32-ounce Hydro Flask is my bottle of choice—it keeps drinks temperature controlled for hours and holds enough to be convenient but not too heavy.
All that rocking, swaying, bouncing and pacing to get baby to sleep can do a number on your feet, in my experience. Slippers like these have plush memory foam soles that add a layer of cushion and comfort to the mix. They are machine washable and available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Contact naps (holding your baby as they sleep) were pretty much mandatory for our baby to have a good nap during the daytime. To not disturb the baby but keep myself from drifting off to sleep, I wore headphones and listened to a lot of audiobooks. Audible is one of the best places to listen to audiobooks, and its selection of fiction and non-fiction titles kept me awake and entertained while I was otherwise occupied holding and rocking a napping baby.
Our newborn was a light sleeper: little noises around the house were enough to end any nap. Listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts became a headphones-only affair. If they have an iPhone, these AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best wireless earbuds you can give them. They sound clear and detailed, have impressive noise-cancellation and hear-through modes and are great for non-baby activities like work, exercise and travel.
I always needed another bag or tote during the newborn stage, and this one from L.L. Bean is one of our staff favorites. “I’m always surprised by how much it can hold,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider, who uses the zip-top options as a weekender bag. You can also personalize the tote with a monogram or name up to ten characters long, just plan for extra shipping time.
Fernandez tested out this sleep mask from Ostrichpillow for our Wellness Awards earlier this year, and he said it was his absolute favorite of all the ones he tested. The mask isn’t just a sheet over your eyes — they fit almost like sunglasses so they don’t press on your eyelids in an uncomfortable way, according to Fernandez. “This mask helped me fall asleep fast and didn’t give me a headache,” he says. “I love that it has an adjustable strap and that it’s raised on the eyes. Plus, it completely blocks out all light.”
After becoming a parent, I developed all sorts of new, specific aches and pains, and a massage gun helped me ease them away. This one from Theragun has a triangle-shaped handle that makes it easier to pinpoint hard-to-reach spots like the middle of the back, in my experience using similar models from the brand. It’s also simple to use, with one button to turn it on, off, and control the speed.
Compression socks can help with comfort and blood circulation if the parents do a lot of sitting at home (read: are nap trapped). These socks are from an NBC Select staff-favorite brand and are a Wellness Awards winner. They are made from nylon and spandex, with left and right-foot specific fit.
I thought I had everything needed for the newborn phase, but after the first month, I realized how many little things I needed from Amazon, both for me and the baby. Anytime gift fund balance in my account during checkout made me thankful to the person who sent that Amazon gift card. The gift card is available as a physical card or a digital code.
Coffee can be necessary for a new parent to get less sleep than they are used to. With a subscription like Atlas Coffee Club, they’ll get a new blend sent to their door every month. NBC Select Commerce Editor Jordan Bowman reviewed it and could easily sample international blends from India, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. You can gift a three- to 12-month subscription of whole, ground or pod-compatible coffee, with surprise beans or emails ahead of time where he can choose his preferences.
A new parent can’t always get to their coffee the moment it’s ready. With the Ember Mug, they can keep their drink warm and return to it later in case of sudden interruptions. The mug can keep beverages between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit and is controlled through the Ember app. It has about 1.5 hours of battery life and charges wirelessly through the included coaster.
A weighted blanket can be a relaxing sleep companion, a comfy couch buddy or fun house decor. This is one of our favorites — it has an open-knit design that lets in air and prevents overheating, says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. It is made of a polyester jersey fabric and comes in 10 and 15-pound options.
Baby-wearing a newborn for a long walk in the neighborhood immediately makes you reconsider your choice of footwear. For me, running shoes became a go-to for almost every walk. The Brooks Ghost 16 are excellent walking (and running) shoes that have a comfortable, stable fit, with a shock-absorbing sole and just enough arch support to be helpful and not obtrusive. The shoes come in many colors, and are available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Fitness may be a far-off thought for some new parents, but exercise doesn’t have to mean finding time to get outside or buying an entire home gym machine. Malin has used Bala Bangles as part of her fitness routine for over four years. They act as wrist or ankle weights and come in one, two and three-pound options that add resistance to any type of workout: pilates, barre, yoga, cardio, you name it.
One of our favorite bath mats and an NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner, this bath mat is great for new parents because it dries fast and is easy to clean. It’s made from diatomaceous stone and recycled paper, and starts drying literally seconds after I step off of it. It’s also easy to clean: just wipe it down or use the included sandpaper circle — no bulky laundry to add to the pile.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a reporter and new parent who covers technology and fitness including guides to fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, TV brands and more. For this article, I curated gifts using my first-hand experience with products, NBC Select staff recommendations, previous coverage and top-rated items from major storefronts like Amazon
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.