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While it’s considered by some as a budget brand since it doesn’t have the heavy-duty durability that pricier lines, Ryobi is widely hailed as one of the best affordable tool lines that’s still high quality for homeowners and hobbyists, and right now is the perfect time to buy in. As part of an extended Memorial Day sale, their best-selling Ryobi ONE+ 18V Starter Kit is down to $99 (originally $228)— and you get to choose a free tool valued at up to $79.97.

The starter kit is ideal for those already in the Ryobi ecosystem or preparing to stock up on the brand’s tools. It includes a 2.0Ah battery, a 4.0Ah battery, and an 18V charger to power any Ryobi device and extend runtime while you work. It also gives you access to the brand’s ONE+ ecosystem, which works with hundreds of tools across different categories, including DIY, lawncare, automotive, and home maintenance. 

The BOGO deal lets you choose one of 13 popular tools, such as a leafblower, hedgetrimmer, saw, or multi-tool. The included 18V charger is versatile, and the heavier 4.0Ah is a powerhorse for longer jobs. The smaller 2.0Ah battery charges faster and is lighter, though it may not be enough for more demanding projects.

Still, for $99, this is a strong Ryobi starter or expansion deal, especially if you need backup batteries or frequently run into dead tools mid-project. While it’s not a standalone power tool, this bundle is a worthwhile investment for those who already own Ryobi cordless tools or want to start building out their collection. 

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Call the Midwife has been around for a long time—perhaps longer than you think. It began in the form of Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, first published in 2002, and later as the beloved TV series produced by the BBC.

Now in its 15th season, the show has been going strong for well over a decade, and while a new season and a prequel movie are in the works, there’s going to be a bit of a wait, as the creators are taking a bit of a breather. If you’re looking for something to fill the gap, we’ve already suggested some TV shows you should stream, but if you want to range a little wider, there are also lots of books, movies, video games, and even podcasts that bring the same charm, warmth, and willingness to tackle real issues.

The best books like Call the Midwife

If you’ve got a hole in your reading list, books can offer a more intimate experience that mimics the feel and atmosphere of Call the Midwife.

The Midwife, by Jennifer Worth

Worth’s memoir about her time as a nurse and midwife in London’s East End in the 1950s is the source material for the show, and an absolute must-read if you’re a fan. Unsurprisingly, it’s exactly like the show: Worth recounts specific—often difficult or tragic—birth stories from her work as a midwife, but balances the trauma with fondly told stories of local gossip and shenanigans. She paints a rich portrait of a strong, resilient community that fans of the show will instantly recognize—and savor.

Women’s Hotel, by Daniel M. Lavery

If you’re looking for a woman-focused story about the power of community in rapidly changing times, check out Lavery’s first novel. In 1960s New York, the Biedermeier is a woman’s hotel where single, working ladies can safely rest their heads. When money troubles threaten to close it down, a cloud of doubt hovers over the residents—but that doesn’t reduce the charm and pleasure of reading about these sharply observed characters. The ways their lives weave together to make the Biedermeier the sort of place you wish you could actually visit.

The Midwife’s Sister, by Christine Lee

Jennifer Worth’s memoirs don’t offer much detail on her own life outside of her experience as a nurse and midwife in 1950s London. Her sister fills in those blanks with her own memoir of the period. Lee recounts a childhood that was happy, safe, and spent with her beloved sister—until their parents separated, and the girls were sent off to a horrific boarding school where they were mistreated and miserable. The book offers invaluable insight into the world the show depicts, including some of the darker aspects.

Yes Sister, No Sister, by Jenifer Craig

If you’re looking for a readalike book that brings you more 1950s nursing vibes, pick up Yes Sister, No Sister. Craig’s memoir tells the story of her experience training as a nurse in Yorkshire in the 1950s. The discipline harsh, and the work is exhausting and gross—many girls dropped out of the program, but Craig was determined to be a success, and she found a warm and supportive family in her fellow trainees. As in Call the Midwife, the serious work of nursing as described here is leavened by hilarious stories and romantic entanglements that remind Craig that life is meant to be lived.

All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot

This classic memoir is about the experiences of a veterinary surgeon working in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s and 1940s, and it offers the same sense of small-scale grace and tragedy found in Call the Midwife. Herriot (a pen name for James Alfred Wight) travels around the area, treating animal patients and getting involved in the dramas and hijinks of his neighbors. There’s sadness, joy, and a sense of a community bound together so tightly it can survive almost anything, making this the perfect companion to the show.

The best movies like Call the Midwife

One of the best things about Call the Midwife is how deep it goes—fifteen seasons so far, with more to come. If you want to linger in a similar fictional universe for a while, one of these movies is just the ticket.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

If you love the sense of community and the way the residents of Poplar struggle through adversity in Call the Midwife, you’ll love The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The story follows author Juliet Ashton (Lily James) in postwar Britain as she becomes involved with residents of the island of Guernsey, who formed the titular book club during the Nazi occupation of the island as both a cover for their resistance efforts and a way to comfort and support each other. It’s a warm celebration of how books and community can get you through anything. Stream The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on Netflix.

Vera Drake (2004)

If you find the way Call the Midwife explores women’s health and social issues stirring, check out Vera Drake. It stars Imelda Staunton in the title role, a kindly wife and mother in London in 1950, beloved by her community for the support she offers to all who need it. She also secretly provides abortions to local women, doing the work for free, as she sees it as a kindness. When a procedure goes wrong and Vera is arrested, she’s abandoned by many she thought she could count on—but her community soon feels the loss of her presence. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of many themes found in Call the Midwife, anchored by a stellar cast. Rent Vera Drake on Prime Video.

Made in Dagenham (2010)

If you love the humor and sense of feminine solidarity found in Call the Midwife, you’ll love this rousing 2010 film. Based on a true story, it follows a group of women working as sewing machinists at a Ford automobile plant in Dagenham, London, in the late 1960s. Paid less than their male counterparts and enduring a sexist and unfair work environment, the women organize and go on strike, shocking their local community—and forcing real change in English society. Rent Made in Dagenham on Prime Video.

Philomena (2013)

Many of the most powerful stories told over the course of Call the Midwife’s run explore the way women and pregnancy were treated in the mid-20th century. Philomena tells the story of a woman who is sent to a convent in Ireland in 1951 when she becomes pregnant after a one-night stand. Forced to work in the convent’s laundry, she is devastated when her son is given up for adoption without her knowledge. Fifty years later, she hires a journalist to track down her lost child, exposing the horrifying way unwed mothers were treated and the traumatic impact it had on everyone involved. Rent Philomena on Prime Video.

Brooklyn (2015)

If you’re looking for a story that combines rich period details, romance, and the power of women supporting each other, Brooklyn, based on the novel by Colm Tóibín, is just the ticket. In 1951, a young Irish woman, Ellis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), immigrates to America in search of a better life. In Brooklyn, she stays at a boarding house for young Irish women and finds a supportive community that helps her slowly acclimate to her new life. When Ellis returns to Ireland after her mother’s death, things get very complicated. Fans of Call the Midwife will love the setting and the character’s fierce determination to make her own choices in life. Rent Brooklyn on Prime Video.

The best video games like Call the Midwife

A lot of Call the Midwife’s charm lies in its cozy and patient storytelling. If you’re a gamer looking to immerse yourself in that sort of vibe, you’re in luck.

Strange Horticulture

Part of the joy of a show like Call the Midwife is slowly getting to know the characters and their local community. That’s what Strange Horticulture offers: You play as the inheritor of your uncle’s store, which sells botanical remedies to the locals—remedies that often have powerful and unexpected effects (and side effects). As you are drawn into a murder investigation and seek to assist the residents with their problems, you’ll sink into a beautifully rendered world, and see your choices affect the course of the story.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox

Lake

In Lake, you play as Meredith Weiss, a burned-out software developer who returns to her hometown of Providence Oaks, Oregon in 1986 for a break, agreeing to work as a mail carrier for a few weeks. You travel around town delivering the mail and interacting with the residents. The plot possibilities are warm and organic, and offer community-based, woman-centered storylines that echo the vibe of the TV show.

Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam

Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture

Although this game is more of an ominous sci-fi mystery than a cozy community tale like Call the Midwife, the gameplay centers on immersing yourself in the lives of a small community of people in a Shropshire village called Yaughton. Everyone in town has vanished mysteriously, and you’re tasked with finding out the cause. As you wander the town, you can interact with various objects and forces to see recreations of events, and slowly piece together the truth. Along the way, you’ll get to know Yaughton and its residents intimately.

Platforms: PlayStation

Two Point Hospital

One of the subtle pleasures of Call the Midwife is watching the medical professionals wrestle with the logistical challenges of running a community clinic with limited resources. While Two-Point Hospital is visually very different and doesn’t delve into the serious topics the show trades in, it absolutely captures the challenge of running a healthcare facility for a group of charming people. The style is lighthearted and cartoonish, but the challenge is real, and will remind you of the day-to-day work done at Nonnatus House.

Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam

Thank Goodness You’re Here!

If you really take joy in the often silly and hilarious doings of the local citizens of Poplar, you’ll love Thank Goodness You’re Here! Virtually plotless, the game casts yoy as a traveling salesman who wanders around the northern England town of Barnsworth, interacting with its colorful residents. As you meet people, you have the opportunity to help them solve various problems. By the end of this cozy, cartoony game, you’ll have a deep understanding of the town and a collection of surreal, fun adventures conveyed in a lushly detailed comic style.

Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam

The best podcasts like Call the Midwife

Whether you want to immerse yourself more deeply in Call the Midwife’s lore and characters or you want to replicate the joy of discovering the show, here are a few podcasts that will definitely be what the doctor ordered.

Recall the Midwife

Want to just sit back and listen to some passionate fans (from both sides of the Atlantic) discuss the show? Recall the Midwife is perfect. This unofficial, fan-produced podcast tackles the series episode by episode, and glories in all things Midwife, offering both American and British perspectives on the characters and issues tackled. It’s become one of the most popular CTM podcasts despite being 100% DIY.

Tales from Call the Midwife

This official BBC podcast expands its focus by interviewing fans from around the world who discuss the ways Call the Midwife has influenced their lives, intersected with their own health and medical experiences, or prompted conversations about social issues. Less an analysis of the show and more of a celebration of its influence and the love its audience has for it, if you want to explore the global community of its fandom, this is a great place to start.

Home Front

If you want more heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction exploring the resiliency and sense of community enjoyed by British citizens, Home Front is a perfect choice. Each episode tells a fictional story set during World War I, detailing how regular people dealt with the privation, dangers, and anxieties of a World War. With characters taken from every strata of society, the podcast slowly weaves a vibrant picture of the emotional and spiritual survival of an entire nation in the face of true horror.

The History Chicks

If watching Call the Midwife leaves you interested in the often-overlooked (or simply untold) roles of women in history and societal change, this podcast will help you catch up. Each episode tells the life story of one remarkable woman, from her birth to her death, and often underscores how vital and important these women were to their communities and the world at large.

Midnight Radio

This work of narrative fiction was inspired both by old-fashioned, 1950s radio broadcasts and the sort of small-town life that once existed around them. Both a ghost story of sorts and a love story, it’s a gauzy, nostalgic trip that celebrates and explores the joys of community while telling a heartbreaking tale between two women separated by more than just time.

Oura announced the fifth generation of its new smart ring on Thursday, with plans to ship starting June 4. I don’t have a review unit in my hands yet, but according to press materials provided by Oura, the new ring will be the thinnest on the market, priced at $399 to $499 depending on color. 

At 6mm wide, the company boasts that this will be the thinnest smart ring, and I think they’re right. The thinnest ring I’ve reviewed is RingConn’s, and you can see a photo in this review of the Oura Ring 4 next to the RingConn 2. The current Oura Ring 4 is about 8mm, and the RingConn is about 7mm. (Yes, I keep a set of calipers on my desk, don’t you?) At 6mm, the Oura 5 will definitely be thinner. Smart rings have always been clunky compared to traditional jewelry rings, so this change will be nice to see.

Oura Ring 5: Prices and sizing

Oura is charging $399 for black and silver, and $499 for all other colors, which now include a matte black and brushed silver. The gold and rose gold (now called Deep Rose) finishes are now a slightly different shade and have better scratch resistance. An Oura subscription still costs $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year.

Sizing for the Oura Ring 5 is slightly different from the Oura Ring 4, and the company recommends getting a new sizing kit rather than going with your old size. While the Oura Ring 4 smoothed out the ring’s interior, the Oura Ring 5 is bringing back a smaller version of those sensor bumps to give better contact with the skin. The size range has contracted a bit: The available sizes now range from “6” to “13” (no longer “4” to “15”). 

The new sizing means that your old charger will no longer fit, so if you ponied up for a charging case for the Oura Ring 4, you’ll have to do so again for the 5. As with the 4, the 5’s charging case is a $99 add-on and does not come with the ring.

Oura Ring 5: New software features

Along with the hardware, Oura is announcing new software features. You’ll be able to track detailed workout metrics from the app, which may soften my stance on not using smart rings for workout tracking. 

There’s a new Health Radar feature that’s meant to notify you when your biometrics seem out of whack, similar to the Symptom Radar that is supposed to pick up on whether you’re getting sick. (I’ve written before about some pretty big caveats to Symptom Radar, but that’s another story.) 

The new Health Radar will notify you if Oura thinks you are showing signs of high blood pressure or “breathing disturbances,” which is code for sleep apnea. Oura says the app won’t try to diagnose these conditions, but rather flag when you might want to see a professional to get checked out. Conveniently, Oura just partnered with Resmed, which offers sleep technology like CPAP devices. The Oura app will also offer some new features for GLP-1 users, including tools for monitoring weight, dosage, and side effects. 

I’m a big believer in holding on to your tech for as long as possible, but at a certain point, you do need to upgrade. When that time comes, it helps to get some money for your old device to offset the cost of a new one—especially when that new device is from Apple, whose products tend to hold their value well.

If you are thinking of trading in your old Apple product for a new one, there’s some good news: Apple just increased its trade-in estimates on a number of devices (while, at the same time, lowering the estimates on others.)

As reported by MacRumors, Apple updated its trade-in values for the latest iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch devices on Wednesday. The company lists the values for all of the devices that it accepts for trade-in on its official Apple Trade In website. While you can’t trade in every device, the company does accept trade-ins for for products from as far back as 2017. While you won’t get too much these days for an iPhone 8 (up to $35) or an Apple Watch SE (up to $30), quite a few old devices are worth more in trade-in value today than they were yesterday.

Apple’s new trade-in values

At this time, Apple appears to have mostly changed the values of the latest models of these device categories—and mostly for the better. While Apple doesn’t note the price changes itself, MacRumors has compiled all previous values, which I’ve noted alongside the new estimates here:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $695 (was $685)

• iPhone 16 Pro: $560 (was $550)

• iPhone 16 Plus: $465 (was $455)

• iPhone 16: $460 (was $435)

• iPad Pro: $690 (was $670)

• iPad Air: $460 (was $445)

• iPad: $235 (was $220)

• iPad mini: $265 (was $250)

• MacBook Pro: $690 (was $685)

• MacBook Air: $520 (was $485)

• Mac mini: $375 (was $340)

• iMac: $355 (unchanged)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: $305 (was $295)

• Apple Watch Series 9: $130 (was $120)

• Apple Watch Series 10: $150 (unchanged)

• Apple Watch Ultra: $205 (was $215)

Apple even adjusted the trade-in prices for non-Apple devices, including some Android phones. But it isn’t necessarily good news: While Apple offers the same values for the Galaxy S23 ($125) and OnePlus 12 ($200), the Galaxy S23 Ultra is down to $200 from $230, while the Pixel 8 Pro is down $165 from $170.

In addition, Apple lowered the estimated value of Mac Pros, the company’s most expensive computer (which it no longer sells). That value is now listed at $2,045, down from $2,090, which sounds like a good chunk of change, until you remember that Apple was selling configurations of the machine that cost as much as $52,000.

These are Apple trade-in estimates, not guarantees

While Apple may indeed offer you $690 for your MacBook Pro, there’s no guarantee that it will. These trade-in values are estimates, and, as such, the actual value you’re given may vary. Apple notes in the fine print that the values will change depending on the “condition, year, and configuration” of your device. If your iPhone is banged up or cracked, that’ll bring the value down; likewise, an M3 Max MacBook Pro will likely fetch a higher price than a M3 MacBook Pro.

You won’t really know what Apple is going to offer for your specific device until it tells you, so it’s a good idea to do some research on your make and model to learn what other outlets will pay you for it. If Apple’s offer still seems reasonable, great: You’ll be able to apply the savings instantly to your purchase of a new device. But if it’s well below what you think you can get for it on another marketplace, it might be worth the effort to sell it elsewhere.

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EcoFlow’s portable generators are a great choice if you’re aiming to replace a traditional gas generator for one that will provide backup power without the emissions, noise, and maintenance. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus is one of the company’s bestsellers, designed for both emergency usage and outdoor or off-the-grid adventures. Right now, it’s 30% off, bringing it to around $1,000—its lowest price ever, according to price trackers.

While it doesn’t pack as much of a punch as a pricier whole-home backup system like the  EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, the Delta 3 Max Plus’s expandable 2,048Wh battery and powerful 3,000W output with 6,000W surge make it suitable for a running range of appliances and tools. It also recharges quickly itself, getting from 0 to 80% in a little over an hour, according to this PCMag review, which gave it an ‘Excellent’ rating. 

Its 30A, 12V output supports off-grid gear, while its quiet operation (around 25dB) makes it a top alternative to noisy gas models. It has a generous port selection, including 140W USB-C, negating the need for bulky AC bricks. And despite its power, at 48.7lb and 19.6 × 9.4 × 13.2 inches, it’s compact enough to fit in the backseat of most SUVs and crossovers, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios (PCMag’s reviewer likens it to a “Swiss Army Knife” in comparison to the larger, less portable options on the market). The companion app makes it easy to adjust settings, scaling seamlessly with upgrades like additional batteries and accessories through a unified interface.

Ultimately, if you want a powerful yet flexible portable power station that’s rich in features and delivers superior performance, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus is a vetted option worth investing in.

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The M4 iPad Air just came out in March, and you can already pick one up for $100 off. The 13-inch wifi-enabled 128GB model is currently $699.99 (originally $799). The smaller 11-inch model is also discounted, but not as much—it’s currently $519.99, down from $599.

M3 iPad Air owners should not get too excited—there are a few incremental upgrades, but nothing mind-blowing. This newer model has the more powerful M4 chip, which may offer a noticeable efficiency boost over its predecessor. Other upgrades include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and compatibility with the Thread smart home standard. The other specs are the same: 12MP rear and front cameras, USB-C connectivity with Touch ID, 10 hours of video playback, and 128GB of storage for the base model.

This new iPad has done well in reviews from CNET, ZDNET, and PCMag, though. Its main grab is the sleek design, powerful performance, and the quality chip with future-proof connectivity you’d get for the price. If you still have the M3 iPad or another recent iPad, it’s probably not worth upgrading. However, if you have an older iPad (or none at all), this is a good opportunity to get Apple’s latest iPad for the best price you’re likely to see for a while.

I don’t mind using AI services once in a while, but I dislike it when companies try to shove these services everywhere, even though no one asked for them. Case in point: Microsoft Copilot, which is built into Windows. When I bought my Windows 11 license, it wasn’t on my PC, but at some point, the company snuck it, and a host of AI features, onto my PC.

Microsoft has actually walked back this Copilot takeover, however, following pushback from users. The company has started removing “unnecessary” Copilot features from Windows, which is a step in the right direction. However, it’s far from perfect, especially for anyone hoping for an AI off switch. If you’re annoyed by all these AI features too, you don’t have to deal with it. There are two methods you can try to remove Copilot from your PC, depending on your OS:

Use Group Policy Editor to disable Copilot

With the April 2026 Windows update, Microsoft began shipping a way to disable Copilot via its Group Policy Editor. This was first reported by the German blog Desk Modder, which also notes that this option may not appear for everyone. It shows up if you have Windows 11 Pro or higher, both the Microsoft 365 Copilot and standard Copilot apps, and if you didn’t install the Copilot app on your PC yourself. The option won’t appear if you launched Copilot anytime in the past 28 days. If you’re not sure whether or not you qualify, check the steps below to see if the option appears for you.

Press Win-R on your keyboard, type “gpedit.msc,” and hit Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor. Now, you can navigate to Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI (also spotted by Desk Modder). Double-click the option labeled Remove Microsoft Copilot App, and set it to Enabled. Click OK, and Windows will remove Copilot from your PC.

You can also turn off Copilot without removing the app using the Group Policy Editor. Go to Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot, and double-click Turn off Windows Copilot. Set it to Enabled, click OK, and you’re done.

Use a third-party script to remove all AI services from Windows

If these group policy entries are unavailable on your PC, you can also try a script that removes all AI features from Windows—including Copilot. You’ll need to go to the GitHub page of RemoveWindowsAI, and copy the command listed under “How to use.” (As this script may change, I won’t list it here. Check the GitHub page directly for the most up-to-date script.) Once you copy the command, open Powershell on your PC, paste the command, and run it. You’ll have the option to choose which AI services you want to kill, including Copilot, but also features like Recall. The script will automatically remove Copilot from every possible app on your PC, and you’ll be free of Microsoft’s AI push for good (or at least until the company decides to shove it into more apps).

This should work on any version of Windows 11, though the developer, zoicware, warns that some anti-virus programs may block the script if they mistakenly detect it as malware. You should always exercise caution before running scripts from the internet, even GitHub, but you can review this script’s documentation here for more details.