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Barbara Krasnoff

Barbara Krasnoff

Reviews Editor

Barbara Krasnoff is currently Reviews Editor for The Verge, and has been working as an editor and writer at tech publications for longer than she cares to admit.

She came to The Verge from a stint as a freelancer; before that, she was Senior Reviews Editor for Computerworld. When she is not writing and editing how-tos, or asking staff members what's on their desks, she writes (and occasionally publishes) science fiction and fantasy short stories.

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Today I learned there’s an app that tells me when I can run to the bathroom during a movie.

As Jimmy Kimmel said in his opening monologue for the Oscars, “When I went to see Killers of the Flower Moon, I had my mail forwarded to the theater.” If you’re sitting through a three-hour movie, nature may call at an inconvenient moment.

An app called RunPee can help: it alerts you to scenes that are not vital, lets you know how long you have, and summarizes what happened (so you don’t have to irritate your partner with “What did I miss?”). It also tells you if there are any end credit scenes so you can join the bathroom queue as soon as the film ends.


How caregivers are using smart tech to help aging parents

Smart home devices can offer independence, safety, and companionship.

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The Verge
If you want to use the IRS’ new Direct File free tax filing service, now is your chance!

The IRS has begun opening up its new free online tax filing service to the public for limited windows of time, and apparently this is one. Direct File became available to new users today at 9 a.m. ET and was still available when last we checked. Keep in mind that there are a number of criteria you have to meet — you have to live in one of 12 states, and only report certain types of income — but if you do qualify, it’s worth a try.


What’s on your desk, Victoria Song?

Tech, tarot, junk journaling, and cats.