• Netflix announced on Friday that Jerry Seinfeld's next comedy special, "23 Hours to Kill," will debut globally on the platform on May 5.
• It's part of a huge deal that Seinfeld struck with the streaming giant in 2017 that's worth an estimated $100 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
• Seinfeld isn't the only comedian that Netflix has paid huge amount of money to. They include Ellen DeGeneres, Dave Chappelle, and more.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Netflix has established itself as the premier home for stand-up comedy over the past few years, and it has accomplished this by shelling out millions to some of the top names in the industry.

The streamer announced on Friday that Jerry Seinfeld's new comedy special, "23 Hours to Kill," will debut on the platform on May 5. It's part of a huge deal Seinfeld struck with Netflix in 2017 that's worth an estimated $100 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The deal includes the rights to Seinfeld's series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" and two Netflix specials. The first special, "Jerry Before Seinfeld," debuted in 2017.

Seinfeld isn't the only comedian that Netflix has paid huge amounts of money to.

Ellen DeGeneres made $20 million to $25 million from her Netflix comedy special "Relatable," which debuted last December, Variety reported in December.

Seinfeld and DeGeneres follow stand-ups like Amy Schumer, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock in netting multimillion-dollar deals from the streaming service.

It should be noted that Netflix has also drawn criticism for under-paying some comics. Comedian Mo'Nique came into a pay dispute with the company in 2017 when they reportedly offered her $500,000 for a special. She sued Netflix last month alleging race and sex discrimination regarding the special.

John Lynch contributed to a previous version of this post.

Here are the six comedians Netflix has paid huge amounts of money:

SEE ALSO: All 103 of Netflix's notable original shows, ranked from worst to best

Amy Schumer — $13 million

Netflix initially offered Amy Schumer $11 million in 2017 for her hourlong "The Leather Special," but Schumer was reportedly able to use Netflix's more lucrative deals with Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle as a bargaining chip to receive $13 million for the hour, according to Variety.

Ellen DeGeneres — $20 million to $25 million

DeGeneres made $20 million to $25 million for "Relatable," which debuted in December 2018, according to Variety. She's the first female comedian to earn that much for a stand-up special, according to Forbes.

Ricky Gervais — $40 million

Ricky Gervais reportedly told Chortle that he had gotten the highest payday ever for a UK stand-up special for his most recent Netflix special, "Humanity." Gervais told the outlet that his second special in the deal, which was extended in January 2019, would be worth the same.

Gervais then retweeted a Twitter user who wrote that Gervais had made $40 million from Netflix for the two specials, and referenced being paid $40 million by Netflix in a tweet of his own.

Gervais has also profited from previously released shows that Netflix acquired of his, including "Derek" and "An Idiot Abroad."

Chris Rock — $40 million

Chris Rock signed a two-special deal with Netflix in 2016 that was worth $40 million in total, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The first of his two specials, "Tamborine," debuted in February 2019.

Dave Chappelle — $60 million

Netflix paid Dave Chappelle $60 million in 2016 for a three-special deal, according to The New York Post. His first two Netflix specials were released in March 2017. He then surprise released two new specials, "Equanimity" and "The Bird Revelation," in 2018. It is unclear if he was paid more for the fourth special.

Jerry Seinfeld — $100 million

Jerry Seinfeld signed an estimated $100 million deal with Netflix in January 2017, The Hollywood Reporter said. The deal included the rights to his interview series "Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee," as well as two new stand-up specials. The first special, "Jerry Before Seinfeld," debuted in September 2017. The second, "23 Hours to Kill," debuts on May 5.

• Cuba's longstanding efforts to promote its healthcare system has seen a boost as its medical professionals deploy abroad to aid the fight against the coronavirus.
• The US and right-wing governments in the region have tried to put more pressure on Cuba in recent years, but Havana continues to contribute healthcare overseas.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Cuba has long promoted its high-quality healthcare system by sending medical professionals to treat patients in other countries, "a show of soft power that also earns billions in badly needed hard currency,"as the Associated Press recently put it.

While some right-wing governments in Latin America have sent their Cuban doctors packing in recent years, Havana is seeing a new surge in demand for its help as a result of the spread of COVID-19.

In an email interview with WPR, John Kirk, a professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, discusses Cuba's response to the coronavirus pandemic both domestically and overseas.

SEE ALSO: Ecuador's outbreak is an ominous sign of what the coronavirus will do to the rest of the developing world

World Politics Review: How has Cuba accelerated its overseas medical assistance program during the coronavirus pandemic? What kind of impact are Cuban doctors having in affected countries?

John Kirk: Cuba's overseas medical assistance has actually been reduced significantly in recent years, as right-wing governments in Bolivia, Ecuador and Brazil have terminated their agreements with Cuba.

In all, some 9,000 medical personnel have returned to Cuba from overseas since 2018. In addition, the government led by Raul Castro has emphasized economic pragmatism in recent years, leading to a reduction in overseas aid missions.

In the course of just three weeks in March, the situation changed dramatically. Cuba sent 800 medical personnel to 16 different countries, mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean, responding to requests for assistance from their governments.

There is recent precedent for this. In 2014, Cuba sent 250 medical professionals to West Africa in response to a request from the World Health Organization for medical assistance to fight the Ebola outbreak. It was the first country to do so then, and now, it is one of the only countries in the world to send doctors and nurses abroad to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

It is too early to tell what the impact has been in the affected countries, but Cuban medical staff are known for their professionalism. I personally witnessed their dedication and compassion in 2009, when I accompanied a group of Cuban medical personnel to El Salvador, to assist with relief efforts after Hurricane Ida. I presume that the same qualities will be present when they travel to assist countries stricken by COVID-19.

WPR: How have the Trump administration's efforts to pressure the government in Havana affected Cuba's medical assistance program?

Kirk: Cuba is facing severe economic challenges. In 2018, its two largest sources of hard currency, the export of professional services and tourism, brought in approximately $6 billion and $3 billion, respectively. Both have decreased this year, largely as a result of economic sanctions that have been reimposed by President Donald Trump.

To make matters worse, Havana's major regional ally and trading partner, Venezuela, is mired in an economic crisis. Cuba relies on Venezuela for cheap supplies of fuel, but deliveries have become erratic, causing shortages on the island.

Despite the economic pressure it faces, Cuba has a reservoir of medical personnel who are helping to tackle COVID-19 in many countries. Cuban doctors are now working in two European countries, Italy and Andorra, for the first time, illustrating the growing global acceptance of Cuban medical aid.

If anything, the current pandemic has shown the need for greater multilateral collaboration—not the kinds of unilateral "maximum pressure" campaigns the Trump administration has taken against governments it dislikes. Should the WHO consider establishing a large medical force on standby for any future pandemics, Cuba has the ability to assist.

WPR: The United States has criticized Cuba's medical assistance program, especially for what it claims are poor working conditions for doctors overseas. How fair are these claims?

Kirk: The Trump administration has indeed been very critical of Cuba's overseas medical assistance program. Last month, the State Department criticized Havana for exposing its workers to "egregious labor conditions" and urged governments receiving help from Cuba to "scrutinize agreements and end labor abuses."

In reality, Cuban doctors' salaries are quite low at approximately $80 per month, though they receive more when working abroad. But it is also important to remember that all schooling in Cuba, including medical school, is free. I interviewed 270 Cuban medical personnel over a 12-year period for a book, "Healthcare without Borders: Understanding Cuban Medical Internationalism." None of the respondents felt that they had been forced to work abroad.

When countries pay for Cuban medical services, the government in Havana pays approximately 25% of the money received to the doctor or nurse, with the remainder going to support the national healthcare system on the island. The system is completely free and of good quality. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is 4 per 1,000 live births, and the mortality rate for children under 5 years old is 5 per 1,000—lower than in the United States.

Studies comparing the two countries' healthcare systems have found that Cuba achieves similar health outcomes as the US, at a fraction of the cost.

WPR: How is Cuba handling its own coronavirus outbreak? Does the increased number of doctors overseas raise any concerns about the Cuban health system's capacity to respond to a spike in cases on the island?

Kirk: Cuba is handling the coronavirus outbreak well, largely because of its traditions of social discipline, experience with natural disasters such as flooding and hurricanes, and extensive civil defense capability.

Almost all flights to and from the island have been stopped. Strict measures are in place to enforce social isolation, while schools are shuttered and workers have been told to stay home. Two areas with high infection rates, in Havana and the western city of Pinar del Rio, have been locked down. So far, there have been 515 confirmed cases and 15 deaths from COVID-19.

Cuba has an extensive healthcare-reporting system, and a centralized database of all weekly reports from family doctors throughout the island. The data are analyzed daily at provincial and national levels, providing a detailed summary of health care in each district in the country. This centralized information can be used to marshal medical support where it is most needed.

One of the fundamental pillars of the Cuban medical system is its preventive approach to public health. Some 28,000 medical sciences students have spent the last week going door-to-door across the country, interviewing Cubans in their homes as part of a government-sponsored program to proactively detect coronavirus cases. By April 7, they had completed surveys of over 9 million Cubans. The information gathered was then passed to local family doctors for follow-up.

Cuba also has the highest density of physicians in the world. Its ratio of medical professionals to patients is roughly three times better than the US. In Havana alone, there are over 2,000 small doctors' offices, known as consultorios, as well as 68,000 healthcare personnel and three hospitals solely for COVID-19 patients.

In total, Cuba has 95,000 physicians and 85,000 nurses. Having 1% of its medical personnel abroad working in the campaign against COVID-19 has made little difference on the delivery of healthcare in Cuba.

• Publicis Groupe launched Marcel, a controversial AI platform that's long been in development, more than two months early due to the coronavirus.
• The company hopes Marcel will help Publicis get through the crisis by giving employees more project opportunities and minimizing layoffs.
• Screenshots obtained by Business Insider show how it is promoting a feature called "Gigs," a list of open projects around the holding company.
• Some employees said they're hopeful about the platform's possibilities, but others said it's too soon to tell how effective it will be.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Since Arthur Sadoun, incoming CEO of ad holding company Publicis Groupe, announced the development of AI project management platform Marcel nearly three years ago, it has been a source of speculation and controversy in the ad industry.

The platform finally went live April 6. In a video sent to all employees, Sadoun announced that Marcel's US debut had been pushed up by about three months due to the COVID-19 crisis. Publicis Chief Strategy Officer Carla Serrano told Business Insider that 14,000 employees signed up in the following three days, quadrupling its global user base.

Serrano said Marcel could help one of the world's largest advertising companies on its multi-year turnaround effort and minimize the damage done by the pandemic.

Some employees expressed a mixture of hope and skepticism about the platform. One employee at Publicis agency Sapient who helped develop Marcel said the project's total budget through January 2020 was $47 million. A Publicis spokesperson said the company does not comment on costs. 

A "Gigs" feature is designed to respond to the coronavirus crisis and minimize layoffs

Marcel's top features are employee profiles, a weekly editorial calendar, client case studies, and "Gigs," which shows open assignments at agencies across the network. 

Screenshots obtained by Business Insider and included below show the Gigs section and describe it as a temporary response to COVID-19 that could be extended if successful.

Serrano said Gigs is the platform's most important feature because it's designed to give people the chance to move between projects and minimize downsizing as many clients, especially in areas like travel and hospitality, have paused most of their advertising due to the coronavirus crisis.

"This is about us giving our people as much opportunity as possible," she said.

The gigs range widely in length and discipline and are voluntary, so employees aren't paid extra for them. But Serrano said Publicis is looking into letting staff increase billable hours in the foreseeable future.

Publicis wants to boost enrollment with a WHO donation drive and launch globally by the end of May

Publicis froze all hiring on March 23, but Serrano said every new employee will have to use Marcel as an entry point, and it plans to roll out the platform globally by the end of May. 

To get employees to use it, the company is sending mass emails and pledging $10 to the World Health Organization every time an employee sets up a profile.

"It's critical that we have as many people on the platform as possible," Serrano said.

Sadoun predicted in his video that there would be some technical problems, but Serrano said Publicis' IT team in India quickly overcame an initial backlog this week.

Moving forward, Serrano said the hope is that Marcel will help Publicis better connect employees around the world.

Early reactions are mixed

Employees who spoke to Business Insider gave a variety of reactions to Marcel based on a few days' experience. They include several employees at different Publicis agencies, all of whom confirmed their identities but requested anonymity to speak candidly.

Two creative and account leaders said Gigs has already proven useful, with volunteers responding to their project requests within days or hours.

Several people praised the simplicity of Marcel's user interface. One executive said that, while its rollout was "buggy," the editorial material is "1,000% better than mass emails" that go unread.

A more skeptical employee described Marcel as "a glorified intranet system to connect people to tasks they need completed," saying none of his colleagues have volunteered for extra work because their schedules are already full.

A second executive expressed hope that leadership would allow Marcel to become more than a tech platform by making the most of its AI components, which are not yet operational.

Another person said the platform doesn't yet have an obvious practical use for those not seeking additional work or talent, but agreed with the early rollout.

"If it helps prevent layoffs, then that's a good thing," he said.

Got more information about this story or another ad industry tip? Contact Patrick Coffee on Signal at (347) 563-7289, email at pcoffee@businessinsider.com or patrickcoffee@protonmail.com, or via Twitter DM @PatrickCoffee. You can also contact Business Insider securely via SecureDrop.

SEE ALSO: Ad agencies are moving to virtual pitches in the era of remote work, and it could cause more pain for the holding companies

Marcel's first landing page features content like projects, an interview with Publicis UK CEO Annette King, and articles on work-life balance.

The platform lists short-term projects by category and date and tells employees not to share any of the links externally.

Marcel describes Gigs as a way to give employees more control over their careers.

There is an extensive FAQ section about Gigs.

Marcel describes Gigs as a "temporary response to the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in" and says they are unpaid because "helping each other is the best way to help our business right now."

Marcel encourages people to apply and says managers will trust employees to manage their own time by relying on an honor system.

"If a Gig catches your eye, fuels your passion, or just feels like a way to pitch in, and if you think you can take it on, just Apply," the FAQ reads.

Case Studies is a feature employees can use to upload their work to a database for future reference by other Marcel users.

• A recent analysis by Redfin found the 10 US metro areas least at risk of a housing downturn in the coronavirus-led recession.
• The study measured each metro area on factors including the number of people employed in leisure and hospitality and the number of coronavirus cases per 1 million people as of March 24.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In the middle of the US' battle against the coronavirus pandemic, some housing markets are in better economic shape than others.

A recent analysis by Redfin looked at the 50 most populated metro areas across the US and found the 10 least at risk of a housing downturn in a coronavirus-led recession.

In the report, Redfin said the US housing market had a strong start to 2020. In fact, in the last quarter of 2019, million-dollar sales were up 11% and housing prices overall were up. On an annual basis, 2019 saw the most first-time homebuyers since 1993, according to Genworth Mortgage Insurance. Then in January, new home sales and pending home sales both skyrocketed, and inventory was at its lowest level since 2012.

Because the housing market was in good shape heading into the pandemic, Redfin projected the coronavirus fallout would be mild and much less severe than the fallout caused by the 2008 recession.

To find the 10 markets that are least vulnerable, Redfin used 13 factors to calculate the overall risk score of each metro area.

The factors measured include the number of people employed in the leisure and hospitality industry, the number of people employed in the air-transportation industry, the median debt-to-income ratio, and the number of coronavirus cases per 1 million people as of March 24.

Less-weighted factors include the median home-sale price-to-household-income ratio, home-price volatility, the average loan-to-value ratio of homes sold in 2019, the percentage of state GDP made up of imports from China, the percentage of households owned by people 65 or older, and the share of home sales that were flips.

Keep reading for a look at the 10 metro areas least at risk of a housing downturn, ranked from highest to lowest risk score.

SEE ALSO: Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran on navigating real estate uncertainty: 'For somebody like me, it's the perfect time to buy.'

DON'T MISS: The 10 US cities most vulnerable to a housing downturn in a coronavirus-led recession

10. Indianapolis

Recession risk score: 46.2%

Median home value:$150,878

Population:857,637

9. Milwaukee

Recession risk score: 44%

Median home value: $133,115

Population: 596,886

8. Pittsburgh

Recession risk score: 43.9%

Median home value: $164,317

Population: 303,587

7. Richmond, Virginia

Recession risk score: 43.2%

Median home value: $240,128

Population: 223,787

6. Columbus, Ohio

Recession risk score: 42.9%

Median home value: $171,611

Population: 867,628

5. Kansas City, Missouri

Recession risk score: 39%

Median home value:$160,180

Population:481,417

4. Buffalo, New York

Recession risk score: 37.6%

Median home value: $104,871

Population: 257,518

3. Raleigh, North Carolina

Recession risk score: 36.9%

Median home value: $287,647

Population: 457,159

2. Hartford, Connecticut

Recession risk score: 29.5%

Median home value: $115,128

Population: 123,628

1. Rochester, New York

Recession risk score: 28.5%

Median home value: $82,000

Population: 207,778

• TVs can be quite pricey, but many manufacturers and retailers often offer sales.
• We've rounded up the best TV deals for April 2020.
• We'll update this list regularly with the top discounts as new promotions are announced.
• Right now, Vizio's 65-inch P-Series Quantum X is on sale for $998— that's around $500 off its original price.
• See more: HDR can make your 4K TV look brighter and more colorful than ever — here's everything you need to know about this must-have display feature

A quality TV is the centerpiece of any home entertainment system, but finding the right display for your needs and the right price for your wallet can be challenging. When shopping for a TV, there are many different aspects to consider, including size, panel type, resolution, HDR support, smart TV platform, and more. 

If you're looking for a display with genuine home theater performance in mind, then you'll likely want to opt for a 65-inch- or- larger premium 4K TV. The best 4K TVs typically use an OLED panel, or a high-end LED panel with quantum dots and local dimming. These display types will provide you with the best contrast, black levels, and brightness performance for dazzling high dynamic range (HDR) images.  

For buyers who simply want a reliable TV for casual viewing, however, a smaller screen and a more budget-friendly LED panel should get the job done just fine. Though picture quality won't be quite as impressive as more expensive display types, there are many affordable LED TVs out there with solid performance. And, while 4K resolution and built-in smart TV interfaces were once thought of as premium features, nowadays even entry-level TVs come with 4K panels and smart TV capabilities as default features. 

Once you've settled on the basics for what you're looking for in a new display, there are plenty of deals readily available from all of the major TV manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up all of the best TV deals available right now. 

It should be noted, however, that many companies are currently in the process of rolling out their latest 2020 TV models to retailers. While these new displays rarely get discounts right away, manufacturers tend to use this time to provide big deals on their older stock. With that in mind, the TV deals highlighted below are all for 2019 models. We'll update our selection with 2020 models once deals start popping up later this year.

Here are the best TV deals in April 2020:

• LG 65-inch B9 OLED 4K TV, $1,599.00 (originally $2,299.99) at Ebay [You save $700.99]
• Vizio 65-inch P-Series Quantum X 4K TV, $998.00 (originally $1,499.99) at Walmart [You save $500.99]
• Vizio 65-inch M-Series Quantum 4K TV, $598.00 (originally $749.99) at Walmart [You save $151.99]
• Toshiba 43-inch LF711U20 Fire TV Edition 4K TV, $249.99 (originally $330) at Amazon [You save $80.01]

Prices and links are current as of 04/13/2020. Added Sony 65-inch X950G and TCL 55-inch 6-Series. Removed deals that are no longer active. Updated by Steven Cohen.

Best OLED TV deals

When it comes to picture quality, no other display type offers better overall performance than an OLED TV. Unlike traditional LED TVs (which use LCD panels), OLED TVs don't require a backlight. Instead, every pixel is able to produce its own light or shut off completely. This enables OLED displays to produce superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles compared to regular LED models. With that said, OLED panels can't get as bright as LED TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for hours on end.

For most buyers, however, the pros of OLED tech far outweigh the cons. Of course, the high-end picture performance of an OLED TV typically comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, OLED TVs from LG and Sony often go on sale. 

The best OLED TV deal available right now is for the LG 65-inch B9 4K TV. Though the TV's processing isn't quite as sophisticated as the other OLED TVs on our list, it offers similar picture quality for a more affordable price — especially with Best Buy's current $400 discount. 

• LG 65-inch B9 OLED 4K TV, $1,599.00 (originally $2,299.99) at Ebay [You save $700.99]
• LG 77-inch B9 OLED 4K TV, $4,299.99 (originally $5,499.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,200]
• LG 55-inch C9 OLED 4K TV, $1,499.99 (originally $1,599.99) at Best Buy [You save $100]
• LG 65-inch C9 OLED 4K TV, $2,199.99 (originally $2,499.99) at Best Buy [You save $300]
• LG 77-inch C9 OLED 4K TV, $4,499.99 (originally $5,499.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,000]
• Sony 65-inch A8G OLED 4K TV, $1,999.99 (originally $2,499.99) at Best Buy [You save $500]

Best premium LED TV deals

Unlike OLED displays, LED TVs still use traditional LCD panels with backlights to produce their images. Though this tech does have some drawbacks when it comes to black levels and viewing angles, high-end LED TVs are still capable of very impressive picture quality with industry-leading brightness. High brightness is particularly desirable for the best HDR performance, allowing highlights to really pop from the screen. 

Many high-end LED TVs are branded as QLED TVs since they include quantum dot technology. This feature allows the displays to achieve a wide color gamut for more accurate and rich colors. Premium LED TVs typically include full-array local dimming as well, enabling the backlight to dim in specific zones across the screen. This enables the display to achieve much better contrast and black levels compared to LED TV models without local dimming. 

The best deal on a premium LED TV right now is for the Vizio 65-inch P-Series Quantum X. The TV is about $500 off its regular price, and it offers brightness and contrast performance that rivals many competing LED TVs that cost much more. Though Vizio's SmartCast platform isn't the best for streaming apps, it's hard to beat the overall performance value of the P-Series Quantum X at this price.

• Vizio 65-inch P-Series Quantum X 4K TV, $998.00 (originally $1,499.99) at Walmart [You save $500.99]
• Vizio 75-inch P-Series Quantum X 4K TV, $1,698.00 (originally $1,499.99) at Walmart [You save $501.99]
• Sony 65-inch Z9F 4K TV, $1,799.99 (originally $3,499.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,700]
• Sony 85-inch X950G 4K TV, $2,999.99 (originally $4,299.99) at Best Buy [You save $1,300]
• Sony 65-inch X950G 4K TV, $1,399.99 (originally $1,599.99) at Best Buy [You save $400]
• TCL 65-inch 8 Series 4K TV, $1,599.99 (originally $1,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $500]
• TCL 75-inch 8 Series 4K TV, $2,599.99 (originally $2,999.99) at Best Buy [You save $400]
• Hisense 65-inch H9F 4K TV, $799.99 (originally $999.99) at Amazon [You save $200]

Best mid-range LED TV deals

Like premium LED TVs, the best mid-range LED TV models also offer many impressive picture quality features, including quantum dots and local dimming. Brightness levels aren't quite as high as more expensive models, however, and contrast isn't as precise since there are fewer dimming zones. 

Still, if you're a buyer who wants to save a bit without losing support for the latest display technologies, like HDR, then a mid-range LED TV model will likely be a good fit. There are a lot of enticing deals on mid-range LED models right now, including the Vizio M-Series Quantum and the Hisense H8F. Both TVs feature solid image quality, Dolby Vision support, and large 65-inch screens for under $600.

• Vizio 65-inch P-Series Quantum 4K TV, $898.00 (originally $1,099.99) at Walmart [You save $201.99]
• Vizio 65-inch M-Series Quantum 4K TV, $598.00 (originally $749.99) at Walmart [You save $151.99]
• Vizio 55-inch M-Series Quantum 4K TV, $498.00 (originally $548.00) at Walmart [You save $50]
• TCL 55-inch 6-Series 4K QLED TV, $499.99 (originally $549.00) at Amazon [You save $49.01]
• Samsung 65-inch Q70 4K QLED TV, $1,049.99 (originally $1,399.99) at Best Buy [You save $350]
• Samsung 55-inch Q70 4K QLED TV, $849.99 (originally $1,199.99) at Best Buy [You save $350]
• Samsung 65-inch Q60 4K QLED TV, $849.99 (originally $1,099.99) at Best Buy [You save $250]
• Hisense 65-inch H8F 4K TV, $599.99 (originally $699.99) at Amazon [You save $100]
• Hisense 55-inch H8F 4K TV, $399.99 (originally $499.99) at Amazon [You save $100]

Best budget LED TV deals

For buyers who are less concerned about picture quality and more interested in simply finding an affordable display with reliable smart TV connectivity, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider. These models don't include advanced image features like local dimming or quantum dots, but they all still include basic 4K HDR playback capabilities. Budget LED TVs can also be found in smaller screen sizes for people who want to purchase a TV that's suitable for a smaller living room or bedroom.

A decent smaller screen size option on sale right now is the Toshiba 43-inch Fire TV Edition display. This model is on sale for just $249.99, and it includes built-in support for the Amazon Fire TV platform.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for a really big TV on a budget, then the Hisense 70-inch 4K Roku TV offers a lot of value for a sale price of just $499.99. This model includes integrated support for Roku's easy to use smart TV interface. 

• TCL 55-inch 5 Series 4K TV, $349.99 (originally $399.99) at Best Buy [You save $50]
• LG 55-inch 7 Series 4K TV, $399.99 (originally $449.99) at Best Buy [You save $50]
• Hisense 70-inch R6200F Series 4K Roku TV, $499.99 (originally $599.99) at Best Buy [You save $100]
• Samsung 49-inch 8 Series 4K TV, $499.99 (originally $649.99) at Best Buy [You save $150]
• Samsung 43-inch 7 Series 4K TV, $299.99 (originally $329.99) at Best Buy [You save $30]
• Toshiba 43-inch LF711U20 Fire TV Edition 4K TV, $249.99 (originally $330) at Amazon [You save $80.01]

• The sneaker resale industry has been pummeled by the coronavirus outbreak. 
• For resellers navigating the industry during the pandemic, extra hygiene precautions are necessary in order to curb further spreading of the virus. 
• Lance Stewart, a 15-year-old sneaker reseller who has made over $20,000 in sales this year alone, and says he is on track to make six figures in sales by the end of 2020, told Business Insider how he's staying safe while running his business.
• From using new boxes to wearing masks at meet-ups, here's how to navigate the pandemic as a reseller.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It's hard to find an industry that has gone untouched by the coronavirus outbreak. 

When it comes to sneakers, the pandemic has impacted the multi-billion dollar industry at various levels, from supply chain to resale. High level sneaker resellers previously told Business Insider that their businesses were experiencing slower sales and a decline in business from the outbreak.

But even amid a global pandemic, some sneaker resellers are finding ways to adapt their businesses to keep functioning at a profitable level. 

Business Insider spoke to Lance Stewart, a 15-year-old sneaker reseller, about how he recommends taking precautions as a reseller during this time. Stewart, who has made over $20,000 in sneaker sales this year alone and says he is on track to make six figures in sales by the end of 2020, said he is implementing a few major changes to make sure he can run his business in the safest possible way.

From wearing protective gear to conducting socially distant meet-ups, here are four steps to work safely as a reseller during the pandemic. 

SEE ALSO: The coronavirus outbreak is wrecking the sneaker resale industry, but investing in specific pairs can soften losses. Here's how to navigate the market in crisis, according to the head of China's Sneaker Con.

1. Try to avoid meet-ups

Meeting up for sneaker deals is a huge part of being a reseller. As people try to implement social distancing, Stewart said he is generally trying to avoid in-person deals.

"I'm taking it very seriously because I don't want anyone to get sick," Stewart said.

2. If you do have to meet someone, wear the proper equipment

Stewart said that if you do have to attend a meet-up for a specific transaction, you should take care to wear the proper protective equipment like masks and gloves.

"It gives the other person comfort," Stewart said, adding that he makes it a point to wipe his phone after each meet-up if the other person had to touch it to enter payment details.

He also makes sure there are six feet between him and his clients during deals. At a recent meet-up, Stewart said he stood on the steps of his condominium while the buyer came to get the shoes that he left in the lobby.

3. Stay away from older clients

Older adults, or people above the age of 65, are considered more at risk for severe illness or death if they contract the coronavirus.

As such, Stewart said he's making an effort to stay away from clients older than 45 years old, as a precaution.

"I'm scared because I don't know if I have it," Stewart said. "I couldn't live with myself if they got sick from me."

4. Use new boxes for shipping and make sure they are clean

In a video on his YouTube channel, Stewart explained his process for shipping out packages to clients.

To make sure everything is as clean as possible, Stewart said it is important to buy new boxes for each shipment.

"Because you don't ever know where that box is coming from," he explained. 

Stewart also sprays each box with Lysol and wears gloves over his sanitized hands while packing up a shipment to make sure it is as germ-free as possible.

Though the cleaning process might leave a bit of a chemical smell, Stewart sais he feels it is worth it to keep his clients safe.

We rounded up the 18 best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on clothes at Nordstrom and Bonobos, shoes at Cole Haan, Clarks, and Adidas, underwear at Tommy John, outdoor clothing at The North Face and REI, electronics at Best Buy, home goods at Wayfair, and more. 

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save 25% sitewide at Tommy John
• Save 30% sitewide at Clarks
• Save 25% sitewide at Bonobos
• Save 35% sitewide at Frank And Oak
• Save 40% sitewide at Levi's
• Save 30% on select footwear at Adidas
• Save up to 30% on top outdoor brands at REI
• Save up to 40% on clearance and open box items at Best Buy
• Buy one, get one 50% off sale and 30% off everything else at Cole Haan
• Save 25% at The North Face
• Save 40% on tops and an extra 30% on sale items at Madewell
• Save 10% sitewide at Boll & Branch and donate 10% to COVID-19 relief

Additional Business Insider-exclusive deals and longer-term sales going on now:

• Save 25% on sale items at Hydro Flask
• Save up to 60% at Nordstrom
• Save up to 70% on home goods at Wayfair
• Get four months of Apple Music for free at Best Buy
• Get 50,000 miles when you sign up for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 
• Save 20% sitewide and get two free Cloud Pillows when you buy a mattress or bundle from Bear

Find the details of each sale below:

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

DON'T MISS: I got my teeth straightened through an online service called Candid for under $2,000 — here’s how it works

1. Save 25% sitewide at Tommy John

Shop the Tommy John sale now.

Named the best overall in our men's underwear buying guide and women's underwear buying guide, Tommy John has been a huge hit among Insider Reviews' reporters, editors, and many of our readers. While the brand rarely has promotions, Tommy John is having a huge spring sale with sitewide discounts. For a limited time, you can save 25% on all orders of $49 or more, plus get free shipping.

2. Save 30% sitewide at Clarks

Shop the Clarks sale now.

If you're looking for shoes that are classic in design and comfortable to wear, Clarks is one of my personal go-to brands — and it's holding a huge sale now. Until April 16, you can save 30% sitewide by using the promo code "TAKE30" at checkout. The sale includes men's loafers, dress shoes, sneakers, women's heels, sandals, boots, and more.

3. Save 25% sitewide at Bonobos

Shop the Bonobos sale now.

As Bonobos continues to add new spring arrivals to its selection, the brand is also giving you an opportunity to save on everything. For a limited time, you can save 25% sitewide by using the promo code "PICKMEUP" at checkout. The sale includes dress shirts, flannels, lightweight button-ups, chinos, jeans, activewear, and so much more.

4. Save 35% sitewide at Frank And Oak

Shop the Frank And Oak sale now. 

Sustainable clothing startup Frank And Oak is celebrating Easter with a huge sitewide sale with deals as good as Black Friday. Until April 14, you can save 30% sitewide with the promo code "EASTER30" at checkout. In addition to the sitewide sale, Frank And Oak is having an Easter egg hunt on the website. Find all the hidden eggs to unlock 35% off.

5. Save 40% sitewide at Levi's

Shop the Levi's sale now.

Levi's is one of the most reliable brands for quality, long-lasting denim. Now through April 20, you can save 40% sitewide by using the promo code "SILVER40" at checkout. The sale excludes gift cards and select collaborations.

6. Save 30% on select footwear at Adidas

Shop the Adidas sale now.

Adidas always has an impressive selection of shoes in its sale section, but right now, the brand is having a major sale that also includes full-price styles. Now through April 13, you can save 30% on brand favorites like Ultra Boosts, NMDs, Stan Smiths, Superstars, Nite Joggers, and more. Simply use the promo code "FAV30" at checkout to save.

7. Save up to 30% on top outdoor brands at REI

Shop the REI sale now.

If you're practicing social distancing by safely enjoying the outdoors or planning for a future adventure, you'll definitely want to shop at REI. Now through April 15, you can save up to 30% on top outdoor brands including Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Prana, Columbia, Mammut, and Fjallraven. 

8. Save up to 40% on clearance and open box items at Best Buy

Shop the Best Buy sale now.

If you're set on staying away from used tech items, but you're still looking to save some money, Best Buy's open-box sale is a great option. Now through April 19, you can save up to 40% on many items including computers, laptops, tablets, and more. The selection usually includes brand new items that were previously purchased, opened, and then returned. Items typically come with all the original packaging and a warranty. 

9. Buy one, get one 50% off sale and 30% off everything else at Cole Haan

Shop the Cole Haan sale now.

If you're looking for stylish shoes specifically designed for comfort, Cole Haan is always a great choice. The brand offers everything from dress shoes and sneakers to heels, boots, and sandals. Now through April 15, sale items are buy-one-get-one 50% off, plus take an extra 30% off everything else sitewide. With the discount, you'll save up to 70% on sale styles.

10. Save 25% at The North Face

Shop The North Face sale now. 

The North Face rarely holds sales, but right now you can save 25% on almost everything sitewide. Even if you don't need anything, this sale is a great time to save on items that otherwise wouldn't be on sale. From winter gear for next year to rain jackets and windbreakers for the spring, you'll likely find products you can put to good use.

11. Save 40% on tops and an extra 30% on sale items at Madewell

Shop the Madewell sale now. 

J.Crew's popular sister site Madewell is a solid place to find quality women's denim and other wardrobe basics. While the prices are pretty fair to begin with, an ongoing sale makes them even better. For a limited time, you can save 40% on tops and an extra 30% on sale items with the promo code "GOODVIBES" at checkout.  

12. Save 10% sitewide at Boll & Branch and donate 10% to COVID-19 relief

Shop the Boll & Branch sale now. 

Luxury bedding startup Boll & Branch rarely holds sales, but right now the brand is offering a discount that will help you and others. For a limited time, you can save 10% on all orders and 10% of proceeds will be donated to COVID-19 relief. In a time where social distancing is more important than ever, it's an easy way to help out while still staying at home. 

13. Save 25% on sale items at Hydro Flask

Shop the Hydro Flask sale now. 

It's important to stay hydrated at all times and Hydro Flask's bottles are an excellent way to keep drinks cold for hours on end (just ask anyone at Insider Reviews — nearly all of us have one!). Right now, you can save 25% on sale items, plus get free shipping with the promo code "RAPIDSHIFT20" at checkout. 

14. Save up to 60% at Nordstrom

Shop the Nordstrom sale Now.

Nordstrom stores may be temporarily closed, but the retailer is teaming up with its favorite brands to offer some major sales online. Now until April 15, you can save up to 40% on select items from Nike, Vince Camuto, Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and more. Additionally, Nordstrom is having a spring sale with savings of up to 60% on thousands of items. You'll find great deals on clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and kids, as well as home goods and beauty products.

15. Save up to 70% on home goods at Wayfair

Shop the Wayfair sale now.

People are spending more time indoors, and Wayfair's sale is the perfect chance to spruce up your living space. Right now, you can save up to 70% on thousands of items including desks, chairs, lighting, rugs, wall art, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and much more. Whether you're renovating your entire house or creating a home office so you can be more productive, you'll find everything you need here.

16. Get four months of Apple Music for free at Best Buy

Sign up for a free four-month Apple Music trial here.

Apple Music is one of the most popular streaming services available, and Best Buy is offering a free four-month trial with no purchase required. All you have to do is make sure you're signed in to your account — and if you don't have one, you can sign up here. 

17. Get 50,000 miles when you sign up for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Click here to learn more about the Capital One Venture.

If traveling is on your bucket list, then you might want to consider signing up for a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You'll get 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in your first three months, and your first year's annual fee of $95 is waived. This card will also earn you 10 times the miles when you book hotels through hotels.com, and for every 10 nights you do book, you'll earn a free night. Learn more about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and other credit card deals here.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

18. Save 20% on Bear Mattresses and get two free Cloud Pillows

Shop mattresses, bundles, and accessories from Bear.

Bear Mattresses goes far beyond the standard of plush memory foam by incorporating Celliant into its mattresses. The material is designed to convert heat from the body into far-infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells and help you wake up feeling well-rested and free of aches and pains. Right now, you can get 20% off sitewide by using the promo code "Hello20" at checkout. You'll also get two free Cloud Pillows with any mattress order. 

• Tesla's Cybertruck camper design was first teased in November when the truck was announced.
• A Canadian concept artist recently reimagined what the design could look like.
• The renderings include an overhead canopy that is incorporated into the body of the vehicle instead of a separate pop-up top or trailer.
• The new design concept shows options for a "solo" or "duo" sleeper.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Tesla's electric Cybertruck has more than 600,000 pre-orders and is scheduled to be released in late 2021, but in the meantime, a Canadian concept artist reimagined what Tesla's camper attachment could look like.

The design renderings, which we first saw via Robb Report, take Tesla's general camper design and run with it. Instead of imagining a more temporary camper with a pop-up topper or a tow trailer, the artist's redesign depicts overhead space incorporated into the body of the vehicle. The renderings also showcase two different options for either a single or dual sleeper.

"So I'm liking something a bit larger, like this insert camper that you can add to the vault of the Cybertruck," the artist wrote on Cybertruck Owners Club, a fan website. "These renders need work, but I want something in the vault so no need to tow and can travel almost anywhere all the time. So hope that there will be a camper style like this by Tesla or 3rd party companies that would be amazing."

Tesla's design was teased along with the Cybertruck's announcement in November 2019, but the company has kept quiet about camper-specific details. While we wait for more details, check out the re-imagining of the Cybercamper below, along with the original.

SEE ALSO: Watch people in cities around the world cheer from their windows and rooftops at the same time to thank healthcare workers and first responders

Cyber Camper Solo

Cyber Camper Duo

Tesla's officially teased camper add-on.

Tesla's Cybertruck Trailer

• Elizabeth Holmes dropped out of Stanford University at 19 to start blood-testing startup Theranos, and grew the company to a valuation of $9 billion.
• But it all came crashing down when the shortcomings and inaccuracies of the company's technology were exposed, and Theranos and Holmes were charged with "massive fraud."
• A California judge has set an August 2020 start date for the federal fraud trial. If convicted, Holmes could face up to 20 years in prison.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In 2014, blood-testing startup Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, were on top of the world.

Back then, Theranos was a revolutionary idea thought up by a woman hailed as a genius who styled herself as a female Steve Jobs. Holmes was the world's youngest female self-made billionaire, and Theranos was one of Silicon Valley's unicorn startups, valued at an estimated $9 billion. 

But then it all came crashing down.

The shortcomings and inaccuracies of Theranos's technology were exposed, along with the role Holmes played in covering it all up. Holmes was ousted as CEO and charged with "massive fraud," and the company was forced to close its labs and testing centers, ultimately shuttering operations altogether. 

Now, Holmes is gearing up for a trial starting in August, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. In the meantime, as she awaits trial, she's reportedly found the time to get engaged — and married — to a hotel heir named Billy Evans.

This is how Holmes went from precocious child, to ambitious Stanford dropout, to an embattled startup founder charged with fraud: 

SEE ALSO: 'Predatory' companies like Monat and Mary Kay are using memes and coronavirus anxiety to target millions of newly unemployed Americans

Elizabeth Holmes was born on February 3, 1984 in Washington, D.C. Her mom, Noel, was a Congressional committee staffer, and her dad, Christian Holmes, worked for Enron before moving to government agencies like USAID.

Source: Elizabeth Holmes/Twitter, CNN, Vanity Fair

Holmes' family moved when she was young, from Washington, D.C. to Houston.

Source: Fortune

When she was 7, Holmes tried to invent her own time machine, filling up an entire notebook with detailed engineering drawings. At the age of 9, Holmes told relatives she wanted to be a billionaire when she grew up. Her relatives described her as saying it with the "utmost seriousness and determination."

Source: CBS News, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Holmes had an "intense competitive streak" from a young age. She often played Monopoly with her younger brother and cousin, and she would insist on playing until the end, collecting the houses and hotels until she won. If Holmes was losing, she would often storm off. More than once, she ran directly through a screen on the door.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

It was during high school that Holmes developed her work ethic, often staying up late to study. She quickly became a straight-A student, and even started her own business: she sold C++ compilers, a type of software that translates computer code, to Chinese schools.

Source: Fortune, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Holmes started taking Mandarin lessons, and part-way through high school, talked her way into being accepted by Stanford University’s summer program, which culminated in a trip to Beijing.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Inspired by her great-great-grandfather Christian Holmes, a surgeon, Holmes decided she wanted to go into medicine. But she discovered early on that she was terrified of needles. Later, she said this influenced her to start Theranos.

Source: San Francisco Business Times

Holmes went to Stanford to study chemical engineering. When she was a freshman, she became a "president's scholar," an honor which came with a $3,000 stipend to go toward a research project.

Source: Fortune

Holmes spent the summer after her freshman year interning at the Genome Institute in Singapore. She got the job partly because she spoke Mandarin.

Source: Fortune

As a sophomore, Holmes went to one of her professors, Channing Robertson, and said: "Let's start a company." With his blessing, she founded Real-Time Cures, later changing the company's name to Theranos. Thanks to a typo, early employees’ paychecks actually said "Real-Time Curses."

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Holmes soon filed a patent application for a "medical device for analyte monitoring and drug delivery," a wearable device that would administer medication, monitor patients' blood, and adjust the dosage as needed.

Source: Fortune, US Patent Office

By the next semester, Holmes had dropped out of Stanford altogether, and was working on Theranos in the basement of a college house.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Theranos's business model was based around the idea that it could run blood tests, using proprietary technology that required only a finger pinprick and a small amount of blood. Holmes said the tests would be able to detect medical conditions like cancer and high cholesterol.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Holmes started raising money for Theranos from prominent investors like Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Tim Draper, the father of a childhood friend and the founder of prominent VC firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Theranos raised more than $700 million, and Draper has continued to defend Holmes.

Source: SEC, Crunchbase

Holmes took investors' money on the condition that she wouldn't have to reveal how Theranos' technology worked. Plus, she would have final say over everything having to do with the company.

Source: Vanity Fair

That obsession with secrecy extended to every aspect of Theranos. For the first decade Holmes spent building her company, Theranos operated in stealth mode. She even took three former Theranos employees to court, claiming they had misused Theranos trade secrets.

Source: San Francisco Business Times

Holmes' attitude toward secrecy and running a company was borrowed from a Silicon Valley hero of hers: former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Holmes started dressing in black turtlenecks like Jobs, decorated her office with his favorite furniture, and like Jobs, never took vacations.

Source: Vanity Fair

Even Holmes's uncharacteristically deep voice may have been part of a carefully crafted image intended to help her fit in in the male-dominated business world. In ABC's podcast on Holmes called "The Dropout," former Theranos employees said the CEO sometimes "fell out of character," particularly after drinking, and would speak in a higher voice.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, The Cut

Holmes was a demanding boss, and wanted her employees to work as hard as she did. She had her assistants track when employees arrived and left each day. To encourage people to work longer hours, she started having dinner catered to the office around 8 p.m. each night.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

More behind-the-scenes footage of what life was like at Theranos was revealed in leaked videos obtained by the team behind the HBO documentary "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley." The more than 100 hours of footage showed Holmes walking around the office, scenes from company parties, speeches from Holmes and Balwani, and Holmes dancing to "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer.

Source: Business Insider

Shortly after Holmes dropped out of Stanford at age 19, she began dating Theranos president and COO Sunny Balwani, who was 20 years her senior. The two met during Holmes' third year in Stanford’s summer Mandarin program, the summer before she went to college. She was bullied by some of the other students, and Balwani had come to her aid.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Balwani became Holmes' No. 2 at Theranos despite having little experience. He was said to be a bully, and often tracked his employees' whereabouts. Holmes and Balwani eventually broke up in spring 2016 when Holmes pushed him out of the company.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

In 2008, the Theranos board decided to remove Holmes as CEO in favor of someone more experienced. But over the course of a two-hour meeting, Holmes convinced them to let her stay in charge of her company.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

As Theranos started to rake in millions of funding, Holmes became the subject of media attention and acclaim in the tech world. She graced the covers of Fortune and Forbes, gave a TED Talk, and spoke on panels with Bill Clinton and Alibaba's Jack Ma.

Source: Vanity Fair

Theranos quickly began securing outside partnerships. Capital Blue Cross and Cleveland Clinic signed on to offer Theranos tests to their patients, and Walgreens made a deal to open Theranos testing centers in their stores. Theranos also formed a secret partnership with Safeway worth $350 million.

Source: Wired, Business Insider

In 2011, Holmes hired her younger brother, Christian, to work at Theranos, although he didn’t have a medical or science background. Christian Holmes spent his early days at Theranos reading about sports online and recruiting his Duke University fraternity brothers to join the company. People dubbed Holmes and his crew the "Frat Pack" and "Therabros."

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

At one point, Holmes was the world's youngest self-made female billionaire with a net worth of around $4.5 billion.

Source: Forbes

Holmes was obsessed with security at Theranos. She asked anyone who visited the company’s headquarters to sign non-disclosure agreements before being allowed in the building, and had security guards escort visitors everywhere — even to the bathroom.

Holmes hired bodyguards to drive her around in a black Audi sedan. Her nickname was "Eagle One." The windows in her office had bulletproof glass.

Source: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Around the same time, questions were being raised about Theranos' technology. Ian Gibbons — chief scientist at Theranos and one of the company's first hires — warned Holmes that the tests weren't ready for the public to take, and that there were inaccuracies in the technology. Outside scientists began voicing their concerns about Theranos, too.

Source: Vanity Fair, Business Insider

By August 2015, the FDA began investigating Theranos, and regulators from the government body that oversees laboratories found "major inaccuracies" in the testing Theranos was doing on patients.

Source: Vanity Fair

By October 2015, Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou published his investigation into Theranos's struggles with its technology. Carreyrou's reporting sparked the beginning of the company's downward spiral.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Carreyrou found that Theranos' blood-testing machine, named Edison, couldn't give accurate results, so Theranos was running its samples through the same machines used by traditional blood-testing companies.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Holmes appeared on CNBC's "Mad Money" shortly after the WSJ published its story to defend herself and Theranos. "This is what happens when you work to change things, and first they think you're crazy, then they fight you, and then all of a sudden you change the world," Holmes said.

Source: CNBC

By 2016, the FDA, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and SEC were all looking into Theranos.

Source: Wall Street Journal,Wired

In July 2016, Holmes was banned from the lab-testing industry for two years. By October, Theranos had shut down its lab operations and wellness centers.

Source: Business Insider

In March 2018, Theranos, Holmes, and Balwani were charged with "massive fraud" by the SEC. Holmes agreed to give up financial and voting control of the company, pay a $500,000 fine, and return 18.9 million shares of Theranos stock. She also isn't allowed to be the director or officer of a publicly traded company for 10 years.

Source: Business Insider

Despite the charges, Holmes was allowed to stay on as CEO of Theranos, since it's a private company. The company had been hanging on by a thread, and Holmes wrote to investors asking for more money to save Theranos. "In light of where we are, this is no easy ask," Holmes wrote.

Source: Business Insider

In Theranos' final days, Holmes reportedly got a Siberian husky puppy named Balto that she brought into the office. However, the dog wasn't potty trained, and would go to the bathroom inside the company's office and during meetings.

Source: Vanity Fair

In June 2018, Theranos announced that Holmes was stepping down as CEO. On the same day, the Department of Justice announced that a federal grand jury had charged Holmes, along with Balwani, with nine counts of wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Source: Business Insider, CNBC

Theranos sent an email to shareholders in September 2018 announcing that the company was shutting down. Theranos reportedly said it planned to spend the next few months repaying creditors with its remaining resources.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Around the time Theranos' time was coming to an end, Holmes made her first public appearance alongside William "Billy" Evans, a 27-year-old heir to a hospitality property management company in California. The two reportedly first met in 2017, and were seen together in 2018 at Burning Man, the art festival in the Nevada desert.

Source: Daily Mail

Holmes is said to wear Evans' MIT "signet ring" on a chain around her neck, and the couple reportedly posts photos "professing their love for each other" on a private Instagram account. Evans' parents are reportedly "flabbergasted" at their son's decision to marry Holmes.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1098642159085834240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
For everyone asking about Holmes's social media. It's private. But here are a few screenshots of her and her fiancé we found online. (I personally find it crazy that she's being charged with 11 felony counts, thousands of people's lives were harmed, and she's as happy as can be.) pic.twitter.com/6nYfjltLt4

Source: Vanity Fair, New York Post

It's unclear where Holmes and Evans currently reside, but they were previously living in a $5,000-a-month apartment in San Francisco until April 2019. The apartment was located just a few blocks from one of the city's top tourist attractions, the famously crooked block of Lombard Street.

Source: Business Insider

It was later reported that Holmes and Evans got engaged in early 2019, then married in June in a secretive wedding ceremony. Former Theranos employees were reportedly not invited to the wedding, according to Vanity Fair.

Source: Vanity Fair, New York Post

Holmes and Balwani are now awaiting federal trial, although their cases have since been separated. If convicted, Holmes and Balwani could each face up to 20 years in prison and a more than $2.7 million fine, the US government has said.

Source: Department of Justice, Business Insider

Besides the criminal case, Holmes is also involved in a number of civil lawsuits, including one in Arizona brought on by former Theranos patients over inaccurate blood tests. The lawyers representing her in the Arizona case said in late 2019 they hadn't been paid over a year, and asked to be removed from Holmes' legal team.

Source: Business Insider

Holmes' lawyers in the federal case have been trying to get the government's entire case thrown out. Holmes recently caught a break after some — but not all — of the charges were dropped, because a judge ruled that some patients didn't suffer financial loss.

Source: Business Insider

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Holmes' lawyers recently asked the federal judge to deem the case "essential" so the defense team could defy lockdown orders and continue to travel and meet face-to-face. The judge said he was "taken aback," and declined to immediately decide on delaying the trial, for which jury selection is scheduled to kick off the week of July 28.

Source: Business Insider

Maya Kosoff contributed to an earlier version of this story. 

• As President Donald Trump repeatedly downplayed the severity of the coronavirus crisis, he also made a host of promises about the federal government's planned response that he has since broken. 
• And several of the promises Trump made when he announced a national emergency to combat the coronavirus on March 13 haven't been fulfilled one month later, according to an NPR investigation. 
• These promises include implementing drive-thru coronavirus testing in partnership with the private sector, facilitating home testing, working with Google to build a website for coronavirus screening, and stocking the US Strategic Reserve with crude oil. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13 amid the coronavirus pandemic, he made a series of promises about the federal government's planned response that have not been fulfilled one month later, according to an NPR investigation.  

Since then, the number of coronavirus infections in the US has skyrocketed from about 1,700 to more than 560,000. The number of deaths has grown from 40 to nearly 23,000. 

Here are some of the promises Trump made that he hasn't followed through on. 

SEE ALSO: 'Speak the truth': Obama tells mayors the 'biggest mistake' they can make in their coronavirus response is to 'misinform'

A national shortage of tests

What Trump said on March 6:"Anybody that needs a test, gets a test ... They have the tests. And the tests are beautiful." He added later that day, "Anybody that wants a test can get a test."

The reality: This was a false statement on March 6 and it has remained untrue since then. Due to a national testing shortage, testing for the virus is largely limited to those showing symptoms and healthcare workers at a high risk of contracting the virus. 

A shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE)

What Trump said on March 28:"We're going to have plenty" of ventilators, the life-saving breathing-assistance machines, to deal with the crisis. 

The reality: States across the country are facing shortages of ventilators. On March 30, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials told House lawmakers that the shortage in the machines would likely worsen as the country reaches its peak in infections. 

Just 8 drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites

What Trump said on March 13:"We've been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals." 

The reality: As of April 13, there are just 8 drive-thru testing facilities across the country. Walmart has opened two testing sites, Walgreens has opened another two, and CVS is operating four sites, NPR found.

A target spokesperson told NPR that the company has "no formal partnership with the federal government" and is waiting for the government to "activate" their efforts. 

No at-home COVID-19 testing

What was said on March 13: Bruce Greenstein, executive vice president of home healthcare company LHC Group, announced at the March 13 press briefing that his company would partner with the federal government to offer at-home testing. 

"For Americans that can't get to a test site or live in rural areas far away from a retail establishment, we're here to help and to partner with our hospitals and physicians, as well as the people we have here today that will be doing testing around the country," Greenstein said. 

The reality: Greenstein told NPR that the company hasn't yet implemented any in-home testing, but that it would start working with a New Orleans hospital to do so "as soon as next week." 

No Google-engineered website for COVID-19 screening

What Trump said on March 13:"Google is helping to develop a website. It's going to be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location ... Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now. They've made tremendous progress." 

The reality: Just hours after Trump claimed that Google was building a website to help Americans determine whether they need to be tested and then direct them to the closest testing site, Google issued a statement saying this was not true.

Instead, a pilot website only for California was developed by Verily, a company owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet. The website, Project Baseline, is now only available to people who live in five counties in California. 

At the same time, health-insurance company Oscar Health, which is closely tied to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, built a website designed to do what Trump promised the Google site would do. Kushner's brother, Josh Kushner, is a co-founder and investor in Oscar, which prompted legal experts to point out that the project might violate ethics laws. 

The Oscar project was later shut down. 

No new oil for the US strategic reserve

What Trump said on March 13:"Based on the price of oil, I've also instructed the Secretary of Energy to purchase, at a very good price, large quantities of crude oil for storage in the U.S. Strategic Reserve. We're going to fill it right up to the top, saving the American taxpayer billions and billions of dollars, helping our oil industry." 

The reality: Congress is required to sign off on government funding to purchase crude oil, and it has refused to do so. 

• If you see a cloud of tiny flying insects swarming around your fruit bowl, chances are that you've got an infestation of fruit flies.
• These small flying pests are a species of housefly that is strongly attracted to ripening or decaying fruit.
• Luckily, it's not difficult to get rid of fruit flies and there's no need for potentially toxic chemicals to do so.
• Here's how to deal with these pests, as well as two similar flying insects: fungus gnats and drain flies.

At one point or another, everyone will deal with fruit flies.

My own turn came when I left a peach ripening a little too long in the fruit bowl. I walked into the kitchen and discovered a cloud of little pests hovering over the bowl and crawling all over the fruit I'd been planning on enjoying with my lunch. Gross, right?

Since then, I've been careful to toss fruit that's past its prime, although in my fruit-intensive household, most produce is consumed before that occurs.

You can literally leave a pest-free kitchen in the morning, and come home in the afternoon to find a cloud of fruit flies partying in your fruit bowl. These tiny insects are powerfully drawn to the scent of decaying fruit and are small enough to slip right through your window screen or any tiny cracks around the windows or doors. You might also unknowingly bring fruit flies home with your produce from the farmers market or supermarket.

Once they gain access to your kitchen, the flies feast and reproduce at an alarmingly fast rate. Female fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs within decaying fruit, which can hatch in as little as 24 hours and grow to be adults within two days. With an average lifespan of 40 to 50 days, that's a whole lot of fruit flies.  

Now that you know where fruit flies come from, we'll break down how to get rid of them and how to get rid of other kitchen pests that are often mistaken for fruit flies.

How to get rid of fruit flies

There are quite a few ways to get rid of fruit flies, but the one that worked best for me is probably the simplest.

Just pour apple cider vinegar into a bowl, and then add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Set the bowl on your counter near the fruit fly infestation, and watch the magic happen.

Fruit flies are attracted to the scent of the apple cider vinegar, but when they head in for a tasty treat, they slip underneath the liquid's surface and drown, thanks to the reduced surface tension created by the dish soap.

I admit that it was strangely and morbidly fascinating watching the tiny pests flit around before landing on the apple cider vinegar and then disappearing into the murky depths. Within a couple of days, my fruit fly problem was no more.

If you prefer something a little more attractive than an open bowl of vinegar dotted with drowned fruit flies sitting on your kitchen counter, check out the RSVP Endurance Fruit Fly Trap. You get a small white ceramic bowl with a perforated stainless steel lid.

Just pour apple cider vinegar into the trap, add a couple of drops of dish detergent, cover the bowl with the lid, and voilà. You've put a pretty face on your fruit fly death trap, but it's just as effective at wiping out pest infestations as the open bowl method.

Whichever method you choose, prevent a recurrence by tossing or composting overripe fruit, washing your fruit bowls weekly, and emptying the kitchen trash bin regularly. Of course, it's best of all if you eat the produce before it ever gets to the overripe stage, but if you can't, try cutting and freezing them so you can use them later in smoothies, or even juicing them. 

How to tell if you have fruit flies or something similar like drain flies or fungus gnats

It's easy to identify the common fruit fly: Most have red eyes and a tan-to-brown thorax. Ideally, you're never too close to see these details, but males have a mostly black abdomen and females have black stripes on theirs. Both males and females are very small, generally only one to three millimeters in length. As their name suggests, these insects like fruit, and generally won't stray far from your kitchen, compost bin, or trashcans.

Two other common and tiny flying indoor pests that are sometimes confused with fruit flies are drain flies and fungus gnats.

Fungus gnats have a thinner body shape than fruit flies and are around the same size, though they're generally brown or black with light brown legs.

These annoying pests like houseplants, particularly overwatered plants. You'll see clouds of the adults rise up out of the pot whenever it's disturbed, but it's the larva that does the real damage to plants' roots.

Prevention is the best way to deal with fungus gnats, so let your plants dry out a bit between waterings. If you do end up with an infestation, you'll get fairly quick relief with Safer Brand's nontoxic Houseplant Sticky Stakes.

Drain flies are "fuzzier" than fruit flies and fungus gnats, but equally tiny. You'll generally spot these tan, gray, or black creatures flitting around your sink drain, as they breed in the sludge down inside the pipes.

It's not nearly as easy to get rid of drain flies as it is to eliminate fruit flies and fungus gnats, but the task can often be achieved by pouring boiling water down the drain to break down the sludge, as well as treating the sink drain with a nontoxic product that helps naturally remove drain buildup, such as Bye-Bye Drain Flies.

• The spread of the novel coronavirus has led to over 114,000 deaths worldwide, including some celebrities and public figures.
• Prominent figures like playwright Terrence McNally, actor Mark Blum, and actress Lucia Bosè are believed to have died from illnesses related to the virus.
• Here are all the celebrities and notable people believed to have died of illnesses related to the novel coronavirus.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Charles Gregory, an Emmy-nominated hairstylist, died of health complications related to the coronavirus on April 8. Gregory was known for working on films and TV shows with Tyley Perry.

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Source: The Wrap

Ahmed Ismail Hussein, a Somalian musician, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 91 on April 7. Hussein was known as "King of Oud," for his masterful playing of the oud, which is a stringed instrument.

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Ahmed Ismail Hussein Hudeidi, the king of Somali lute, has passed away in London aged 92. He was born in #Somaliland on 15th April 1928. He vastly contributed to the Somali Music. I met him in the Republic of #Somaliland two years back and chatted more about Somali history. pic.twitter.com/qk9KtJK0v9

Source: The New York Times

Yaakov Perlow, a leading ultra-Orthodox rabbi, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 89 on April 7. Perlow served as the president of Agudath Israel of America for more than 20 years. The Agudath Israel of America is an organization for ultra-Orthodox Jews in the US that Perlow's grandfather started in Poland.

Source: The Times of Isreal

Allen Garfield, an actor, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 80 on April 7. He was known for his supporting roles in the 1970s and 1980s, including key roles in the films "Nashville" and "Beverly Hills Cop II."

Source: New York Post

American country folk singer-songwriter John Prine died of complications related to coronavirus, his family confirmed to Rolling Stone on April 7. He was 73. According to Rolling Stone, the country legend died at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Source: Rolling Stone

Variety confirmed that Hal Willner died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 64 on April 7. Willner was a music sketch producer at SNL for about 20 years. He was also a record producer known for producing Disney tribute albums.

Source: Variety

Variety reported on April 5 that Lee Fierro, an actress best known for her role in "Jaws," had died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 91. Fierro played Mrs. Kintner, the mother that slapped Chief Brody, played by Roy Scheider, across the face in the iconic 1975 film.

Source: Variety

Actor Jay Benedict died of health complications related to the novel coronavirus on April 4, his agency TCG, tweeted. Benedict appeared in some major films, including "Aliens" and "The Dark Knight Rises."

Source: New York Post, TCG Artist Management/Twitter

Forrest Compton, an actor known for his role in the soap opera "Edge of the Night," died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 94 on April 5. Compton served in World War II and attended the Yale Drama School.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Mahmoud Jibril, former Libyan Prime Minister and head of National Forces Alliance, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 67 on April 5. Jibril was the head of the NATO-supported opposition government that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi's 40-year long rule in 2011.

Source: Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera

Patricia Bosworth, a Hollywood actress who wrote bestselling biographies about Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, and Montgomery Clift, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 86 on April 3. Bosworth co-starred with Audrey Hepburn in "The Nun's Story" in 1959.

Source: The Wrap

Sergio Rossi, a high-end women's shoemaker, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 84 on April 2. Rihanna, Paris Hilton, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift are amongst some of his admirers. CNN reports that, in March, his company had announced it would be donating over $100,000 and pledging all of its online sales to the fight against COVID-19.

Source: The Jerusalem Post, CNN

Juan Gimenez, a comic artist known best for co-creating "The Metabarons," died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 76 on April 2.

Source: The Beat

Adam Schlesinger, a Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Emmy nominated musician and songwriter, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 52 on April 1. Schlesinger co-founded the pop band "Fountains of Wayne" and won an Emmy for his work on "My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

Source: Gothamist

Jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, a prominent figure in the 70s New York music scene, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 94 on April 1.

Source: The New York Times

Ellis Marsalis Jr., a pianist who led a late 20th-century revival in jazz music, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 85 on April 1.

Source: The New York Times

Kevin Thomas Duffy, a federal judge who presided over terrorism cases, died of health complications related to coronavirus at 87 on April 1. He's best known for overseeing the World Trade Center bombing trial in 1993.

Source: The New York Times

Cristina Monet, a singer-songwriter from New York, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 64 on March 31. With a unique, experimental style, she brought a fresh outlook to New York's nightlife scene in the 70s and 80s.

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Source: The New York Times

Jenny Polanco, a fashion designer who revolutionized Dominican style, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 62 on March 31.

Source: The New York Times

Wallace Roney, a jazz trumpeter called "Miles Davis's only true protégé" by The New York Times, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 59 on March 31.

Source: The New York Times

Pape Diouf, the former president of Olympique de Marseille, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at age 68 on March 31. The French football club confirmed his death in a statement on Twitter. Diouf was the first black president of a top-tier European club.

Source: The Guardian

Gita Ramjee, a world-renowned HIV scientist, died from health complications related to the coronavirus on March 31.

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Aurum is deeply saddened by the death of its Chief Scientific Officer Prof Gita Ramjee, world renowned for her tireless work to find HIV prevention solutions for women. Group CEO Gavin Churchyard, described her as; "a bold & compassionate leader in the response to HIV."pic.twitter.com/9DvcjfInlh

Source: BBC News

Lorena Borjas, a transgender immigrant activist who turned her home in New York into an HIV clinic died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 59 on March 30.

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We're devastated by the passing of Lorena Borjas this morning. Lorena saved so many lives from state violence, neglect, and abuse, and she fought tirelessly for trans migrants, people living with HIV, and sex workers. Lorena should still be with us. pic.twitter.com/KLUVhEZCNY

Source: The New York Times

James T. Goodrich, a neurosurgeon who was a pioneer in separating conjoined twins, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 73 on March 30. Goodrich first became prominent in 2004 for operating on twins who shared significant amounts of brain tissue.

Source: CNN

Joe Diffie, a country musician who was known for the hits "John Deere Green" and "If the Devil Danced," died from health complications related to the coronavirus at 61 on March 29.

Source: CNMN

Ken Shimura, a beloved comedian, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 70 on March 29. The New York Times describes him as a "household name" in Japanese culture.

Source: The New York Times

Maria Mercader, an executive producer at CBS News, died from health complications related to the coronavirus at 54 on March 29.

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Alan Merrill, a musician who co-wrote "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, died from health complications related to the coronavirus at 69 on March 29.

Source: Vulture

William Helmreich, a scholar, sociologist, and professor who walked every block of New York City and wrote a book about it, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 74 on March 28. Helmreich was described as "fearless" by the New York Times in his efforts to communicate with and learn about other people.

Source: The New York Times

Tim Liszewski, a progressive activist, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 60 on March 28. Liszewski was a senior regional organizer with the Indivisible Project in South Carolina. The group is dedicated to electing progressive, anti-Trump candidates.

Source: The State

Michael McKinnell, an architect who designed the Boston City Hall, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 84 on March 27. McKinnell entered a contest for the design of the building, and he won because of his innovative and public-minded design.

Source: The New York Times

Andreas Koutsoudakis, the chef who ran Tribeca's Kitchen, a popular diner in New York, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 59 on March 27.

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Source: NY Eater

Actor Mark Blum, 69, who recently starred in the TV show "You," died on March 26 from health complications related to the coronavirus. He's best known for his role in "Desperately Seeking Susan."

Source: AV Club

Michael Sorkin, a New York architect and author who prioritized sustainability, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 71 on March 26.

Source: The New York Times

Chef Floyd Cardoz, 59, of Tabla and Bombay Bread Bar, died of health complications related to the novel coronavirus on March 25. Eater NY described him as a "force in New York's restaurant community."

Source: Eater, Scroll.In

Manu Dibango, the jazz musician behind "Soul Makossa," a track that has been sampled by Michael Jackson and Kanye West, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 86 on March 24.

Source: Rolling Stone

Dr. John Murray, a globally recognized respiratory doctor, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 92 on March 24. Murray was known for helping scientists understand acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Source: The New York Times

Terrence McNally, a Tony Award-winning playwright, died on March 24 of health complications related to the coronavirus. McNally was a lung-cancer survivor living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Source: NPR

Nashom Wooden, known by the drag community as Mona Foot, died at 50 on March 23 of an illness that was believed to be the novel coronavirus, although it was not confirmed. While Wooden lived with HIV for several years, it had dropped to undetectable levels before he died. Wooden was a writer, performer, bartender, and fashion icon in the LGBT community.

Source: The New York Times

Zororo Makamba, a journalist and TV host, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 30 on March 23 with a preexisting condition. He was recovering from a surgery he had last November to remove a tumor from beneath his lung. Makamba was well-known for the social and political commentary he shared online.

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Source: BBC News

Lucia Bosè, an actress who starred on the TV show "Double Image," died at 89 of pneumonia on March 23. Spanish news outlet 5TeleCinco reported that she was infected with the coronavirus.

Source: Billboard, Yahoo, 5TeleCinco, El País

Ronald Lewis, a life-long New Orleans resident, died of health complications related to the coronavirus at 68 on March 30. In his own backyard, Lewis had an African-American cultural museum called "House of Dance and Feathers," which preserves the street culture in New Orlean's black neighborhoods that dates back to the 1800s.

Source: The New York Times

Li Wenliang, a Chinese doctor who tried to warn medics of the novel coronavirus and contracted it while treating patients in Wuhan, China, died of the virus on February 7.

Source: BBC News

• Hotels around the globe are experiencing unprecedented declines in occupancy due to lockdowns and stay-at-home orders meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
• Thanks to two initiatives, "Buy Now, Stay Later" and "Hotel Credits," travelers can purchase hotel bonds and credits to support independent hotels during the coronavirus outbreak and redeem them in the future for up to $100 more than what they paid. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: Hilton and American Express will offer hotel rooms free of charge to 1 million healthcare professionals working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic

NOW READ: Travelers around the world are flocking to boutique hotels — but no one can agree on what, exactly, they are

Across the globe, hotels are experiencing unprecedented declines in occupancy as countries and cities order residents to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Marriott and Hilton , two of the biggest hotel chains in the world, have furloughed tens of thousands of employees. A study by Oxford Economics last month predicted that nearly 4 million US hotel jobs could be lost in the coming weeks due to the effects of the coronavirus on travel.

The "Buy Now, Save Later" initiative lets travelers purchase $100 "bonds" for independent hotels and redeem them for $150 after 60 days.

Buy Now, Stay Later is a new initiative that helps independent hotels stay afloat during the coronavirus outbreak. Travelers can purchase "hotel bonds" in increments of $100 that are redeemable for $150 after 60 days. Eight luxury independent hotels, ranging from Le Barthelemy in St. Barth's to Greydon House in Nantucket and Casa Violeta in Tulum, are currently participating. The website indicates that more hotel partners are "coming soon" and includes a sign-up form for interested hotels.

To purchase bonds, travelers must contact each hotel directly. To facilitate this, buynowstaylater.com includes a "Get Your Bond" button next to each hotel participating hotel, which links out to the hotel's website and contact information.

Travel app Porter & Sail has launched a similar "Hotel Credits" program for 17 properties across the globe.

Travel app Porter & Sail has launched a Hotel Credits store that allows travelers to buy hotel credits for 17 properties through its website. Credits can be purchased through its website at two tiers: $120, later redeemable for $150; and $200, later redeemable for $300. Participating properties are located across the globe, from Thailand to Lake Como to Los Angeles and Nairobi.

The purpose of the program is to help independent hotels keep their staff employed, and Porter & Sail is not taking any fees. 

Are you a hotel owner or employee affected by the coronavirus outbreak? We want to hear your story. Email this reporter at mwiley@businessinsider.com.

• There's a reason ancient philosophy fascinates us thousands of years later: Messages from the earliest recorded history still ring true.
• Aristotle offered advice on avoiding greed, Socrates knew how to live a meaningful live, and Confucius understood the difference between satisfaction and achievement.
• Here are some wise words of advice from the greatest philosophers to ever sit down and think.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Modern humans have been around for about 200,000 years. 

For those last 2,500 years or so, we've had philosophers, sages, and deep thinkers to help us guide and understand our behaviors. 

Philosophers like Socrates, Seneca, Confucius, and Siddhartha Gautama offered solutions to problems such as suffering, greed, love, and living a worthwhile life.

Here's a highlight reel of the finest in ancient wisdom. We're confident they're just as applicable to the modern life in Manhattan or Hong Kong as they were to the plains of the Ganges or the mountains of Greece.

SEE ALSO: Are you a fox or a hedgehog? Here's what an ancient saying reveals about your leadership style

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."— Heraclitus, lived circa 500 BCE in Ephesus, modern-day Turkey.

Heraclitus of Ephesus was born wealthy in Ionia, a city on the Greek coast, but lived in the woods to contemplate the universe.

About 2,300 years ago, he had an insight that would reverberate down intellectual history — that the universe is in a constant state of flux. As the above quote asserts, so are our very identities.

The sage "is ready to use all situations and doesn't waste anything. This is called embodying the light."— Lao Tzu, alive circa 600 BCE in China.

Lao Tzu established the tenets of Taoism 2,500 years ago in China. Scholars say he's semi-legendary, since Lao Tzu just means "Old Man" and nobody knows his real identity.

More importantly, he left us the inscrutably playful text, the "Tao Te Ching." It's full of zingers, such as the above observation, which basically says that every situation you find yourself in, no matter how bad it seems, is fundamentally workable.

"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power."— Seneca, died 65 CE in Rome.

The Roman Seneca was a Stoic philosopher and an advisor of the emperor Nero. 

He's beloved by contemporary philosophy nerds like the investor Nassim Taleb and marketing whiz Ryan Holiday.  

Seneca anticipated what psychologists today call "locus of control." People with an external locus of control think that the events in their life stem from factors outside themselves, like fate or a deity. People with an internal locus of control think they are in charge of the events in their lives, and are more likely to turn the lemons of life's tragedies into the lemonade of wisdom — which is precisely what Seneca exhorted the reader to do. 

"Suffering exists."— Siddhartha Gautama, lived circa 500 BCE in the plain of the Ganges, modern India.

Often mistranslated as the much less hopeful life is suffering, Siddartha Gautama's observation that suffering simply exists is the bedrock of the religion built around his teachings: Buddhism. 

When you recognize that suffering exists, it's a lot easier to face it.

"The unexamined life is not worth living."— Socrates, lived in Athens circa 450 BCE.

Socrates embodied the fundamental spirit of Western thought: that the individual has the responsibility of being the author of their own life.

To do that, he said, you must examine everything, including yourself. Ever since he was put to death by the Athenian court for impiety and corrupting the city's youth, he has been an enigma. Despite writing nothing, he remains one of the most important Western philosophers.

"To rank the effort above the prize may be called love."— Confucius, alive in China circa 500 BCE.

Confucius is one of the most influential figures in Chinese history — at least as much as Socrates is in the West, according to philosophers.

The country — and the entire East Asian region's — emphasis on familial relationships and duty to the state can be traced back to this sage.

He emphasized what we today may call grit: finding the value in trying to achieve, and not in attaining actual achievements. 

"The life of money-making is one undertaken under compulsion, and wealth is evidently not the good we are seeking; for it is merely useful and for the sake of something else."— Aristotle, alive in ancient Greece circa 300 BCE.

Not only was Aristotle one of the first people to lay out ideas about the natural world that we might now call scientific, but he gave a critique of living a capitalistic life 2,000 years before Karl Marx was born. 

Living for money wasn't good, Aristotle observed, since money was only useful when leveraged as a tool to gain something else — like security or status.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds."— Patanjali, alive in India circa 100 BCE.

Patanjali put together the yoga sutras, the philosophy underlying the sun salutations you might start the day with. 

The above quote continues: 

"Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."

"Although you may spend your life killing, you will not exhaust all your foes. But if you quell your own anger, your real enemy will be slain."— Nagarjuna, India, alive circa 200 CE.

Nagarjuna was one of the most important Buddhist philosophers since Siddartha Gautama. The above quote speaks to his emphasis on being intimate with one's own interior world.

He was a rigorous logician who argued that any statement you make can be in some way falsified — so if you're looking for truth, it's probably not going to come in words.

Rather, it will be through direct experience. Like — as you may expect from a Buddhist saint — through meditation.

"The wealth required by nature is limited and is easy to procure; but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity."— Epicurus, alive in ancient Greece circa 300 BCE.

In contemporary use, the name of the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus tends to refer to the pleasure-obsessed: An Epicurean night out almost certainly entails a hangover. 

But Epicurus the philosopher was much more well-measured. As the above quote suggests, he thought living well was a matter of having command of one's own desires, so that you don't spend your time on earth chasing after things you'll never be able to attain. 

"Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul." — Democritus, lived circa 400 BCE in Greece.

The Greek philosopher Democritus was born in 460 BCE and died circa 370 BCE. He is most famous for the development of the atomic theory of the universe, or that everything in the universe is comprised of indivisible atoms. 

However, Democritus's theories on the universe weren't only scientific, but theoretical, too. He's remembered for a number of ideas about life, including this notable quote: "Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity."

"Success tends to create pride and blindness in the hearts of men, while suffering teaches them to be patient and strong."— Xenophon, lived circa 390 BCE in Greece.

Xenophon, who lived from 431 to 354 BCE, was an ancient Greek historian, philosopher, soldier, and writer. At about age 30, he was appointed the leader of a group of mercenaries called "The Ten Thousand" who attempted to overthrow the leader of the Persians at the time, Artaxerxes II. He was also later a student of Socrates. 

His military and Socratic background is evidenced by his most famous works of literature, including "Anabasis," which describes the military journey of The Ten Thousand and "Memorobilia," which recalls his conversations with Socrates.

"Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend."— Hypatia of Alexandria, lived circa 400 CE in Alexandria, Egypt.

Hypatia of Alexandria was a Hellenistic philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. She was born in 370 CE and died in 415 CE. She was a feminist in her own rite and known, in addition to her scientific work, for her bold statements against organized religion. She was brutally murdered by a Christan mob in 415 CE. 

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."— Epictetus, who lived circa 100 CE in present day Turkey.

Epictetus, who lived 55 to 135 CE, was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave in modern day Turkey and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to northwestern Greece. His teachings were written down by one of his students, Arrian.

He spent much of his time thinking about the place of humans in the universe, as well as the notion of freedom and happiness. One of his most famous quotes is: "There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." 

Ivan De Luce contributed to an earlier version of this post. 

• The best air fryers can fry, grill, roast, and bake an array of foods in a short time. They are also durable, have an intuitive user interface, and a large capacity.
• The Yedi Houseware Deluxe Digital Air Fryer is our top pick thanks to its large capacity and built-in smart programs that make perfect cooking incredibly easy.

According to Kitchen Weapon, Philips was the first to introduce the air fryer in 2010. Since then, dozens of brands have entered the market with their own version of this innovative appliance.

Air fryers work using the Maillard reaction. In case you aren't well-versed in early 20th-century chemistry, the Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids that gives a distinctive flavor to browned foods. With traditional fryers, this is achieved by submerging the food in hot oil. Air fryers, on the other hand, achieve the same reaction by using a mechanical fan to circulate hot air at high speeds around the food. The result is fried foods that use up to 80% less oil. In fact, most recipes just call for a few squirts of spray oil.

When shopping for an air fryer, there are a few features that differentiate them. Digital display air fryers are generally more expensive, but they are a must for precise cooking. Many models come with dishwasher-safe components that make cleanup simple. Also, pay special attention to the warranty information on the appliance you are considering, because many brands have had issues with the cooking drawer busting.

Our guide to the top air fryers is based on thorough research into the ratings and experiences of countless experts and users. Based on our analysis, the following models meet the highest standards of reliability, functionality, and value.

Here are the best air fryers:

• Best air fryer overall: Yedi Houseware Deluxe Digital Air Fryer
• Best air fryer on a budget: Dash Compact Air Fryer
• Best air fryer for large meals: Secura Air Fryer
• Best easy-to-use air fryer: Bella Air Convection Fryer

Prices and links are current as of 4/13/2020. We also added a selection of related buying guides. We are currently testing several new air fryers for a larger update to this guide.

SEE ALSO: The best deep fryers you can buy

The best overall

The Yedi Houseware Deluxe Digital Air Fryer features multiple built-in smart programs that remove all the guesswork from the cooking process.

Using most air fryers is easy. In fact, along with health benefits and food taste, ease of use is one of the major selling points of these popular appliances. But most air fryers still require a little guesswork, some careful clock watching, or both. Not so with the Yedi Houseware Deluxe Digital Air Fryer.

This exceptional cooker comes loaded with multiple smart programs that require no more than the tap of a few buttons to begin a perfect cooking session with the temperature and timing settings managed for you. You can use a built-in smart program to air fry shrimp, fries, chicken, steak, and more. And its 5.6-quart capacity means plenty of perfectly cooked eats for the whole gang.

Using the many accessories that come with the Yedi Houseware Deluxe Digital Air Fryer, you can prepare everything from an eight-inch pizza to a fish fillet to a cake to veggie skewers. So, if you thought air fryers were relegated to making French fries and chicken fingers, this one is ready to change your mind.

Be prepared to spend a little time learning how to use it, as the multi-button control panel and the aforementioned programs are not as intuitive as some of the easier controls of other units on our list, but one read-through of the instruction manual should have you covered. Plus, just look at those accessories. — Steven John

Pros: Large capacity, pre-programmed cooking options, well-made

Cons: Learning curve, relatively pricey

The best on a budget

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is charming, reliable, and affordable. 

You don't buy an air fryer for its looks — you buy it for its cooks, so to speak. But there's no reason your air fryer can't look great, and with its retro styling and five different color options, the Dash Compact Air Fryer certainly does. But guess what? That's still not why you buy this one. It's the affordable price that makes it a great buy.

With that small price tag comes a small cooking chamber. The Dash has a mere 1.2-liter (that's 1.27 quarts, for reference) cooking capacity, meaning it's not suitable for family meals. But for the couple or the individual, this low-cost air fryer is a fine choice indeed, especially if space is at a premium in your kitchen.

As for operation, the Dash Compact Air Fryer is one of the easiest to use on our list. It has a temperature dial, a timer, and ... that's it. As long as you make sure not to overload the rather small basket, you can count on evenly cooked fries, wings, onion rings, veggies, tofu, and much more.

Do make sure to take the frying basket out and move the foods around midway through the cooking to ensure even "frying," and be aware that a few people have reported the handle coming loose, so be as gentle as you can. — Steven John

Pros: Great price, comes in several colors, easy to use

Cons: Small capacity, some reports of handle coming loose

The best for large meals

The Secura Air Fryer is cost-effective, has a large frying capacity, and does an excellent job of cooking evenly.

Aside from the 4-liter/4.2-quart cooking capacity, the Secura Air Fryer is a fairly basic device. There are two dials for setting the temperature (up to 390 degrees) and time (up to 60 minutes). There are also heating and power indicator lights. The unit comes with a nonstick fryer basket, toaster rack, and skewer. 

As with most gadgets, when there is a lack of features, such as digital settings, there are fewer parts that could potentially break down. Secura stands by the quality of this device with a two-year limited warranty.

Corrie Cooks reviewed the Secura XL air fryer and gave it high marks for its durability, size, and functionality. However, the reviewer disliked that it didn't have an LCD display and thought the 4-liter size didn't warrant an "XL" distinction. BestSmokerz.com included the Secura XL on its list of the top ten air fryers because of the heavy-duty construction and large capacity. But, this unit lost points because the dial makes it hard to precisely set the timer.

Pros: Two-year warranty, durable, easy to use, relatively affordable

Cons: Dial makes it hard to set the timer precisely, no LCD display

The best easy-to-use air fryer

The Bella Air Convection Fryer is operated by two switches and features just two indicator lights to show when it's ready to cook.

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to use a Bella Air Convection Fryer. First, you plug the thing in. Then you set the temperature dial to the desired heat and turn the timer dial to just about anything. Both an orange and a blue light will illuminate. Once the blue light turns off, set the timer dial to the exact time called for in your recipe, dump your food in the fry basket, and ... that's it.

Having tested the Bella air fryer long-term, I can tell you that it really is that easy to use. And the foods that it cooks really do taste fried without any extra oil added. We have used ours to air-fry tofu, chicken, fries, glazed cauliflower, and just about every other food that I would normally cook in a pan filled with oil.

The Bella Air Convection Fryer heats up fast thanks to a 1500-watt heating element and cooks foods evenly thanks to its powerful convection fan. It's rather noisy while it operates, but the foods produced are well worth the din. — Steven John

Pros: Very easy to use, decent capacity, good price point

Cons: Loud during operation

Check out our other great kitchen guides

The best Instant Pot and electric pressure cookers

Electric multicookers are so versatile that they can make all kinds of meals and even replace several different appliances. The latest multicookers can handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, stewing, and other cooking functions, all in one pot. These are the best Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers you can buy.

The best stand mixers

The best stand mixers make baking bread, cakes, cookies, pies, and more an enjoyable endeavor. You can also buy accessories for making sausage, ice cream, and pasta. These are our top picks for the best stand mixers.

The best juicers

The nutritional benefits of starting your day with fruits and vegetables are undeniable, but so is the financial hit of being a juice bar regular. With a juicer, however, you can offset the cost of your healthy habit by squeezing your own greens at home. These are the best juicers.

The best espresso machines

Investing in an espresso machine might be a daunting prospect, but if you're regularly hitting up Starbucks, it might pay for itself a whole lot quicker than you think. These are the best espresso machines you can buy.

• While Nordstrom retail locations remained closed, the company is rolling out a series of sales in collaboration with its favorite brands. Each sale will last for 48 hours.
• Until April 14, you can save up to 40% on Nike, Patagonia, Vince, Eileen Fisher, Topman, and more.
• For a limited time, you can also save up to 60% on men's and women's apparel, home goods, and accessories during Nordstrom's spring sale.
• We've selected 15 great deals available to shop now. Be sure to check back for future deals.

During these unprecedented times, people are adjusting to a new way of life. As most non-essential brick-and-mortar retail locations remain closed all over, companies are coming up with new ways to stay connected and serve customers.

Nordstrom is of the many stores closed, but the retailer is beginning to roll out a series of deals, called the Better Together Sale, in collaboration with some of its favorite brands to appeal to online shoppers. Each sale will typically last for 48 hours, beginning at 12 p.m. EST/9 a.m. PST. There will be great deals on clothes and shoes for men, women, and kids; home goods; accessories, and more. 

The current deal running now until April 14 includes up to 40% off Nike, Patagonia, Vince, Eileen Fisher, Topman, and more.

In addition to the Better Together Sale, Nordstrom's spring sale is also happening. You can save up to 60% on items all over the site.

See 15 of our favorite deals below, or shop the Better Together Sale directly here: 

• Women's deals
• Men's deals
• Kids' deals
• Home deals

Men's clothing

Shop all men's clothing deals here

1. Patagonia Baggies Wing and Water Resistant Jacket, $83.30 (Originally $119) [You save $35.70]
2. Nike Sportswear Heritage Joggers, $48.75 (Originally $65) [You save $16.25]
3. BOSS Huge Genius Trim Fit Wool Suit, $537 (Originally $895) [You save $358]
4. Nike Air Max 98 NRG, $99.98 (Originally $190) [You save $90.02]
5. John H. Nordstrom Hudson Wool Car Coat, $299.40 (Originally $499) [You save $199.60]

Women's clothing

Shop all women's clothing deals here

1. Nike Sportswear Swoosh Crop Jacket, $60 (Originally $100) [You save $40]
2. Ted Baker London Fynlie Pleated Sweater Dress, $197.40 (Originally $329) [You save $131.60]
3. Topshop Square Neck Ribbed Bodysuit, $13.50 (Originally $18) [You save $4.50]
4. Halogen V-Neck Sweater, $29.50 (Originally $59) [You save $29.50]
5. Treasure & Bond Slide Ruched Body-Con Dress, $35.40 (Originally $59) [You save $23.60]
6. Caslon Laurel Pointed Toe Flat, $35.98 (Originally $89.95) [You save $53.97]

Kids' clothing

Shop all kids' clothing deals here

1. Patagonia Down Jacket Baby, $59.40 (Originally $99) [You save $39.60]
2. The North Face Glacier Full Zip Hoodie, $26.25 (Originally $35) [You save $8.75]
3. Tate + Tucker Boys' Moto Jogger Pants, $12.80 (Originally $32) [You save $19.20]
4. Nike Air Max React 270 ENG, $116.25 (Originally $155) [You save $38.75]

• Americans' shopping patterns have evolved over the past weeks while staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak. 
• Nielsen data stretching back to the beginning of March reveals how their priorities have shifted. 
• While hand sanitizer and toilet paper were among the first products to see huge sales spikes, shoppers are now also buying lots of baking yeast and hair clippers.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Americans' spending habits have evolved as the coronavirus outbreak continues and most of the US gets accustomed to life under stay-at-home orders. 

Hand sanitizer, soaps, and aerosol disinfectants were among the first products to see spikes in sales when the coronavirus began to threaten the US at the beginning of March, according to Nielsen data. But as the outbreak has waged on, other products like baking yeast, spiral hams, and men's hair clippers have also gotten a boost. 

Nielsen took total US dollar spend — both online and in-store — into account when compiling its data.

On its page highlighting its coverage of the outbreak's impact on consumer behavior, Nielsen outlined six different phases of spending related to the outbreak, starting with "proactive health-minded buying" and ending with "living a new normal." It placed the US and many other countries at stage five, which it called "restricted living" and defined as having severely restricted shopping trips and issues with online fulfillment and pricing. 

Here's how American consumers' buying patterns have changed since the beginning of March, according to Nielsen: 

SEE ALSO: Whole Foods employees are among the first retail workers to get face shields — in addition to masks — amid growing infections on the front lines of the pandemic

Hand sanitizer, aerosol disinfectants, and other cleaning products were among the first to see sales spikes.

According to Nielsen, sales of hand sanitizer shot up 470% for the week ending March 7, compared to the same week a year ago. On March 10, Target CEO Brian Cornell announced that the retailer would limit the purchase of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, and hand and face wipes to six per customer. Other retailers, including Walmart and Costco, have implemented similar rules.

Then, people started panic buying toilet paper.

Sales of toilet paper were up 212.7% for the week ending March 14, compared to the same week a year ago. Retailers included toilet paper among the essentials for which they would limit purchases.

Hand sanitizer was also still an incredibly popular buy, with sales up 207.5% over the same week a year prior. Shelf-stable food items like beans and powdered milk products also saw big spikes in sales. 

Sales of baking yeast popped later in March.

Baking yeast saw a huge increase — 647.3% — in sales during the week ending March 21, compared to the same week in 2019. It's likely many Americans were looking to baking to fight boredom or to spend time with family. Manufacturers ramped up production to meet demand, Business Insider's Hayley Peterson reported.

Shoppers snapped up spiral hams as they prepared to celebrate the holidays at home and to cook more often than they might have otherwise.

Sales of spiral hams spiked 622.1% the week ending March 21 and 413.1% the week ending March 28, according to Nielsen. They were up 424.4% the week ending April 4. 

Americans who had been home for weeks realized it was time for a haircut.

Sales of men's hair clippers surged 166.2% the week ending April 4 after rising 101.7% the week before, compared to the same weeks in 2019. 

"You see more beard trimmers and hair color and things like that. It's interesting to watch the dynamic play out," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on the Today Show on April 10. 

• Coronavirus high-risk groups, life stages, and generational identity have shaped different responses to the coronavirus pandemic among the biggest generations.
• Because those over 60 are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill, Gen Z has been ignoring coronavirus warnings on spring break and millennials are worried about their parents.
• Gen X, having survived world crises, says they're doing what they're supposed to do. But boomers are still trying to hang with their friends.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

How you're handling the coronavirus pandemic might depend on how old you are.

That's largely because coronavirus risk increases with age. People over 60 are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill than younger folks who don't have underlying health conditions (those who do have preexisting conditions are also at higher risk). People in their 80s and 90s — those considered to be members of the Silent Generation and the Greatest Generation — are at the highest risk.

These risk groups, combined with life stage and identity, have left the biggest generations facing the pandemic on their own terms. Younger generations, like Gen Z, think the coronavirus isn't a big deal for them, so they crowded beaches during March for spring break. Meanwhile, millennials are worried about their parents, many of whom fall into the aforementioned high risk group.

Gen X says they're the only generation well-equipped to handle the pandemic, as they've survived several world crises and need to serve as a role model to both their children and high-risk parents. But baby boomers, who fall into these high-risk groups, are having trouble staying indoors because they just don't feel their age. 

Here's how each group is dealing with the pandemic.

SEE ALSO: The coronavirus has intensified the generational divide between millennials and boomers. Here are 5 ways they're dealing with the pandemic differently.

DON'T MISS: 'We're not worried about it:' Photos show the coronavirus pandemic isn't stopping spring breakers from crowding beaches and partying on booze cruises

Gen Z has been busy partying it up on spring break, ignoring coronavirus warnings.

In March, Gen Z received a lot of backlash for ignoring coronavirus warnings and social distancing rules. College kids were crowding beaches everywhere from Florida to Texas to live up their spring break, and spring breakers were also spotted partying on booze cruises in The Bahamas.

Jawontae Rodgers, a 21-year-old who spring breaked in Panama City Beach, told Valerie Crowder of local outlet WFSU he didn't think the virus was a "big deal."

"I'm not saying I can't die from it," he said. "I just don't want to stop living my life because you only have one. YOLO: You only live once." 

But this attitude has helped spread the coronavirus. A group of 70 spring breakers chartered a plane from Texas to Cabo in mid-March — 44 of them have tested positive for the coronavirus so far.

Gen Z has also come up with a whole new set of slang to describe the coronavirus pandemic, reported Business Insider's Dominic Madori-Davis, from "Miss Rona" to "boomer remover."

Meanwhile, many millennials are staying inside and urging their parents to do the same.

"Millennials are not partying," tweeted National Review reporter Mairead McArdle. "We and our anxiety issues are holed up working from home, watching Hulu, and yelling at our parents not to go outside."

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing many millennials to reckon with the fact that their parents are aging and could be considered at-risk individuals. Several told Business Insider's Hayley Peterson they are worried about their parents' health, voicing frustration in trying to convince them to stay inside. 

Like Gen Z, millennials are also turning to memes as a coping device during the pandemic — like taking to Twitter to make fun of hoarding boomers.

"As we've adjusted to this strange new reality, in which many of us might not be allowed to leave our homes for weeks, we've channeled our anxieties over COVID-19 into classic internet humor,"Aja Romano wrote for Vox.

But on a more serious note, millennials are being more watchful of their money. While those of all generations are concerned about the financial effects of the coronavirus, "millennials' behavior is changing more dramatically than any other generation," Greg Petro, CEO of retail analytics company First Insight, told CNBC's Lauren Thomas. "They are going to cut their spending."

Gen X's risk-averse upbringing has made them well-equipped to handle the pandemic.

"As the generation raised in the age of stranger danger and Just Say No, our inherent risk aversion is finally being recognized as a great strength and asset to the survival of the species," wrote Megan Gerhardt, professor of leadership and management at Miami University, in an opinion piece for NBC News. 

Her generation, she said, has taken to Twitter to proclaim how they were made to handle this crisis.

"We survived Reagan, the crack epidemic, the AIDS epidemic, the War on Drugs, mass incarceration, the S&L collapse all the while living on nothing but PB&J and ennui," tweeted Daryl Sturgis. "The other generations should follow our lead on this one."

Gerhardt wrote that Gen X is well-equipped for the pandemic for three reasons: They've had experience riding out the historic crises mentioned above; weren't raised with the overscheduled life of millennials, which has left millennials feeling directionless in a pandemic; and are well-incentivized to stay home to serve as a role model for the parents and children they're caring for.

"Generational identity and life stage are both contributing to how we are reacting to our current reality," Gerhardt wrote.

Baby boomers are trying to socialize with their friends and hoard supplies.

Some baby boomers have been busy trying to socialize with their friends — at least according to their children.

Jared, 31, told Peterson: "Literally was fighting with my mom this morning about her a) going to Atlantic City last weekend; b) going to another casino via bus this weekend; and c) a cruise in April she refuses to cancel."

Alessandra, 32, also told Peterson her 67-year-old mother, who lives in a golf community in Florida, had refused to cancel trivia plans with 300 of her friends who had all traveled outside the US within the last three months.

The thing is, boomers just don't feel the age that they actually are. "Naturally, some boomer parents are bristling a bit, despite all of the expressions of love and concern," Kathleen A. Hughes, a 64-year-old, wrote for The Wall Street Journal. "They are bristling both at the idea that they are elderly and at the fact their offspring are suddenly telling them what to do."

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted many people to unnecessarily stock up on goods. Boomers in particular have been panic buying toilet paper and hoarding other supplies, despite governments and suppliers warning people not to do exactly that. 

• A good soundbar enhances your home theater, offering a nice upgrade over built-in speakers on most TVs.
• Soundbars are available at a variety of performance levels, from basic 2.1-channel to surround-sound and even Dolby Atmos.
• Many soundbars also include wireless connectivity for easy music streaming, as well as smart features like voice control.
• With an attractive price point and great audio performance, the Yamaha YAS-209 is the best soundbar for most needs.
• For more soundbar recommendations, check out our regularly updated roundup of the best speaker deals.

A good home theater isn't complete without an upgraded audio system. Most TVs don't offer great built-in audio — even if the picture looks stellar — and it's almost mandatory to fix that with an external solution.

For most people, the search begins with a soundbar. While everyone's dream is to have an elaborate 7.1-channel surround-sound setup, that's not a realistic or practical proposition for many. Some can cost a pretty penny, but you would also need ample space to place all those speakers and a subwoofer around the room. Not to mention, you'll need a separate AV receiver to process and power everything.

With that in mind, a good soundbar is a perfect alternative — offering a smaller footprint, punchy sound, and no need for a receiver. Great soundbars are available at all price points, including solid entry-level models with simple stereo playback and more expensive models with surround sound capabilities. Some flagship soundbar systems even include support for advanced home theater formats like Dolby Atmos, enabling enhanced movie performance with sound effects that come from behind and above the listening position.

When buying a soundbar, it's important to take a look at a few key specifications, including channel support, connectivity options, and digital assistant capabilities. If you want more details on these features, click here for a full rundown of all the major factors you should be aware of when shopping for a soundbar.

Once you know which features are most important for your needs, there are plenty of soundbars to choose from. Whether you just want a simple upgrade from your TV's wimpy speakers or you want a full home theater experience, we've researched and tested several soundbar models, selecting the very best options for a variety of needs.

Here are the best soundbars you can buy:

• Best soundbar overall: Yamaha YAS-209
• Best budget soundbar: Vizio SB362An-F6
• Best digital assistant soundbar: Sonos Beam
• Best soundbar with Dolby Atmos: Vizio SB46514-F6
• Best media player soundbar: Roku 9101R
• Best soundbar for hearing impaired: ZVOX AccuVoice AV155

Prices and links are current as of 04/13/2020. Added links to related guides and soundbar deals, as well as a new section for additional soundbar buying advice. Updated by Steven Cohen.

SEE ALSO: The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

The best soundbar overall

Yamaha's YAS-209 delivers great sound, well-balanced functionality, and Amazon Alexa support for a reasonable price.

It may come as no surprise that vaunted audio brand Yamaha has an option topping this list. The YAS-209 soundbar— an improvement over 2017's YAS-207 — offers the perfect blend of audio quality, features, ease of use, and price.

Despite being a modest two-piece kit, the YAS-209's most impressive feat is its ability to fill a room with great audio. It has no problem doing that thanks to a combination of four 1.75-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters. Those are joined by a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer.

Though still a 2.1-channel design, the hardware pairs with audio-processing smarts like DTS Virtual:X for a simulated surround sound effect. The result, reviewers and customers say, is absolutely stunning for something so affordable. The YAS-209 will make an unsuspecting soul think there might be some extra speakers hidden around the room, but that's just Yamaha's solid manipulation of audio waves at work.

The YAS-209's specs include HDMI ARC, a technology that allows compatible TVs to control volume adjustments of connected devices, as well as an extra HDMI-in port that supports 4K HDR passthrough (but not Dolby Vision). A Toslink optical audio port is also featured for TVs without HDMI, and you can also wirelessly stream music from a mobile device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Finally, the YAS-209 even includes integrated support for Amazon Alexa thanks to built-in microphones, enabling digital assistant features and hands-free control for functions like volume.

All things considered, for a 2.1-channel soundbar with great audio performance and built-in voice control, the Yamaha YAS-209 offers one of the best soundbar values out there.

Pros: Easy setup, Alexa support, room-filling sound offers great highs and lows, diverse connection options, sleek appearance, smartphone app makes fine-tuning a breeze

Cons: No onboard display, doesn't support Dolby Vision passthrough

The best budget soundbar

With a unique design and solid audio performance, Vizio's SB362An-F6 is a great pick for budget buyers.

Vizio got its start as a budget brand, so it's no surprise that the company still excels at affordable soundbar models. This includes the 36-inch SB362An-F6, which is one of the company's most inexpensive options. It's a 2.1-channel bar with built-in subwoofers, meaning you'll get two main drivers for pure stereo sound and a little extra bass without the need for a separate subwoofer unit.

Standing out from typical rectangular box soundbars, the SB362An-F6 actually features a unique trapezoid design with angled sides that slope down to create a hexagonal profile. Buttons for various controls rest on the side of the bar, including volume, source, a dedicated Bluetooth audio button, and the all-important power button.

Vizio employs audio technology from DTS and Dolby to enhance your sound, including DTS Virtual:X. This feature can create a virtual soundfield from the device's 2.1-channels, resulting in simulated surround and height effects. Processing like this is never as convincing as a genuine multi-speaker system, but reviewers say it does provide an enhanced soundstage, especially for the price.

Wired connection options are basic but certainly get the job done. On the back of the bar you'll find an optical audio port for your TV. You can also hook other sources up directly with a 3.5mm auxiliary port or even over USB. Sadly, there are no HDMI ports for ARC or video passthrough, so you'll have to connect any additional media devices to your display and not the soundbar itself.

For wireless playback, the soundbar also supports Bluetooth, making it easy to stream music from your smartphone. An included remote handles all your needs for adjusting volume, accessing basic equalizer options, and toggling various modes.

There are more expensive wireless soundbar options out there that will net you more powerful performance and extra connectivity options like HDMI and Wi-Fi, but the SB362An-F6 is one of the best models you can snag for such a budget-friendly price.

Pros: Highly affordable, easy to set up and use, unique design, ample sound for basic needs, Bluetooth lets you play phone tunes

Cons: No HDMI, doesn't support Wi-Fi, bass not as powerful as soundbar models with a separate subwoofer

The best digital assistant soundbar

With the Sonos Beam, your living room becomes the center of a blissful smart home.

The Sonos Beam is a bit different from other options on this list. While positioned as a home theater enhancer, it can't quite match the sound profiles of those which include more elaborate audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.

That doesn't mean the Beam can't produce nice sound, though. Sonos offers a soundbar that features four full-range woofers working with a lone tweeter to provide a 3.0-channel system. It's a sure upgrade over any TV's built-in solution.

What you're really paying for, however, is the Sonos experience, which means it can work with other Sonos products to facilitate a fully wireless multi-room audio setup. It syncs with other Sonos products using a Bluetooth LE connection before letting Wi-Fi take over the data transmission duties. This means you can't stream tunes via Bluetooth, but you can access many of your favorite services through the Sonos app to play music over a Wi-Fi connection.

The Sonos Beam's other claim to fame is built-in support for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With five far-field microphones in play, you can choose which assistant you'd like to use to issue hands-free voice commands, manage music playback, control your smart home, and more. There's also native AirPlay 2 support for Apple users, and the Beam even includes an ethernet port for those times when Wi-Fi just isn't cooperating.

Despite its lack of deep audio processing technologies (it supports standard PCM stereo and basic Dolby Digital sources), the Sonos Beam etches out a nice spot in its niche for those who want a simple all-in-one soundbar solution with wireless music playback, HDMI, and voice assistant capabilities. Tom's Guide says it could do with some heavier bass but otherwise offers a fantastic listening experience. 

Pros: Offers ample sound for a basic home theater, your choice between Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, blends seamlessly into the Sonos family, AirPlay 2 support makes life easy for iPhone users, compact build

Cons: Lacks Bluetooth audio streaming, no DTS support

The best soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Vizio's 46-inch Dolby Atmos soundbar offers a complete 5.1.4 audio experience with performance that rivals many full-fledged home theater systems.

For those who want to set up a more serious home theater, you're almost obligated to stretch your budget for something with Dolby Atmos. When it comes to Atmos capable soundbar systems, few options are as immersive as Vizio's SB46514-F6. It's a lot pricier than most standard soundbar packages, but it's one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a full 5.1.4 audio experience.

Dolby Atmos, if you aren't aware, is an audio format included on many Blu-ray discs, as well as streaming titles from services like Netflix and Disney Plus. The technology allows filmmakers to produce content with far more accurate spatial audio than standard surround sound can provide. Thanks to special object-based mixing and upfiring drivers, Atmos allows soundbars to produce height effects, adding an extra layer of immersion to movies. For instance, when rain falls from the sky or a helicopter flies overhead, you can actually hear the sound coming from above.

The Vizio's SB46514-F6 is one of the best Atmos soundbar options there is, offering a full 5.1.4 system. This means that there are left, center, and right channels in the soundbar itself, along with two upward firing channels that bounce sound off of the ceiling in order to simulate overhead effects. Two separate rear speakers with their own upward firing drivers are also included, along with a powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer to enable a complete home theater experience.

That said, despite great Dolby Atmos performance, the soundbar does not include support for the competing DTS:X format. Like Atmos, DTS:X provides height effects on certain Blu-ray discs. DTS:X tracks are a lot less common than Dolby Atmos, however, so this shouldn't be a deal breaker for most buyers.

Smartly, Vizio includes an HDMI ARC port for connecting to your TV, along with an HDMI input with Dolby Vision passthrough (full 4K HDR support, too), meaning you can feed a compatible multimedia device into the bar and get the full next-generation Dolby experience without issue. SmartCast connectivity is featured as well with support for wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi music streaming from mobile devices. 

Admittedly, this is a lot more than just a soundbar, but the Vizio SB46514-F6  represents a great Dolby Atmos system for anyone looking to transform the way they watch movies. Having rear satellites and a large subwoofer means you'll lose some of the space-saving benefits that typically come with a soundbar, but the extra speakers and bass provide a superior experience.

If you're looking for even more immersive Atmos performance, Samsung's flagship HW-Q90R takes things even further with the addition of DTS:X support and two more surround sound channels to create a 7.1.4 system. Those extra features aren't cheap, though, making the Q90R a lot more expensive than Vizio's soundbar.

Most enthusiasts looking for a great Dolby Atmos experience will be more than pleased with Vizio's SB46514-F6. The company also offers some cheaper Atmos options, but the SB46514-F6 comes the closest to rivaling a genuine home theater speaker setup.

Pros: 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos support, powerful subwoofer, HDMI ARC, 4K HDR passthrough with Dolby Vision, includes rear surround speakers, SmartCast connectivity with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Cons: No DTS:X support, separate rear satellites and larger subwoofer take up more space than typical soundbar systems

The best media player soundbar

The Roku 9101R Smart Soundbar includes a built-in 4K HDR streaming video player.

If you happen to be in the market for a soundbar and a new streaming media player, then the Roku 9101R could be the convenient all-in-one device you're looking for. The soundbar offers a solid upgrade over most TV speakers, but what really makes this model special, is its integrated support for streaming all of your favorite video apps.

When it comes to audio performance, the 2.0-channel soundbar features four 2.5 inch full-range drivers for engaging stereo playback. There are no fancy virtualization options for simulated surround sound, and there is no included subwoofer for extra bass — but expert reviews from sites like CNET all say that the audio quality is solid considering the soundbar's price and its added functionality as a streaming device.

As a media player, the soundbar provides access to Roku's extensive library of channels, including popular services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, Hulu, and more. You'll also get support for 4K playback with HDR10 from compatible apps when you connect the bar to a 4K HDR TV. Roku's handy voice remote is included as well, enabling you to search for content. Though digital assistant functionality isn't built-in, the soundbar is compatible with separate Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices for hands-free control.

There are other options in this price range that offer better overall audio performance, including models that include a separate subwoofer for superior bass, but the Roku 9101R's unique video streaming capabilities make it a great value for buyers who want a soundbar and a media player in one device. 

Pros: Affordable, solid stereo playback, 4K HDR video streaming, includes a voice remote

Cons: No surround sound modes, doesn't include a separate subwoofer

The best soundbar for hearing impaired

The AccuVoice AV155 from ZVOX is ideal for those who are hard of hearing, but it's also great for those who need clarity in the vocals.

While the rest of our recommended soundbars are all about pumping out the best-quality audio, the ZVOX AccuVoice AV155 serves a different purpose: boosting the voice clarity. Designed for the hearing impaired or anyone who has a hard time making out the vocals, the AV155 employs technology to simultaneously separate and lift the voice from the rest of the audio track — without increasing the overall volume.

To adjust the vocal volume, you can choose from one to six levels — the latter being the loudest, at the expense of the background. This is useful for watching voice-centric programming like news or talk shows. If music is involved, you may want to pick level three or four for balance; in our testing, we found level three to be optimal.

Using three 3-by-2-inch speakers, the AV155 produces significantly improved sound quality than our TV's speakers, but it wouldn't be our recommendation for a home-theater-quality soundbar. The AV155's audio gets plenty loud and clear, but it lacks any surround or bass functionality, although you can add an optional subwoofer. (The AV155 does have a "surround" mode, but we didn't find it comparable to a true surround-sound setup.) However, we think it's ideal for the bedroom, particularly for those who like to stay up and watch late-night TV while a partner is asleep or they don't want to disturb the neighbors; you can increase just the volume of dialogue.

The AV155 is very compact and lightweight, and it's easy to install — just connect it to a TV using an auxiliary cable or optical cable. But don't expect any smart features or wireless capabilities like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The AV155 comes with a remote, but you can't control it with a universal or TV remote. — Les Shu, Senior Guides Editor

Pros: Boosts vocals without raising the overall volume, good-quality audio, easy to set up

Cons: No smart features, no wireless connectivity, not for home-theater setups

What you should look for in a soundbar

When choosing a soundbar, there are several key factors that you should pay close attention to. In particular, it's important to note how many audio playback channels a soundbar supports. Channels essentially refer to audio separation, allowing directional mixes to be processed and speaker drivers to be positioned in order to create the effect that sound is coming from different directions.

Channel specifications are listed as a string of up to three numbers separated by decimal points. The first number represents how many standard directional channels are included (left, right, center, surrounds). The second number indicates if the device includes a dedicated low-frequency channel or separate subwoofer for extra bass. The final number indicates how many height channels are included for Dolby Atmos support.

A few common channel configurations found on soundbars include:

• 2.0-channel: This kind of soundbar includes two channels for basic left and right stereo audio separation.
• 2.1-channel: Like the above but includes a built-in low-frequency channel or a separate subwoofer unit for dedicated bass. 
• 3.1-channel: In addition to left, right, and low-frequency channels, a 3.1-channel soundbar also features a center channel for dialogue when watching movies.
• 5.1-channel: Soundbars with more than three channels step things up through the addition of surround sound. These extra channels can be simulated via special acoustic and virtualization techniques, or they can be physically added through separate satellite speakers meant to be placed behind or to the side of your listening position.
• 5.1.2-channel and above: Soundbars that have a third channel designation include support for Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X audio. This means that they feature special virtualization or upfiring speaker drivers designed to simulate the effect of sound coming from above. The final number in the sequence after the low-frequency channel specifies how many overhead channels are included.  

Buyers who just want a simple upgrade from their TV's integrated audio will likely be satisfied with a compact 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar system. If you're looking for a more complete home theater experience, however, you'll want to opt for a 3.1 system or above.

Beyond channel support, connectivity is another key factor you should look at when buying a soundbar. Most include standard wired audio ports for connecting to a TV or other media device. The most common connections are Toslink optical and HDMI ARC.

Many soundbars also feature video passthrough capabilities via one or more additional HDMI ports. This allows you to connect a separate media device, like a Blu-ray player, to the soundbar via its HDMI in. The HDMI out connection from your soundbar to your TV then allows the media device's video to appear on your display.

In addition to wired ports, most soundbars also now support wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features enable easy music streaming from a mobile device or music service like Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Some wireless soundbar models also support multi-room audio playback, enabling them to pair with other audio products throughout your home. Popular multi-room connectivity formats include Yamaha MusicCast, Apple AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, Sonos, and more. In order to pair your soundbar with another multi-room audio product, both devices will need to include support for the same multi-room format.  

Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant functionality are becoming more common as well, giving select soundbars integrated hands-free voice control and digital assistant support. This is an especially nice feature to have for buyers who don't already own a smart speaker.

A few soundbar models even include integrated video streaming capabilities. Though a dedicated streaming stick or box will still offer the best performance, a media player soundbar can be a convenient purchase for people who don't have a smart TV.

Check out our other speaker buying guides

The best home theater systems

A great home theater system can expand your movie-watching experience with speakers all around your room. Home theater packages typically include multiple speakers and a subwoofer. Some systems also come with an AV receiver for amplification and audio processing if needed. After researching and testing several speaker packages, we've picked the best home theater systems you can buy.

The best speakers

There are many different types of speakers to choose from, and some models are better suited for specific needs. If you're looking for the best movie and music performance, you'll want to get floorstanding or bookshelf speakers. Buyers more concerned with wireless support and portability, will be better off choosing a Bluetooth speaker. If you need digital assistant capabilities, then a smart speaker is the way to go. With different options accounted for, we've selected the best speakers you can buy.

The best smart speakers

Smart speakers include built-in digital assistant support for voice control, enabling you to ask questions, control compatible smart home devices, and more. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are the two most common digital assistants, and there are many smart speakers available with support for these platforms. These are the best smart speakers you can buy.

• Apple will likely add 5G support to its 2020 flagship iPhones, according to early reports and rumors.
• Other than 5G connectivity, the phones are said to feature a more advanced 3D camera and new size options.
• The addition of 5G could boost demand for Apple's new iPhones as customers are upgrading their smartphones less often.
• But there's a chance Apple's 5G iPhone could be delayed because of coronavirus-related challenges, according to reports.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Even before Apple unveiled the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro in September, reports had already started to emerge about what the company could be planning for 2020.

The biggest upgrade coming in 2020 will likely be the introduction of 5G network support, an addition that some analysts are expecting will result in a huge iPhone upgrade cycle for Apple. 

A study from Strategy Analytics published in November also suggested that Apple could surpass Samsung and Huawei to lead the market for 5G smartphones in 2020, even though those companies have launched 5G-enabled smartphones long before Apple.

But as the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend business for Apple and many other companies, it's unclear whether Apple will be able to stick to its traditional September launch cycle. 

Apple's next-generation iPhones are expected to introduce other major changes, such as different size options, a revamped design, and a new three-dimensional camera similar to the iPad Pro's new Lidar sensor, according to the predictions of TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and other reports.  

Here's a look at everything we know about the new iPhones Apple is expected to release later this year.  

SEE ALSO: The ongoing fallout from the coronavirus means pressure is higher than ever for Apple's iPhone 12 to be a runaway success

The iPhone 12's launch may be delayed because of the coronavirus.

Apple typically announces its new iPhones like clockwork in September. But that may change this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has slowed Apple's supply chain, forced employees to work from home, and prompted Apple to close its retail stores outside of China until further notice.

Supply-chain issues aside, Nikkei Asian Review reports that Apple is concerned that demand for a new iPhone may be weak amidst layoffs caused by the coronavirus. The report says a fall launch isn't off the table and that Apple will make a final decision around May. In a worst-case scenario, Nikkei Asian Review says a 5G iPhone could be pushed to 2021.

Analysts at JPMorgan predict the iPhone 12 could be delayed by one or two months. 

Bloomberg also recently reported that some new iPhone models could be released weeks later than usual, but are still on track to debut in the fall timeframe.

All of Apple's 2020 iPhones could support 5G.

Apple is expected to bring 5G support to all of its flagship iPhones in 2020, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a notable track record when it comes to making predictions about future Apple products. He originally said that only two of Apple's 2020 smartphones would be compatible with 5G networks, but revised his outlook in a more recent report, as 9to5Mac and MacRumors reported. 

The iPhone is also expected to support millimeter wave-based 5G, Kuo said in a note from this January reported by 9to5Mac. Millimeter wave networks are noticeably faster than existing 4G LTE networks since they utilize high-frequency, un-congested radio spectrum bands. These networks can also be challenging to deploy broadly since they're prone to interference. Initially, Kuo said in an earlier note that the new iPhone that would support millimeter wave 5G may be pushed back to late 2020 or 2021, but his more recent research seems to have walked back that claim.

They will also reportedly have OLED screens.

Apple could move entirely away from LCD screen technology in favor of OLED for all of its new iPhones this year, Kuo said in the same note. That would be significant because over the past two years, Apple has outfitted its least expensive new iPhones, like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR, with an LCD screen rather than an OLED one. OLED displays typically offer better contrast and deeper blacks compared to LCD screens, but they cost more.

There may be four versions of the next-generation iPhone.

Apple's nex major phone release may also come in four variants, Kuo wrote in a note reported by 9to5Mac and other outlets. That would mark a departure from the company's smartphone strategy in recent years. In 2019 and 2018, for example, it released new iPhones in three different models. 

Kuo predicts that Apple will launch a 5.4-inch iPhone, two 6.1-inch iPhones, and a 6.7-inch iPhone. While all of these iPhones are expected to have an OLED screen and 5G support, according to Kuo, the 5.4-inch model and one of the 6.1-inch models are likely to only have two cameras instead of three. That could suggest that these two models may be the successors to the less expensive iPhone 11. 

Kuo's estimates also indicate the next iPhone won't come in the 5.8-inch screen size that iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11 Pro owners have come to be familiar with.

This year's iPhone will reportedly have an upgraded 3D camera for augmented reality.

Other than 5G connectivity and new screen sizes, another headlining feature in this year's iPhone is expected to be its camera. Apple is planning to equip its 2020 iPhone with a more powerful, rear-facing, 3D camera to enable better augmented-reality performance, according to Bloomberg. 

The new camera would be powered by a laser scanner, unlike the dot-projection technology Apple currently uses for Face ID in the iPhone X family's front-facing camera. In addition to boosting the iPhone's augmented-reality functionality, the new 3D camera could be used to take photos with greater depth, the report says.  

Apple just launched a new iPad Pro with a Lidar sensor, a scanner that can measure distance by determining how long it takes for light to hit an object before reflecting back. 

It will likely include 5G chips from Qualcomm and Samsung.

Qualcomm and Samsung could supply the 5G chips for Apple's new iPhones in 2020, according to that April 2019 note from Kuo, which doesn't come as much of a surprise considering Apple and Qualcomm recently settled their long-running legal dispute. Apple also purchased Intel's smartphone modem business in a deal valued at $1 billion in July, a move that will likely help the iPhone maker develop its own modems down the line. 

The iPhone 12 may also support the 802.11ay Wi-Fi standard, which enables fast connections over short distances.

Apple's next-generation iPhone may support the 802.11ay Wi-Fi standard, according to a report from Japanese tech blog Macotakara. Such networks run on faster 60GHz millimeter wave bands, unlike most Wi-Fi routers today, which use 2.5GHz and 5GHz bands. Networks that run on this standard should be capable of delivering fast, low-latency connections to nearby devices, potentially improving on features like AirDrop.

Beyond AirDrop, it sounds like adding 802.11ay Wi-Fi could be critical for enabling forward-looking iPhone features. For example, that Wi-Fi standard could also allow for more precise location tracking, as chipmaker Qualcomm notes, which could be important for enabling real-world AR mapping applications in the future. Apple is also rumored to be working on a Tile-like accessory that would help users track lost items like keys or wallets with their iPhone, and support for 802.11ay Wi-Fi could be useful for that as well. 

Apple may take some design inspiration from the iPhone 4 and iPad Pro.

Apple's iPhone redesign in 2020 could include bringing back the metal frame that was present on the iPhone 4, Kuo wrote in a note obtained by MacRumors. The analyst also says Apple will be changing the iPhone's design "significantly" next year. 

Apple's next iPhones may also more closely resemble the current generation iPad Pros, according to Bloomberg. The two successors to the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are said to have stainless steel edges with flat screens and more sharply rounded corners like Apple's high-end iPads, according to the report. 

The "notch" cutout may be smaller, too.

The "notch" cutout near the top of the screen where the iPhone's selfie camera and Face ID sensors are located may be smaller in size on the iPhone 12, according to Bloomberg. The company reportedly hopes to eliminate the notch at some point in the future.

It may have Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into its screen.

Apple did away with Touch ID on its latest flagships in favor of Face ID, but there's a chance the company could bring its fingerprint scanning technology back next year. Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis believes Apple could integrate Touch ID directly into the iPhone's screen this year, as he wrote in a note obtained by MacRumors back in May 2019.

Bloomberg also reported last September that Apple was developing an in-screen fingerprint sensor for its 2020 iPhones, although that report notes the feature could slip back to 2021.

That could help the 2020 iPhone more directly compete with rivals like Samsung's Galaxy S10, which already boasts in-screen fingerprint recognition.

We can probably expect it to have all the new features introduced in this year's iPhone too.

Apple's 2020 iPhones will likely inherit the new features found on the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. That means there's a good chance they'll have the iPhone 11 Pro's triple-camera system and night mode, among other features.