2x GRAMMY-nominated, 3x MOBO Award-winning global Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr released her new album Starrgirl. Listen HERE – out now via Mavin Records/Republic Records.
With Ayra’s hypnotic allure and magnetism, Starrgirl allows her audience to enter a new universe where she is the North Star. Across 16 tracks, the project delivers the perfect summer soundtrack, accompanied by star-studded collaborations including ZAYN, Leon Thomas, Wizkid and more blending Afrobeats, R&B and Pop.
The project is anchored by Ayra’s recent hit singles, “Where Do We Go” and “Tornado.” Ahead of the album, Ayra made her Tiny Desk debut during Black Music Month, where she delivered a standout performance and premiered “Tornado” live for the first time.
In April, she made her daytime television debut with a special guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she delivered a showstopping performance of Where Do We Go. “Where Do We Go” has earned over 1.3 billion streams worldwide since its debut, which was followed by an electric remix with superstar DJ and style icon Peggy Gou. Listen to the remix HERE.
Now with over 7 BILLION global streams, 1 BILLION YouTube views and a string of instantly-recognizable collaborations across different genres; it is clear Ayra Starr brings her culture with her wherever she goes – breaking barriers and creating ‘firsts’ for African artists.
Ayra Starr had an outstanding year in 2025, hitting many new milestones. Her hit single ‘Rush’ amassed over 500 million Spotify plays, with Ayra becoming the first African female artist to have two songs achieve this feat on the streaming platform. She notably earned her second GRAMMY nomination for “Best African Music Performance” for her hit single Gimme Dat featuring Wizkid at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, scooped two MOBO Awards and became the first female artist in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, and also picked up her first BET Award for Best International Act.
Of late, diamond-certified global superstar The Weeknd wrapped the sold-out 2026 Europe and UK leg of his record-breaking After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, culminating with back-to-back shows at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon, Portugal. The 42-date run marked The Weeknd’s second time bringing the tour to the region, following its first Europe and UK leg in 2023.
The 2026 leg grossed more than $345 million and welcomed more than 2 million fans, with multi-night runs in nearly every market, including Manchester, Munich, Milan, Stockholm, Madrid, Dublin, Paris, London and more. Throughout the run, the tour also raised more than $2.2 million USD in charitable donations benefiting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Global Citizen. Notably, the After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour topped Billboard’s July Boxscore, grossing more than $120 million and selling nearly 900,000 tickets in the month alone.
The tour also delivered a major economic boost across Europe, with newly released figures from the UK and France alone showing more than $618 million in economic impact — nearly €532 million.
Kicking off June 11 with two nights at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, the run included a historic five-night stand at London’s Wembley Stadium. Across Manchester and London, The Weeknd performed seven sold-out UK stadium shows for more than 450,000 fans, including ticket buyers from nearly 150 countries.
The Weeknd also made history in France, becoming the first artist ever to sell out six nights at Stade de France in Paris on a single tour. His 2026 performances drew more than 500,000 fans across France this summer alone. Across the full After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, The Weeknd has now sold out 13 stadium shows in France, further demonstrating the scale of his success in the market.
Since launching in 2022, the After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour has traveled across North America, Europe, the UK, Latin America and Australia, with The Weeknd returning for second runs across nearly every territory.
Last year, the record-breaking tour surpassed $1 billion in global gross following the addition of 2026 dates across Europe, the UK and Latin America. With more than 7.5 million tickets sold across 153 shows, After Hours Til Dawn became the highest-grossing tour ever by a male solo artist, cementing its place among the biggest global tours in history.
This leg of the tour featured a brand new 40-foot art sculpture designed by Hajime Sorayama, over 2x the size of the statue showcased in previous legs. First hand-carved from polystyrene and cast in Toyama by Japanese craftsmen, this unique one-of-one sculpture was finished in gold through a meticulous hand-coating process using multiple layers of high-gloss aluminum paint to achieve a luminous metallic surface. Created exclusively for The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, the sculpture was further customized with laser illumination embedded in the eyes and theatrical smoke effects emerging from the palm, transforming it into a living stage presence.
The After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour heads to Asia for its final leg in just a few weeks, kicking off on Saturday, September 19 in Tokyo, before making stops in Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Originally announced with 11 stadium shows, the run quickly expanded to 17 dates due to overwhelming demand, including additional performances in Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
As part of the After Hours Til Dawn 2026 Tour, The Weeknd is again partnering with Global Citizen to raise funds to provide access to quality education for children around the world through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. He has continued to partner with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide funds to the XO Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organization’s response to the unprecedented global hunger crisis. €1 from each ticket sold across Europe and £1 in the UK has been donated to these two organizations. Fans have also had the opportunity to earn one pair of free tickets to each tour date by taking action to end extreme poverty with Global Citizen. For more information, visit www.globalcitizen.org.
‘With a career spanning over seven decades, Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, touched countless lives through her compelling storytelling and numerous hits, and through her charitable works such as Dollywood and her endearing persona, she has brought joy and humor to many.’ – Vaughn Lowery
In the wake of beloved icon Dolly Parton‘s passing, her team is now diligently working to ensure that millions of worldwide fans will keep her numerous ongoing projects alive.
“Dolly worked up until the day she died. She loved seeing her dreams come to life, and loved knowing her work brought people joy. Ever the planner, Dolly worked with the team that she handpicked, for the past several years to build a project roadmap that will guide us for decades to come,” says her longtime manager Danny Nozell. “As the leader of the team responsible for overseeing her legacy, we will ensure the many dreams she had yet to fulfill are brought to life. Many projects were in various stages of development, and we want to be transparent with her fans about this fact. If you see unreleased music, products, books, experiences, and campaigns launched through official Dolly Parton channels, you can have confidence in knowing that she placed her personal stamp on it.”
A photograph of the icon, as shared by the Dolly Parton Estate through 360 MAGAZINE.
An overview of active projects at the time of her passing include:
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops (celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week beginning September 13, 2026)
Kendra Scott x Dolly – The 9 to 5 Collection (launching January 2027)
Dolly’s Dog Treats (Coming Early 2027)
Dolly Bedding & Home Decor (Coming Q3 2027)
Details on these projects, and additional projects in the pipeline — such as a Dolly avatar show — a Dolly Musical documentary, a Dolly biopic, a Dolly docuseries, a Dolly scripted series, a Billy The Kid animated series, and many more – will be revealed soon.
A photograph of the icon, as shared by the Dolly Parton Estate through 360 MAGAZINE.
F1® Authentics Mystery Box owners will be the first collectors to receive a never-released-before product
Every one of the 500 boxes will include a piece of fuel cell from either Mika Häkkinen’s 1998 McLaren MP4/13 or Kimi Räikkönen’s 2006 McLaren MP4-21
Häkkinen’s comes from his first World Championship-winning season, while Räikkönen’s from his final season with McLaren
Each fuel cell piece has been cut using water jet technology and arrives presented in a premium display case
F1® Authentics has revealed a new guaranteed addition to its limited-edition Mystery Box, with every one of the current 500 boxes set to include a piece of fuel cell from an iconic McLaren F1® car.
Customers will receive one piece from either Mika Häkkinen’s 1998 McLaren MP4/13 or Kimi Räikkönen’s 2006 McLaren MP4-21, with each section carefully cut using water jet technology before being presented in a premium display case. As the launch release of this new F1® Authentics product, Mystery Box owners will be the first collectors to own one of these fuel cell pieces.
Two McLaren Eras
These fuel cell items come from significant points in the careers of two drivers who became synonymous with McLaren. Häkkinen’s comes from the season in which he secured his first Formula 1® Drivers’ World Championship. Driving for McLaren, the Finn claimed eight Grand Prix victories on his way to becoming World Champion.
Räikkönen’s comes from 2006, his final season with McLaren before his move to Ferrari. It marks the final chapter of his five-year spell with the team, having established himself as one of the leading drivers on the F1® grid.
Inside the Fuel Cell
The fuel cell is located within the monocoque, behind the driver and in front of the engine, and forms part of the car’s fuel system. It is a large, leak-proof flexible bladder made from military-grade ballistic material, designed to contain the fuel required by the car during a race.
Sections from the original fuel cells have been carefully cut, allowing a component normally hidden within the car to become a displayable piece of motorsport memorabilia.
New fuel cell memorabilia launched with classic McLaren pieces via 360 MAGAZINE.
A New Mystery Box Addition
The newly revealed fuel cell pieces join the other significant items of memorabilia already announced for the Mystery Box, including a guaranteed authentic piece of bodywork from Max Verstappen’s 2021 World Championship-winning Red Bull RB16B.
One lucky customer will also win an Official F1® Replica Front Wing & Nose worth £14,999, with the winner able to choose from a selection of participating teams.
In addition to these revealed items, every box contains unannounced mystery memorabilia products, which might include anything from Bodywork or Skid Plank pieces to Brake Disc creations and even signed merchandise.
Now launched and selling fast, fans have a limited time chance to be amongst the first owners of a fuel cell display piece, alongside a selection of authentic and exclusive Formula 1® memorabilia.
Kosher.com Reveals How a New Generation of Home Cooks Is Reinventing Jewish Holiday Traditions with Beautiful Presentations, Global Flavors, and Fresh Inspiration from Jewish Cuisine Around the World
This Rosh Hashanah, Jewish holiday tables are becoming showcases for a new generation of home cooks who are blending centuries-old traditions with global flavors, elegant presentations, and fresh culinary inspiration. Rather than replacing beloved family recipes, today’s cooks are elevating them, transforming challahs into edible centerpieces, reinventing apples and honey with creative desserts, and discovering dishes inspired by Jewish communities around the world.
According to Kosher.com, the world’s leading destination for kosher recipes, cooking videos, holiday inspiration, meal planning, and Jewish food content, this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebrates both heritage and creativity, proving that timeless traditions continue to evolve while remaining deeply meaningful.
Beginning at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026, Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, gratitude, renewal, forgiveness, and hope. Families gather around beautifully prepared holiday tables where every dish carries symbolism. Apples dipped in honey represent wishes for a sweet year ahead, round challahs symbolize continuity and the cycle of life, and festive meals create opportunities to strengthen family bonds while celebrating generations of Jewish tradition.
Today’s home cooks are honoring those traditions while adding their own signature through seasonal ingredients, globally inspired Jewish flavors, elevated presentations, and approachable techniques that make entertaining easier without sacrificing authenticity. The result is a holiday table that feels rooted in history while reflecting today’s love of creativity, hospitality, and exceptional food.
As the leading destination for kosher cooking and Jewish culinary inspiration, www.kosher.com is helping drive that evolution through thousands of professionally developed recipes, instructional videos, entertaining ideas, holiday menus, and practical guidance from many of the Jewish world’s most respected chefs, cookbook authors, and food personalities. The platform welcomes lifelong kosher cooks while also inspiring culturally curious food lovers eager to explore Jewish cuisine from around the world.
“Rosh Hashanah is one of those holidays where food tells a family’s story,” said Goldy Guttman, Executive Editor of Kosher.com. “People want recipes that honor where they came from while reflecting how they cook today. We’re seeing tremendous enthusiasm for beautiful presentations, recipes inspired by Jewish communities around the world, and fresh takes on familiar holiday favorites. Our goal is to bring together trusted recipes, talented cooks, practical resources, and an engaged community that helps every family create a meaningful holiday celebration.”
Among the Standout Recipes Inspiring Rosh Hashanah Celebrations This Year that can be found on www.kosher.com
Beautiful Holiday Baking
Round Challah
Round Flower Challah
Fluffy Rich Egg Challah
Apple Honey Phyllo Twist by Esty Wolby for www.kosher.com
Apples & Honey Reimagined
Apple Honey Phyllo Twist
Apple Butter Cinnamon Buns
Apple Butter Glazed Tzimmes
Elegant Holiday Entrées
Matzo Ball Soup
Chicken Soup
Seared Veal Chop
Red Wine & Date Brisket
Just Right Sweet & Saucy Brisket
Mike’s Brisket
Apple, Herb & Kohlrabi Salad with Dried Cherries
Just Right Sweet and Saucy Brisket by Brynie Greisman for www.kosher.com
Jewish Flavors from Around the World
Saloona Iraqi Sweet & Sour Fish
Caramelized Onion & Date Pargiyot
Caramelized Onion and Date Pargiyot Photo Credit: Sina Mizrahi of Kosher.com
Sweet Holiday Finishes
Triple Chocolate Honey Cookies
Bobbi Weisz’s Honey Cake
New This Holiday: A Complete “Cook in One Day” Rosh Hashanah Menu
Recognizing that today’s families are busier than ever, Kosher.com also offers a complete “Cook in One Day” Rosh Hashanah Menu, allowing hosts to prepare an elegant holiday feast without spending days in the kitchen. The thoughtfully planned menu includes Leek Soup, Maple Mustard Beef Ribs, Crispy Seared Honey Citrus Salmon, Simply Saucy Brisket, Best Dressed Quinoa Salad, Red & Purple Cabbage Salad, Onion Leek Tart, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, and more, helping families spend less time cooking and more time celebrating together.
Whether preparing a first Rosh Hashanah dinner or continuing traditions passed down for generations, Kosher.com provides everything needed to celebrate with confidence. Visitors can browse complete holiday menus, watch step-by-step cooking demonstrations, discover make-ahead entertaining strategies, explore thousands of professionally tested recipes, and learn from some of the most trusted voices in kosher cooking, all in one place.
Beyond the holiday itself, Kosher.com has become the definitive destination for modern Jewish cooking and kosher living. Its extensive collection of recipes, instructional videos, cooking techniques, meal-planning resources, holiday guides, and entertaining ideas makes kosher cooking approachable, stylish, exciting, and accessible for cooks of every skill level.
As Jewish cuisine continues to evolve and attract food lovers around the world, Kosher.com remains at the center of that movement, bringing together timeless recipes, contemporary culinary inspiration, and a passionate global community. Whether someone has kept kosher their entire life or simply discovered the site while searching for the perfect brisket recipe, Kosher.com welcomes everyone to explore the richness, diversity, and traditions of Jewish food.
This Rosh Hashanah, discover why millions of home cooks turn to Kosher.com not only for recipes, but also for inspiration, education, creativity, community, and an unforgettable culinary journey through Jewish cuisine.
About Kosher.com
Kosher.com is the world’s leading digital destination for kosher recipes, cooking videos, meal planning, holiday inspiration, entertaining ideas, and Jewish lifestyle content. Featuring thousands of professionally developed recipes from celebrated chefs, cookbook authors, and culinary experts, the platform inspires millions of home cooks through instructional videos, practical cooking guidance, holiday menus, and an engaged global community. From timeless classics to trend-forward creations and international Jewish cuisine, Kosher.com is the trusted source for everything kosher while welcoming anyone with a passion for exceptional food and culinary discovery.
For recipes, videos, holiday menus, and more, visit www.kosher.com.
The vaping market has expanded well beyond traditional nicotine products, and one of the more talked-about alternatives in 2026 is Nixodine. If you’ve heard the name and wondered how it actually stacks up against standard nicotine vapes – not just in marketing language but in real, practical terms – you’re not alone. Plenty of vapers are asking the same question, whether they’re trying to step away from nicotine dependence, cut back on cravings, or simply try what else is out there. The Nixodine vs nicotine vapes comparison is genuinely worth sweating over, because the two products work on different physiological principles, carry different risk profiles, and suit different goals. This article breaks down exactly what separates them, what the science currently suggests, and how to figure out which option actually fits your situation, without wading through a stack of contradictory forum posts.
What Sets Nixodine Apart From Standard Nicotine Products
Nixodine is built around a different active compound than the nicotine found in conventional vapes. Rather than replicating nicotine’s exact mechanism, it’s designed to interact with similar receptor pathways but without triggering the strong dependency cycle that nicotine sets off over repeated use. That distinction matters more than it might sound. Nicotine binds tightly to acetylcholine receptors in the brain, and the dopamine response it produces is fast and consistent, which is precisely why regular nicotine vapes create dependence so efficiently. Nixodine’s compound targets some of the same satisfaction pathways but at a weaker binding affinity, so the reward signal is present yet significantly blunted by comparison. For vapers who enjoy the ritual and sensation of vaping but want to reduce their reliance on a high-binding stimulant, that receptor difference is the whole point. You still get something from the inhale; you just don’t get the tight neurochemical loop that keeps you reaching for the device every hour. And because the onset is notably slower, Nixodine vapes produce a more gradual, sustained effect rather than the sharp dopamine spike that drives nicotine addiction.
How Nixodine Works in the Body
Nixodine’s active compound acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors – a mechanism that’ll sound familiar if you’ve ever looked into pharmaceutical cessation aids like varenicline. A partial agonist produces a response, but it tops out at a lower ceiling than a full agonist like nicotine. In practice that breaks down to feeling some of the calming, mildly stimulating quality that vapers associate with a good hit, but at a moderate intensity rather than a sharp peak. There’s also evidence from early pharmacology research suggesting that partial agonists at these receptor sites reduce cravings for nicotine itself; the receptors are partially occupied, so they don’t send out the loud “unfed” signal that drives cravings between nicotine doses. That’s why some vapers treat Nixodine as a transitional product rather than a permanent replacement. The body still gets a degree of receptor stimulation, withdrawal discomfort decreases, and the psychological habit of vaping stays intact – all while the chemical dependency on nicotine gradually weakens. It isn’t a guaranteed quit tool, but the mechanism is grounded in real pharmacology.
Why Conventional Nicotine Vapes Work Differently
Standard nicotine vapes – whether salt nic or freebase – deliver nicotine that acts as a full agonist. It binds to acetylcholine receptors at high affinity, triggers a rapid dopamine release, and then clears relatively quickly, which restarts the craving cycle almost immediately. Salt nic formulations are engineered for faster absorption, which is why a 50mg salt nic pod hits so much harder than older freebase e-liquid at the same listed concentration. The fast rise and fall of blood nicotine levels is one of the main drivers of dependence; your brain learns to associate the device with quick relief, and that association deepens with every session. For those comparing different vaping devices and setups, Olofly offers a range of vaporizers and vape hardware, making it easier to explore alternatives based on device type and personal preferences. This can be particularly useful when the goal is to change the vaping experience itself rather than simply changing the substance being vaped.
Nicotine vapes also carry the well-documented cardiovascular effects of nicotine itself – elevated heart rate, raised blood pressure, vasoconstriction – none of which are trivial if you’re vaping heavily throughout the day. For people who genuinely enjoy nicotine and aren’t trying to quit, that’s a known trade-off. But if reducing dependency is your goal, the mechanism of conventional nicotine products works directly against you.
Which Option Is Right for You: Matching the Product to Your Goal
Honestly, neither Nixodine nor nicotine vapes is universally “better.” They serve different purposes, and the right choice depends almost entirely on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you vape socially, moderately, and without any desire to change your habits, a nicotine vape probably already does what you need, there’s no compelling reason to switch. But if you’re experiencing the familiar signs of heavy dependence (vaping first thing in the morning, feeling anxious or irritable when you can’t access your device, burning through pods faster than you’d like), then a product with a weaker binding mechanism is worth a serious look. Nixodine sits in the space between full nicotine dependence and going cold turkey, and that middle ground has genuine utility for a specific kind of vaper.
Side Effects and What to Realistically Expect
Nixodine users generally report fewer cardiovascular effects than they’d experienced with standard nicotine vapes, which is consistent with its weaker receptor activation. Some people note mild nausea in the first few days of switching, particularly if they’ve been on high-concentration nicotine salt products and their receptors are accustomed to stronger stimulation. That adjustment period is normal and typically settles within a week. Nicotine vapes, by contrast, carry a more established side effect picture: heart palpitations at high doses, headaches from nicotine overconsumption, throat irritation from propylene glycol, and dependence itself as a long-term concern. Neither product is without risk – inhaling anything carries some degree of lung exposure – but the dependency risk profile between the two is meaningfully different. Nicotine’s high-binding mechanism makes it significantly easier to become dependent on than Nixodine’s partial agonist approach.
Making a Practical Decision Based on Your Situation
The trick is knowing what you’re actually optimizing for before you decide anything. So if your goal is to keep vaping long-term without building a stronger chemical dependency, Nixodine is worth serious consideration. If you’re actively trying to quit vaping altogether, using it as a step-down product – moving from high-nicotine pods to Nixodine, then reducing frequency from there – follows the same logic as nicotine replacement therapy, just in vapor form. Casual vapers who keep nicotine consumption low and consistent probably don’t need to switch at all. The Nixodine vs nicotine vapes question doesn’t have a universal answer; it has a personal one.
Conclusion
The core difference between Nixodine and standard nicotine vapes comes down to receptor binding strength and dependency potential. Nicotine is a full agonist that builds dependence efficiently and delivers a fast, strong reward signal. Nixodine’s compound occupies a similar space at a lower intensity, which makes it a more practical fit for vapers who want to step back from heavy dependence without giving up the experience entirely. Your ideal choice depends on your current usage patterns, your health priorities, and whether reducing dependency is something you actually want to pursue. Neither option is consequence-free, but they aren’t equivalent either, and understanding that distinction puts you in a far better position to make a call that fits your life.
The BOSS Fall/Winter 2026 Menswear and Womenswear collections put tailoring at the core, celebrating modern suiting. Led by global brand ambassador Aaron Pierre, alongside Grace Elizabeth, BOSS’ Fall/Winter 2026 campaign captures a new generation of BOSS individuals in moments of focus, movement and authority for impeccably tailored looks fit for the modern world.
The campaign film follows Pierre and Elizabeth through London, highlighting the versatility of BOSS tailoring and its effortless wearability for every aspect of modern life. With Aaron’s powerful presence and grounded vision of success, and Grace’s effortless elegance, they embody the spirit of the brand: ambition, confidence, and the conviction to Be Your Own BOSS.
Continuing the campaign’s storytelling, actress Victoria Pedretti, NFL quarterback Jaxson Dart, and two Olympic athletes – swimmer Wang Shun, and runner and returning BOSS brand ambassador Alica Schmidt will front a series shot across London, New York, Hangzhou, and Berlin.
Created for modern professionals, the collection features updated knitwear, textured fabrics and BOSS’s signature tailoring that feel sophisticated and effortless for a performance-driven design. The BOSS Fall/Winter 2026 collection is available now at BOSS stores worldwide, on boss.com, and via wholesale partners.
Global brand ambassador Aaron Pierre and Grace Elizabeth featured in BOSS’ Fall/Winter 2026 campaign via 360 MAGAZINE.
The advertised price is never the real price. SkyTab POS pricing options start at $29.99 per month with $0 upfront — and that headline number is technically accurate, but it covers maybe half the story of what you’ll actually pay once your restaurant is live and processing volume. If you’ve ever signed a POS contract and then spent the next quarter decoding line items on your statement, you know exactly what I mean. Here’s how to read the full picture before you commit.
What You’re Actually Buying: The SkyTab Model in 2026
SkyTab POS is now operating under the Shift4 Dine brand — same underlying platform, rebranded umbrella. The core pitch hasn’t changed: an all-in-one subscription that bundles hardware, software, 24/7 support, and local service into one monthly fee. No large upfront capital outlay for terminals. No separate software license invoice.
The Advantage Program takes it further — 12 months of monthly fees waived for eligible merchants, covering up to 4 devices. That’s a real incentive if you’re opening a new location or replacing aging hardware. The catch is that qualifying for the Advantage Program typically means routing all your processing through Shift4. The monthly fee goes away; the processing margin does not.
So the real question isn’t “what does SkyTab cost per month?” It’s “what is my total cost of ownership across hardware, software, processing, and ancillary fees?”
Breaking Down the Cost Layers
Hardware: $0 Upfront, But Read the Service Agreement
The $0 upfront hardware claim is genuine — you don’t write a check for terminals on day one. The hardware ships to you, and shipping costs are billed separately from your Total Monthly Service Fee per the Service Agreement. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a line item that surprises people.
What you should ask before signing:
What happens to the hardware if I cancel? Is there a return obligation or a buyout clause?
Are replacement units covered under the monthly fee, or is damaged hardware billed separately?
If I add a handheld device or KDS mid-contract, does the per-terminal Software Support Fee apply immediately?
What are the exact shipping costs for my initial setup and any future equipment swaps?
The Service Agreement references a Software Support Fee billed per terminal monthly, with the specific dollar amount defined in Exhibit A of your individual contract. That per-terminal fee scales with your floor — a 3-terminal bar setup pays differently than a 12-terminal full-service dining room.
Software Subscription: The $29.99 Number and What It Covers
The Table Service Bundle lists at $29.99/month with $0 due today on the checkout page — one workstation, software included. Shift4’s own marketing page shows a broader range of $0–$69+/month depending on your tier and how much of your processing fee you’re absorbing versus offloading through the Advantage structure.
Industry-wide, most restaurant POS software runs $29.99 to $200 per month. SkyTab lands at the low end of that band, which is real. But “low monthly software fee” often means higher processing margin — the economics shift, not disappear.
Shift4 has been explicit that they don’t charge separately for online ordering, their marketplace, or loyalty features. That’s included. During a dinner rush when your online ordering system triggers 40 tickets in 20 minutes, not paying a per-order fee matters.
Payment Processing: Where the Real Math Lives
This is the number that actually determines your annual cost. Two figures are floating around depending on which Shift4 page you’re reading:
2.75% + $0.15 per transaction — shown on the direct checkout/pricing page
2.49%–3.69% + $0.15 per transaction — shown on the broader Shift4 Dine marketing page
The discrepancy isn’t an error. It reflects different tiers — the Advantage Program, standard plans, and potentially negotiated rates for higher-volume locations. The $0.15 per-transaction flat fee stays consistent across what’s published. That per-transaction component bites harder on low-ticket items (coffee, beer) than on high-ticket entrees.
Do the math on your own volume. If you’re running $80,000/month in card volume, the difference between 2.49% and 2.75% is roughly $200/month — or $2,400 annually. That gap is negotiable if you bring real volume to the conversation.
The Fees Nobody Mentions in the Demo
The Service Agreement documents two specific ancillary fees worth flagging:
Data plan surcharges kick in above 200 MB/month on SkyTab’s wireless data plan. If your system runs offline fallback mode frequently, or if you’re streaming video content on the same network, that threshold gets soft. Check your monthly data usage before assuming you’re in the clear.
NSF fee is $25 per rejected debit. If your bank account has a timing gap and Shift4’s monthly debit bounces, that’s a $25 hit plus whatever your bank charges. It’s avoidable — but only if you know it exists.
Questions to Run Through Before the Demo
I’ve watched restaurant owners sit through polished demos and never ask the questions that would actually change their decision. Here’s the checklist I’d run before signing anything:
What is the exact per-terminal Software Support Fee in Exhibit A for my specific configuration?
What processing rate tier do I qualify for at my current monthly volume?
Is the Advantage Program promotional waiver locked in writing, and what’s the post-waiver rate?
What is the contract term — month-to-month or multi-year — and what are the early termination conditions?
Are KDS units, handheld devices, and kitchen printers included in the base subscription or billed as add-ons?
Who handles on-site installation, and is that cost included or invoiced separately?
What is the data plan cap, and what triggers a surcharge on my specific plan?
Ask these in writing. If the sales rep can’t answer them before the demo ends, that’s a signal.
How SkyTab Stacks Against the Market
The broader restaurant POS market in 2026 runs from $29.99/month on the low end to $200+/month for full-featured software licenses — before processing fees. SkyTab at $29.99/month with bundled hardware, online ordering, loyalty, and reservations is a genuinely competitive entry point. Competing systems often charge separately for each of those modules.
The trade-off: you’re locked into Shift4 as your processor. If you find a better processing rate somewhere in year two, you can’t just swap processors and keep the POS. The hardware is tied to the ecosystem. That’s not unique to SkyTab — Toast does the same thing — but it means your negotiating leverage on processing rates exists primarily at the point of signing, not after.
Working with an independent advisor who knows the full landscape helps here. Smart Payment Solutions specializes in exactly this — comparing total cost of ownership across POS providers and processing structures, so you’re not relying solely on the vendor’s own math when you’re evaluating options.
The Total Cost of Ownership Calculation
Here’s how I’d frame the actual TCO analysis for a mid-size full-service restaurant:
Monthly software fee + per-terminal support fees + processing costs on your card volume + ancillary fees (data overages, shipping, NSF if applicable) = your real monthly cost. Multiply by 12. That’s your annual operating cost before any hardware replacement or add-on features.
At breakfast rush, when your server’s handheld drops connection and falls back to offline mode, you want to already know whether that transaction posts correctly and whether you’re eating a data surcharge. At 9pm close, when you’re reconciling and one terminal’s Software Support Fee shows up as a separate line item you didn’t budget for — that’s the moment you wish you’d read Exhibit A before signing.
The $29.99/month number is real. So are the layers underneath it. Build your budget from the full stack, not the headline.
Bottom Line
SkyTab POS (Shift4 Dine) is a legitimately competitive system for restaurants that want bundled hardware, software, and support without a large upfront investment. The pricing structure is transparent enough if you read the Service Agreement — which most people don’t until after they’ve signed. The processing rate range of 2.49%–3.69% + $0.15 per transaction is where your real annual cost lives, and that number is negotiable based on volume. Go into the demo with the checklist above, get Exhibit A before you sign, and model your total monthly cost against your actual card volume. That’s the only number that matters.
How Creators Clean Platform Watermarks Before Reposting
Introduction
Ever posted the same video on YouTube only to realize the TikTok logo came along for the ride?
Many creators tend to use the same video on different platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
It can save time… but there’s one small problem: the TikTok logo and username!
Such watermarks cause viewers to feel that the video is a repost. Also, it may make the video appear unfinished after being shared on another platform. For these reasons, content producers edit their clips prior to sharing them on other platforms.
Here’s why those watermarks matter and how creators remove them before reposting.
One Video, Multiple Platforms. Makes Sense, Right?
Your video can have a second life, or more!
It’s a great way for YouTubers to repack and reuse their short clips for TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc. Sometimes they even release long-form content on YouTube.
It works well – film once, share everywhere!
For content creators and small teams, it’s a big saving of time if you use their platform logos and profiles.
The bad part? The platform logos, usernames, and UI elements can still be there on the clip. It’s not the kind of look you would want if you’re going to share it with another group.
That Little Watermark Can Cause More Trouble Than You Think
You may think that a watermark is a tiny detail, but in fact, it has the potential to completely change the way a reposted video is viewed.
Different platforms do not want their own watermark to appear clearly on another platform’s videos. In fact, some of them even reduce the reach of such videos. For brands and partners, a logo of your opponent platform may also make their paid posts look less quality.
And there is also the viewer side to it.
A prominent username or logo can give the viewer the impression that this is just a copy or low-effort content. And if you continuously download and repost videos from different apps, you might end up with a mess.
The situation might be a bit more complex as you can end up having multiple logos and usernames on the same clip.
Tried Removing the Watermark Yourself? Here’s Why You Might Fail
Video cropping: Although it cuts off watermarks, it also removes a portion of the picture. That is especially irritating if one tries to turn vertical video into horizontal one.
Blurring or hiding it with a sticker, box, or blur: The logo will be covered; however, the effect can seem artificial.
Recording the video again: Doing a different screen recording may result in lower quality and also introduce moiré or aspect ratio artifacts.
Removing it one by one: Frame by frame watermark removal: A regular editor can get the job done. But removing the watermark in the frame, and in thousands of other frames of the video, would take days if not years. It is not a good use of time for someone who is a frequent poster.
How Zawa Cleans Platform Watermarks Before Reposting
Remove TikTok Logos Without Cropping the Video
If you have a TikTok clip that you want to reuse, but the saved video still contains the username and the brand logo, Zawa’s Video Watermark Remover will be the most useful tool to remove those unwanted marks without changing the dimensions of your original video.
In other words, you don’t have to compromise your subject or the original design and captions by simply hiding a logo.
Let AI Detect the Watermark Automatically
The great thing is you don’t have to manually erase the logo frame by frame at a time. Zawa software can easily recognize and remove watermarks or other overlays.
Depending on your needs, you can select the option of ‘Auto’, ‘Intelligent Recognition’, or ‘Watermark’. Besides that, there’s even a ‘Subtitles’ mode for getting rid of hardcoded captions.
Handle Moving, Transparent, and Difficult Watermarks
Not all watermarks stay in one corner.
With some watermarks, they actually can move or become semi-transparent, even right over a face or product.
Zawa enables you to follow the watermark movement and restore parts that are hidden by it, frame by frame. This is a great technique for preventing leftover traces, ghost edges, flickering.
However, make a check of the final result by previewing the video in motion. Sometimes the movements of the watermark could influence your result negatively.
Remove More Than Just the TikTok Logo
Would you like to remove something besides a platform watermark?
Zawa can tackle things like hardcoded subtitles, captions, stickers, timestamps, other logos, and even AI-generated video export marks.
This is very handy when you want to go from an already-published clip to a cleaner, editable master version that you can later release.
Step-by-Step: Clean a TikTok Video with Zawa Before Reposting
Step 1. Click Upload Video
Go to Zawa AI TikTok Watermark Remover website. Click “Upload Video” to import your watermarked TikTok video. Formats supported are .mp4, .mov, and .m4v.
Step 2. Choose a Removal Mode
Pick a mode such as Smart, Watermark, or Subtitles based on what you want to remove. Zawa will process the unwanted mark from the video.
Step 3. Preview and Download
Check the cleaned video to make sure everything looks right. Click “Download Full Video” to save your TikTok video.
Best Practices for Ethical, Effective Repurposing
Be original: It’s best to create your own videos or only those that you have permission to share. Remember, just taking out a watermark from a video you’ve downloaded is not the same thing as the author having given you the copyright for his work.
Proper attribution: Imagine a video came from a team effort or was in line with a movement. In a situation like this, it would be necessary to post with the right source or explanation.
Customize Your Descriptions and Introductions: Never just copy-paste the same caption all around the place. Alter your introduction and text to match each site’s audience.
Be regular in posting: Instead of flooding several platforms with old videos at once, consistently share your creations.
Conclusion
One video can go a long way when you use it right.
Cross-posting will indeed help content creators in saving time. Nevertheless, a repost can appear messy or recycled if a platform’s logo is visible. In fact, removing the brand logo with cropping, blurring, or screen recording can only lead to more problems.
Zawa lets you remove watermarks, logos, captions, and other overlays without having to change anything about the original footage. Just remember you must be working on original content or at least have permission to change it. Once you’ve done that, give each site a unique vibe and reuse your content with maximum productivity.
Our Head of Global Business Development and avid toy enthusiast, Rodney Ramlochan, continues his ongoing series on the action figure community, highlighting key independent toy lines, manufacturers, retailers, and YouTube podcasters. This time the focus is Soumya Das, founder of The Hierophant Entertainment and the creator behind Legends of the Ramayan.
A Gap on the Shelf
Every independent toy line begins with an absence. For Das, it was the realization that the epic he grew up with had no place in his own collection. Growing up in India, the Ramayan was not simply a story to him, it was woven into cultural identity, and Yugo Sako’s animated classic Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama shaped his imagination as a child. Like most collectors, he loved action figures. Unlike most, he wanted ones rooted in his own heritage. When he found they did not exist, he decided to make them himself.
That instinct fits the company he built. The Hierophant Entertainment is a publishing and collectibles house whose catalog runs from graphic novels such as The Violated to the Ramayan figures, all of it built around storytelling first and product second.
The Collector Grade Standard
The distinction Das insisted on separates a serious line from a gift shop item. Each figure is presented in 1/12 scale and sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios, standing roughly 8 inches with 35 points of articulation. The Hanuman release ships with a crown, a mace, five pairs of interchangeable hands, shoulder pauldrons, an extra face plate and a bendable tail. Collectors who know the Four Horsemen name will recognize the standard on sight. Reviewers who handled Wave 1 landed on the same read, calling out an intricate sculpt and vibrant paint rather than novelty value.
The Kickstarter Verdict
Wave 2 launched on Kickstarter on July 8, 2025 and closed on August 17, drawing 251 backers and $71,340 against a $50,000 goal, an average pledge of $284. That average is the number worth studying. It signals buyers committing to multiple figures rather than sampling one, and it arrived with Wave 1 already produced and in hand, which is a rarer position than most crowdfunded lines can claim.
Stone Sapphire Comes to the Table
The property has now crossed from crowdfunded passion project to backed franchise. Stone Sapphire India Private Limited has made a strategic investment in The Hierophant Entertainment, putting manufacturing, licensing, retail and global distribution behind the line. The two first went public at Mumbai Comic Con 2026, aiming the property at the fast-growing kidult segment across a planned universe of nine Ramayan warriors. Stone Sapphire chief executive Shobhit Singh framed the ambition plainly, describing the effort as building the foundation of an Indian superhero universe. The timing is not accidental. A major cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana has pulled fresh attention toward the epic, and merchandise demand has followed.
Collectors First
Das has said the goal was always to present Indian theology with the quality, depth and collector appeal of leading global franchises. With Hanuman, Ram, Lakshman, Ravana, Meghnaad, Vaali and Sugriv in the pipeline, the test shifts to fulfillment and consistency. On the evidence so far, this is a line worth watching.
