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HomeSauna.com Names Seven Best Cold Plunges of 2026 by Use Case; Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Wins Best Overall Premium

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Seven category winners span integrated-chiller tubs, bathtub chillers, hot-and-cold systems, vertical tubs, ice-based barrels, and portable inflatables; published online prices range from $1,299 to approximately $14,599, while Chilly GOAT uses dealer-quoted pricing

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HomeSauna.com, an independent consumer education resource, today published its Best Cold Plunges of 2026 guide. The guide selected the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro as the Best Overall Premium Cold Plunge and named six additional winners by cooling system, installation format, price tier, and intended use. Product specifications were checked against official manufacturer documentation, and performance claims are attributed to independent editorial reviews. Prices, specifications, and warranty terms for all seven products were rechecked against manufacturer pages on August 7, 2026.

What is the best premium cold plunge of 2026? HomeSauna.com selected the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro as the Best Overall Premium Cold Plunge of 2026. Separate winners were selected for existing bathtubs, hot-and-cold contrast, handcrafted construction, compact vertical use, budget ice-based use, and portable or inflatable use.

The 2026 category winners:

Best Overall Premium: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro — 1 HP German-engineered chiller, manufacturer-published 32°F minimum, 316-grade stainless steel, three-stage automatic sanitation ($13,799–$14,599 configured)Best Chiller for Your Existing Bathtub: HomePlunge Bella — 1/2 HP chiller that cools a standard bathtub to a manufacturer-published 41°F ($1,999)Best Hot + Cold Contrast: Chilly GOAT by Master Spas — 2.1 HP chiller operating from 40°F to 104°F (dealer-quoted pricing)Best Handcrafted Premium: Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 3.0 — USA-built dual-temperature tub, manufacturer-published 37°F to 104°F range (approximately $11,399)Best Compact Vertical: Nordic Wave Viking — vertical tub with a manufacturer-published 35°F minimum that also heats to 104°F (from approximately $3,500)Best Budget, Ice-Based: Ice Barrel 400 — 105-gallon rotomolded barrel with a limited lifetime residential warranty ($1,299)Best Portable / Inflatable: Sun Home Cold Plunge Horizontal — portable inflatable with an integrated chiller that also heats to about 104°F ($3,999–$4,099)

Prices reflect manufacturer-listed configurations as of the August 7, 2026 recheck and are subject to change; Chilly GOAT is sold through Master Spas dealers at quoted pricing.

The guide’s central recommendation is that buyers settle the cooling and installation questions before comparing brands: an integrated-chiller tub for always-ready cold water suited to frequent use, a bathtub chiller for the lowest-cost route to consistently chilled water with no dedicated tub, an ice-based barrel for the lowest upfront price with manual ice and cleaning, or a portable inflatable with its own chiller for renters and smaller spaces.

The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro received the guide’s Best Overall Premium designation based on its manufacturer-published 32°F minimum set point with visible ice formation in Polar Jet Mode, its 1 HP German-engineered chiller, 316-grade stainless steel construction, three-stage automatic sanitation — ozone injection, UV sterilization, and 20-micron filtration — native Sun Home app control for temperature, scheduling, and session tracking, and its third-party editorial coverage. The guide cites seven independent publications that have tested, reviewed, or recognized the product: Forbes, Business Insider, GearJunkie, TIME, Rolling Stone, Fortune, and BarBend.

In a hands-on review published in September 2025, GearJunkie reported a 28°F temperature reading during testing in ambient conditions above 100°F and described the Pro’s 1 HP chiller as the most powerful it had tested across approximately 20 ice baths. Forbes selected the product as Best Cold Plunge, and Business Insider identified it as the best cold plunge its team had tested. BarBend scored the Pro 4.2 out of 5 in a review updated June 2026, and Fortune’s May 2026 review rated it 4 out of 5. The complete HomeSauna.com guide links the cited reviews alongside the evidence table supporting each category designation.

The Sun Home Cold Plunge Horizontal won the portable category as an inflatable that includes an integrated chiller and also heats to approximately 104°F. Fortune and Billboard each separately named it the best inflatable cold plunge of 2025 — Billboard noting it “operates three times faster than its competitors at the same price point” — and Variety and Men’s Journal extended the same Best Inflatable Cold Plunge and Ice Bath of 2025 recognition in their coverage.

“Most buyers start by comparing brands, and that is the wrong first question,” said Melanie Green, editor of HomeSauna.com. “Cooling method decides more about price, daily effort, and whether the habit actually sticks than any brand name does. We organized the guide so a reader can identify the right category in under a minute, then verify every specification against the sources we cite.”

Methodology. Products were evaluated across five documented dimensions: cooling capability, construction, water care, ownership — including warranty coverage, service provisions, and app control where applicable — and independent editorial testing. Products were selected as winners in seven distinct buyer categories and were not ranked from first through seventh. HomeSauna.com did not conduct side-by-side laboratory testing; manufacturer specifications are identified as manufacturer-published claims, and third-party performance findings are attributed to the publication that reported them. The guide also summarizes medical precautions, identifies circumstances in which readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before cold-water immersion, and notes category-wide evidence limitations such as the limited availability of long-term chiller reliability data.

Disclosure. Two of the seven category winners are Sun Home Saunas products; competitor products win the other five categories outright. HomeSauna.com is produced in connection with Sun Home Saunas. Category designations reflect the publication’s editorial evaluation of manufacturer specifications and independent third-party reviews, not paid rankings, and the full evidence table, source list, and warranty comparison are published in the guide so readers can verify each claim independently.

Read the complete Best Cold Plunges of 2026 guide, including the evidence table, warranty and service comparison, and buyer FAQ.

About HomeSauna.com

HomeSauna.com publishes buyer guides, comparison articles, and educational resources on home saunas and cold-water immersion. Its editorial process pairs a health-and-wellness writing team with credentialed expert contributors and clinical review, and specifications are verified against official brand documentation on a scheduled review cycle. The Best Cold Plunges of 2026 guide was edited by Melanie Green, with expert contribution from Jennifer King, DNP, and clinical review by Dr. Joe Lee, DPT, OCS; reviewer biographies are linked on the guide itself.

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SOURCE homesauna.com

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HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0 Launches Smarter AI Image Enhancement System with Intelligent Detection and Advanced Creative Tools

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HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0: Smarter AI for Image Enhancement, Recomposition, and Creation

HONG KONG, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw today announced the release of HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0, bringing a smarter AI-powered image enhancement experience with new intelligent models and workflow improvements. The latest update introduces Low-Light Enhancement, AI Reflection Removal, AI Reframe, creative text styles, and AI Agent image analysis to help users enhance, edit, and create professional-quality images with less manual effort.

WHAT’S NEW IN HITPAW FOTORPEA V5.6.0

1. AI Enhancer: Smarter Enhancement with New AI Models

New Low-Light Enhancement Model: Enhances dark and underexposed photos by restoring shadow details, reducing low-light noise, and improving clarity for night scenes, indoor environments, and backlit portraits.New AI Reflection Removal Model: Removes unwanted reflections from glasses, glass surfaces, screens, and strong light sources while preserving natural image details.Enhanced Workflow Experience: Improved Auto mode, previews, export stability, and model management for a smoother editing workflow.

2. AI Generation: Smarter Creation with AI Agent & Reframe

AI Agent Image Analysis & Recommendations: AI Agent analyzes image quality issues and recommends the top enhancement solutions automatically, helping users achieve better results with one click.AI Reframe for Better Composition: Automatically adjusts framing, subject position, and visual balance to create more professional-looking images.AI Creation Experience Optimization: Improved prompt generation and updated material templates with latest and recently used options for faster inspiration.

3. AI Editing: More Creative Tools and Flexible Design Control

New Text Styles: Added artistic font styles for posters, social media covers, product marketing images, and creative designs with one-click professional text effects.New Layer Editing & History Support: Added layer editing and history tracking in Photo Editor, enabling easier adjustments, removals, and refinements for a more efficient editing workflow.

ABOUT HITPAW FOTORPEA

HitPaw FotorPea is an AI-powered image enhancement solution from HitPaw. Combining advanced AI technology with intuitive editing features, it enables users to enhance image quality, restore details, improve clarity, generate images from text prompts, and refine visuals through smart editing tools. From photo restoration and AI enhancement to creative image generation, HitPaw FotorPea empowers creators, professionals, and everyday users to bring their visual ideas to life.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICING

HitPaw FotorPea is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 (64-bit) and macOS 10.15 and above. Subscription plans start at $22.39/month for Windows and $25.59/month for Mac.

For more information, visit:

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Windows

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Mac

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading AI-powered multimedia software company dedicated to providing innovative tools for photo, video, and audio creation. By combining advanced artificial intelligence with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, HitPaw enables creators to enhance their workflows, explore new creative possibilities, and produce professional-quality content with greater ease and efficiency.

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Website: HitPaw AI Photo Enhancer – Enhance, Denoise & Upscale to 8K
X (Twitter): https://x.com/HitPawofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite

This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hitpaw-fotorpea-v5-6-0-launches-smarter-ai-image-enhancement-system-with-intelligent-detection-and-advanced-creative-tools-302846201.html

SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

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Island Capital Group Announces C-IV Capital Partners’ Acquisition of NAI Global from C-III Capital Partners

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NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Island Capital Group today announced that C-IV Capital Partners LLC (“C-IV”) has acquired NAI Global from C-III Capital Partners LLC (“C-III”). The transaction closed on Friday, July 31.

Both C-IV and C-III are controlled affiliates of Island Capital Group. The transaction follows C-IV’s recently announced agreement to acquire Greystone’s commercial real estate loan special servicing business and represents another step in Island Capital’s long-term strategy to build leading commercial real estate investment and services platforms.

The addition of NAI Global significantly expands C-IV’s capabilities in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, capital markets, property management and advisory services, while broadening the firm’s national and international reach and strengthening relationships with investors, owners, developers and occupiers.

NAI Global includes more than 325 offices and approximately 5,800 professionals across 65 countries. Through its network of locally owned and managed firms, NAI Global provides clients with local market expertise and access to a broad international commercial real estate services platform.

“NAI Global is an invaluable component of the Island Capital diversified real estate services platform,” said Andrew Farkas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Island Capital Group and Executive Chairman of C-IV. “NAI Global has established one of the most respected and far-reaching commercial real estate networks in the industry, distinguished by its local market expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and longstanding commitment to client service. It will continue to be a critical asset for Island Capital moving forward.”

The transaction continues Island Capital’s strategy of bringing together best-in-class commercial real estate businesses under a single entrepreneurial platform, giving clients access to deeper expertise, broader market intelligence and integrated solutions.

“NAI Global is proud to remain a part of the Island Capital family of companies, benefitting from the strength, stability and strategic vision of one of the commercial real estate industry’s most experienced investment and operating platforms,” said Alex Waddey, President and CEO of NAI Global. “Being affiliated with Island Capital allows NAI Global to leverage the insight and experience of a diversified real estate platform while preserving the independence and local leadership that distinguish our network. Together, we provide clients with a powerful combination of local execution, global reach and institutional-grade real estate expertise.”

The acquisition is the latest step in Island Capital’s strategy of assembling a diversified commercial real estate platform that combines investment management, brokerage, advisory, financing, capital markets, loan servicing and asset management. “Building on the success of industry-leading companies including Insignia Financial Group and C-III, C-IV is positioned to capitalize on dislocations in real estate, real estate derivatives, real estate oriented debt instruments, real estate servicing companies, etc. in order to recreate value eroded or lost due to downturns in business cycles,” said Farkas. “Island Capital and predecessor companies have successfully owned, managed and/or restructured more than $350 billion of such investments and businesses over the course of their 40-year history. C-IV continues that legacy fueled, in part, by the doubling of commercial real estate mortgage interest rates since 2017 and by the fact that commercial real estate mortgage default rates are at a 14-year high and are expected to increase precipitously over the next several years.”

About Island Capital Group

Island Capital Group is a leading international merchant banking firm focused on commercial real estate and real estate-related assets. Founded by Andrew L. Farkas in 2003, the firm has invested across multiple market cycles and has built, acquired and grown many of the industry’s leading companies. Through its affiliated businesses, Island Capital provides investment management, brokerage, capital markets, lending, loan servicing, advisory and asset management services to institutional and private clients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.islandcapital.com.

About C-IV Capital Partners

C-IV Capital Partners is a recently formed controlled affiliate of Island Capital Group focused on building and operating commercial real estate investment and services businesses. Through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, C-IV is building a diversified commercial real estate investment and services organization.

About NAI Global

NAI Global is a leading commercial real estate services organization with more than 325 offices and approximately 5,800 professionals across 65 countries. Through its network of locally owned and managed firms, NAI Global provides brokerage, leasing, capital markets, property management and advisory services to investors, owners, occupiers and developers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.naiglobal.com.

Media Contact: Chris Vlasto, chris.vlasto@havenstrategies.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/island-capital-group-announces-c-iv-capital-partners-acquisition-of-nai-global-from-c-iii-capital-partners-302846297.html

SOURCE Island Capital Group

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Every mosquito has a type — and you may not be it

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Study debunks the “mosquito magnet” myth — and lays groundwork for next generation of repellents to fight dengue, Zika and West Nile 

MIAMI, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — There is no such thing as a universal mosquito magnet.

In a new study published in iScience, Florida International University (FIU) researchers pitted 119 human volunteers against three of the world’s most dangerous mosquito species and found that not one person was attractive to all three. Every species had its own type. Attraction was largely driven by chemistry — an individual’s body chemistry.

This single finding could reshape how the world fights mosquito-borne disease. Because each species decodes human scent differently, the results could help scientists develop next-generation, species-specific repellents.

“Isolating the components of human odor that attract or repel mosquitoes could lead to novel strategies to combat vector-borne diseases,” said Matthew DeGennaro, a neurogeneticist who leads the research team and directs the Biomolecular Sciences Institute at FIU, Miami’s state university. 

The three species studied — Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) and Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito) — together spread yellow fever, dengue, Zika, West Nile and other diseases. The study, led by Ph.D. student Kaylee Marrero, is the first to directly compare how multiple mosquito species respond to the same people. 

“We didn’t expect the species to prefer different people when we started the study,” Marrero said. “Each species having a distinct microbial signature that they use as a cue was so surprising to me.” 

Each species had a distinct set of turn-ons and turn-offs: 

Aedes aegypti preferred people wearing no added scent whose skin lacked certain volatile compounds. These daytime feeders showed a slight preference for men over women. Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger) was drawn to elevated ketones and plant-like volatile compounds naturally secreted by skin. Like Aedes aegypti, it feeds during the day. Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house) fed after dark and keyed in on the skin microbiome — the microscopic ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and microbes naturally living on people’s skin. Some bacterial families were a green light to feed; others drove the mosquitoes away. 

Human scent is a complex space of more than 1,000 volatile organic compounds, many still uncharacterized. Rather than agreeing on who was most attractive, each species consistently favored a different subset of people — evidence that the species have evolved distinct ways of sensing humans. Alongside the preference tests, the team collected odor and microbiome samples to identify which compounds and bacteria were present, and at what levels. 

“This connected so well with the differences in skin bacteria and odors,” DeGennaro said. “It is clear to me now that our skin microbiomes define our human odor signature. Each species found its own way to decode that signature.” 

By mapping these species-specific chemical cues, the FIU team is laying the groundwork for repellents and public health strategies tailored to the mosquito that matters most in a given region.

Photos and videos for media use are available via Dropbox

Media Contact:
JoAnn Adkins
305-348-0398
jadkins@fiu.edu
news.fiu.edu
@FIU

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/every-mosquito-has-a-type–and-you-may-not-be-it-302846300.html

SOURCE Florida International University

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