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It's that time of the week again, the time when I show you some fun Raspberry Pi projects to tackle before Monday arrives. This weekend, I'm showcasing how to build a custom photo frame with Immich, how to simplify your Docker setup, and how to build a whole-home dashboard.

Milwaukee makes some of the best cordless power tools, and they come in all sorts of sizes. Sometimes, you don't need a large powerful tool, and instead, something a little smaller that's easy to use around the house. Whether you're short on space or don't want to buy huge tools, here are some tiny Milwaukee tools that are good enough for any job.

AMD has been competitive in the CPU market for years now, with Ryzen processors consistently dominating across all price brackets in gaming benchmarks. While modern AM5 and even some AM4 chips are still excellent choices, the same cannot be said for some of AMD's older offerings.

Traveling to a new place is exciting, but—at least for me—it also brings some anxiety. I hate to feel lost, but what I really hate is looking lost. That’s why wearing a smartwatch has become incredibly important in my travels. Allow me to explain.

If someone told you that they just spent $20,000 modifying their car, you might think they are being completely irrational. If you have that kind of money sitting around, why not just sell your current car and buy something faster if that is what you want? That always seems like the smarter move.

From the very first scene of Possession, there's an undeniable sense that the past cannot stay buried, no matter how secure the seal.

Created and written by Karla Crome (Something Very Bad is Going to Happen) and directed by Storm Saulter (Better Mus' Come, Sprinter), the Jamaica-set series makes clear that the legacy of British colonisation remains haunting the present, as the horrors of slavery endure across place and time.

SEE ALSO: The best TV shows of 2026 (so far), and where to stream them

In just five powerful, compelling episodes with a phenomenal cast led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Sheldon Shepherd, Possession considers many forms of its title, from enslaved people made the "property" of colonial overseers, to the supernatural inhabitation of another. The very act of bending another to your will, restricting their freedom, becomes both a familiar tool of modern horror and a dark historical reality in this genre-bending show.

Set fleetingly in Bristol, England, but mainly in Kingston, Jamaica, the series draws chilling threads across multiple timelines to present an uncompromising picture of intergenerational trauma, with the need for reparations underlying it all.

Possession is a chilling ghost story that links the past to the present Hope Hill is a place of anything but. Credit: Des Willie / Sky

Gugu Mbatha-Raw helms the series as Claudia McKenzie, a high-flying lawyer at a prestigious Bristol firm personally assigned to an inheritance case in Jamaica for "political expediency" — she's the only mixed race lawyer in the firm. Claudia's late mother was from Kingston, but her boss doesn't know that, claiming "optics" make her the person for the job. Alfred Connaught, a wealthy white British man, has left his family's plantation property outside of Kingston to a beneficiary his son Oliver (Jonny Lee Miller) has never heard of. It's Claudia's job to head to Jamaica with Oliver to investigate and discredit his claim. Who is this mysterious heir, Cudjoe East (Sheldon Shepherd), and what's his connection to the Connaughts? 

However, before she even lands in the country, Claudia finds herself dreaming of the estate, forebodingly named Hope Hill. When she does arrive, amid a vibrant Nine Night wake for Alfred, it's clear from Vince Pope and Ayanna Witter-Johnson's tense music that something is afoot — and cautious resident Angelo (Jeff Crossley) closes off part of the house as a warning. Reader, this does not deter a curious Claudia, who unknowingly unleashes the past.

Jeff Crossley as Angelo in "Possession." Credit: Des Willie / Sky

Across the series, Crome and Saulter orchestrate horror elements across time to convey the painful memories of Hope Hill, as we're seamlessly transported back to the plantation in 16th century Jamaica, in the time of British rule and the transatlantic slave trade. (The estate in the series was a real plantation.) Here, we meet the people enslaved there, including Matthew (Sheldon Shepherd in a dual role), a man whose father is the overseer himself, and whose mere presence his white half-sister Charlotte (Bel Powley) despises.

Through flashbacks edited seamlessly by Ben Whitehead, Possession examines the brutal treatment, power plays, and injustices faced by the enslaved people at the plantation, including Matthew's family. It's horror of a more historical sort — even more harrowing.

Possession's cast is a formidable force Sheldon Shepherd as Cudjoe East in "Possession." Credit: Des Willie / Sky

Boasting sublime performances, Possession's cast brings raw magic to the series. As the show's complicated protagonist, Gugu Mbatha-Raw perfectly paces Claudia's transformation throughout the episodes. At the start of the series, she's code-switching at work and relatively dismissive of colonial atrocities as events from long ago; by the end, her perspective and personal connection with Jamaica is forever changed. Moments of darkness, especially for Claudia, are balanced with levity, with Nadean Rawlins an absolute standout as her estranged priestess aunt Mercy Stevens. (Honestly, I would watch an entire spinoff based on Mercy.)

Jamaican icon Sheldon Shepherd has a colossal task on his hands in Possession, a dual role that traverses history and modernity, requiring immensely physical performances in both contexts. Every scene Shepherd appears in shines from his nuanced decisions, his tremendous embodiment of character. As Matthew, he expertly navigates the emotional manipulation endured by this enslaved man pitted against his family. As Cudjoe, Shepherd is commanding, embodying a character carrying hundreds of years of oppression and perspective, and channelling a powerful sense of humanity into his modern reflections on injustice.

Bel Powley as Charlotte Connaught in "Possession." Credit: Des Willie / Sky

Through Charlotte, the Connaughts' daughter, Possession explores the social and economic lives of white women in Jamaica in the 18th century, as socially restricted due to their gender but still members of a wealthy ruling class made rich from the labour of enslaved men and women. Powley is frankly terrifying as the series antagonist, whose racism, jealousy, and paranoia fuels her character’s obsession with control. Charlotte's endurance of mental and emotional abuse breeds resentment, narrow-mindedness, and hatred within her, especially toward her half brother Matthew, with devastating results.

Possession makes a complicated, beautiful character of Jamaica itself The Junkanoo scene in "Possession" is superbly produced and shot. Credit: Des Willie / Sky

At once a painful, harrowing examination of the past through the enduring legacies of the present, Possession makes a complex character of Jamaica itself. The series balances it as a place of unease and energy, of memory and daily life. Director of photography Pedro Cardillo's gorgeous wide, overhead, and driving shots capture the city energy of Kingston, as well as the lush beauty of its natural landscapes nearer to the Hope Hill estate. A Junkanoo carnival scene fizzes with kaleidoscopic energy, stalls are abuzz in busy marketplaces, golden light pours through traffic-filled streets, luscious palm forests sway in the breeze. Each shot seems to actually pulse with heat and sweat, evoking a humidity and steam that intensifies the drama.

Possession also leans into the power of magic and ritual in Jamaica, through the presence of Obeah, a Caribbean spiritual practice steeped in West African tradition, which forms the core of the series' supernatural elements. (Obeah was made illegal in Jamaica by British colonisers.)

And importantly, Possession connects the history of enslaved Jamaicans with the idea of justice the present. By portraying the injustice and discomfort of Oliver's inheritance through a horror-drama series, Possession opens discussions about reparations, acknowledging the injustices of history such as the Slave Compensation Act 1837. Crome's superb script sees characters processing intergenerational damages differently; Cudjoe feels a strong sense of what is owed, while Oliver feels inherited white guilt. It's this sense of anger, remorse, and repair that fuels Possession, living in every scene of dialogue.

Though not the first to channel the horror genre to depict the enduring legacies of slavery, racism, and colonial violence, Possession is unique in its perspective on Jamaica, where the scars of British colonialism still run deep (Jamaica gained independence from the UK after 300 years of British rule on Aug. 6, 1962.) With superb performances, meticulous cinematography, and effective horror elements, Possession should haunt conversation long afterward.

Possession is streaming on Sky in the UK from 9 p.m. BST on Aug. 6. U.S. dates TBC.

FREE $350 GIFT CARD: Score a free $350 gift card with preorders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 + $350 Gift Card   Get Deal

The sleek new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra releases tomorrow, Aug. 7, so now is the last chance to place your preorders.

If you haven't done so yet, Amazon's worth a look. The retailer is still offering a free $350 gift card with your early purchase of the new phone. However, this bonus offer only lasts through Aug. 6, so the clock is ticking to jump on it.

Priced at $2,099.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is no small investment, so the bonus $350 Amazon gift card is a nice treat you can spend later. It's not the only saving Amazon has right now, either. The store page also has an offer available on the phone that lets you get an extra $400 for trading in an eligible device.

Similar to the gift card, this offer is only available today, and the maximum benefit you can receive is $400. If you're curious about this deal, have a look at the "Trade-in and save" section on the store page to calculate an estimated value.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z series foldables are breaking pre-order records in the US and Korea

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was another standout announcement from Samsung's most recent Galaxy Unpacked event. It's fitted with a 5,000mAh battery, a 200MP camera (and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens), and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

In our announcement post, Mashable's Alex Perry noted: "Samsung managed to shave an additional millimeter off the thickness of the device, and it's a mere 4.1 mm when unfolded, though it weighs the same as last year's Z Fold 7." He also highlights that, "The most noteworthy upgrade is probably the updated battery," adding that "A new 5,000mAh battery is on the high side for most flagship smartphones, so hopefully the Z Fold 8 Ultra can hold a charge longer than its predecessor."

If you're hoping to pick up this new phone, be quick to score a free $350 gift card with a preorder of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Your Windows machine wants to be your friend, but behind your back it tells Microsoft everything you do. I’m tired of misbehaving software, and many people are coming to the same realization. Here are four reasons why Linux will be the most attractive choice going into 2027.

SAVE $100: Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 bundled with a $100 gift card. The rugged, dive-rated smartwatch comes with LTE, AI assistant features, and advanced sleep and running coaching.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 + $100 Gift Card   Get Deal

Samsung Unpacked dropped a wave of new gear this month — new Samsung phones, new watches, and even Samsung Galaxy Glasses.

And today's the last day to grab this Ultra 2 deal: Amazon is bundling the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 with a free $100 gift card.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your Switch 2 storage for less: Samsung’s P9 Express microSD is on sale at Amazon

This watch is clearly built with the outdoors in mind. Out on a run or hike, it doubles as a trail guide, feeding you path, elevation, and pace guidance as you go, along with hydration alerts so you're not risking dehydration. It also skips the hassle of checking multiple health stats by rolling them into a single Heart Health Score.

On the durability side, it's IP69K- and 10ATM-rated, meaning it's dust-tight and can handle water down to 100 meters — so rugged trails and open water are both fair game. If you're an actual diver, it comes with a built-in Mares dive computer that tracks ascent and descent, depth limits, and safety stops in real-time.

To snag the gift card, just pick the gift card bundle option at checkout. And since this offer wraps up today, now's the time to grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 before it's gone.

A recent FCC decision could severely stunt the growth of any list of the best robot vacuums that pops up on Google.

Top robot vacuum brands like Roborock and Dreame typically release new robot vacuums multiple times throughout the year. But the FCC's ban on foreign-made mobile robots, which includes robot vacuums, will prevent U.S. shoppers from buying any of them. No new Sharks, no new Roombas... the mainstream market would pretty much be swept.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile’s Samsung Z Fold 8 preorder deal is absurdly good — last call to get it for free

The ban won't touch robot vacuums that are already in circulation. As is the case with foreign-made drones, exemptions are technically possible for future releases. Manufacturers could circumvent the ban by getting special approval from the government, which will decide whether or not their particular robot vacuums are a security threat.

Hypothetically, it's hard for shoppers to conceptualize just how slim pickings could get. But how are the brands themselves taking the news? I reached out to the impacted robot vacuum brands that I regularly test at home. Here are the official statements given to Mashable via email so far:

Shark

“Our Shark robot vacuums currently sold in the U.S. will continue to be available for sale, use, and support. Regarding future models, we are evaluating our best options, but as a U.S.-based company we believe we are well positioned to navigate the process to continue to launch new models at competitive prices as we always have. We are closely monitoring developments and evaluating next steps as more information becomes available. We remain committed to serving our consumers and keeping them informed.”

Eufy

"We are aware of the FCC’s recent update. Based on our current understanding, the new rule does not affect the continued availability, use, or support of products we currently sell in the United States. Those products remain available and will continue to receive updates and customer support.

Like others across the industry, we are seeking further clarity on how the rule will be applied to future products, and we will keep our customers informed. We remain committed to complying with all regulatory requirements in every market where we operate."

iRobot

"We are aware of the FCC's recent action and are working with them to better understand its implementation and potential impact. We remain committed to serving our customers and will share updates as more information becomes available."

Narwal

"Narwal products already certified and sold in the United States are not affected by the FCC’s action. Our customers’ robots continue to work, remain fully supported, and current models remain available at retail. We are reviewing the announcement and the conditional approval process, and we remain committed to serving our U.S. consumers. The security and privacy of our customers’ homes is foundational to the ethos of the Narwal brand, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that."

This story is developing and will be updated if more statements are received.

Within the world of 3D printing, one model has emerged as something of a mascot for the hobby. The toy boat known as Benchy originated as a torture test but has since become an icon of the 3D printing world, establishing a reputation for being the first thing any new 3D printer owner should print.

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 6, you can still pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 bundled with a $50 Amazon gift card for $379.99. This offer ends after Aug. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 + $50 Gift Card $379.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Samsung Unpacked came and went with new phones, new watches, and Samsung Galaxy Glasses. If you've been eyeing the watch since the announcement, here's your last chance to grab a free gift card deal.

Amazon is currently bundling the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 with a $50 gift card. Pre-order now, and it ships Aug. 7.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile’s Samsung Z Fold 8 preorder deal is absurdly good — last call to get it for free

Overnight, the watch keeps tabs on your vitals and flags anything that deviates from your usual patterns, so you're not left guessing about whether something's worth a second look. There's also a Fitness Index that shifts its coaching depending on your goal, whether that's training for a hike or just building strength.

Forget saying "hey" to your watch like it's a person. The built-in AI assistant picks up the second you raise your wrist. And rather than making you dig through separate health stats, the watch combines sleep, BMI, activity, and vascular load into a single Heart Health Score, so you get the full picture at a glance.

One thing to watch: the gift card only comes with the gift card bundle option at checkout, and the offer ends today — before the watch ships. If that $50 matters to you, don't sit on the Galaxy Watch 9.

FREE $350 GIFT CARD: As of Aug. 6, Amazon is still offering a $350 gift card with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. This offer expires after Aug. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 + $350 Gift Card   Pre-order Here

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 launches on Aug. 7, but why wait to buy?

Amazon's preorder offer bundles a free $350 gift card when you buy this phone early, but the clock is ticking to take advantage of this offer. This bundle deal only lasts through Aug. 6, ahead of the phone's launch. So if you've had your eye on this new $1,899.99 foldable, this is your last chance to grab a $350 gift card with preorders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Amazon.

The store page also notes that you can get an extra $300 for trading in an eligible device. This is also only valid through Aug. 6. According to the terms, the maximum benefit you can get is $300. If you're curious about these savings, check out the "Trade-in and save" section on the store page to get an estimate.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z series foldables are breaking pre-order records in the US and Korea

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 debuted at the most recent Galaxy Unpacked event, and it's a real showstopper. In its announcement post, Mashable's Alex Perry writes that it "has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is an ideal size whether in landscape or portrait orientation." Perry also notes: "If you're worried about a crease in the middle of the display, don't be. We got up close with the device, and the crease fully disappears when the display is activated."

Perry writes: "It features Flex Titanium technology, which makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 more durable. Speaking of durability, it also boasts Samsung's advantage hinge technology, Armor Flexhinge." Plus, it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor for performance and a 4,800mAh battery capacity to keep you charged up.

If it's caught your eye, don't miss out on this final chance to grab a $350 gift card with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Microsoft Defender Firewall is a decent enough firewall. Its major problem isn't a lack of capability, it is a mixture of the default settings and the interface. Outbound filtering is effectively unmanaged by default, and the interface's per-app control is unbelievably tedious.

TL;DR: Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free when you trade in an eligible device on Experience Beyond with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Free via 24 monthly bill credits with an eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile. Shop Now

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally jump to a foldable phone, your window to do it for free is rapidly closing.

Samsung’s brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 officially hits shelves on Aug 7 — which means this is your absolute last chance to lock in T-Mobile’s wild pre-launch preorder promotion.

Right now, T-Mobile is running the best launch promotion we’ve seen for Samsung's latest flagship: up to $1,900 in bill credits spread over 24 months. If you have an eligible trade-in, that effectively wipes out the entire $1,899.99 price tag. Yes, T-Mobile is giving away the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free.

At nearly $2,000, buying the Z Fold 8 outright is a hard sell. That makes taking advantage of this pre-launch window the smart play.

We really like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. This "redesigned foldable shines as a media powerhouse with a wider, more comfortable display." If you use your mobile device as a handheld workstation, gaming rig, or multi-tasking hub, getting flagship-tier Samsung hardware for free is an absolute steal — provided you're already on (or willing to switch to) T-Mobile's top-tier unlimited network.

Thinking about making the leap to Samsung's latest foldables? You're not alone. These new smartphones "are breaking the company's pre-order records for foldables."

House of the Dragon star James Norton is here to take you on an education tour of the Tumbleton set, and his commentary makes it clear he's significantly more delightful company than the character he plays.

In the video above, Team Green villain Ormund Hightower wanders the streets of a set that he describes as "the most extraordinary I've ever worked on", with the two main takeaways being: 1) the show's crew put an incredible amount of time and effort into building Tumbleton, and 2) James Norton doesn't know if the Westerosi capital city is called King's Landing or Queen's Landing.

His parting words to the camera as he closes the town's large wooden doors? "Don't get stuck, there's about to be a raging war in here."

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

TL;DR: AT&T launched the amiGO Jr. Tab 2, a kids' tablet with 5G, an 8.7-inch anti-glare display, a stylus, and 145+ hours of battery life, starting at $4.99/month for 36 months.

Opens in a new window Credit: AT&T AT&T amiGO Jr. Tab 2 Now $4.99/mo (was $6.67/mo) on a 36-month installment plan Get Deal

AT&T is updating its kids' tablet lineup. The company launched the amiGO Jr. Tab 2, an upgraded version of the original amiGO Jr. Tab with enhanced connectivity, a bigger display, and a few other improvements.

The Tab 2's main upgrade is 5G access, meaning the tablet connects directly to AT&T's wireless network instead of relying solely on WiFi — useful for car rides, waiting rooms, or anywhere else a home network isn't in reach. Beyond connectivity, the hardware itself got reworked:

• 8.7-inch anti-glare display — a larger screen than the original amiGO Jr. Tab, with an anti-glare coating meant to cut down on reflections during outdoor or bright-light use

• Stylus pen — included for handwriting, drawing, and more precise on-screen interaction than a fingertip allows

• 145+ hours of battery life — AT&T's stated runtime, which would reduce how often the device needs to be charged during a typical week of use

How the parental controls work

Every amiGO device, including the Tab 2, is managed through the AT&T amiGO companion app on a parent's smartphone (iOS or Android). Through the app, parents can:

• Set screen time limits and daily usage schedules

• Restrict or approve specific apps and websites

• Approve up to 30 contacts their kid is allowed to call, video call, or message

• Monitor the tablet's real-time location and set up "Safe Zone" alerts for arrivals and departures

• Enable "School Mode" to disable non-educational apps and notifications during designated focus periods

The Tab 2 joins the AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone and amiGO Jr. Watch 2, all controlled through the same parent-facing app rather than a mix of separate tools for each device.

Pricing

The Tab 2 normally costs $6.67/month, but AT&T dropped it to $4.99/month on a 36-month payment plan. The plan needs a new line and 0% interest agreement; well-qualified customers pay $0 upfront, with tax due at the time of sale. Buying it outright without a payment plan costs $239.99.

Once kids are ready for a regular phone, parents can switch over to AT&T Secure Family — a family safety app that helps manage screen time, location sharing, content access, and more. It gives parents a simpler way to keep kids safe online as they grow, without relying on a mix of separate apps.

Grab the amiGO Jr. Tab 2 now while it's down to $4.99/month.

Reddit is making changes to its moderation tools, launching its AI-powered Rules Hub to all new subreddits. Moderators are not thrilled.

Announced in a blog post on Wednesday, Reddit is expanding testing of its Rules Hub AI moderation tools to all newly created subreddits. Powered by large language models, Rules Hub has already been tested across more than 700 subreddits, with the company planning to make it widely available across Reddit later in the year.

SEE ALSO: AI is fueling Reddit's spam problem

Significantly, Reddit states that while Rules Hub isn't a replacement for human moderation, it and other systems could eventually replace Automoderator (aka Automod). Integrated into Reddit since 2015, Automod is a bot that helps moderators automate various tasks such as blocking specific keywords or removing probable spam.

"Unlike Automod’s enforcement tools, which depend on exact keyword and pattern matching, Rules Hub uses LLMs to evaluate whether a post or comment matches the intent of a rule," Reddit states. "That allows Rules Hub to better handle nuance, natural language, and edge cases while preserving moderator control."

Expanding on this in a post to the r/modnews subreddit, Reddit admin u/Go_JasonWaterfalls offered the example of "distinguishing between an actual insult and a user quoting a movie or using casual slang." (u/Go_JasonWaterfalls has previously identified themselves as Reddit's VP of Community, a title currently held by Laura Nester.)

"Our goal isn't to force every moderation workflow into an LLM," said u/Go_JasonWaterfalls. "We’re building a broader toolkit (including Rules Hub, Automations, Post & Comment Guidance, some we haven’t thought of yet) to support both intent-based and deterministic workflows. And we want to put all of that into a central place (i.e. a hub). This future is still far away. But it’s the future we’re building toward."

We asked you to predict what Apple will do next. See the results and find out how to get a shot at winning an Apple Watch!

Moderators aren't happy with Reddit's plan to sunset Automod

Despite such assertions, Reddit's moderators remain unconvinced. Many reacted to Wednesday's news with alarm, baulking at Rules Hub's introduction and demanding that Automod remain.

"Oh hell nah. We use automod HEAVILY in all of our communities," r/Animesuggest and r/attackontitan mod u/DustyAsh69 commented (emphasis original). "PLEASE stop 'fixing' things that don't need to be fixed."

"Automod is load baring [sic], are you seriously sunsetting automod?" wrote r/piercing and r/bodymods mod u/SampleOfNone. "I'm in the Rules Hub beta, it doesn't even come close to doing what automod can. One of my sub has 8 rules, Rules Hub can only enforce 2…. I love automations, I really do, but it's for guiding the good eggs. I doesn't [sic] stand a chance against the bad eggs."

In response to moderators' concerns, u/Go_JasonWaterfalls conceded that Rules Hub is "not even close" to being able to replace Automod at present, as it doesn't have all the same functionality. Automod will remain in place for now, and nothing is set to change in the immediate future.

"PLEASE stop 'fixing' things that don't need to be fixed." - u/DustyAsh69

Even so, improvement of and eventual migration to Rules Hub remains Reddit's end goal, with u/Go_JasonWaterfalls attempting to reassure mods that the platform "won’t sunset anything until it works for good and bad eggs alike."

"I don’t think you're hearing your moderators," replied r/freesofware mod u/happyxpenguin. "They’re telling you DO NOT SUNSET automod. Period."

Reddit has had a rocky relationship with its unpaid moderators in recent years. In 2023, CEO Steve Huffman likened them to "landed gentry", earning widespread ire from many mods who felt their hard work was being taken for granted. Moderators guide subreddits, which includes setting and enforcing rules, deleting spam or off-topic posts, and acting on reports.

This occurred amidst moderator-led protests against Reddit's widely derided decision to begin charging developers for access to its application programming interface (API), which had been free since its introduction. In response to these protests, Reddit threatened to remove mods unless they backed down. Unsurprisingly, the company's subsequent attempts to make nice were met with disbelief and derision. 

Judging from reactions to this week's news, moderators' faith in the company appears to remain on shaky ground. (Reddit stated on Wednesday that it will gradually restrict new requests for access to its API, and require third-party apps to migrate to its Developer Platform.)

Featured Video For You Girlbossification of AI Reddit to also tackle "abusive" scraping of users' data

In addition to rolling out Rules Hub more broadly, Reddit further announced that it will be making more changes to prevent "abusive" scraping of users' data. However, this doesn't mean users' posts won't be used to train AI at all. Though Reddit barred search engines from crawling its platform for free in 2024, it also struck $60 million deals allowing Google and OpenAI to use redditors' data to train their AI algorithms.

Reddit also stated that it will make changes intended to encourage new users and help them make successful posts. Currently, some subreddits remove comments and posts from new accounts, or from ones that haven't accumulated many upvotes across their various contributions (a function that Automod is capable of executing). Though this system counters issues such as spam or people creating new accounts to evade bans, Reddit states that it also presents an obstacle to new users attempting to join a subreddit for the first time. As such, the platform is looking at implementing alternative solutions.

"Over time, our goal is to improve Reddit’s systems and moderation tools so communities can rely less on things like karma and account age, which prevent many first time users from successfully posting in a community, and more on stronger abuse prevention built into the systems they use," Reddit's blog post states.

Exactly how Reddit intends to do this is unclear, but it seems likely that AI will be involved.

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FREE $200 GIFT CARD: As of Aug. 6, Amazon is still bundling a $200 gift card with preorders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (unlocked, 256GB). This offer ends after Aug. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 + $200 Gift Card   Pre-order Here

Announced at the most recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung's brand new Galaxy Z Flip 8 phone is gearing up to launch on Aug. 7. If you're hoping to secure a preorder before launch, Amazon's still bundling a free $200 gift card when you pre-order, but not for much longer.

Today is the last day to take advantage of this awesome offer before it's gone for good. Now is the time to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and get a $200 Amazon gift card. You'll also receive an email about the gift card's availability after the phone has shipped.

That's not all, either. Amazon's store page says that you can even get an extra $200 when you trade in an eligible device. According to the terms and conditions, this offer is valid only through Aug. 6, and the maximum benefit you can receive is $200. To see your trade-in value, there's a "Trade-in and save" option on the page that lets you get an estimate.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 offers a fun FlexWindow for checking notifications on the cover screen while your phone is closed, and you can set it up to take hands-free photos. We recently went hands-on with Samsung's new foldable device, alongside the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth highlighted that, "Crucially, and this is especially true with the colorful Z Flip 8, these phones feel cool in a way that other smartphones don't."

He also notes: "They're noticeably thinner and lighter this year. But there are some important upgrades under the hood as well." A big one being, "Contrary to rumors that the Z Flip 8 would have an Exynos processor, all three phones are equipped with the same chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy." Plus, it features a 4,300mAh battery to get you through long days.

Again, this deal ends after today, so be quick to score a $200 gift card with preorders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 at Amazon.

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SAVE $61: As of Aug. 6, Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are on sale for $168.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 $168.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $61   Get Deal

Getting a good night’s sleep can be easier said than done, especially when noise and distractions get in the way. This is where the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds come in.

These sleep earbuds are designed to help create a more peaceful bedtime routine, and even better, they’re on sale. As of Aug. 6, they are down to $168.99, saving you $61 on the list price.

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These aren’t like normal earbuds. No, they’re designed to support a quieter night’s sleep by combining noise reduction with adaptive snore-masking technology, which detects snoring sounds in real-time and plays masking audio to help cover them. Our reviewer even called these the best sleep buds available.

They weigh just 3 grams each, so you don’t need to worry about them being uncomfortable through the night. Plus, the compact silicone earbuds feature a 3D ergonomic design that sits flush in the ear to reduce pressure, making them suitable for side sleepers. 

They also include access to Sleep Stories from Calm, along with a range of sounds, including AI Brainwave Audio and white noise. The earbuds provide 8–10 hours of playback per charge, with up to five nights of use when paired with the charging case. Through the app, you’ll also be able to track sleep duration, sleeping positions, and snoring patterns, with daily reports that give you insights into sleep habits.

Get this sleep earbuds deal from Amazon now.