IT General

Performance cars haven't disappeared, but affordable ones are becoming much harder to find. Today's fast sedans are quicker, smarter, and packed with technology, yet most of those gains have pushed prices firmly into luxury-car territory.

I run Pi-hole on my network to help block unwanted ads and trackers. Pi-hole logs all of the DNS requests made by devices on my home network. There are hundreds of thousands of queries to thousands of domains, so I let Claude take a look at the log to see what it could find.

Bringing back an iconic nameplate is always a risky move, especially when expectations have been building for years. Enthusiasts wanted a lightweight, affordable sports coupe that captured the spirit of its predecessors, making the latest revival one of the most closely watched launches in recent memory.

Netflix is closing out June with two new original movies: Little Brother and Voicemails for Isabelle. As of publication, Little Brother and Voicemails for Isabelle are currently the first and second movies in the top 10, respectively. By this time next week, a third original movie, Enola Holmes 3, might have the No. 1 spot.

A well-known leaker in the gaming hardware space claimed this week that it costs Sony nearly $1,000 to make its upcoming PlayStation 6 console. If true, the console's eventual retail price could be significantly higher.

According to KeplerL2, a leaker known for accurate gaming hardware leaks, Sony's costs to manufacture its upcoming PlayStation 6 console recently went up by $200. Kepler2 reported earlier this year that, due to rising costs, the PlayStation 6's bill of materials was at $760. So, the leaker now says that ever-increasing costs have pushed the manufacturing cost of the PlayStation 6 to a whopping $960.

The AI boom continues to cause massive supply issues for computer chips, storage, and memory worldwide. That's led to a wave of price increases in the gaming world, with all of the big console makers raising prices. Most recently, Microsoft announced that it will raise prices on the current generation of Xbox consoles by as much as $150 starting in August.

SEE ALSO: Valve's Steam Machine officially has a price, and it's a doozy

Supply chain experts interviewed by Mashable say that the memory shortage known as RAMageddon could get worse before it gets better. That's bad news for gamers looking forward to the next generation of consoles, like the highly anticipated PlayStation 6. For instance, the soon-to-be-released Steam Machine console recently arrived with a whopping $1,049 price tag.

How much the Sony PlayStation 6 could cost

What does this report mean for gamers? Basically, it's highly unlikely that Sony would sell the PlayStation 6 for below cost. In fact, gaming news outlet Kotaku points to a recent Sony Q&A posted on its corporate website where the company says they're not looking to sell the console for less than it costs Sony.

“As for pricing, it is not realistic for us to absorb all the component cost increases, and we have already implemented some price increases outside of Japan," Sony said in reply to a question about pricing for its next generation video game consoles. “As a principle, we do not intend to sell hardware at significant losses.”

This means that consumers are likely looking at a $1,000 PlayStation 6 — and that's without Sony making any profit.

AI companies have only ramped up the supply and demand issues. Earlier this year, hard drive manufacturer Western Digital shared that it expects shortages to continue as the company has already sold out its storage supply for 2026 and AI companies are already buying up supply well into 2028.

Sony is reportedly still targeting a release date for the PlayStation 6 for the 2027 holiday season. However, there have been previous reports that suggested that the ongoing memory shortages could potentially push that launch date beyond next year.

Are gamers willing to buy the latest gaming console at exorbitant prices, or will it make more sense to wait out the supply issues and launch at a lower price? That's a calculation that Sony has to make.

The Windows PC industry just caught a big break. After months of holding out, Apple has raised prices for its computers (and to address soaring memory and storage costs. Systems that seemed like bargains compared to ever-pricier Windows PCs, including the MacBook Neo, are now merely competitive.

With the prices of SSDs currently very much through the roof, it's a good time to try to make the best of yours instead of letting it rot. And yet, I'm sure that many of us have an SSD just silently rotting in a drawer somewhere, be it an older drive or a backup that gets plugged in once a year.

Save 20%: As of June 29, grab the Owala FreeSip (24 ounces) for just $23.99 at Amazon. Typically, this bottle costs $6 more at $29.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip $23.66 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.33   Get Deal

We've made it no secret that we're fans of the Owala FreeSip.

At least half of Mashable's shopping team owns the water bottle, and for good reason. The FreeSip spout truly gives the best of both worlds experience, with a straw opening for sipping and a larger spout for swigging. Best of all, as of June 29, the 24 ounce version of the Owala FreeSip is back down to its Prime Day price of $23.99 in select colors, saving you 20% on the $29.99 list price.

Beyond having two different ways to use it, the Owala has a lot of smart design choices. There's the lockable cap that keeps the straw component covered when not in use, and the part of that lock that doubles as a handle for easy carrying on the go. There's the insulation that can easily keep water cold all day long, and the dishwasher-safe lid and straw. The main pain point with this water bottle is the base, which may not fit into every cupholder.

That said, at the time of writing you can also grab some colorways of the FreeSip Sway on sale, which has a cupholder-friendly base.

Comcast is once again shaking up streaming video and cable TV. The company is spinning off NBCUniversal and the U.K.'s Sky as separate companies, letting Comcast itself focus on technologies that include Xfinity, its Xfinity Mobile wireless service, and its fiber optic network.

Best 4th of July mattress and bedding deals at a glance: Best mattress deal Bear Original Hybrid Mattress (queen) $834.60 (save $449.40) Get Deal Best bedding deal Brooklinen Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle (queen) $352.87 (save $154.13) Get Deal

Summer is a tough time to get sleep. The sun rises earlier, sets later, and it's hot. All of that on top of a schedule filled with trips, summer camps, and backyard gatherings is a recipe for a season of bad sleep. If you're not interested in sacrificing sleep this summer, the 4th of July is one of the best times to make bedroom upgrades.

Much like Memorial Day, mattresses and bedding essentials like sheets and pillows tend to see exceptional discounts around the 4th of July holiday. That's great news for keeping high-quality sleep a priority over the summer. Here are some of our favorite 4th of July mattress and bedding deals if you're in need of a refresh.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Original Hyrbid Mattress (queen) $834.60 at Bear
$1,284 Save $449.40   Get Deal Why we like it

By now you've probably heard that a hybrid mattress offers the comfort of an all-foam bed with the support of a coil mattress. The only problem is that hybrid mattresses tend to be expensive. That's not the case today thanks to the Bear 4th of July sale. The new Bear Original Hybrid is on sale for only $834.60 in a queen size, down from the normal price of $1,284.

Bear mentions that this mattress is ideal for those who like a medium-firm bed that can help regulate hot summer temps. It can also be nice for those who deal with joint pain, or side sleepers who struggle with pressure points while sleeping.

Bear has a 120-night sleep trial, so you can try out the bed at home for four months while still being eligible for a return if you don't love it.

More mattress deals

• Avocado: Save up to 15% on organic mattresses

• Brooklyn Bedding: Take to 30% off sitewide

• DreamCloud: Save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Eight Sleep: Take up to $500 off Pods and accessories

• Tuft & Needle: Save 25% on all bundles

• Purple: Take up to $800 a mattress and base

• Saatva: Take up to $650 off mattresses or ip to $750 off bundles

• Zinus: Take up to 60% off plus an additional 20%

Best bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle (queen) $352.87 at Brooklinen
$507 Save $154.13   Get Deal Why we like it

Brooklinen has become one of the most trusted brands for those who want comfortable but durable sheets. The brand's 4th of July sale takes 30% off sheet bundles like the Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle. Percale is the perfect material for summer since it's made of a breathable and natural cotton fiber. The bundle includes the classic percale core sheet set (fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases), the percale duvet cover, and two extra pillowcases. Plus, it comes in a great range of colorway and print options.

More bedding deals

• Baloo: Save $30 on weighted throw blanket + cotton duvet cover bundle

• Coyuchi: Take up to 40% off

• Cozy Earth: Take 20% off bedding bundles

• Ettitude: Take up to 25% off sitewide and up to 70% off final sale

• Naturepedic: Take 20% off organic bedding + get a free muslin blanket

• Silk & Snow: Take 20% off all sheets

From the moment I heard about the reMarkable E-ink writing tablet, I wanted one, but I was put off by its relatively locked-down experience. Fortunately, I've come across an alternative that's more open, and I'm quite confident I like it even more.

Americans took out auto loans at some of the highest interest rates in two decades between 2022 and 2024, as the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate to a level not seen since 2001.

UPDATE: Jun. 29, 2026, 12:39 p.m. EDT This article has been updaded to add a statement from T-Mobile.

If you've been quietly riding out an old T-Mobile plan for the last decade or so, that ride is about to end.

T-Mobile is automatically migrating thousands of customers on legacy plans to its current lineup of plans, the company confirmed to CNET, with affected subscribers beginning to receive notification via text or the T-Life app today. The switch will take effect within the next few billing cycles and applies to both individual customers and some small businesses. (Disclosure: CNET and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

SEE ALSO: AT&T commits to ending DEI programs while seeking government approval

T-Mobile didn't specify which plans are being retired, but per CNET, a company representative said some stretch back 10 to 15 years, including Simple Choice, T-Mobile One, and grandfathered Sprint plans from the carrier's 2020 merger.

Customers will be moved to comparable options within T-Mobile's current lineup, including Essentials, Experience More, and Experience Beyond. For some, that means a price increase, though T-Mobile chief marketing officer Allan Samson told CNET the new rate will still typically be lower than what a new customer would pay for the same plan today.

A T-Mobile spokesperson gave Mashable the following statement:

We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technology, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences.

What makes this move notable isn't the migration itself. As CNET notes, AT&T added fees to legacy plans in May, and T-Mobile hiked prices in March 2025. Rather, it's the fact that the company will perform the switch automatically, requiring no action from the customer and no option to stay put. If you end up on a plan you don't want, your only choices are to switch to a different T-Mobile plan or switch to a new carrier.

Internally, T-Mobile framed the move as a systems cleanup, with CNET reporting the change eliminates over 1,100 legacy billing codes.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim this free promo

Do you think Docker is only for developers? I’ve heard that saying, but it couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not a developer, and I use Docker to run dozens of services and apps in my homelab.

Modern SSDs are amazing, and I'm not about to pretend I want to go back to shuffling super slow disks or wrestling with ribbon cables inside a beige PC case. (Although, in all fairness, I do miss those beige PCs a lot.)

It's been six long years, but Starbucks is finally bringing back the beloved S'mores Frappuccino for a limited-time summer run.

The blended drink makes its temporary return to menus nationwide on July 1. But if you're a Starbucks Rewards member (I'm currently at Gold status myself), you can get early access starting tomorrow, June 30. All you have to do is order this caffeinated concoction through the Starbucks app.

In addition to bringing back the S'mores Frappuccino (which features marshmallow-infused whipped cream, milk chocolate sauce, and a graham cracker topping), Starbucks is introducing two brand-new drinks: S'mores Cold Brew topped with a marshmallow-flavored cold foam, chocolate drizzle, and graham cracker sprinkles, and an Iced S'mores Chai.

View this post on Instagram

Customers on Reddit are obviously thrilled (one user commented, "MY FAVOURITE (drink) CHILD IS BACK FROM THE WAR", while another gave it a "10/10," calling it "amazing, worth the hype"). That said, the Starbucks staffers are panicking.

Over on Instagram, baristas are pointing out that this surprise drop wasn't in their summer training. And since most stores only have two blenders, a sudden rush of complex Frappuccinos is going to be pretty tough to manage. On the r/starbucks subreddit, employees echo that sentiment, noting that while the special marshmallow whip is tasty, it's also "labor-intensive" and raising concerns about how they're supposed to keep up their drive-thru times with all the new recipes.

The Starbucks S'mores Frappuccino in all its glory. Credit: Starbucks

Mashable covered the original rollout of the S'mores frapp back in 2015. Starbucks says it's been on "hiatus" for the past six years, until now.

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The Starbucks menu includes 170,000 possible drink combinations, creating challenges for its baristas. When you factor in sizes, pumps, and other personalization options, outside estimates have put the total Starbucks drink combinations at more than 300 billion. Now, with the S'mores Frappuccino and two related beverages joining the menu, there are even more.

So, just remember to be patient and tip your barista if you're ordering a complicated blended drink (making all that marshmallow whip is no joke).

The s'mores lineup is only available for a short window this summer.

It's the end of June, which means movies will be departing from nearly every major streaming service. Conversely, new films will be added to make up for the loss. For our top pick, Netflix kicks things off in July with the third movie in one of its most popular franchises and features arguably its most popular star, Millie Bobby Brown.

As World Cup matches continue across North America, U.S. officials are targeting one of the tournament’s biggest unofficial channels: illegal streams.

On Friday, June 26, the Department of Justice announced that it had seized nearly 400 internet domains that were allegedly being used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches in real-time, which, according to the DOJ, is in violation of U.S. copyright law.

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The seizures were part of "Operation Offsides," an international enforcement effort led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center with help from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. prosecutors, foreign law enforcement partners, FIFA, and several major media companies (NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., and the UFC, to name a few).

So if someone clicks on one of the seized domains now, they will not see a World Cup stream; they will see a law enforcement notice explaining that the site has been taken offline — “THIS SITE HAS BEEN SEIZED,” to be specific.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The operation also extends outside the U.S. The DOJ said law enforcement actions were coordinated through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Network of U.S. prosecutors, with servers and domains linked to illegal World Cup streams targeted in Peru and Bulgaria. Additional disruption efforts took place in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.

In the statement, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva added the DOJ seized the domains to disrupt international networks “that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup.” The department also framed the action as part of the United States’ responsibility as one of the tournament’s host nations, along with Canada and Mexico, to protect the event from illegal activity.

The DOJ’s argument was not only about copyright; officials also warned that illegal streaming sites can put viewers at "significant risk."

That warning is a big part of the government’s case against illegal sports streams. DOJ officials say unauthorized streaming sites can expose viewers to malware attacks and unsecured connections that may compromise personal or financial data. The risk is not just theoretical: a 2022 report from the U.K.-based anti-piracy group Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) found malicious content on all 50 illegal sports streaming sites it analyzed, including scam ads, banking trojans, and explicit pop-ups. Viewers also face deceptive ads, scams, and extensive tracking.

So while an illegal stream may look like a quick workaround when a match is hard to find, the malware is—apparently—not optional.

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Friday's crackdown also lands in the middle of a much larger sports piracy fight. Just days before the DOJ announced the World Cup domain seizures, ACE, UEFA, UC3, and Mexican authorities said they had disrupted 44 domains linked to PirloTV, a major illegal sports streaming network focused largely on live soccer. Those domains generated more than 950 million visits worldwide each year, including about 230 million visits from Mexico alone.

After the PirloTV-linked domains were disrupted, new domains quickly appeared again. It's basically a version of pirate-wack-a-mole.

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There is a reason watching illegal sports streams is so popular right now. Sports broadcasting rights are increasingly split across traditional broadcasters, streaming apps, cable packages, and geographic markets. For fans, especially during a global event like the World Cup, figuring out where to watch every match can be confusing and expensive. Some even say the quality is better on illegal sites.

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Rights holders, meanwhile, argue that piracy pulls viewers away from licensed broadcasts, advertisers, and platforms that paid a ton of money for the rights to show the games.

Risks around the tournament go beyond illegal streams. On May 27, the FBI had warned fans about fake FIFA websites created ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Those spoofed sites were designed to impersonate FIFA and could be used to sell fake tickets or hospitality packages, collect personal information, and facilitate financial scams. Taken together, the warnings show how quickly the online ecosystem around a major tournament has been risky,

For now, hundreds of those World Cup streaming domains are offline. But sports piracy has a long history of moving from one domain to the next, especially during events with massive global demand. The latest seizure is a major enforcement action, but it is probably not the final whistle.

Grand Theft Auto VI found itself mired in a little bit of controversy regarding platform sales over the weekend.

On Saturday, IGN shared data indicating that IGN readers were pre-ordering the PlayStation 5 version of GTA VI substantially more than the Xbox Series version, by a ratio of 8-to-1. IGN's social post made it explicitly clear that this data was based on IGN's own affiliate link data, meaning it is not representative of the gaming community as a whole. For what it's worth, Mashable's own affiliate data shows a similarly stark split between PS5 and Xbox pre-orders.

(Disclosure: IGN and Mashable have the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

SEE ALSO: 'GTA VI' Online release date: What we know so far This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Regardless, it became enough of a story that Microsoft felt the need to respond to it. A spokesperson told Windows Central that IGN's data should not be taken as a definitive account of what's happening with GTA VI pre-orders. By Monday morning, Microsoft's GTA VI pre-order rebuttal statement was a trending Google search term.

“This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders," Microsoft told Windows Central in a statement. "People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links."

There's a decent possibility that two things are true here. First, Microsoft is almost certainly seeing huge numbers of pre-orders for GTA VI because it is one of the most hyped video games in many, many years (if not in the history of gaming). Second, the PS5 version most likely is being pre-ordered more than the Xbox version (even if it's not by an 8-to-1 ratio) because the PS5 has been a significantly more successful console than the Xbox Series machines. Sony has confirmed more than 93 million lifetime unit sales for the PS5, and while Microsoft does not share official sales data anymore, recent estimates put the Xbox Series consoles in the neighborhood of 35 million units.

Sony and Rockstar have also entered into some kind of marketing partnership for the game, with the developer boasting that GTA VI "plays best" on PS5 earlier this month. It's safe to assume that millions of people will play the game on Xbox, as Microsoft suggested, but it's also safe to assume more people will play the title on PS5.

After years of anticipation and repeated delays, Rockstar Games officially opened Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders on June 25, ahead of a Nov. 19 release date.

Grand Theft Auto VI - PlayStation 5 (Code in Box) $79.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon Grand Theft Auto VI - Xbox Series X (Code in Box) $79.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

In The Bear Season 4, episode 1, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) reaffirms his quest for The Bear to get a Michelin star. After all, if the restaurant earns one, the recognition could bring in more customers and save The Bear from financial ruin.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 5 gives Carmy one hell of a career pivot

By the end of Season 4, The Bear has not heard whether they've earned the Michelin star. The lack of follow-through on this key plot point is just one of many ways in which Season 4 drops the ball on any kind of pacing and urgency, even though The Bear's crew are staring down a two-month doomsday clock reminding them of the restaurant's imminent closure. But every second counts, right?

Still, the Michelin star plotline wasn't entirely abandoned, because the show hints pretty hard that a Michelin inspector visited The Bear.

In Season 4, episode 3, after Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gives a dining party the surprise of a sandwich from the Chicago Beef, he briefly connects with another impressed customer (Gary Janetti).

"You have a bunch of mind readers in here," the customer says, going on to praise Sydney's (Ayo Edebiri) new scallop dish and The Bear's "excellent vibe."

Later, he catches sight of Richie's other big surprise: turning the outside of the Beef sandwich window into a winter wonderland so that a recently cancer-free diner traveling in from Los Angeles can experience a Chicago snow in person. It's clear the customer Richie spoke to is touched by the display, which is a good thing, because he's definitely the Michelin inspector.

First, the show's outsize focus on an unnamed diner hints pretty hard that he's someone important. Second, the show drops a major, Chicago-specific hint about his role.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 does Tina dirty

In Season 4, episode 2, The Bear's staff strategizes over how to spot a Michelin inspector. According to the former Ever staff and real-life Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia (playing himself), no one knows who the inspectors are, but there are signs. Sometimes they fiddle with their reservation at the last second, or bring a celebrity as a distraction.

"You do hear things, though," Madia says. "Like they use a weird last name. Like a street in the city they're visiting."

What name does the mystery diner's driver call him as she comes to pick him up from the restaurant? None other than Mr. Clark — and Clark is a major street in Chicago! Case closed, Janetti's customer is the Michelin inspector Carmy and his team were so dreading serving.

The good news is that the inspector appeared impressed with his experience at The Bear. He enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, plus he got to witness some of Richie's surprises. Maybe he'll dock points for Richie securing him an extra sandwich from the Beef, since Madia advised staff not to pamper the Michelin inspector more than they would a usual guest. But it seems like Richie truly didn't know and was just providing a nice service, so maybe the inspector will let it slide.

The bad news? The inspector's visit has no bearing on the rest of the season. Instead, a late visit by a Food & Wine critic ends up having more of an impact.

I'm sure Michelin will come back into play in a potential Season 5. However, to front-load the season with mentions of it only never to circle back is a massive failure of pacing, as well as a sign that The Bear is confused about its own priorities. At least we'll always have that Clark Street Easter egg.

Season 5 confirms Peter Clark was the Michelin inspector.

The Bear Season 5 tries to throw viewers off the scent of the mysterious Mr. Clark. They introduce a new guest, played by Peter Grosz, who fits all the telltale signs of being the Michelin inspector. He fiddles with his reservation last-minute, switching to a two-top. He brings a celebrity guest with him, legendary Chicago weatherman Tom Skilling, playing himself. The last name on his reservation, Dearborn, is also the name of a Chicago street.

However, this man is a total red herring. Janetti's mystery diner, whose full name turns out to be Peter Clark, returns in The Bear's series finale, when he calls Carmy to congratulate him on the Bear restaurant earning two Michelin stars. (Maybe the Clark Street tie-in was just a happy coincidence?)

Whoever Mr. Dearborn truly is, I hope he enjoyed his meal at the Bear and gave it a Michelin star in his heart, even if he couldn't in real life.

All seasons of The Bear are now streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Jun. 29, 2026, 11:09 a.m. EDT This article was first published June 26, 2025, with the release of The Bear Season 4, and has been updated to reflect the events of Season 5.