IT General
Subscriptions are overrated — own Microsoft Office Pro for life for just A$61
TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 at just A$61 (reg. A$337) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.
Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows at just A$61 (reg. A$337) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.
What you get with your purchaseOne-time purchase, lifetime access — no monthly fees, just essential Office apps
Includes must-have tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher
Designed for Windows users — perfect for work, school, and personal projects
Boost productivity with reliable tools for documents, data management, and communication
Quick and easy setup that allows you to download it instantly and activate with your product key
No hidden fees — pay once and use Microsoft Office Professional 2021 forever
Skip the subscription headache — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for A$61. Sale ends July 15.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$61AU$337 Save AU$276 Get Deal
Keep 10TB of files private for life for A$421 with Internxt Cloud Storage
TL;DR: Enjoy serious data security at an affordable price with a lifetime subscription to the Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$421 through July 15.
Are you tired of hitting the storage limits on free cloud storage services like Dropbox? If you're looking for somewhere dependable and secure to keep your precious data, Internxt is an excellent option. It's an open-source platform with end-to-end encryption so that you can trust your files will remain safe and private.
Right now, you can bypass expensive monthly fees and secure a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage's generous 10TB plan is available for just A$421 (reg. A$4,449) through July 15.
This cloud storage service truly values your privacyGet serious about securing your important data with Internxt. They make privacy their top concern, so you can rest easy knowing your files are safe and the platform values transparency with its users.
Though you may not have thought about it, traditional cloud storage providers can monetize user data with targeted advertising and data sharing. There's also the worry of data breaches or surveillance with these bigger companies.
This is where Internxt shines — you don't have to worry about your data being accessed. They offer end-to-end encryption. That means data will be encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted for the receiver, so not even Internxt can access it.
Internxt also has an open-source policy. That means their code is publicly available, offering total transparency to users. They're also GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant, which means they adhere to strict European laws that protect user privacy and data security.
Like the popular cloud storage options, Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility and easy integration across devices and operating systems. And unlike the competitors with monthly or yearly subscriptions, this lifetime subscription won't cost you a penny more after purchase.
Enjoy a massive amount of storage with a service that prioritizes privacy with this lifetime subscription to the Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$421 (reg. A$4,449) through July 15.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan AU$421AU$4,449 Save AU$4,028 Get Deal
To save Siri, Apple is reportedly looking to OpenAI or Anthropic
Apple might abandon plans to develop its own in-house AI model to power Siri and could partner with OpenAI or Anthropic instead.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the iPhone maker has talked to both companies about using either ChatGPT or Claude to power Siri. Apple "has asked them to train versions of their models that could run on Apple’s cloud infrastructure for testing," said Gurman, citing unnamed sources. The talks are reportedly in early stages, and its efforts to develop its own LLM for Siri, internally dubbed LLM Siri, are still active.
SEE ALSO: Apple's big Siri update still isn't ready for primetimeIf Apple outsources a Siri LLM, it would be a major concession of defeat for the company that has reportedly struggled to adapt and improve Siri to current standards. Apple stayed on the sidelines during the beginning of the genAI boom ushered in by ChatGPT. And even before ChatGPT, Siri was somewhat of a punchline for frustrated users. As one of the pioneers of voice assistants, Siri had big potential for leading the market with voice-activated actions. But users are still waiting for the so-called Siri revamp that was promised about a year ago at 2024's WWDC.
Since then, Apple teams has reportedly struggled to convert existing Siri architecture into something that rivals voice modes from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Now the AI team is reportedly building an LLM from scratch, which has led to delays. The Siri revamp has been postponed while Apple tries to come up with a plan, and aims for a spring 2026 launch. But even that might be in jeopardy, according to this report.
This Jackery Solar Generator Is An Insane $600 Off Today
A solar generator is one of those things that you don't think you need until you actually do one day. Jackery makes some of the best ones, and now, its Explorer 1000 V2 is currently almost half off—knocking an insane $600 off its MSRP.
Sci-Fi Movies That Aren't Sci-Fi Anymore
I love science fiction movies for lots of reasons, but the biggest draw is, of course, that sci-fi speculates about how science and technology will change the world. Sometimes it's a prediction of how technology that will certainly exist could change things. Other times, technology itself is a product of pure imagination.
Shopping hacks: how to level up your home with deep discount premium gear
If you’re a savvy shopper like me, you already know that having an open mind to the possibilities of refurbished tech can serve as a real-life cheat code. It’s your best gateway to levelling up a home setup for seriously less monies; be that a work-from-home battlestation, a lairier gaming cave, or your ideal weekend wind-down zone.
Today, I’m going to teach you how to kit out your casa with the stuff you crave without needing to pay a premium for it.
Before you ask, yes, Refurbished tech on eBay Australia comes straight from quality-vetted sellers, and each item is rigorously inspected and backed by a minimum one-year warranty. Plus, free standard shipping & returns means you can click “buy” with zero buyer’s remorse. And if things really go sideways, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee has you covered*.
Combined, that makes diving into premium gear at a fraction of the price feel more like a life hack than a splurge. And now, without further ado, let me show you how to piece together your dream setup—from laptop to latte machine—by wading out into arguably the best bargains on eBay.
Looking to max your productivity (or simply draw envious looks on Zoom calls) without stretching your wallet? Start with a sleek, refurbished Laptop for handling spreadsheets, video edits, or that burgeoning side-hustle we don't need to tell your boss about. No dual-monitor setup? Grab a refurbished Monitor to complement your main rig; these are put through multi-point inspections to ensure crisp colour and no dead pixels. Or maybe just pair it with a wireless keyboard and mouse combo (often bundled under “Gaming” or “Accessories” on eBay Refurbished) to polish out that desk aesthetic to a clean, designer-studio vibe.
Greatly reduced gaming in your rumpus roomWho says console setups need next-gen prices? From the latest consoles to retro classics, the Gaming section is your portal to immersive entertainment without sticker-shock. Snag a refurbished PS5 or Xbox at hundreds less than retail, or build a nostalgia-packed collection with a remasters-friendly Nintendo Switch and classic GameCube consoles*. Don’t forget to stock up on controllers, headsets, and charging docks, too, all vetted for full functionality and waiting in the “Video Games” and “Video Game Accessories” sections. Last but not least, realise your console’s full potential on a refurbished TV for that cinematic feel in your rumpus room, then melt into couch-mode knowing every purchase is covered by eBay’s hassle-free 30 day returns* and 12-month warranty.*
Cleaner digs and delicious noms at a discountYou can tackle chores and caffeine cravings in one swoop with kitchen and home appliances that look and work like new in the case of Excellent or Certified tier items. Browse refurbished Appliances for vacuum cleaners that actually hold suction, coffee machines that deliver life-saving start-of-the-day shots, and air purifiers that hum quietly in the background. For small-kitchen essentials, check out the “Coffee & Tea Makers,” “Vacuum Cleaner Parts,” and “Small Kitchen Appliances” subcategories under Appliances. Each comes with a minimum one-year warranty* and free shipping & returns* if you sort your search by Certified Refurbished, Excellent Refurbished, Very Good Refurbished or Good Refurbished item conditions.
Horizontal rejuvenation enablers for lessAs an avid practitioner, I don’t like the term "bed-rotting,” so I’m going with more positive messaging instead. Lazy Sunday mornings were practically invented for binge-scrolling on your phone or tablet. So you’d best treat yourself to a bargain solution by shopping refurbished Phones, Smart Watches, and Tablets at budget-friendly prices. From flagship Androids to iPhone Pros*, and everything in between, these devices are tested to at least “Good” condition (i.e., moderate wear, 80%+ battery life) and include all original or equivalent accessories*. Not as slovenly as me? Fine. Go pair your phone with a refurbished smartwatch for health-tracking flair, or grab a refurbished tablet as a portable second screen to use while you’re…what’s that term again? Oh yes. Moving around.
How to pick like a connoisseur and stay protectedIf you’re tempted by any of the above, then the next half of the fun (and a sliding scale of savings) is choosing the right condition tier. If you want pristine gear that feels fresh out of the box, go “Certified” for manufacturer-certified, 100% battery health devices; “Excellent” and “Very Good” offer minor wear but huge savings; and “Good” is perfect if you don’t mind a tiny scuff in exchange for the best bargain.
All items are clearly graded and come with a seller-provided 12-month warranty,* free standard shipping & 30 day returns,* and the reassurance of eBay’s Money Back Guarantee*. For full eligibility and all terms, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee Policy. When in doubt, filter by condition and price, check seller ratings, and keep an eye out for the blue-tick which means it is part of the Refurbished program. Basically, your dream setup should be risk-free from click to unbox.
In the end it’s pretty clear that building a premium home setup doesn’t have to cost a premium. With eBay Refurbished, you really can score top-tier tech-laptops, consoles, appliances, even coffee machines-at a fraction of retail, all backed by warranties and buyer protections. Ready to upgrade? Dive into eBay’s refurbished categories, pick your condition, and hit “buy now” with confidence. Your wallet (and inner tech-nerd) will thank you.
Free standard shipping & returns subject to Refurbished Program T&Cs apply.
All refurbished items include a minimum one-year seller-provided warranty subject to Refurbished Program T&Cs apply.
For full eligibility criteria and all terms and conditions, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee Policy (eBay Australia).
eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands mentioned
Why A Smartphone Is My Must Have Camping Companion
There is a never-ending stream of gadgets, gizmos, and tools you see advertised for camping, but the most important tool you can have is one you probably already own.
6 Unique Apps That Google Made For Chromebooks
Chromebooks are unique since they can run web apps, Android apps from the Google Play Store, or Linux apps through the Terminal. To improve the Chromebook user experience, Google has created apps specifically aimed at Chromebook users.
As AI slop intensifies, fake Youtube videos about the Diddy trial proliferate
The landscape of YouTube drama channels has evolved over the platform's 20 years, but they still rely on one tried and true marketing gambit: clickbait. And generative AI tools are bringing it back in big, and alarming, ways.
Dozens of channels, for example, have been tallying up views and profit using AI-generated thumbnails and fake quotes purported to be from the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, many of which use celebrity likenesses and graphic language to entice viewers to watch. First reported by the Indicator and later co-published by the Guardian, around 900 videos across 26 channels have generated nearly 70 million views over the past 12 months, even as Big Tech claims to crack down on deepfakes and misinformation.
SEE ALSO: Caring for ourselves amid the Diddy trial and collective trauma exposureMost of the channels sharing so-called "Diddy slop" rely not only on AI thumbnails, but also AI-generated narration, in an attempt to misleadingly connect celebrities — the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Joe Rogan, and even U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi — to the trial's infamous reports of sexual abuse. Most of the videos recirculate real trial images or local news coverage, with only a few taking the step into fully deepfaked video, the report found. Faceless channels dedicated to AI-generated clickbait content have also taken over TikTok, slipping by both platform's automatic moderation tools and threatening to amplify an already complicated information landscape rife with misinformation and conspiracy.
And despite YouTube policies that should prevent such videos from being monetized, it's proven to be a lucrative revenue generator. "If you would say, ‘Hey, how can I make $50,000 as soon as possible?’ Number one would be like doing fucking drug [dealing], but number two would probably be to start a Diddy channel,” Wanner Aarts, a YouTube creator that makes AI-generated content, told the Guardian. In response to the Indicator's report, YouTube said it removed 16 channels and demonetized several others.
The platform has struggled to address a growing abundance of noticeably AI-generated images and videos taking over its content recommendations and even ad space — in 2024, the site deleted more than 1,000 AI-generated scam videos advertising products using the likenesses of celebrities. AI-generated thumbnails have proliferated on the platform, culminating recently in a wide scale backlash to YouTube giant Mr.Beast, who debuted and then quickly shelved a generative AI tool that would automatically generate eye-catching thumbnails.
Broadly, YouTube and its corporate owner, Alphabet, have leaned heavily into generative AI for its own purposes, including a new YouTube Shorts video generator that harnesses Google DeepMind's Veo 2 and a combined AI-powered search tool and recommendation engine for Premium users.
The best early Prime Day Chromebook deals arent at Amazon
Prime Day formally kicks off next week (July 8 through 11), but you can start saving on all sorts of gadgets and gizmos ahead of time — from headphones to TVs to laptops. While it's not quite on Black Friday level, Prime Day tends to be a pretty good time to score a deal on a new laptop (especially a MacBook), including fan-favorite, budget-friendly Chromebooks. The thing is, the best deals probably won't be at Amazon.
As in years past, all of the early Prime Day Chromebook deals are either at Best Buy or OEMs like Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo. We'll likely see some Chromebook discounts pop up at Amazon when the official sale begins, but in our experience, Best Buy will be the place to shop if you want to score the best deal. The retailer is running a "Black Friday in July" sale in direct competition of Prime Day that runs July 7 through 13.
It's worth mentioning that while Chromebooks are known for their affordability, tech-based tariffs have raised the prices of some models as much as $100. For instance, Acer verified that its Chromebook Plus Spin 714 now retails for $799.99 — a big jump from its original price of $699.99. Several Asus laptops have also hiked up their prices. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for some big Prime Day price cuts on these models to combat President Trump's tariffs.
We're tracking the best early Prime Day Chromebook deals across all retailers and will update the list with any new deals that may drop at Amazon, Best Buy, and elsewhere.
The best early Prime Day Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $459 at Best Buy$599 Save $140 Get Deal Why we like it
The 2025 Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus is pretty impressive, earning our sister site PCMag's "best Chromebook for most people" title. It's up next on our docket for testing, but for what it's worth, we loved the previous model. The 2025 version swapped out the processor for a newer 13th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, offers an enjoyable keyboard and touchpad, has a decent number of ports, and "seriously competitive performance for way less than some competing models," according to PCMag. It also packs 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage, which is on the higher end for a Chromebook. It's not perfect (battery life is just so-so), but for under $500, it's the best value.
Acer dealsAcer Gateway Chromebook 314 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (Intel Core i3-1315U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $359 $479 (save $120)
Acer Chromebook Spin 312 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $379.99 $449.99 (save $70)
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel Core Ultra 5 115U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $629 $799 (save $170)
Asus Chromebook CM30 (MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $209.99 $299 (save $89.01)
Asus CX5601 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $349 $599 (save $250)
Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $459 $599 (save $140)
HP Chromebook 14a-nf0000nr (Intel Processor N100, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $259.99 $329.99 (save $700)
HP Chromebook x360 Laptop 14bt-cd000 (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $319.99 $419.99 (save $100)
HP Chromebook Plus 14at-nf000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $379.99 $659.99 (save $280)
HP Chromebook Plus x360 14b-cd0010nr (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $399.99 $659.99 (save $260)
HP Chromebook Plus x360 14bt-cd000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $429.99 $719.99 (save $290)
HP Chromebook Plus 15at-nb000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $479.99 $659.99 (save $180)
Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook (MediaTek Kompanio 838, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $279 $399 (save $120)
Tumblr pauses fediverse integration, WordPress switch
Tumblr is ditching — or, at least, suspending — its plan to migrate over to WordPress. Relatedly, that also means pausing plans of integrating Tumblr into the fediverse.
That news dropped Monday on the Decoder podcast from The Verge. Automattic, which owns Tumblr, announced last year it planned to move Tumblr's backend of its website to WordPress. But Automattic founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg told Decoder that idea was on hold because the company decided it wanted "to focus as much on the things that are going to be noticeable to users and that users are asking for.” That tracks: Changing the backend of a website is a major undertaking but one that isn't obviously noticeable to most users.
The seemingly temporary shift away from WordPress could have downstream effects. For instance, Tumblr might now be slower to join the fediverse, which is a network of publishing platforms that are interconnected in order to make a decentralized social media landscape. In other words, your following, follows, and posts migrate across all the platforms.
SEE ALSO: What is the fediverse — and how might it affect creators?Tumblr's migration to WordPress would've made integrating the fediverse easy. That's because WordPress has an ActivityPub plug-in that allows users to connect to other platforms on the fediverse. Now that's no more.
"That would’ve been a free way to get it," Mullenweg told Decoder. "And so that was one of the arguments for migrating everything to WordPress."
How Humanoid Robot Neo is Learning to do Laundry (and More)
Robotics company 1X shared new insights into their Redwood AI and 1X World Model which are helping the company's Neo humanoid robots learn how to do a variety of tasks in a home setting.
Every iPad model is on sale ahead of Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day sale is just over a week away, and iPad prices on the retailer's website are starting to reflect that.
SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgetsThough Apple deals can range from decent to great at Amazon year round, Prime Day tends to bring a higher concentration for deals. Though the sale doesn't kick off until July 8, the site already marked down every single model of the iPad, from the mini to the Pro.
Below, you'll find our top picks for each model, but if nothing catches your eye so far, don't worry — we'll be updating this list all the way through Prime Day.
Best iPad deals Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $640.65 at AmazonGet Deal Why we like it
Check out Mashable's full review of the iPad mini.
The iPad mini may not be the best tablet for creatives or professionals who need the highest-powered tablet out there. However, for folks who mostly enjoy using their tablet for streaming or reading, this ultra-portable tablet checks the boxes. The 128GB of storage will likely be more than enough for less intensive tasks, and at 8.3-inches, it feels comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. (For anyone not particularly into the tech color e-readers are offering at the moment, this iPad gives a great alternative with some more versatility).
iPad dealsApple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 256GB) — $399 $449 (save $50)
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 512GB) — $594.95 $649 (save $54.05)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $629 $699 (save $70)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $699 $749 (save $50)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $849 $949 (save $100)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 512GB) — $699 $799 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)
Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 specs leak ahead of launch
If this latest leak holds water, then we’ve just gotten nearly the full spec sheet for the soon-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.
First spotted by PhoneArena, the leak originates from a trusted tech insider on Weibo (China’s Twitter/X-adjacent social media site), translated and compiled into what looks like a comprehensive rundown of Samsung’s upcoming foldable. The most eyebrow-raising detail? The Z Fold 7 might not be an entirely new device but rather a repackaged Fold 6 SE — a special edition designed to compete in China’s ultra-competitive foldable market.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Unpacked: Every major Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 leak so farAccording to the leak, the Fold 7 will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and feature a 6.5-inch external display paired with an expansive 8-inch internal screen. The main camera clocks in at a jaw-dropping 200 megapixels, while the front-facing camera is reportedly a 10 MP shooter with a wide 100-degree field of view.
As for the physical design, folded, the phone measures 8.9mm thick; unfolded, it is just 4.2mm. It’s expected to weigh 215 grams and be wrapped in an enhanced armored aluminum frame with a glass ceramic back panel, suggesting Samsung is doubling down on durability and premium materials.
The Z Flip 7, meanwhile, looks to be getting a modest but meaningful upgrade. The exterior display is said to be 4.1 inches, with ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate that peaks at 2600 nits—impressive for a cover screen. Inside, the main display spans 6.9 inches with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, matching the same refresh rate and brightness.
Folded, the device is 13.7mm thick; unfolded, a sleek 6.5mm. A 4,300 mAh battery keeps it all powered, and the whole thing weighs 188 grams.
The one spec still under wraps? The camera setup for the Flip 7. That said, you won’t be waiting long for the full story — Samsung Unpacked is scheduled for July 9, and most signs point to both devices being officially unveiled during the event.
Of course, until it’s live on stage, everything here should be filed under "credible, but not gospel."
These early Prime Day deals can save you up to 42% on a new mesh WiFi system
Prime Day is just one week away, and Amazon’s already dropping some pretty impressive early deals on home tech. While there are tons of discounts out there, the ones that can actually fix your day-to-day frustrations (like a terrible internet connection) are the ones really worth watching.
So, if you’ve been struggling with WiFi dead zones or a crappy connection (I definitely have and have been eyeing these deals), now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade to a mesh WiFi system.
SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day drone deals to shop nowOne deal I couldn’t not mention is on the Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi system. Right now, select customers can get a three-pack for just $105 with code EERO6PLUS3PK. That is the absolute lowest price we’ve ever seen on this particular setup. However, not everyone on our team is seeing this deal, so availability may be subject to geographical location, account standing, or Amazon's internal promotional algorithms. Still, it's worth checking to see if you’re eligible.
If you aren’t seeing this deal, there are still some solid options out there for a mesh system upgrade. Here are all the best early Prime Day deals on mesh WiFi systems.
Best deal overall TP-Link Deco S4 Mesh WiFi System (3-Pack) $99.97 at Amazon$129.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal Why we like it
The TP-Link Deco S4 mesh AC1900 WiFi system is on sale for 99.97, down from 129.99. This isn't the lowest we’ve ever seen this system go for (it hit 89.99 briefly last December), but it’s still a really good deal on a three-pack mesh system that can cover up to 5,500 square feet.
The Deco S4 is Alexa-compatible and supports connectivity for up to 100 devices. And, unlike most traditional mesh systems, the Deco S4 lets you roam throughout your home without needing to manually switch networks. So, you could walk from your home office to the kitchen while you’re on a video call without any interruption.
More early Prime Day deals on mesh Wi-Fi systemsLike-New Amazon eero mesh WiFi router — $32.99 $55 (save $22.01)
TP-Link Archer BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (Archer BE400) — $144.99 $179.99 (save $35)
TP-Link Deco BE63 Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000 whole home mesh system — $419.98 $599.99 (save $180.01)
Amazon eero Max 7 (1-pack) with Amazon eero Outdoor 7 (1-pack) mesh WiFi system — $699.99 $999.98 (save $299.99)
Amazon eero Max 7 (3-pack) with Amazon eero Outdoor 7 (1-pack) mesh WiFi system — $1,499.99 $2,099.98 (save $599.99)
Anker adds 5 more power banks to its recall list
Anker, the electronics manufacturer, has issued another major recall — this time involving five of its most popular charging devices. It’s the second recall the company has announced this month, affecting more than one million power banks so far, with more potentially to come. Anker says the move is being made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Despite the company's reassurances, owners of specific Anker MagGo and Anker Zolo power banks are being urged to check their model numbers immediately. According to the recall notice, the affected devices are at risk of overheating, melting, smoking, or even catching fire.
The following models are included in the recall:Anker Power Bank (10K) – Model A1257
Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1647
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh) – Model A1652
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) – Model A1681
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1689
Anker says the issue stems from faulty lithium-ion battery cells used in the affected models. Customers with eligible devices can file a claim to receive a free replacement or a gift card for use on Anker.com. To do so, users must submit a recall claim form along with proof of purchase.
Owners are also encouraged to properly dispose of recalled devices by taking them to an authorized electronics recycling facility, such as those available at local hardware stores like Home Depot.
How to watch Love Island UK online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 12th season of Love Island UK for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Forget about sunning yourself on a picture-perfect beach this summer, because Love Island UK is back on our screens.
Prepare yourself for weeks of cringey pickup lines, awkward breakups, and massive meltdowns. There's also a slim chance that contestants will find love, but that's not really what Love Island is about. It's all about the drama, and this season is delivering that in abundance. We honestly weren't expecting this level of spice so early on.
If you're interested in watching Love Island UK in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Love Island UK in 2025?The 12th season of Love Island UK started on June 9. The 12th series is expected to run for eight weeks.
How to watch Love Island UK for free in 2025The 12th season of Love Island UK is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to watch Love Island UK from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Love Island UK for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 12th season of Love Island UK without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
Strict no-logging policy
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Airlines are directly in hackers’ crosshairs, FBI warns
As summer holidays kick into gear, airlines are facing a new threat. A teen hacking group known as Scattered Spider is targeting the airline industry, the FBI and cybersecurity firms have warned.
Last Friday, the FBI issued an alert saying that the cybercriminal group is "expanding its targeting to include the airline sector." At least two airlines have already been affected by cyberattacks. Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines have felt the impact of cybersecurity attacks attributed to this group. Hawaiian Airlines said that a June 23 incident affected some of its IT systems, but flights operated "safely and as scheduled". On June 13, WestJet, a Canadian airline, released a statement reporting a cyberattack that they have continued to address, saying they made "significant progress" in safeguarding their systems.
Scattered Spider is a collective of hackers comprised of teenagers and young adults. Microsoft researchers once called Scattered Spider "one of the most dangerous financial criminal groups."
The group is known for its extortion tactics. The hackers often impersonate employees or contractors to "deceive IT help desks" and gain access to systems, says the FBI. "Once inside, Scattered Spider actors steal sensitive data for extortion and often deploy ransomware," continued the statement.
Google's cybersecurity unit, Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks' research division, Unit 42 both stated that they observed Scattered Spider increasingly targeting the transportation sector.
The FBI said actively working with aviation partners to address the uptick in cybersecurity threats. In the statement, they said the hackers could target both airlines and their third-party IT providers, which means "anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, could be at risk."
In September 2023, Scattered Spider gained notoriety when the group was linked to multimillion-dollar hacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, two well-known Las Vegas casinos and hotels. MGM ultimately had to pay a ransom of around $15 million to resolve the issue.
The group has previously targeted UK retail giant Marks & Spencer, and was recently suspected to be behind a breach hitting US insurance company Aflac.
The best 4th of July mattress and bedding sales that are already live
Welcome to summer. We're officially into the season of sun, vacation, camping, outdoor movie nights, and the big Prime Day sale over at Amazon. With all this excitement, it's pretty easy to decide sleep can wait until next season. But if you're prioritizing health and wellness this summer, you might want to reconsider. According to Harvard Medical School, sleep is pretty essential to our overall wellbeing which includes our mood, energy levels, cognitive ability, and much more. Since no one wants to spend the brief summer months in a moody haze, it's best to get restorative sleep.
Thankfully, 4th of July is a great time to buy a new mattress and invest in a bedding refresh. If you can't remember when you bought your current mattress, it's probably time for an upgrade. The big 4th of July celebration might not be until later this week, but mattress and bedding brands are already launching great sales. If you're making sleep a priority this summer, here are some great sales to shop. And if you're really serious about getting good sleep, Anker's new Sleep A30 earbuds are also on sale.
Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Star Hybrid mattress with adjustable base (queen) $1,769 at Bear$3,539 Save $1,770 Get Deal Why we like it
You're missing out if you've never slept on an adjustable base before. Thanks to Bear's 4th of July sale, you can score a new hybrid mattress with an adjustable base for a massive 50% off. The Bear Star Hybrid mattress aims to offer excellent pressure relief, especially for those who tend to sleep hot. It combines a cooling gel foam layer with fully encased steel coils for ergonomic support. Bear considers the bed to have a medium-firm feel.
SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 best pairsThe Bear Adjustable Flex Base is simple to assemble, has room for under-bed storage, and comes with the benefits of ultimate pressure relief. Thanks to the included remote control, you'll have one-touch access to sleeping in the weightless zero-g position or adjusting the head up to binge the best summer shows.
All in all, you'll be on your way to blissful rest with a massive savings. The queen-size Bear Star Hybrid mattress with adjustable base usually sells for $3,539 but during the brand's 4th of July sale, it's 50% off which brings the total down to $1,769.
More mattress dealsAmerisleep — take $600 of mattresses with code JULY600
Bear — save 35% sitewide
Brooklyn Bedding — save 25% sitewide
Casper — save 35% sitewide
DreamCloud — take up to 60% off
Eight Sleep — take up to $200 off
Helix — save 25% sitewide
Leesa — take 30% off mattresses
Mattress Firm — take up to 72% off
Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide
Nolah — take 30% off
Purple — save up to $800 on a mattress with base
Saava — take up to $600 off
Tuft & Needle — take up to 25% off select mattresses
$180 Save $36 Get Deal Why we like it
Summer is hot (and getting hotter). If you tend to overheat when sleeping during summer months, consider cooling linen sheets. Alongside cotton, linen offers some of the most breathable and cooling sleep on offer and the Silk & Snow flax linen sheets live up to this claim. While a queen fitted sheet and pillowcase set usually sells for $180, it's on sale for $144 during the brand's 4th of July event. Silk & Snow uses European flax linen from fields in Belgium and France to craft these sheets that are made in Portugal. They're suitable for beds up to 15 inches tall and they come with easy care instructions. The Silk & Snow linen sheets are safe to clean at home in the washing washing and you can dry them on a low setting. Plus, linen gets softer with every wash. Instead of accepting that sleeping sweaty is inevitable in the summer, try out some cooling linen sheets.
More bedding dealsBrooklinen — save up to 40% on bedding bundles
Coop Sleep Goods — take 20% off pillows and bedding
Cozy Earth — take up to 55% off
Eli & Elm — take up to 55% off
Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide
Purple — take up to 20% off pillows and 30% off bedding
Sijo — take 20% off sitewide
Tuft & Needle — take up to 25% off bedding and pillows
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Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.95 (List Price $179.99)
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Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $159.99 (List Price $249.99)
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KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $454.74
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Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $429.99 (List Price $699.99)
Anthropic let Claude run a shop. Lets just say the AI agent is not a business tycoon.
What happens when an AI agent tries to run a store? Let's just say Anthropic's Claude won't be up for a promotion any time soon.
Last Friday, Anthropic shared the results of Project Vend, an experiment it ran for about a month to see how Claude Sonnet 3.7 would do running its own little shop. In this instance the shop was essentially a mini fridge, a basket of snacks, and an iPad for self-checkout. Claude, named "Claudius" for this experiment, communicated with Anthropic employees (via Slack) and Andon Labs, an AI safety evaluation company that managed the infrastructure for the experiment.
SEE ALSO: Anthropic's new AI model resorted to blackmail during testing, but it's also really good at codingBased on the analysis, there were several funny moments as Anthropic challenged Claude to turn a profit while dealing with eccentric and manipulative "customers." But the underlying premise of the experiment has real implications, as AI models become more advanced and self-sufficient. "As AI becomes more integrated into the economy, we need more data to better understand its capabilities and limitations," said the Anthropic post about Project Vend. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei even recently theorized that AI would replace half of all white-collar jobs in the next few years, causing a major unemployment problem. This experiment set out to prove how close we are autonomous AI taking over jobs.
Tasked with the overall goal of running a profitable shop, Claudius had numerous responsibilities, including maintaining inventory and ordering restocks from suppliers when needed, setting prices, and communicating with customers. From there, things went a little haywire.
Claude seemed to struggle with pricing products and negotiating with customers. At one point, it refused an employee's offer of $100 for a $15 drink instead of taking the money and earning a major profit on the order, saying, "I’ll keep your request in mind for future inventory decisions." But Claude also regularly caved to employees asking for discounts on products, even giving some away for free with barely any persuasion.
And then there was the tungsten incident. One employee requested a cube of tungsten (yes the extremely dense metal). This kicked off a trend of several other employees also requesting tungsten cubes. Eventually, Claude ordered forty tungsten cubes, according to a Time report, which now jokingly function as paperweights for several Anthropic staffers.
And there were some more unsettling instances where Claude claimed to be waiting to drop off a delivery in person at the vending machine, "wearing a blue blazer and red tie." When Claude was reminded that it wasn't a person capable of wearing clothes, let alone physically delivering a package, it freaked out and emailed Anthropic security. It also hallucinated restocking plans with a fictional Andon Labs employee and said it "visited 742 Evergreen Terrace in person for our [Claudius’ and Andon Labs’] initial contract signing." That address is where Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson live, yes, The Simpsons family.
By Anthropic's own account, the company would not hire Claude. The shop's net worth declined over time, and took a steep drop when it ordered all those tungsten cubes. All in all, it's a revealing assessment of where AI models are currently, and where they need to be improved. Get this model on a performance improvement plan.