IT General

Elon Musk is banning hashtags from ads on X

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 17:22

Starting on Friday, X will no longer allow hashtags in advertisements on the platform.

Elon Musk announced the change on his account, calling hashtags an "esthetic nightmare."

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This is just the latest move in Musk's rebranding of X since he acquired the platform in 2022. It's unclear how much this will actually affect advertisers on the platform. For many, hashtags likely helped in increasing engagement and attracting more viewers. Some users, however, say that hashtags provide little benefit to advertisers.

Musk has voiced alarmingly strong views on hashtags in the past. Back in December, the billionaire and ex-White House "special employee" called hashtags "ugly" and asked people to stop using them.

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But while X won't allow hashtags for ads anymore, regular posts can still use them. For now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nickelodeon announced Tiny Chef was cancelled. The internet cant handle it.

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 17:05

On Wednesday, Nickelodeon's Tiny Chef got a call — his cooking show had been cancelled. The adorable chef delivered the news in a heartbreaking video clip that has now gone viral. "But we won an Emmy!" Tiny Chef cries. The internet is now crying with him.

The Tiny Chef Show, a blend of stop-motion and live-action, premiered on Nickelodeon in 2022. In each episode, the little chef created tiny dishes, from nachos to granola bars to apple pie, in his woodland home.

The titular tiny chef was assisted by a cast of colorful characters, including Olly, his robot best friend, Henry the snail, and Ruby, Tiny Chef's pet caterpillar. Each episode was voiced by a celebrity announcer; famously, RuPaul played this part throughout the first season. Cameos were made by Alan Cumming, Kristen Bell, Rebel Wilson, and Mayim Bialik.

Over the three years it aired, the show reached cult status, receiving critical acclaim and winning two Children's and Family Emmy Awards. Just earlier this year, the show won "Outstanding Preschool Animated Series", as Tiny Chef declares in his announcement.

The heartbreaking cancellation video has people up in arms. Fans are taking to X and TikTok to post in support of the beloved Tiny Chef – and blaming Nickelodeon for axing the show. "Nickelodeon! Who is this guy and why'd you make him cry?" a creator posted on TikTok. The hashtag #savetinychef has dozens of posts, with users rallying behind the viral character.

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Now, the show's creators are crowdfunding for help from fans to keep going. "Tiny chefs cooking show has officially been cancelled (very unexpected) and without the support of a major network we need crowd funding to keep cookin’ over here." Fans can make a one-time donation via Venmo or Paypal, or join the Tiny Chef fanclub to show more support.

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"We want nothing more than to continue sharing Cheffy’s journey with you all," wrote the creators on Instagram. "Thank you Cheffers."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our vacuum expert picked this as one of the best early Prime Day deals — the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum is $100 off

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:53

SAVE $100: Amazon Prime members can get the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop for $329.99, down from the standard price of $429.99. That's a 23% discount and a record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop $329.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $100 Prime member exclusive price Get Deal

We have to wait until July 8 for Prime Day deals to officially start, but Amazon likes to drop some special treats before the sale, especially for Prime members. If you plan to shop for a robot vacuum and mop combo during this year's four-day event, consider snagging this early deal instead of waiting.

As of June 26, the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $329.99 with a Prime membership, marked down from the usual price of $399.99. That works out to a savings of $100 or a 23% discount. That's a record-low price for this model.

If you're not yet a Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial today that'll last through the Prime Day sale event, giving you access to all deals between July 8 and 11. If you fall between the ages of 18 and 24, you're in for a free 6-month trial of Amazon Prime.

Mashable vacuum expert and Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart considers the Roborock Q7 M5+ to be a nice budget-friendly robot vacuum that's on sale before Prime Day. Notably, it comes with 10,000 Pa suction which is Stodart's minimum recommendation if your robot will be dealing with pet hair. She also notes that level of suction power coming from a budget-friendly model is uncommon, making this deal even more attractive. "That matches the power of my favorite robot vacuum from 2024, the Roborock Qrevo Master," Stodart said.

SEE ALSO: Score the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum for its best-ever price before Prime Day

The Roborock Q7 M5+ can also serve as a mop with a convenient self-empty feature, and you can select from three water levels with the mopping function. Keep in mind this model doesn't wash or dry the mopping pads, so you'll need to do that manually.

From the app, you'll be able to set cleaning schedules, create no-go zones in your home, and adjust the cleaning intensity. This model also allows you to save some money when it comes to recharging. Choose an off-peak time for the robot to refuel instead of paying top dollar.

If you're no longer interested in cleaning the floors manually, the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop is ready to take over. While it's on sale for a record-low price of $329.99, snag this model that comes with impressive suction power for the price. Shopping today means you'll be able to focus on other deals once the main Prime Day event starts.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Prime Day deals are trickling in on tablets — shop Apple, Lenovo, and more

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:42

SAVE $65: As of June 23, early Prime Day deals on tablets are trickling in. Catch the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet for just $54.99, saving you $65 for 54% off. But that's not the only tablet deal ahead of Prime Day.

Best early Prime Day tablet deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad (A16 chip, 128 GB, WiFi) $321 (Save $28) Get Deal Best Android tablet deal Lenovo Tab M9 (32GB) $94.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64 GB) $179.99 (Save $40) Get Deal

Amazon is coming in hot this year with the longest Prime Day run ever. What was once a simple one day event will now span four days from July 8 to 11. Once the first day of the sale kicks off, the deals will pour in, but leading up to the event, it's more of a trickle of sales.

That's certainly the case with tablet deals right now. While there are is a pocketful of good deals right now, we're still holding out for more. Apple deals are especially lacking so if you're looking for an iPad, we say hold out.

But if you want to get a head start on Prime Day deals, here are all the best tablet savings to shop now.

Best early Prime Day tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16 chip, 128 GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in need of a new tablet for your summer adventures, the latest basic iPad just dropped in price. It's down to $299 from its usual $349, saving you $50 for 14% off. Apple's base tablet features the A16 chip and upgraded starting storage, now 128 GB. It's the most budget-friendly iPad that still provides plenty of power for streaming or working on the go.

Grab the Apple iPad with A16 chip and 128 GB storage for $299 ahead of Prime Day.

More early Prime Day dealsApple iPad dealsAndroid tablet dealsAmazon Fire tablet deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy deals are heating up as Prime Day nears

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:34
The best early Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals at a glance: BEST GALAXY BUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal BEST GALAXY PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy S25+ (unlocked, 256GB) $799.99 (save $200) Get Deal BEST GALAXY TAB DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (128GB, WiFi) $469.79 (save $330.20) Get Deal BEST GALAXY WATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $184.25 (save $115.74) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner. It officially kicks off July 8, but there are plenty of deals already live weeks ahead of the annual shopping event — especially on Samsung Galaxy products.

This comes as no surprise, as Samsung is one of the brands we typically see major discounts on during big shopping events. Just like last year, the Galaxy Unpacked summer event aligns with Prime Day, making the perfect recipe for heavily discounted Samsung Galaxy products. We're crossing our fingers for a big price drop on the beloved Galaxy Ring, which is rare to see, as well as the Galaxy Tab S10 and Book 5 lineups.

So far, Galaxy S25 flagship phones are running the show, but we'll be tracking the best Galaxy deals across the board before, during, and after Prime Day. We'll update this list with the latest deals as they drop, so stay tuned.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best Galaxy Buds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it

The Buds 3 Pro are Samsung's smartest buds yet, leaning heavily into AI. Their adaptive noise cancellation can filter out distractions when it's time to focus or let in ambient sounds and voices when you need to stay in touch with your surroundings, while their adaptive equalizer can auto-adjust your audio in real time based on your fit. The real game-changer, though, is an interpreter feature that can give you real-time translations of foreign languages in Listening Mode, whether during a phone call, TV show, or IRL. Oh, and they of course sound great as well. PCMag's (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewer praised the "nuanced sound quality with exceptional clarity." Ahead of Prime Day, they're already down to just $189.99 from $249.99. That's only $5 away from their best price ever.

More Galaxy Buds dealsBest Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S25+ (Unlocked, 256GB) 🔥 $799.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

No need to wait until Prime Day — the Galaxy S25+ is already down to its best price ever at $799.99 (for the 256GB model). Mashable's Chance Townsend calls the S25+ the "sweet spot for battery life and versatility" amongst the S25 lineup. It's not quite as powerful as the S25 Ultra, but it also won't put quite as big of a dent in your wallet. You'll still get the impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, plus a slightly larger and nicer display than the basic S25 (6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with new "ProScaler" technology), and a bigger 4,900mAh battery. If you need more storage, the 512GB model is also on sale for its lowest price ever at $919.99.

More Galaxy phone dealsBest Galaxy Tab deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (128GB, WiFi) $469.79 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $330.20 Get Deal Why we like it

Although it's no longer the latest nor greatest tablet in Samsung's lineup, the Galaxy Tab S9 is still an impressive purchase. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a dynamic AMOLED 2X 11-inch display, and an IP68 water- and dust-proof rating (which is a first for the Galaxy Tab S). Our friends at CNET (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) called the S9 series, "dream tablets for content creators, movie lovers, and mobile gamers," meaning it's fully capable of handling advanced tasks. At only $469.79 for the 128GB version with WiFi, you'll already be paying the lowest price on record ahead of Prime Day.

More Galaxy Tab dealsBest Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 40mm) 🔥 $184.25 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $115.74 Get Deal Why we like it

The Galaxy Watch 7 is also already down to a record-low price ahead of Prime Day. The 40mm, Bluetooth model is down to just $184.25, saving you nearly 40% on the seventh generation smartwatch. Aesthetically, it looks pretty similar to the sixth generation, but on the inside it sports several new features, like a sleep apnea sensor, a new Race feature, an enhanced BioActive sensor, better GPS, and a new Galaxy AI Health system.

More Galaxy Watch dealsMore Samsung Galaxy deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Our smartwatch expert picked this as one of the best early Prime Day deals — save $70 on the Apple Watch Series 10

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:23

SAVE $70: As of June 26, get the Apple Watch Series 10 for $329 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $399. That's 18% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Series 10 $329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70 Get Deal

Looking for a smartwatch or a wearable that you can rely on to help you get things done this summer? An Apple Watch is always a good choice, especially if you're trying to keep tabs on your health and fitness level. And if you just want to text, take calls, and use apps on the go straight from your wrist, it's great for that, too. Today, you can snag this pre-Prime Day deal that nets you an Apple Watch Series 10 at a more than palatable price.

As of June 26, get the Apple Watch Series 10 for $329 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $399. That's $70 off and a discount of 18%.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2025: From smartwatches to rings

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder praised the Series 10 for its "super-fast charging" as well as its "bigger and better display" in his 4-star review.

"If you own any of the previous versions, the Series 10 will feel a lot fresher — it's no wonder that Apple's official promo materials often compare it to much older iterations. And if you've never owned an Apple Watch and want to dive in now, the Series 10 is a good place to start."

This iteration of the Apple Watch offers just about everything you'd expect from the wearable, including a bigger display than its predecessor, with up to 30% more screen area, a thinner and more comfortable design, and advanced fitness features. It also offers lengthier battery life than the Series 9.

When it comes to health features, you have the ability to take an ECG anytime, track your heart rate, menstrual cycle, overnight health metrics like respiratory rate and other vitals, and much more. Plus, you have all the normal Apple Watch features like the ability to text, take calls, listen to music, use Siri, and much more.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week
Categories: IT General, Technology

Eddington trailer: Ari Aster, Pedro Pascal, and Joaquin Phoenix deliver a COVID-19 thriller

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:18

In his fourth feature film Eddington, writer/director Ari Aster revisits the tensions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

While Aster became known for horror films like Hereditary and Midsommar, he moves away from the genre with Western thriller Eddington, just as he did in his third feature, the darkly comedic epic Beau is Afraid. And just like with that big swing — which also starred Joaquin Phoenix — critical reception of Eddington is mixed, following the film's premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. However, there's been enough praise to pepper this trailer with pullquotes.

SEE ALSO: Ari Aster and Joaquin Phoenix on 'Beau Is Afraid's most challenging scene

Eddington stars Phoenix and Pedro Pascal as a dueling sheriff and mayor in the small town of Eddington, New Mexico. Pascal plays progressive Mayor Ted Garcia, whose response to the COVID-19 pandemic has earned the ire of Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix). When Joe challenges Ted in Eddington's next mayoral election, he'll create a rivalry that threatens disaster for the entire town.

SEE ALSO: Please stop killing Pedro Pascal!

Ted and Joe's showdown allows Aster to examine differing reactions to COVID-19. So, the trailer touches on masking, nasal swabs, and social distancing guidelines. The film's 2020 setting also means Eddington taps into Black Lives Matter protests over racial division and the death of George Floyd.

Another key element of Eddington is the way social media and social isolation combined to create the perfect storm for people to latch onto conspiracy theories. Look no further than Joe's wife Louise (Emma Stone), who becomes obsessed with a cult leader played by Austin Butler.

How will all this play out to audiences? We'll find out when Eddington hits theaters July 18.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Secure Your Home With Ring’s 14-Piece Kit for 40% Off

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:05

When it comes to home security devices, Ring is a popular name that offers a bit of everything. If you want to take things beyond a simple video doorbell or outdoor camera, Ring's 14-piece whole-home security system is wireless, easy to install, and available at a big discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I Once Loved Battle Royales, but Now I’m Sick of Them

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:30

When the battle royale genre first started gaining traction, I fell in love with the concept. The intensity and adrenaline of 100 players thrust into an arena, all vying to be the last one left, was unlike anything else. But as time went on, and battle royales began to dominate the multiplayer scene, I found myself growing tired of the formula.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Is the Only Thing That’ll Make Me Pay Full Price for a Game

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:30

With video game prices once again on the rise, I'm sure many of us are being more critical of our purchasing decisions. Games costing $80 is a tall ask, but to be honest, I stopped buying them on launch day once $70 became the norm, with one notable exception.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples AirTag 2 to probably launch alongside iPhone 17, report says

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:22

The Apple AirTag tracking device is four years old, and its hardware has never been upgraded, despite numerous rumors pointing to a new version.

This could finally change in the fall, as Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the new AirTag — possibly dubbed "AirTag 2" or maybe just "AirTag" again — in September 2025, alongside iPhone 17.

This is according to 9to5Mac, which cites "reliable sources" as saying Apple is preparing to launch the new AirTag this fall. The same sources told the publisher Apple could announce the device at an earlier date, but say that this is unlikely.

SEE ALSO: Apple's CarPlay Ultra reportedly shunned by former partners

The report also claims that the second-generation AirTag is compatible with Apple's iOS 18.6, Apple's next stable iOS release, currently available in beta (not to be confused with iOS 26, which is the next major iOS version that's only available as developer beta right now, and is likely launching this fall).

For Apple users, the AirTag is by far the most popular Bluetooth tracker. It's proven so popular that even the best Android Bluetooth trackers are compared to the AirTag.

The new AirTag should bring improved connectivity and range, with Precision Tracking range extending from 15 to 60 meters. It should also be harder to tamper with the AirTag and disable its speaker, making it harder to use the device to track an unsuspecting person. Finally, the new AirTag should have improved battery management, with alerts for low and very low battery levels.

Apple's fall event is shaping up to be one of the biggest launches in the company's history, with iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air reportedly launching, alongside other new devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11 and a new Watch Ultra.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The New Insta360 Phone Gimbal Won't Break the Bank

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:00

Insta360 has revealed the Flow 2, the company's latest gimbal for smartphone video recordings. It's a selfie stick, gimbal, and battery bank all in one, and it has a lower price than the Flow 2 Pro.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ruggable launches new collaboration with Jonathan Adler, featuring maximalist pillows and pet beds

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:00

In recent years, minimalistic, muted aesthetics have taken over the internet when it comes to interior design. But what about our fellow maximalists who prefer a more vibrant and bold style for their living space?

SEE ALSO: Best vacuum cleaners 2025, from cordless stick vacuums to robot vacuums

Well, Ruggable has come to the rescue with yet another collaboration with Jonathan Adler. This collaboration brings quirky pillows and pet beds to the lineup of rugs that Ruggable has already launched with the famed designer. All the new designs, including 15 pillows and five pet beds in various sizes, are available to purchase as of June 26.

Minimalism isn't the only way. Credit: Ruggable

In true Ruggable fashion, each product from the collection offers maximum style and minimal maintenance. Every design is stain-resistant and fully machine washable, just like all the other Ruggable products, allowing you to keep your favorite accent pieces looking their best for longer. Each pet bed is constructed with durable memory foam to keep your companion comfortable at all times, too.

Lots of options for your furry friends Credit: Ruggable

So, what designs will you end up snagging? Start shopping the Ruggable x Jonathan Adler collaboration today and give your living space a nice, loud refresh.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable x Jonathan Adler collection Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Quordle today: Here are the answers and hints for June 26, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:32

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle.

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like "curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 26, 2025

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can't afford to waste guesses unless you're eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 26

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn't the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it's a normal part of the player's strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In our experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We've had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases, you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn't helping, and you're still stumped, here are some hints:

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

There is only one word with twice-occurring letters.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

One word includes V.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

S, G, R, and M

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

  1. SLUMP

  2. GUAVA

  3. REBUS

  4. MONEY

Categories: IT General, Technology

How My iPhone Helped Me Lose 35lbs (and Keep It Off)

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:30

While your iPhone can’t lose weight for you, it can definitely play an important role in any weight-loss journey. At least, that’s what I discovered when I dropped 35lb (16kg) a few years ago.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new 11-inch iPad just dropped to under $300 at Amazon — an early Prime Day steal

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:07

SAVE $50: As of June 26, the 2025 11-inch Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 128GB) is just $299 at Amazon — 14% off ahead of Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (11-inch) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

For anyone eyeing a fresh iPad, we have found a strong contender for the best early Prime Day deal.

As of June 26, the 2025 Apple iPad (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) is down to $299 at Amazon — a $50 discount off its usual $349 price tag. That’s 14% off for a super-capable device that’s ideal for streaming, multitasking, note-taking, and everything in between.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is dropping way better early Prime Day TV deals than years prior

There are other SKUs with different colours, storage options, and cellular capabilities, but this is the biggest bargain of them all — finally dropping back under $300.

This 2025 iPad refresh packs in some serious upgrades without overcomplicating what makes an iPad great. First up, it’s powered by Apple’s A16 chip, the same processor found in the latest iPhones. That means faster load times, smoother app switching, and the kind of snappy performance that makes work (and play) feel effortless.

The 11-inch Liquid Retina display aims to be a visual treat too — vibrant, crisp, and equipped with True Tone to automatically adjust to your environment. Whether you're sketching with Apple Pencil, editing photos, or binge-watching Severance, this screen holds its own.

With 128GB of storage, you’ve got plenty of room for your files, apps, and creative projects. And the 12MP front and back cameras make Zoom calls and casual snapshots look surprisingly good. Added WiFi 6 support keeps your connection fast and reliable, whether you're home, at school, or working remotely from a coffee shop.

This model also features Touch ID on the top button for quick unlocking and secure Apple Pay purchases — no Face ID, no fuss. And thanks to its all-day battery life, you can go from sunrise to late-night scrolls without reaching for a charger.

Whether you're grabbing this for yourself, a student, or as a thoughtful tech gift, now's a great time to buy — especially before Prime Day madness kicks into high gear and stock starts running low.

If you’re after more than one new screen for the household, the Amazon Fire TV is over $100 off ahead of Prime Day. And so you don’t have to clean as much whilst enjoying your new iPad, you can also save $300 on a Shark AI Ultra voice control robot vacuum ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Top New Crossover Under $25,000 With the Best Value in 2025

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:00

Affordable crossovers are in high demand, but finding one that balances price, quality, and features under $25,000 is no easy task. Fortunately, one standout model in 2025 delivers impressive value without cutting corners, making it the best new crossover in its price range.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Teslas Robotaxis keep screwing up. Theres now a list of incidents.

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 13:27

Tesla's Robotaxi service, which launched in Austin, Texas less than a week ago, has seen its vehicles involved in so many dodgy situations that Redditors put together a list of all the incidents.

The list (via The Verge) currently consists of 11 videos of Tesla's Robotaxis making fairly obvious errors such as driving in the wrong lane, running over curbs, and stopping in the middle of the road for no good reason.

Reddit

It's not a great look for the service which has been running less than a week, with only 10 to 20 Tesla Model Y cars, and only in a limited area in South Austin.

SEE ALSO: Videos show Tesla robotaxis appearing to violate traffic laws in Austin

The list has mostly been put together by folks riding in Tesla's Robotaxi cars, and it keeps increasing. Some incidents can be explained by legitimate causes, such as a video of a Robotaxi Tesla braking unexpectedly, which might have been caused by sudden sunlight (though this, again, raises the question of the validity of Tesla's vision-only approach to self-driving, as opposed to using additional sensors such as LiDARs). Some, like another video of a Tesla appearing to run over a curb, seem like plain Robotaxi errors.

It's worth noting that many Robotaxi users described their experience as smooth and comfortable. The service is currently open to the "Early Access" group, which mostly consists of Tesla enthusiasts and influencers. Also, while some of the videos above are worrying, Tesla's Robotaxis don't appear to have been involved in any accidents so far.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk hopes to expand the Robotaxi service over the next months, with "millions" of cars expected to be in operation next year, and the aim of people being able to send their Teslas to work as Robotaxis. It's unclear, however, why the service would see such a quick progress, given that Musk has been promising radical improvements to Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech (the assistance suite that allows for partially autonomous driving), which keep being postponed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our TV expert picked this as the best early Prime Day deal — save over $100 on the Hisense QD6 QLED TV

Mashable - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 13:21

SAVE OVER $100: As of June 26, the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $259.99 at Amazon. This is 32% off its list price of $379.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-Inch Class QD6 Series QLED 4K UHD TV $259.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $120 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is coming up soon, but the retailer is already offering some nice discounts in the lead-up to the sale event. This includes some excellent TV deals. If you've been hoping to pick up an upgrade, this offer on the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV is worth a look. Mashable's TV expert picked this deal out as a standout option ahead of Prime Day.

The 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $259.99 at Amazon. This marks a discount of 32% from its list price of $379.99. It's also incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $258.99 according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so there's no better time to grab it.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Whether you want a new TV for binge-watching your favorite shows, playing games, or hosting a movie night, this 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV provides excellent picture quality thanks to QLED Color and 4K resolution that makes images look crisp and colorful. This is made even better with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound, which help immerse you in the scenes unfolding on screen.

If you're a gamer, this Hisense TV offers Game Mode Plus with Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode to make everything look smooth. On top of all this, it's also a Fire TV, so you can keep all of your favorite streaming apps together.

Don't miss out on over $100 off the 55-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

Check out our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 can help you plan ahead..

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 8 Best Killer Toy Movies That You Can Stream Now

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 13:03

The original M3GAN was such a hit that a sequel will soon be dancing its way into theaters. I’m a bit of a fanboy, so I’m looking forward to seeing this queen lay down the law (and lay down some victims) yet again. I’m so excited, in fact, that I decided to get ready for her latest outing by watching her cinematic predecessors slash their way through one victim after another.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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