IT General

As weird as this sounds, sometimes gamers want to play games that make them feel sad. From experiencing the growth of characters to finding the pain that they face within their stories relatable, players seek emotional connections to many fictional worlds.

Star Trek is one of the best and longest-lasting sci-fi franchises, one that has spawned countless bits of merchandise (Quark would be proud). However, the video games have historically been weaker than many fans would like. It’s enough to make the average Trekkie ask the “logical” question: does Star Trek have any good games?

Everyone knows that port selection in laptops can be scarce, depending on what brand you're looking at. If you need to expand it, this Anker hub is a cheap option to consider, and right now, it's pretty cheap.

You buy gaming computers for their performance, so it certainly sucks when a "performance boosting" feature actually harms performance. This seems to be exactly what's happening for Linux users trying to use Alienware's G-Mode feature.

As tech consumers we've been, well, conditioned to believe just about anything could be snuck into the lengthy and complicated terms and conditions we blindly accept. That old, quite graphic South Park episode comes to mind.

It tracks, then, that folks on TikTok are concerned about CapCut changing its terms of service (TOS). For the unaware, CapCut is a popular video editing tool owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. It's sort of the default editing tool for TikTok, especially among creators who do all their own work. There were lots of posts about the CapCut terms of service change, but perhaps the most popular and complete post came from @bymilaholmes, embedded below. It's racked up more than seven million views on TikTok.

The TikTokker makes an interesting case that CapCut's new terms of service are especially onerous. The key points from the post claim: 1) CapCut gets licensing rights to all content uploaded on its platform, and 2) because you still own the copyright to your CapCut content, you can get in trouble if the company uses it inappropriately (e.g. playing a pop star's song without approval).

A quick glance at the new terms of service does reveal scary-sounding legalese like "perpetual, worldwide license."

But the concerns about CapCut's TOS may be overblown. To be clear, the language referenced by @bymilaholmes and others does exist. Here is a block of text about licenses (emphasis added) from CapCut's latest TOS, updated on June 12.

"Except as expressly provided otherwise in these Terms, you or the owner of your User Content still own the copyright and any other intellectual property rights in User Content submitted to us, but by submitting User Content via the Services, you acknowledge and agree that you allow us to upload such content to our server and hereby grant us and our affiliates, agents, services providers, partners and other connected third parties an unconditional, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully transferable (including sub-licensable), perpetual, worldwide license to use, modify, adapt, reproduce, make derivative works of, display, publish, transmit, distribute and/or store your User Content for providing the Services for you.

You further grant us and our affiliates, agents, services providers, partners and other connected third parties a royalty-free fully transferable (including sub-licensable), worldwide license to use your username, image and likeness to identify you as the source of any of your User Content, including for use in sponsored content."

That can read quite frightening. So...does CapCut really get access to your content in perpetuity? Well, kind of, but so do many platforms. And, importantly, this language isn't new: You can find it in archived versions of the TOS. And it's also not necessarily saying the company can take your content as its own — you still own that intellectual property. However, it would allow CapCut to use your content in an ad while crediting you, for example. You've probably seen ads like this, which feature users' posts as promotion. And that's because this sort of language doesn't seem to be exceptional.

Here's an interesting TikTok breaking down that fact via @seansvv, a creator mostly devoted to examining these sorts of fine-print questions.

Creator @seansvv's main claims are that: 1) not much changed in CapCut's TOS, 2) the licensing is for features like displaying and modifying content in the app, not stealing it, and 3) the licensing is not necessarily a new phenomenon.

Search around a bit, and you'll find that this type of licensing and intellectual property language isn't unique to CapCut. Here's a block of very similar legalese in TikTok's terms of service (emphasis added).

"You or the owner of your User Content still own the copyright in User Content sent to us, but by submitting User Content via the Services, you hereby grant us an unconditional irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully transferable, perpetual worldwide licence to use, modify, adapt, reproduce, make derivative works of, publish and/or transmit, and/or distribute and to authorise other users of the Services and other third-parties to view, access, use, download, modify, adapt, reproduce, make derivative works of, publish and/or transmit your User Content in any format and on any platform, either now known or hereinafter invented.

You further grant us a royalty-free license to use your user name, image, voice, and likeness to identify you as the source of any of your User Content; provided, however, that your ability to provide an image, voice, and likeness may be subject to limitations due to age restrictions."

And here is some similar text from Instagram's term of use (emphasis added):

"We do not claim ownership of your content that you post on or through the Service and you are free to share your content with anyone else, wherever you want. However, we need certain legal permissions from you (known as a “license”) to provide the Service. When you share, post, or upload content that is covered by intellectual property rights (like photos or videos) on or in connection with our Service, you hereby grant to us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to host, use, distribute, modify, run, copy, publicly perform or display, translate, and create derivative works of your content (consistent with your privacy and application settings)."

Nearly a decade ago, we here at Mashable wrote about a similar clause in Facebook's terms.

That doesn't mean users have to be thrilled about all the permissions they sign away when accepting terms from major platforms. And, to be clear, there is always the chance that CapCut or other platforms use these permissions in a way users find disagreeable. Copyright and terms of service agreements are complicated and often up to interpretation. But as @seanvv said in their TikTok: "It's kind of like the barrier of entry, or the trade-off, when it comes to being able to join the platform and actually make money off of it or grow a following."

Being active online does mean agreeing to terms we might not fully comprehend or giving away rather broad licensing rights. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to immediately find a new, non-CapCut editing tool — though there may be alternative software that doesn't require those sorts of terms.

UPDATE: Jun. 18, 2025, 4:13 p.m. EDT This story was updated with information from archived versions of CapCut's terms of service.

Toyota has built its reputation on reliability, and nowhere is that more evident than in its SUV lineup. With models ranging from compact crossovers to full-size family haulers, Toyota continues to deliver vehicles that stand the test of time. But not all models are created equal. Some perform better than others when it comes to long-term dependability.

Klarna, the international buy-now-pay-later (BNLP) financing platform, is expanding from digital banking to the world of mobile phones.

In partnership with Gigs — a mobile operating system provider that allows tech companies to connect their services to mobile "revenue streams" — the Swedish-based company will now let users enroll in and pay for a 5G monthly phone plan directly in its BNLP app. Coverage is provided by AT&T, and customers can transfer over existing numbers with no activation fee. Plans start at $40 per month.

Gigs powers mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) with integrated end-to-end service, including "premium connectivity, a hosted checkout, billing, subscription management, analytics, and AI-powered customer service," the company explains.

SEE ALSO: The 'made-in-America' Trump Mobile phone sure looks like a made-in-China phone

"Klarna is uniquely positioned to shake up the telecom industry by offering plans with no hidden fees, flexible contracts, and a smooth set-up experience," the fintech company wrote in a press release. "Consumers already know and love Klarna’s super smooth services and now, with one tap in the Klarna app, they’ll be up and running with their new phone plan — no hassle, no hidden fees, just great value,” said Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski.

Credit: Klarna

Siemiatkowski is leveraging Klarna's popularity to revolutionize the world of digital "neobanking," and has been a vocal proponent of investing early in burgeoning tech, including generative AI. The co-founder said in 2024 that the company was massively scaling down its workforce in favor of AI for customer service and marketing duties — Klarna later doubled back on the plan, even as Siemiatkowski used an AI avatar to address employees. Meanwhile, Klarna's borrowers are increasingly falling behind on making their payments and relying on the platform to finance daily purchases amid a national debt strain, NBC reported.

Klarna's mobile plan launches in the U.S. in the coming weeks and will expand internationally to the United Kingdom and Germany soon. Interested customers can join the waitlist now.

A big price drop has been announced for the Belkin 30W USB-C Wall Charger, which is now available at its lowest price ever. This charger was originally priced at $34.99 but is now on sale for just $14.99 on Amazon, giving you a huge 57% discount.

TL;DR: Create anything, even NSFW art, with a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo for only A$61.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) AU$61
Get Deal

Digital creativity has never been more accessible, yet many of us remember the days when crafting a single image meant wrestling with layers and plugins for hours on end. Now there’s a way to generate stunning visuals in seconds simply by typing a description of what you have in mind.

Get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for A$61 (reg. A$758).

Imagiyo uses Stable Diffusion AI alongside FLUX AI to turn text prompts into high-quality images ready for commercial use, and there aren’t many limits to what you can create. Here’s what that means.

What art can you make with Imagiyo

What do you want to make first? It only takes a brief description to put Imagiyo’s advanced algorithms to work, and unlike other image generators, Imagiyo actually lets you really follow your creativity. Craft stunning landscapes, visualize characters from books, or go for something a little more daring. Imagiyo supports NSFW content creation. Just set your prompts to private and let your mind run wild.

Imagiyo’s commercial-use license means you can take some of the images you generate and incorporate them into client projects, social media campaigns, or personal portfolios without fear of copyright issues.

Each month, you receive 500 image-generation credits and can submit up to two prompts at once. Unused credits roll over, so you never lose access to your creative potential. Best of all, Imagiyo delivers your purchased engine updates and feature improvements automatically, ensuring you always work with the latest AI models.

You have until 20 July at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for A$61 (reg. A$758).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Well, now we know the Google Pixel 10 is really happening, for real, although the source of this information is a bit unusual.

Google uploaded a promotional video to its Made by Google YouTube channel (Made by Google is the annual event where new Pixel phones are generally announced) in which an iPhone and a Pixel phone are talking to each other on a podcast. The core conceit of the video is that many of Apple's recent AI-focused announcements are very similar to features Google had introduced previously. That's all fine and good, but at then at the end of the video, the iPhone asks the Pixel what it's working on for Pixel 10.

SEE ALSO: Google's AI Mode search tool gets a voice

That may not seem like a huge deal, and maybe it isn't, but it is the first time Google has said the words "Pixel 10" out loud in marketing materials. Unfortunately, the video provided no more information. We don't know when the Pixel 10 is being officially unveiled, when it's coming out, how much it will cost, or what it will do differently from the Pixel 9 phones.

We do have some rumors and leaks to go off of in the meantime. For instance, it sounds like the base Pixel 10 will feature a telephoto lens in addition to the wide and ultra-wide lenses on the back, putting it more in line with premium Pixel Pro phones. Android Headlines reported this week that this telephoto lens will be used for improved macro photography, which was previously only done with the ultra-wide lens.

And according to Android Headlines, the Pixel 10 phones will be announced on Aug. 20 ahead of an Aug. 28 release date, but that's all unconfirmed.

We will, of course, let you know when Google does officially tell us all of these things.

SAVE $200: As of June 18, get the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 for $299, down from its usual price of $499, at Best Buy. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 $299 at Best Buy
$499 Save $200 Get Deal

If you're the kind of person who's usually working or using your laptop on the go, you need something suitable that can handle whatever use case you need it for, from work to presentations to streaming. You can get just that with this discounted 2-in-1 laptop from Best Buy, which ticks all the boxes.

As of June 18, get the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 for $299, down from its usual price of $499, at Best Buy. That's $200 off and a discount of 43%.

This lightweight Chromebook boasts a 13.3-inch OLED 1920 x 1080 touchscreen with a Snapdragon 7cG2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a full keyboard, all wrapped up in an Abyss Blue chassis. It can go from tablet to laptop in a snap since the keyboard is detachable as well, so if you just want to have the screen handy without the keys too, you can do that.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for 2025: Tested for performance, battery life, design, and value

It's just 2.22 lbs and 0.27 inches thick, so it's the perfect size for toting around wherever you need to take it. Its octa-core processor means it can go from streaming Netflix to loading up PowerPoint presentations in a snap, too. Plus, it has dual cameras, so you can join meetings or take photos, whichever the situation calls for.

If you're looking for a great companion for whatever you need to get done (or to entertain yourself) while out and about, this is a great deal.

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $174.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Android Tablet — $239.99 (List Price $269.99)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2025, M4) — $1,049.00 (List Price $1199.00)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8-inch — $1,149.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip — $1,399.00 (List Price $1599.00)

SAVE $42.04: As of June 18, the Sony ULT Field 1 speaker in off-white is down to just $87.95, down from $129.99, at Amazon. That's 32% off and a new best price ever by 5 cents.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $87.95 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $42.04 Get Deal

We're just a few weeks from Amazon Prime Day 2025, which is now four days long and runs from July 8 through 11. That means standout deals are already appearing, like a 32% price drop on the Sony ULT Field 1 portable speaker.

As of June 18, the Sony ULT Field 1 is down to just $87.95 at Amazon in the off-white shade. That's 32% or $42.04 in savings. Previously, we've seen it drop to $88, so this is a new best-ever price for the speaker by about 5 cents. We'll be keeping an eye out as Prime Day gets closer, as the speaker might drop even more. But if you're in the market for a new Bluetooth speaker, we can say with certainty that this is a great deal worth grabbing.

SEE ALSO: Bose introduces new QuietComfort earbuds, SoundLink speakers, and a summery yellow colorway

Mashable's Miller Kern tested the speaker last year when it launched and gave it not only a glowing 4.5 out of 5 stars review, but also a Mashable Choice badge of honor. Short for "ultimate," the ULT series of speakers was designed for the bass lovers. Thus, there's an "ULT" button on the side of the ULT Field 1 that boosts the bass power to "provide that extra oomph you don’t get from other portable speakers."

The speaker is waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, and shockproof, making it virtually indestructible for outdoor use. Plus, it can get loud AF. "I can’t imagine ever playing music at full volume in my apartment. This speaker would be amazing for beach days or barbecues, though," Kern writes in her review. Battery life is fine at 12 hours (but could certainly be better), sound quality is punchy and full, and the design is simple and sleek. Ultimately, for less than $100, it's a total steal.

If you don't feel like waiting until Prime Day to upgrade your Bluetooth speaker, we encourage snagging the ULT Field 1 at its biggest discount yet.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

• Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $19.98 (List Price $39.99)

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $59.99

• JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $129.95)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $228.00 (List Price $348.00)

• JBL Bar 300 5.0ch Compact Soundbar — $249.95 (List Price $399.95)

SAVE $20: The JBL Endurance Race 2 sport earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $59.95, down from the standard price of $79.95. That's a 25% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Endurance Race 2 sport earbuds $59.95 at Amazon
$79.95 Save $20 Get Deal

Now that we're into summer months, outdoor workouts are getting sweatier. That means it's time to invest in a pair of sweatproof earbuds that won't slip out should they get a bit wet. If you're in need of a fresh pair, there's a great deal today at Amazon ahead of Prime Day.

As of June 18, the JBL Endurance Race 2 sport earbuds are on sale for $59.95, marked down from the usual price of $79.95. That works out to a 25% discount that shaves $20 off the price. This is also the best price we've ever seen at Amazon, since it's the first time we've seen this model go on sale.

Gym-worthy earbuds are sweatproof while offering an intelligent design that stays put in your ears. No one wants to go crawling around on the gym floor searching for an earbud that popped out. Instead, go with the JBL Endurance Race 2 earbuds, which use ear tips with enhancers to ensure you're getting a secure fit.

SEE ALSO: My favorite rowing machine is on sale at Amazon for over $250 off

Not only are the JBL Endurance Race 2 earbuds sweatproof, they're also dustproof, and they can withstand being submerged in water of up to three feet. Given these stats, they'll be a great option to take on a beach run this summer that might result in taking a dip into the ocean to cool off.

Activate the Ambient Aware setting to be able to hear the sounds around, which is essential if you'll be running on a road. With the JBL Headphones app, you can further customize your listening experience by choosing your voice assistant and altering EQ levels.

Upgrade to the JBL Endurance Race 2 sport earbuds to tackle all your summer workouts while listening to great tunes. Since this is the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, you might as well buy now before Prime Day shipping chaos takes over at Amazon.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $99.00 (List Price $99.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

SAVE 18%: As of June 18, you can get the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with the Fly More Combo for $3,189, down from $3,889, at Woot. That's an 18% discount and a $700 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone Fly More Combo with DJI RC Pro Remote $3,189 at Woot
$3,889 Save $700 Get Deal

If you've ever dreamt of getting into serious aerial photography or videography, you know that a top-tier drone isn't exactly a casual purchase. We're talking professional-grade gear that captures insane footage, so you definitely don't want to cut corners. That’s why this limited-time deal on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo at Woot is worth a look.

As of June 18, you can get the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with Fly More Combo for $3,189, down from $3,889, at Woot. That's an 18% discount and a $700 savings. I'm not saying it's "cheap" by any means, but for a drone of this caliber, that's a seriously good price.

SEE ALSO: Walmart expands drone delivery to 5 major cities

With the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo, you're getting the DJI RC (that's a remote with a built-in screen), three flight batteries for extended airtime, a charging hub, and all the extra accessories you need to get airborne. The drone itself has a Hasselblad main camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor for stunning 20MP RAW photos, plus a versatile tri-camera system that lets you switch between different focal lengths for some creative flexibility. It even has omnidirectional obstacle sensing and a max flight time of 43 minutes per battery.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your drone setup, this might just be it. With stable signal transmission up to 15 kilometers and quick footage transfer via WiFi 6, this thing is built for serious creators.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $99.00 (List Price $99.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

A bug in one of Asana's new AI features made user information accessible to other users for several weeks.

The company said the issue was resolved and it was not the result of a malicious hack. Instead, it appeared to be a logic flaw in its MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that was released on May 1, according to cybersecurity firm UpGuard (via BleepingComputer).

MCP is an open-source framework that enables AI assistants to interact with sites and apps. The introduction of Asana's MCP Server enabled companies to integrate AI features like summarization and natural language search from LLMs.

SEE ALSO: 'Your Year in Asana' is a reminder of all the work you did (or didn’t do)

The rise of generative AI tools and new standards that enable interoperability for LLMs create new privacy issues and increased cybersecurity risk. MCP servers are a shiny new target for hackers, and there's also risk of prompt injection attacks, token theft, and a general increase in data leaks since MCPs request broad permission to function smoothly, according to a blog post from cybersecurity firm Pillar.

According to UpGuard, the bug "appears to have been part of this initial release," and was discovered by Asana on June 4. But during this time, Asana users working with the MCP server have been able to access information from other accounts' "projects, teams, tasks, and other Asana objects," according to an email reportedly sent to customers impacted.

In a statement to BleepingComputer, Asana said the bug impacted around 1,000 accounts. Asana has more than 130,000 companies using its project management platform, including some big companies like Uber, Spotify, and Airbnb. (Disclosure: Mashable's editorial team also uses Asana.)

Asana took the server offline and informed customers using the MCP server on June 16 about the bug. "As soon as the vulnerability was discovered, our teams immediately took the MCP server down and resolved the issue in our code," Asana said in its statement to BleepingComputer. Meanwhile, the company sent a contact form to customers potentially impacted to compile a full report of which companies may have had their data exposed.

It's unclear yet if there was any major data breach, but Asana advised companies to review their logs for MCP access and any information generated by their AI tools and report it to Asana if they find any data that doesn't belong to their company.

UPDATE: Jun. 18, 2025, 1:50 p.m. EDT Asana confirmed in a status update that the affected server was back online as of June 17.

Google's AI Mode is morphing into a search function you can talk to.

On Wednesday, the search giant introduced a new Search Live voice feature for the AI search tool, which combines Google Search with the AI chatbot experience. This was previewed at Google I/O as Project Astra from the Google DeepMind team. The demo features a bike mechanic "going live" with the research prototype on his phone and asking it to look up specific information from a user manual. The feature launching today is the voice part, but Google says live camera support will launch in the "coming months."

Google also added that when you've activated Search Live, it works in the background of your phone, so you can keep talking to it and searching even while you're using other apps.

A version of this voice mode already exists in the Gemini app, called Gemini Live. But starting today, the underlying Gemini voice capability comes directly to search. Search Live with voice input is available in the Google mobile app for Android and iOS. That said, users have to be based in the U.S. and enrolled in the AI Mode experiment in Labs to try it out.

Note: AI Mode is live and open to the public, but you need to opt into the AI Mode Labs experiment in order to access Search Live.

At this year's Google I/O, the company officially ushered in a new era of search with the public release of AI Mode. But this has been building for a while. It started with AI Overviews, grew with an AI-generated version of the People Also Ask (PAA) feature, and now includes AI Mode, which is a chatbot interface right within the search page. Google Search is turning into a place not to find links to sites with the information you need, but an AI-powered search engine that looks more like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

Meanwhile, this is throttling traffic to outbound sites, according to publishers.

With expanded capabilities like voice support and camera support soon to come, Google looks to make AI Mode more than a search tool, but an AI companion. "This is perfect for when you're on the go or multitasking, like if you're packing for a trip," said Google in the announcement. You can verbally ask it for tips on how to prevent clothes from getting wrinkled in a suitcase, for example.

AI Mode at work searching for sites with packing tips. Credit: Google

Once you're enrolled in the AI Mode experiment in Labs, you can try out Search Live in the Google app by tapping the new icon directly under the search bar.

This week Xbox announced a new strategic partnership with chip maker AMD to deliver “cutting-edge graphics” to “future Xbox consoles.”

Xbox President Sarah Bond made the announcement in a video posted to X that was big on hype and short on details, but we did learn a few small tidbits. We now know for sure that a new Xbox console is coming… eventually. Bond confirmed that the console will be powered by AMD silicon and will have backward compatibility with players' existing libraries of games. Thanks to Bond’s video, we also know the next-gen Xbox console won’t be “locked to a single store or tied to one device.” That sure makes the Xbox sound more like a gaming PC than a traditional console.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This is part of Microsoft’s all-of-the-above approach to Xbox and gaming, with the company embracing cloud gaming, an ASUS partnership, and potentially even third-party devices.

The next-gen Xbox console, the successor to the Xbox Series X/S, is rumored to be coming in 2027. And that’s not the only new device Microsoft is cooking up for the extended Xbox family.

So, besides a new Xbox console, what other Xbox hardware is in the works?

The new Xbox Ally handhelds are coming in 2025 The new Xbox handhelds are also coming soon. Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft has already revealed the 2025 launch of the ROG Xbox Ally X and the ROG Xbox Ally. Regarding a potential release date, so far the Microsoft website simply says “Holiday 2025” and “Email When Available,” but some leakers suggest preorders could start as early as August. In terms of pricing, Microsoft has been quiet, likely because of tariff-related uncertainty.

The new handheld gaming consoles are part of a collaboration with Asus, which makes the ROG Ally.

Gamers will be able to play PC games as well as their Xbox favorites on the new handhelds. The Xbox Ally X comes loaded with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, while the Xbox Ally comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 review: A fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend Is an Xbox VR headset also coming soon?

Back in 2024, Meta announced that it would allow third parties to build devices with the Quest 3 operating system. At the time, Zuckerberg also teased a partnership with Microsoft to deliver an Xbox Meta Quest VR headset. As Laptop Mag reports, Xbox is set “to build upon it's (sic) partnership with Meta following Xbox Cloud Gaming's arrival to Horizon OS by developing a limited edition Meta Quest headset.”

Rumors also point to a possible 2025 launch of a potential Xbox VR headset, though this is far from confirmed.

Like we said, Microsoft is very much taking an all-of-the-above approach to gaming, and we aren’t mad about it.

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first round of 2025 Club World Cup fixtures showcases some really interesting matchups, including Manchester City vs. Wydad AC. The Premier League side will be favorites to win this opening game, but Wydad AC will do everything they can to upset the odds.

If you want to watch Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester City vs. Wydad AC?

Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at the Lincoln Financial Field.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Wydad AC for free

Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup is available to live stream for free on DAZN.

The Club World Cup is free to stream all around the world, but if you're having problems accessing this streaming platform on your network, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can secure access to free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free live streams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access to DAZN

4. Visit DAZN

5. Stream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Club World Cup before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for DAZN?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on DAZN, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Manchester City vs. Wydad AC in the 2025 Club World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $75: As of June 18, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is on sale for only $174.99, down from its list price of $249.99. That's a savings of 30% and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $174.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $75 Get Deal

If your TV's picture and sound aren't quite on the same level, it may be time to invest in a soundbar. You don't need to spend an arm and a leg on one, either. Since Prime Day is on the horizon — officially kicking off on July 8 and running through July 11 — Amazon has dropped the price on its own Fire TV Soundbar Plus.

As of June 18, you can pick up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus for just $174.99, down from $249.99, at Amazon. That's $75 off for a 30% discount, and the first time it's ever been this cheap. And although it's an early Prime Day deal, you don't even need to be a Prime member to score the discount.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's 65- and 75-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TVs are the cheapest they've ever been

While Amazon's first foray into soundbars was subpar with the basic Fire TV Soundbar, it really stepped things up with the Fire TV Soundbar Plus. The 3.1-channel all-in-one soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume, while the original soundbar does not. It packs three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers that pump out sound in every direction, as opposed to your built-in TV speakers that direct the sound down.

With precise tuning, a customizable dialogue-enhancing setting, a wide frequency range, and four preset listening modes — movie, music, sports, and night — the Soundbar Plus will make your movie nights a more immersive experience. While it won't be true surround sound (you'll need extra speakers for that), it'll definitely give your TV's sound a boost on a budget. No need to wait until Prime Day — it's already down to its best price ever.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

• Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $19.98 (List Price $39.99)

• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $59.99

• JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $129.95)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $149.00

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $228.00 (List Price $348.00)

• JBL Bar 300 5.0ch Compact Soundbar — $249.95 (List Price $399.95)

SAVE $10.01: As of June 18, get the GE Smart Scale at Amazon for $39.98, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon GE Smart Scale $39.98 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.01 Get Deal

We're right in the thick of summer, and it's the perfect time to start thinking about starting or continuing a fitness journey. One useful addition to any fitness regimen is a smart scale that can track all the important metrics you want to know about when you're looking to maintain or get in shape. Thanks to this early Prime Day deal, you can save some money and get a reliable smart scale that can deliver all that info right now.

As of June 18, get the GE Smart Scale for $39.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's $10.01 off and a 20% discount.

SEE ALSO: Stop losing your stuff: Get a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for 48% off at Amazon

This scale is larger than most, with an 11.8-inch platform and 5.33-inch color display. It tracks 14 metrics: weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, body water percentage, bone mass, visceral fat, BMR, BMI, fat free weight, skeletal muscle, protein, subcutaneous fat, metabolic age, and body type.

It syncs with your favorite fitness apps as well, so you can take that information with you and keep it handy. It offers multiple profiles and syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and more. Plus, it has four precision sensors to measure your metrics down to 0.1 pounds and up to 500 pounds.

All of these add-ons make it a little easier to see exactly where you are in terms of body composition without having to use additional trackers. And it's less than the price of a Nintendo Switch 2 game right now. So grab one and get started workin' on your fitness, or just give yourself a little evaluation for when you're ready to do that.

Best home and kitchen deals

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $139.99 (List Price $159.00)

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $159.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $449.95

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $459.99 (List Price $699.99)