IT General

Still seeking proof of life outside our solar system? Buckle up, because we're one step closer.

A new paper, published today in Science, outlines the discovery of a potentially Earth-like atmosphere surrounding a nearby exoplanet that may provide clearer proof that other rocky masses can sustain the building blocks of life.

"This is the first time that we're seeing a rocky, Earth-like planet that could still have an atmosphere," said study co-author and University of Florida assistant professor of astronomy Jason Dittmann in a recent press release.

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope found the missing architect of another star system

Dittman was part of the team that discovered the exoplanet, LHS 1140b, in 2016. LHS 1140b resides in the habitable zone of a nearby red-dwarf star and can only be observed during brief periods of the year due to its orbit. LHS 1140b is also quite old, which typically means most of the planet's atmosphere would have already been lost to space.

But using X-ray data from Chile's Magellan Clay telescope during two observation periods in 2024 and 2025, scientists pinpointed helium gas escaping the planet, indicating that the planet may have an atmosphere replenishing its gases. The composition of the planet's inner atmosphere is still unknown to scientists.

The confirmation of atmospheres that regulate climate on rocky planets has been a white whale for astronomers, who have so far observed only airlessness or faint atmospheric remnants.

"Because there’s helium there, and because the helium is escaping, the question is: Is it a bare rock with no atmosphere that sometimes burps up some gas that then immediately escapes, or is there a steady-state atmosphere there that will leak out stuff like the Earth does from time to time?" Dittmann said.

Should the findings be confirmed in further studies, LHS 1140b will check off at least two of the three life-sustaining boxes (an atmosphere and a rocky surface) that scientists look for in non-Earth planets. All that's left is that liquid gold: water.

Save up to $20: DoorDash e-gift cards in values of $50, $100, and $200 are on sale for $5, $10, and $20 off respectively at Best Buy as of July 17. Pay $180 and get $200 to spend on takeout and delivery.

Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash gift cards Save $5, $10, or $20 off DoorDash gift cards Get Deal

Food delivery is undeniably convenient, especially when it's too hot to turn on the stove.

However, with taxes, delivery, and service fees, a $15 meal can easily shoot up to double its cost. While you might be lucky enough to grab a promo code, another way to guarantee yourself a discount is by picking up a gift card on sale. And as of July 17, Best Buy has deals on DoorDash gift cards in values of $50, $100, and $200.

You can buy the $50 gift card for $45, the $100 gift card for $90, and the $200 gift card for $180. In order to get the deal from Best Buy, you simply purchase the e-gift card, which will then be delivered via email straight to your inbox. Once you have it, you can input the activation code into your DoorDash account and start enjoying your gift card balance right away.

If you're looking for more food discounts this Friday, you can also check out Krispy Kreme's BOGO deal in honor of its 89th birthday.

It's time for more Raspberry Pi projects! This weekend, however, I'm going to be showing you three unique ways to use your Raspberry Pi with Home Assistant.

TL;DR: Cadence makes trendy travel containers for pills, beauty products, supplements, and other daily necessities. The brand's World Cup-inspired travel capsules not only let you rep your team ahead of this weekend's final, but they're also currently on sale for $34.20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cadence The World Capsules $34.20 at Cadence
$38 Save $3.80   Get Deal

We're officially counting down the hours to the big World Cup final this weekend, and if you want to show some spirit without painting your face or wearing a giant, clunky jersey, here you go. Cadence just dropped a limited-edition line of team-inspired capsule color combos so you can match your daily routine to your favorite country's colors.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free

These travel pod containers are leakproof, TSA-approved, and just look way cooler than a plastic bottle from Walgreens or Dollar Tree. The entire World Cup collection is available exclusively in the Large Capsule size (which holds 2.75 fluid ounces), making them the perfect grab if you're going on a longer trip or need to pack full-size essentials like sunscreen and hair care.

If you want to check out the range ahead of the final this weekend, you can find all the team-inspired color combinations over at keepyourcadence.com. The capsules are currently marked down 10% to $34.20 (normally $38), so grab your favorite team's colors while they're still in stock.

There are a lot of different mesh router brands, models, and designs. So much so, that it can be daunting to step into the world of mesh routers for the first time.

There's no denying that Android 17 is light on new features, with the biggest one—the ability to create your own widgets—not even being present at launch. While I'm disappointed that I can't create custom widgets for the time being (the feature should arrive in a future update), there's another Android 17 feature that caught my eye.

Somehow it's 2026, and Little House on the Prairie is the most-watched show in America, adding a whole lotta wholesome to Netflix’s summer. But its documentary side just got a shot of adrenaline.

Getting to your next summer event can be economical, fun, and more affordable — and Ausom proves that with some unbeatable deals on its top e-scooters. And right now, along with the best discounts of the year, you’ll get an extra $50 off with code: HTG50. There are multiple models available to fit a wide range of budgets and needs.

The Prius arrived in the United States in 2000, a tiny fuel-sipping Toyota amid an SUV onslaught that included Dodge Durangos, Ford Explorers, and Chevy Suburbans. Although “everyone” had an SUV, the Prius was the first hybrid most Americans ever really gravitated toward, its name forever attached to the idea of environmental stewardship and frugality.

Most people think of PowerPoint only as a tool for creating slide decks, but it's capable of much more. If you have some free time this weekend, these three hands-on projects will help you build more polished, interactive presentations while teaching you useful features along the way.

TL;DR: You can score a free pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones (worth $450) when you purchase an eligible Microsoft Surface Laptop or Surface Pro through July 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface and Sony Headphone Bundle   Get Deal

Back-to-school shopping season is officially kicking into high gear (it's literally still July, but here we are), which means tech bundles are popping up all over the place. So if you're looking for a deal that'll save you some cash on a much-needed upgrade, you should definitely check out Microsoft's Back-to-School Sale.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Now through July 31, Microsoft's giving any customer who buys an eligible 12th-edition Surface Pro or 8th-edition Surface Laptop (from the Microsoft Store) a pair of the Mashable Choice Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones on the house. That's a $459.99 value.

Here's how it works:

• Step 1: Purchase an eligible Surface Pro (starts at $1,499.99) or Surface Laptop (starts at $1,599.99) from the Microsoft Store by July 31.

• Step 2: Microsoft will email you a Sony redemption code within seven business days of your purchase.

• Step 3: Head over to Sony's site and plug in your code by December 31, 2026, and they'll ship the headphones straight to your door.

Just keep in mind that there's a limit of one redemption code per household, and your shipping address must be a physical address within the contiguous U.S. (this promotion unfortunately excludes Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and PO boxes).

SAVE $130: As of July 17, my favorite headphones, the Bose QuietComfort, are on sale for just $229. That saves you $130 off its list price of $359.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $229 at Amazon
$359 Save $130   Get Deal

When people find out I review products, their next question is always "What do you recommend?"

Quickly, I spitball through the list of my most used and loved products and the headphones that are always on it are the Bose QuietComfort. I've convinced more than one friend to pick up these headphones for their combination of stellar sound and comfort. I'd tell you to buy them when they're full price, but on sale? Run to grab these headphones.

As of July 17, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are just $229. That saves you $130 off its $359 list price for 36% savings.

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Comfort is in the name of these headphones, and it lives up to it. The Bose QuietComfort come with me whenever I travel. On a trip to Greece, they blocked out the busy bustle of travel whether that be on planes or ferries. Plus, they helped me catch some sleep on my 11 hour flight. My only complaint with these headphones is that they loosen slightly over time, however, the noise cancellation remains just as strong.

Shop my favorite headphones, the Bose QuietComfort, for just $229 at Amazon.

Are you a weekend tinkerer with a love for microcontrollers? Make your network even better this weekend with these simple ESP32 projects—no solder required!

SAVE $24: Through July 30, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Audible Standard for just 99 cents per month. That's $8 per month in savings for a total of $24.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Standard $0.99/month for 3 months (save $8/month) Get Deal

If you missed out on Audible's excellent Prime Day offer, a new deal just dropped as a consolation prize. It's not free this time around, but it's still a great offer (and one I took advantage of myself).

Through July 30, new and returning subscribers can score three months of Audible Standard for only 99 cents per month. Usually $8.99 per month, that's a total of $24 in savings.

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I don't think Audible's Standard tier is worth it at full price. The new plan, which launched in March, lets you select one audiobook each month for the full Audible collection. But unlike the Premium plan, you can't keep those titles if you cancel your subscription. Oh, and if you forget to select a book in the allotted time period one month, you basically forfeit that month entirely. So at the full cost of $8.99 per month, that hardly seems fair. Less than $3 total to "borrow" three premium audiobooks from Audible's expansive catalog, on the other hand, is a dang good deal.

Along with the three premium titles, you'll also get to enjoy unlimited Audible Originals and nearly 200 of the most popular titles from Wondery+. So you technically get more than just three audiobooks for 99 cents each month.

As I mentioned above, I took advantage of this three-month deal myself and plan on listening to the entire Wayward Pines trilogy during my promo period, then canceling. Pro tip: Set a calendar alert when you sign up to remind yourself to cancel before the promotional period ends. And remember, you need to finish listening before you cancel your subscription, or else you'll lose access forever.

For better or worse, cars have gotten pretty smart. While many come with Android Auto alongside the manufacturer’s infotainment system, sometimes, that infotainment system itself is built on Android. This platform is called Android Automotive, and it has an interesting history.

BOGO DEAL: For July 17 only, Krispy Kreme is offering a special birthday promotion. You can get a dozen glazed donuts for 89 cents with the purchase of any dozen donuts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme BOGO Buy any dozen donuts and get a glazed dozen for 89 cents Get Deal

Few things in life are better than a fresh Krispy Kreme donut, especially if you can snag one for free when the hot light is on.

For today, however, you won't have to catch the donut shop at the opportune time to score a great deal. July 17 is Krispy Kreme's 89th birthday, and to celebrate, customers can get a dozen glazed donuts for just 89 cents with the purchase of any other dozen donuts. Come July 18, the deal is gone, so you'll want to make your way to a Krispy Kreme if you're intent on scoring the savings.

SEE ALSO: 7-Eleven and Hot Wheels just dropped an exclusive Nissan GT-R collectible — here's how to get it

You can order ahead online for pickup or delivery, and grab the deal by adding the special promotional option off the menu, and entering the code BDAY at checkout. When ordering online, you're limited to one discounted dozen. Customers who go in person to order at the counter or drive through can get up to two dozen of the 89 cent donuts.

While Krispy Kreme does offer special promos year round — just last month, you could grab one free donut and BOGO glazed dozen for $2 in honor of National Donut Day — but if you're trying to get as many donuts as possible, it's hard to beat this deal.

There's an assumption that free software means you're settling: fewer features, no support, and a worse experience overall. However, the open-source world is full of free apps that match—and sometimes beat—their paid counterparts. If you've got some free time this weekend, here are three worth installing.

With the frequency of wildfires impacting air quality in North America, plenty of us are wondering how we can protect our homes and our health. If you live in an impacted area, if you're going outside make sure to mask up, but smoke can make it inside the home, too. That's why a quality air purifier is a wise investment, as frequent wildfires become a reality in the face of climate change.

A $200 air purifier isn't an easy everyday purchase, but if you're in a pinch and need to buy one for your home ASAP, we want you to find the best price on them. We found the best deals on air purifiers to cleanse your home's air protecting it from smoke, pollen, pet dander, and more.

The best air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark BreatheClear Smart Air Purifier $249.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Shark makes impressive air purifiers that you can set and forget about. With its signature NeverChange filters, you can go six years without changing the filter. With a LCD screen, the Shark displays air quality in real time so you can assess it and watch the air purifier respond. It works to react faster, continuously filtering for smoke, pollen, dust, dander, and VOCs from paint and aerosols.

Right now, the get the Shark BreatheClear Smart Air Purifier for 24% off, bringing it down to $249.99. That saves you $70 off its $329.99 list price.

Want to explore your options? There are plenty more air purifiers ata variety of price points to shop right now.

More air purifier deals

• Levoit Mini-P — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Levoit Core300-P — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

• Blueair Blue Pure 511 — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

• Levoit Vital 100S-P — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)

• Levoit Vital Pet Pro — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Levoit Vital 200S-P — $169.98 $189.99 (save $20.01)

• Shark BreatheClear Compact Pro — $179.99 $229.99 (save $50)

• Levoit Core 400S-P — $181.92 $219.99 (save $38.07)

• Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan — $296.96 $329.99 (save $33.03)

SAVE $700: As of July 17, the Hookii Neomow X robot lawn mower is on sale for just $1,499 with an on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% or $700 off its list price of $2,199.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hookii Hookii Neomow X $1,499 at Amazon
$2,199 Save $700 *with on-page coupon* Get Deal

If mowing the lawn is a chore you'd rather not do, I suggest looking into a robot lawn mower. Yes, they're expensive, but if you keep your eyes peeled on Amazon, you can often find a sweet deal. Case in point: an on-page coupon knocks $700 off the Hookii Neomow X.

As of July 17, the Hookii Neomow X robot lawn mower is down to just $1,499 from its usual $2,199. That's a 32% price drop and the cheapest this model has ever been, according to our favorite price-tracking tool.

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This robot mower uses AI Vision, 3D LiDAR, and visual recognition to distinguish your lawn's boundaries and avoid obstacles in real time. It may take some time for it to map out your yard initially, but once it's familiar, you can view the layout on the map, manage your zones, set exclusion areas, draw virtual walls, and more. Mashable's sister site CNET tested this mower and found that it had some issues in certain areas, so they recommended properly setting boundaries for exclusionary zones.

It's suitable for flat or slightly sloped lawns up to 24 degrees and can mow up to .75 acres (about 32,000 square feet). A single charge will give you about two hours of operation.

If that sounds like your yard, the Hookii Neomow X could be the ideal mower to take over your lawn care duties this summer. Snag it while it's $700 cheaper than usual — and don't forget to check the box next to the on-page coupon price.

Are you ready for another round of weekend homelab projects to try out? This weekend, I'm showing you a unique note-taking app, how to add third-party cameras to HomeKit, and also how to keep track of your Jellyfin server's stats.