IT General

The limited-edition F1 Ninja Creami is on sale for $30 off — and it comes with freebies

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 18:24

SAVE $30: The limited-edition F1 Ninja Creami is on sale for $199.99, down from the standard price of $229.99. That's a 13% discount. Use code TREAT at checkout to get two free pint containers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja F1 Ninja Creami $199.99 at Ninja
$229.99 Save $30 Use code TREAT at checkout to get two free pint containers Get Deal

Ninja makes some of the coolest and most modern kitchen appliances. Who else has given us a user-friendly soft-serve maker that fits on the countertop? No one but Ninja. If you could live on soft serve, check out the Ninja Swirl, but if you're more of an ice cream person and you happen to love Formula 1 (or even just black and gold color combos), this deal is just for you.

As of July 30, the limited-edition F1 Ninja Creami is on sale for $199.99 at Ninja, marked down from the normal price of $229.99. That saves you $30 for a 13% discount. Plus, use code TREAT at checkout to get two free pint containers for a total of four pints with your Ninja Creami.

F1 The Movie may have hit theaters earlier this summer, but Ninja is not done celebrating. Maybe it's an unlikely collab, but what's good is good, and the Ninja Creami is damn good. Plus, it looks especially slick with this color makeover, sporting a classic F1 color combo of black and gold.

SEE ALSO: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is down to a record-low $89

The Ninja Creami gives you the ability to create your own ice cream at home with any flavor combination you can image. The seven programs on the Ninja Creami include ice cream, lite, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, smoothie bowl, and mix-in. The last option means you can add in your favorites like cookie bits, chocolate chips, nuts, mini marshmallows, and whatever else makes for your favorite frozen treat.

Today's deal applies to the limited-edition colorway Ninja launched in June to celebrate the F1 movie, so if you fancy this colorway, it's wise to snatch this deal up soon, since it could disappear.

Since ice cream is one of the best year-round desserts, grab this limited-edition Ninja Creami while it's on sale for under $200. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll score an extra two pint containers for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $400 on the Google Pixel 8 Pro and snag a free Pixel Watch 2 *and* Pixel 8 Pro case

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 18:13

SAVE $400 WITH FREE ACCESSORIES: As of July 30, get the Google Pixel 8 Pro at Google for $599, down from its usual price of $999, and get a free Google Pixel Watch 2 and Google Pixel 8 Pro case with purchase. That's a discount of 40% on the phone, and $334 worth of freebies.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 8 Pro $599 at Google
$999 Save $400 Get a free Google Pixel Watch 2 and Google Pixel 8 Pro case with purchase Get Deal

If it's time to upgrade your smartphone, and you're firmly team Google, there couldn't be a better time to jump on the Pixel bandwagon. Google is sweetening the deal to get you using its Pixel phones by offering not just a massive price cut on its Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, but throwing in some great accessories for the low price of free. And there are no hoops to jump through.

As of July 30, get the Google Pixel 8 Pro at Google for $400 off. That takes the phone down to $599 from $999, a discount of 40%. And you get a free Google Pixel Watch 2 and Google Pixel 8 Pro case with purchase, which is a combined $334.89 value.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro review: Take a peek at our camera samples

To claim your free accessories, add your Google Pixel 8 Pro to your cart and choose a color, storage size, carrier (or unlocked), whether you want to trade in your old phone, and choose or decline Google's Preferred Care protection. Then you'll arrive at the "Choose your offer" headline, where you can opt in to receive a free Pixel Watch 2 ($299.99 value) for free.

Make sure the watch is selected instead of "No thanks," and you'll be prompted to choose your model. When you've done so, you'll be moved to the next menu, where you can get your Pixel 8 Pro Case. Choose your color, and you'll move through the menu in the same way. Finally, choose "Add to cart" and your savings will automatically be applied.

Mashable's Alex Perry praised the Pixel 8 Pro for its "strong performance" and "good battery life," as well as its excellent camera array with a wide selection of photo editing features like Magic Eraser and other fun AI tricks.

If you're not planning on getting the latest and greatest Pixel when it arrives and want to score an actual bargain, you won't find many deals better than this one right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Twinless trailer: Dylan OBrien and James Sweeney forge a strange bromance in Sundance hit

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 18:10

Get your first look at Twinless, one of the buzziest films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

SEE ALSO: 10 Sundance movies you should know about now

Written and directed by James Sweeney, Twinless stars Dylan O'Brien as Roman, a man grieving the loss of his identical twin, Rocky (also O'Brien). He heads to a bereavement support group for people who have lost their twins, where he meets Dennis (Sweeney). Dennis reminds Roman of his late twin, who was queer and charming much like Dennis is, whereas Roman is more reserved and straight. He and Dennis soon become fast friends, trauma bonding over their particular losses.

The first half of the trailer for Twinless establishes Roman and Dennis' bromance, seeing the pair hanging out, running errands together, and mourning the loss of the person they viewed as their other half. It seems like Roman and Dennis are on a collision course with codependency, but then the trailer takes a dark turn, and any expectations you might have had about this just being another offbeat 2025 bromance comedy (see: Friendship) go flying out the window.

Twinless' twists and turns earned praise from critics out of Sundance. The Hollywood Reporter's Lovia Gyarkye wrote that, "If the meme 'Never let them know your next move' was a movie, it would be this one," while IndieWire's David Ehrlich wrote, "[The] story makes a sharp and shrewdly executed swerve away from Apatow and towards Almodóvar or De Palma."

Twinless also picked up two awards out of its world premiere at Sundance — the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic, and a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting for O'Brien's performance.

Twinless hits theaters Sept. 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best back-to-school deals we found (so far) at Amazon, Target, and more

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 18:03
A quick look at the best back-to-school deals Best runner-up laptop deal HP 14-inch x360 Touch Chromebook Laptop (Intel Processor N100, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $189 (save $240.99 at Walmart) Get Deal Best backpack deal Select backpacks at Target save 30% Get Deal Best lunch packing deal Stasher reusable sandwich bags: Buy 2, get 2 free $25.98 (save $25.98 at Stasher) Get Deal

Back-to-school sales starting in July is the summer version of Black Friday sales starting in October. You can let it make you antsy, or you can use it as a de-stressing strategy. Starting early means you can avoid that wave of chaotic preparations that hits the week before school starts.

But this year, shopping for school supplies early is more critical than merely getting it out of the way: Those same school supplies might get more expensive in the coming weeks. President Trump's tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, smack-dab in the middle of back-to-school shopping season. There are already whispers of impending tariff-related price hikes from retailers like Walmart and major tech brands like Apple.

SEE ALSO: What to buy before tariffs take effect: Experts say laptops, smartphones, and even Christmas lights could soon cost more

To help you get a head start, we've already begun curating the best back-to-school deals at retailers like Amazon, Target, and more, and will be adding more goodies to the list as they pop up. From cheap pencils and binders to lunch packing gear, backpacks, and even graphing calculators, here's a running list of the best deals on school supplies for 2025:

AmazonTargetWalmartWoot StasherStaplesOld Navy
Categories: IT General, Technology

Harry Styles just launched a double-sided vibrator, and its already sold out

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:43

Harry Styles, LGBTQ+ ally, “heartthrob,” and former One Direction member, hasn’t released an album in three years, but he’s found another way to keep his name in the headlines (despite lying low from the general public eye).

On July 22, the singer’s gender-neutral lifestyle brand, Pleasing, which he launched in 2021, posted a “cryptic” video on Instagram, where a glass of milk is placed on a table while someone taps out a message in Morse code. A woman is eavesdropping at the door and looks genuinely shocked by what she’s hearing. The caption read: “For those playing at home,” followed by “251 Elizabeth Street, N.Y.C., 25th-27th of July, 11 am EST.”

The Instagram account followed up with additional posts, all in the same style, until the official announcement came on July 25.

View this post on Instagram

"We’re pleased to announce: Pleasing Yourself — a radical pursuit of what feels good, with two new products that put pleasure right where it belongs: in your hands (or theirs). This is a chapter of connection, expression, and self-awareness for all, featuring two new products — The Pleasing Double-Sided Vibrator and The Pleasing Lube — designed for peak intimacy."

As expected, the announcement (and the build-up to the announcement — let’s call it marketing foreplay) was met with mixed reactions. Some fans were ecstatic (e.g., “Harry Styles’ vibrator is the straight woman’s Sydney Sweeney bath soap”), while others were, quite frankly, pissed that they’d waited so long for new music only to be sold a vibrator instead (“Actually can’t believe we’re getting Harry Styles sex toys what the f*** is happening”).

The vibrator, as the name suggests, is double-sided, which means you can use one end for external stimulation and the other for internal (vaginal, not anal) or external stimulation. A novel idea, except LELO literally just released the LELO Switch dual-ended wand vibrator on July 23.

Styles didn’t design this vibe on his own. According to the product page, Zoë Ligon, sex educator and “visionary proprietor” of Spectrum Boutique, co-designed the vibrator with Styles. (I give him props for bringing in an actual expert.) It features seven speeds and two motors that operate independently of each other. It’s also water-resistant and rechargeable via a USB charging cable.

The Pleasing Double-Sided Vibrator ($68) and The Pleasing Lube ($25) both sold out shortly after the launch. Credit: Pleasing

The design is simple, but Ligon’s quote gives it depth. “I love this wand because its rumbling motors are powerful and deep, yet it’s compact enough to use easily with a partner or alongside other toys. Plus, it’s just dang cute! The button controls are simple to maneuver with one hand, and you can press and hold them to steadily increase the intensity until you let go. This is a great toy for both those new to sex toys and experienced users alike; it’s versatile, offers many ways to play, and the silky silicone makes it easy to clean and care for.”

It’s listed at $68, though it’s already sold out. Many people are freaking out over the price, but in my opinion, this is pretty standard for a high-quality sex toy. Most vibrators start around $50 and can get into the hundreds, depending on the materials and features.

Shockingly, The Pleasing Lube is also sold out. It’s pretty hard to sell out of lube, so kudos to their marketing team for creating what I think is one of the most genius sex toy reveals I’ve seen in a while. The Morse code, the “call” to pleasure, and the copy encouraging readers to please themselves without guilt and redefining self-touch as a “love language” resonated with me, and apparently tons of buyers, too. It’s all also very on brand.

The lube itself is a silicone lubricant (I’m surprised they didn’t go with water-based), and it’s listed at $25, which isn’t terrible and a “normal” price for a “luxe” lube. Just look at Maude, Uberlube, and SUTIL (my personal fave).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Googles NotebookLM now has visuals

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:32

For the visual learners, Google's NotebookLM AI research tool can now make videos. On Tuesday, Google announced the addition of Video Overviews as an alternative to its podcast-style audio format.

NotebookLM launched last year as an AI-powered teaching tool that employs one or two AI "podcast hosts" to explain topics in a conversational way, based on sources you upload to the platform. You can also generate mind map diagrams and research reports. 

Now when you use NotebookLM, you can choose to turn your sources into a visual presentation, or what Google calls "narrative slides." Users can upload various types of documents like audio files, PDFs, documents, images, and websites to the Notebook and the "AI host creates new visuals to help illustrate points while also pulling in images, diagrams, quotes and numbers from your documents," as Google described in the announcement. It's effectively an AI-generated PowerPoint presentation on the documents you upload.

Google also said you can customize the presentation based on criteria like learning goals and target audience. Video Overviews is rolling out in English today, with support for more languages coming soon.

NotebookLM is for anyone and everyone, but an obvious use case is students looking to learn about a new topic in a more engaging way. With kids going back to school soon, this is one of many education-focused AI tools and features Google has recently introduced. Also on Tuesday, Google shared several new updates to AI Mode in Search, including a new Canvas workspace for creating study guides, the ability to upload and ask questions about PDFs, and screensharing in Chrome for chatting with AI Mode about a certain webpage. 

Not to be outdone, OpenAI is also ramping up its focus on education tools, with Study Mode that turns ChatGPT into a teacher using the Socratic method. With the end of summer in sight, the message is clear: think of Google and OpenAI for homework help and more. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube is using AI to verify user age by browsing activity

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:31

YouTube will use AI to check if someone is age-appropriate.

The video platform announced that it's rolling out technology that will determine whether a user is over or under 18. In a blog post today, YouTube said its AI will "interpret a variety of signals" in this determination, including the kinds of videos a user searches for, the categories of videos they watch, and the longevity of a user's account.

"YouTube was one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people, and we’re proud to again be at the forefront of introducing technology that allows us to deliver safety protections while preserving teen privacy," said the company.

SEE ALSO: YouTube is injecting more AI into your recommendations

If a user is found to be under 18, YouTube will "automatically" apply its age-appropriate protections, the company said. These protections will include turning on digital wellbeing tools, disabling personalized advertising, and adding safeguards to recommendations.

However, if the system incorrectly finds a user to be under 18, they'll be able to verify their age by using a credit card or a government ID.

YouTube will start testing the AI system with a small set of U.S.-based users over the coming weeks.

The platform is a teen favorite. According to research by the Pew Research Center in 2023, one in five teenagers says they use YouTube and TikTok "almost constantly." YouTube was found to be reigning amongst this age group — even surpassing TikTok — with 93 percent of teens saying they regularly use the service.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag an iPad on sale at Amazon for under $400 — but theres a slight catch

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:23

SAVE $104: The blue Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 256GB) is on sale or $395 at Amazon, down from the list price of $499. That's a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 256GB) $395 at Amazon
$499 Save $104 Get Deal

Back-to-school season is here. Of course, you need new pens, a fancy lunchbox, and some notebooks, but you might also find it super useful to head back to school with a tablet. It's more portable than a laptop, and it means you have a fun way to stream shows during non-studying hours. If you're in need of a tablet upgrade, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of July 30, the blue Apple iPad (WiFi, 256GB) is $395 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $499. That's a savings of $104 thanks to the 21% discount. Keep in mind that only the blue colorway is available at this sale price.

While it's not the latest version of the Apple iPad, the 10th gen (released in 2022) packs in the features, and it's more affordable. This model uses the A14 Bionic chip and comes with the campus-worthy feature of a battery that should last for the entire day.

SEE ALSO: This iPad is pink, powerful, and $280 — what’s not to love?

The 10.9-inch retina display makes this a great model to bring along to the classroom, easily fitting into your backpack. If you pair with the Apple Pencil, you'll be able to take notes during lectures on the tablet. Plus, today's deal applies to the iPad with 256GB of storage, so you can keep your essential apps and downloads ready to go. It's also a great option for young learners, so they can tune into any digital classroom material at home. And there's always the great YouTube university.

Get ready for school with an Apple iPad while it's $104 off at Amazon. Just be sure to go with blue to get the sale price of $395. If you're not a fan of blue, you can always add a case.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Aura farming? Fanum tax? 2025s most viral internet slang, explained

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:04

Each year, the internet births a new lexicon, one that's as fast-moving and unpredictable as the online trends that fuel it. 2025 is no different, with a fresh crop of viral slang that’s quickly become shorthand for everything from viral moments to internet culture’s quirks.

More than words, these phrases are creative expressions of identity in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're on TikTok, Twitch, or the latest meme loop, these are the terms that have dominated conversations among Gen Z and Gen Alpha this year.

SEE ALSO: The cult and community of Labubu

Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the slang that’s defining 2025. You're about to hear these words everywhere, whether you’re ready or not.

Aura farming

Aura farming is the art of cultivating an undeniable, magnetic energy that draws people in. It’s all about crafting a vibe so strong and captivating that others can’t help but be pulled into your orbit. Whether it's exuding confidence, radiating charm, or just owning the room, aura farming is often used to elevate one’s status and influence.

While the phrase technically evolved from a 2024 meme, it truly peaked this year. A prime example? Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, who’s become the internet’s unofficial king of aura farming. His journey is all about leveling up, both in power and presence, as he faces stronger dungeon bosses. In a sense, the entire anime is one big exercise in aura farming, a constant evolution of strength and influence, perfectly embodying the idea.

Cook, cooking, cooked

When someone says "let me cook," they’re preparing to flex their skills or impress with a creative idea or a solution. It’s the digital equivalent of saying, "Let me show you what I can do." Whether it’s a fire take or a dope outfit, you’ll know they’re about to serve something incredible.

But cooking isn’t always a win. In a different context, when someone says they’re "cooked," it means they're out of options, overworked, or done for — like they’ve been taken to their limit. In a way, it’s the inverse: where "let me cook" invites success and flair, "I'm cooked" signals that it's all over for them. Alternatively, you could also say, "I'm fried."

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

If you're not familiar with this quirky phrase, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Born from the antics of Twitch streamer and former AMP collective member Fanum, "Fanum tax" is a silly way to describe that cheeky act of snagging a bite of someone else’s food, without asking. (You gotta pay the Fanum tax!) Explaining the phrase to GQ, Fanum simply said, "Feed your friends, bro."

But beyond the simple act of food theft, this term has morphed into a bit of a phenomenon, extending its reach to describe everything from friendship dynamics to viral TikTok trends. It's become a phrase to insert, often ironically, into just about anything.

Clock it

"Clock it" is all about drawing attention to something noteworthy. It’s a call to remember, an invitation to keep something in mind for later, like a spoiler for a big twist or a prediction that’s about to come true. It's the ultimate way of saying, "I told you so," but with a more stylish flair.

Clock that tea

"Clock that tea" is a phrase used to describe the act of noticing or picking up on juicy gossip, drama, or revealing truths, often before others do. It combines the slang terms "clock," meaning to observe or catch onto something (see above), and "tea," a term used for gossip or truth. For example, if someone walks into a room and instantly picks up on the tension between two people, they've clocked that tea. It's a way of acknowledging someone's sharp perception when it comes to spotting social dynamics or hidden drama. The phrase is rooted in queer vernacular and is particularly common in drag and ballroom-adjacent spaces.

However, "clock that tea" is often incorrectly paired with finger claps, a rhythmic hand gesture from ballroom culture in which you touch your index finger and thumb together in rapid motion. Finger claps are a sign of applause and celebration, a way to support drag and ballroom performers without disrupting their performance.

Ate, chewed, nibbled

When something "eats," it means it was so good that there’s nothing left to improve upon. Eating and leaving no crumbs means absolute perfection, whether we’re talking about a performance, a look, or a viral moment. It’s a way of giving top-tier praise, acknowledging that what just went down was next level.

SEE ALSO: A parent's guide to Skibidi Toilet: What is it and why is it so popular?

Originally coined within LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black and Latinx ballroom culture, "ate" was a term used to describe moments of excellence. Over time, it made its way into the mainstream lexicon, where it now signifies a flawless execution. But here's where things get interesting: the evolution of "ate" has introduced new internet phrases like "she chewed" and "she nibbled." These are used when something is still impressive, but maybe not quite as flawless. It’s a tiered approach to praise — "she chewed" is close, but not quite the perfect "ate," and "she nibbled" signals that it was good, but there’s room for more.

Bop

Remember when "bop" used to refer to a catchy song? Well, in recent years, the word has taken on a very different meaning. Bop can also refer to a promiscuous person with multiple sexual partners, someone who posts their body online for views, or imply a sexual act, often linked to casual or performative sexuality. While the term is often viewed as a derogatory way to shame young women — think of "bop" as Gen Z and Gen Alpha's version of "slut" — it's also used within the sex work community.

This meaning was revitalized and adapted by online sex workers on platforms like camgirl sites and OnlyFans, who use bop as part of "algospeak," or a strategy to bypass content moderation and platform restrictions. The term’s popularity surged even more with the rise of the Bop House, a viral content house made up of OnlyFans creators that helped cement bop as a coded term within digital sex work culture.

Mewing

Mewing, a technique originally linked to reshaping your jawline by positioning your tongue in a certain way, has been floating around the internet for a while now, particularly in DIY beauty and wellness circles. But in 2025, it's taken on a new form. Teenage boys, especially, have turned "mewing" into a reason for not participating in class. Essentially, they're too busy mewing to talk or contribute. It’s become a tongue-in-cheek excuse, allowing them to avoid answering questions or doing any actual work.

This unexpected use of the term shows how internet slang can evolve in unpredictable ways, morphing from a niche beauty trend into a full-blown classroom strategy.

Mogger

Mogger is the term for someone who effortlessly makes others look like background characters simply by standing next to them. It comes from the verb mogging, which means to outshine or overshadow someone in terms of looks. If you’ve ever felt like your glow-up evaporated the moment a ridiculously good-looking friend walked into the room, congratulations: you’ve been mogged.

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

A mogger is a person blessed with top-tier genetics, symmetrical features, or a jawline sharp enough to slice through glass. This term floats around in online spaces obsessed with appearance, like "looksmaxxing" (the art of optimizing one’s looks) and mewing (see above).

Gooning

Simply put, "gooning" is a kink centered around extended, often non-orgasmic masturbation that brings the participant into a trance-like state of uninhibited pleasure. While it’s similar to edging in that climax is often delayed or avoided, gooning is less about control and more about losing it. And while the phrase entered internet subcultures over the 2010s and 2020s, its meaning has expanded over time.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: What is gooning?

In the queer community, "gooning" is the word du jour, used both sincerely and ironically to describe ecstatic, over-the-top obsession or emotional surrender, sexual or otherwise. What began as a niche kink term now doubles as cultural shorthand for any kind of intense, exaggerated immersion, whether someone is lost in a thirst trap, spiraling through memes, or watching their favorite show on loop. This layered usage reflects not only the term’s absurdity but also Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s tendency to remix kink language into humor, self-parody, and commentary on overstimulation. As a result, "gooning" exists in multiple registers: a sincere erotic practice, an internet in-joke, and a tongue-in-cheek way to say, I’m losing it — in every sense of the phrase.

This article was originally published in June 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

If you’re coding with Gemini CLI, you need this security update

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:03

Cybersecurity researchers say they've identified a major vulnerability within Google's Gemini CLI, an open-source AI agent for coding. Because of the vulnerability, attackers could use prompt injection attacks to steal sensitive data, the researchers claim.

Google released a preview version of Gemini CLI in June, and this isn't the first issue that's been brought to light. A "vibe coder" recently described how Gemini CLI deleted his code by mistake.

Researchers at security firm Tracebit devised an attack that overrode the tool's embedded security controls. Attackers could use an exploit to hide malicious commands, using "a toxic combination of improper validation, prompt injection and misleading UX," as Tracebit explains.

Sam Cox, Tracebit's founder, says he personally tested the exploit, which ultimately allowed him to execute any command — including destructive ones. "That's exactly why I found this so concerning," Cox told Ars Technica. "The same technique would work for deleting files, a fork bomb or even installing a remote shell giving the attacker remote control of the user's machine."

SEE ALSO: Google Gemini deletes user’s code: ‘I have failed you completely and catastrophically’

After reports of the vulnerability surfaced, Google classified the situation as Priority 1 and Severity 1 on July 23, releasing the improved version two days later.

Those planning to use Gemini CLI should immediately upgrade to its latest version (0.1.14). Additionally, users could use the tool's sandboxing mode for additional security and protection.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a Roku Streaming Stick HD for its lowest price ever at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 16:57

SAVE $10.99: As of July 30, get the Roku Streaming Stick HD for $19, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 37% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roku Streaming Stick HD $19 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal

If you like to binge-watch TV shows at your own pace or check out movies when you're ready to veg out on the couch and not when the theater says, you probably appreciate streaming content. And you can turn just about any modern TV into a place where you can enjoy all of it at once with a Roku streaming device. They aren't too expensive, either, and are especially good deals when you can catch them on sale. Right now, you can snag one at an excellent price thanks to Amazon.

As of July 30, get the Roku Streaming Stick HD at Amazon for 37% off. Get it for just $19, down from its usual price of $29.99, for $10.99 off. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (July 25, 2025)

Just plug the streaming stick into your HDMI port and you're off. It's slim enough so that it won't block the others on your TV, and it's powered by the set itself. You don't need a wall outlet or any external electricity for it. Then turn on your TV and use the included remote to start watching.

The Roku stick allows for all your favorite streaming apps, like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Peacock, HBO Max, and the Roku Channel, with plenty of other options on offer as well. You can customize your own home screen with your top used apps, and even view live TV and on demand content with over 500 TV channels from Roku itself. That means even if there's nothing on the streaming platforms you want to watch, you can check for free content, too.

If you're ready to up your streaming game without paying an arm and a leg, don't miss out on this deal — and get ready to round out the summer with your favorite shows and movies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Goat trailer: Caleb McLaughlin plays a baller with big dreams

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 16:53

When it comes to slang, "goat" means "greatest of all time." But in Goat, the new animated movie from Sony Pictures, we're talking a literal goat who aims to be "goat" — specifically the greatest roarballer of all time.

From the studio that brought us the epic Spider-Man Across the Universe comes an original adventure that make Zootopia 2 seem like kids' stuff. (Get it? It's a goat pun.)

Meet Will Harris (voiced by Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin), a small goat with big dreams. Roarball is a sport of ferocity, where predators face off, flexing their superior might. So what hope does a small goat have? Directed by Tyree Dillihay with co-director Adam Rosette, Goat brings a distinct style to its animal world that has us eager to see more.

But on top of a compelling premise and a fresh aesthetic, Goat also boasts a star-stuffed voice cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, and Jennifer Hudson. Plus, this trailer scratches millennial nostalgia with the smart employment of Skee-lo's banger "I Wish."

Shame we have to wait until next year to see Goat in full!

Goat will open exclusively in movie theaters on Feb. 13.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is finally back on sale at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 16:20

SAVE $23: The Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is on for $86.98 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $109.98. That's a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle $86.98 at Amazon
$109.98 Save $23 Get Deal

If you're a Star Wars fan, you've been blessed with plenty of home decor that makes your space more enjoyable. If you're looking to add something to your house that isn't a Lego set (we love those), there's a limited-edition item at Amazon that's on sale today.

As of July 30, the Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is on sale for $86.98 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $109.98. That's a 21% discount that shaves $23 off the price. The bundle includes the 5th gen Echo Dot smart speaker and the limited edition Star Wars TIE Fighter Stand.

The 5th gen Echo Dot speaker is Amazon's latest version of the Echo Dot, a compact smart speaker that impresses in terms of sound quality. It works great with Alexa's help, and she'll play your favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks if you ask nicely. She can also cue you in on the day's weather or add items to your shopping list. Stick the Echo Dot in the kitchen, and you have access to a hands-free timer with Alexa.

SEE ALSO: Save $20 on one of the best Lego sets for Star Wars fans

But today's deal also offers a super fun way to display the Echo Dot, which is on a Star Wars TIE Fighter Stand. It won't interfere with the functionality of the Echo Dot, but rather elevate its look in your home. The engine port on the stand lights up thanks to the light ring on the front of the Echo Dot, which brings the whole thing to life. Plus, Amazon included a TIE Fighter diorama in the bundle, so can add extra ambiance to the display.

If you're a Star Wars fan and you're looking to add the convenience of an Echo Dot speaker to your life, today's sale was designed for you. Snag the Star Wars Echo Dot bundle from Amazon while it's 21% off, and get ready to show it off to your friends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Zootopia 2 trailer puts Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in therapy

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 16:00

This Thanksgiving, Zootopia 2 brings audiences back to the mammalian metropolis first introduced in 2016's Zootopia, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. And Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan is joining the fun for the sequel!

SEE ALSO: 'Zootopia 2' teaser: Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as a mysterious snake

Zootopia centered on the unlikely collaboration between bunny police officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and trickster fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). By the end of the heralded buddy-comedy, the two became police partners. Now that the sequel has rolled around, viewers get to see how that partnership has evolved. And based on the trailer, it's clear that it still needs a lot of work.

Zootopia 2's trailer puts Judy and Nick in partners' therapy, run by supremely calm quokka Dr. Fuzzby (voiced by Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson). After just a few seconds together, Dr. Fuzzby calls out Judy's overbearing energy and Nick's emotional insecurity. Ouch.

Clearly, Judy and Nick have a lot to sort out if they're going to succeed as a duo. But the self-improvement might have to take a backseat to a new major case.

A pit viper named Gary De'Snake (voiced by Quan of Everything Everywhere All at Once) is hiding out in Zootopia. He's the first reptile to slither into the all-mammal city in ages, so naturally, his arrival wreaks havoc all over town, even though he claims he's just trying to help his family. Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba) puts Judy and Nick on his trail, with a warning: If they can't find Gary, he'll split them up.

Watch the full trailer above to see Judy, Nick, and Gary in action, along with the return of some familiar faces. I'm talking Zootopia's DMV sloths, mafia shrews, and pop star Gazelle (voiced by Shakira). Given that "Try Everything" is a total bop, we can't wait to see what new bangers she's got cooking.

Zootopia 2 hits theaters Nov. 26.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lost Bus trailer: Matthew McConaughey faces a parents worst nightmare

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 15:35

Writer/director Paul Greengrass might be best known for helming a string of Bourne Identity sequels, including The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne. However, the Oscar-nominated director has won acclaim for his cinematic adaptations of real-life stories turned into gripping dramas, like Bloody Sunday, Captain Phillips, and United 93. Which means his latest, The Lost Bus, is right in his lane.

Just months after the L.A. fires rattled the nation, The Lost Bus looks back at the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire of the last century. Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey stars as a bus driver, who is called upon to become a hero to 23 schoolchildren cause in the path of destruction. Golden Globe Award-winner America Ferrera co-stars as the teacher aiding in the rescue effort by trying to keep her class calm. But it'll be one hell of a ride.

SEE ALSO: Matt Damon casually recaps the 'Bourne' series in 90 seconds

Greengrass is a master of building suspense. Even from this trailer, the tension is suffocating. Consider us seated.

Ahead of the film's release this fall, The Lost Bus will have a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Special Presentation slate. Look for Mashable's TIFF coverage as the festival kicks off Sept. 4.

The Lost Bus will debut in select theaters on Sept. 19, 2025, and premiere globally on Apple TV+ Oct. 3, 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples iPhone 17 could come with a $50 price hike

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 15:27

It's nearly iPhone launch time, and we're seeing the usual onslaught of rumors about the new phones, with a dozen new reports appearing every week.

The latest one is the type that we don't like to see, reporting a possible price hike across the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

According to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee (via MacRumors), all of the upcoming iPhone 17 models — that's iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — will see a $50 price increase.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 Pro might come in a surprising shade of orange

The reason for the change, according to the report, is offsetting rising component costs and U.S. tariffs on China. The report also notes that other potential cost pressures from India (where Apple is now manufacturing a big chunk of its iPhones), as well as sector tariffs, are not yet included.

We've heard reports of iPhone 17 being pricier than its predecessor in May. Back then, the Wall Street Journal said Apple was "weighing price increases," while pointing out that the company was not likely to publicly blame any price increases on tariffs.

Apple's iPhone 16 starts at $799, and the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. If the above report is accurate, the iPhone 17 could start at $849, the iPhone 17 Pro could start at $1,049, while the iPhone 17 Air (if real) is an entirely new model so it's harder to predict its price; we've previously heard that it would start at roughly $899.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft quietly dropped the Smurface, a Smurfs-themed laptop. Why?

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 15:19

Do you need a new laptop? Do you also really, really love tiny blue creatures that wear white Phrygian caps, live in mushroom houses, and stand three apples high? Well, it's your lucky day.

Microsoft has quietly launched the Surface Laptop Smurface Edition, a limited-edition variant of its 13-inch laptop that has four Smurfs laser-etched into its lid. It's a collaboration with the new Smurfs movie, which hit theaters on July 18 — and a puzzling one, to say the least.

The lore implications of the Smurface are certainly interesting. Does the concept of a Copilot+ PC exist in the Smurf universe? Since when do Smurfs prefer Windows? Do Smurfs email? Does the Smurf Village even have WiFi? Mashable has reached out to a Microsoft rep for more details about how the device came to be.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Smurface Edition (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS) $999.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

Microsoft initially announced the Smurface through its @surface Instagram account on July 7, then put it up for sale on Amazon the day Smurfs premiered. It's a retailer exclusive, according to some fine print, and only 100 of them are available for purchase. I was able to add 87 to my cart at the time of writing on July 29, so evidently it's already had some takers.

View this post on Instagram

You can also enter to win a Smurface (sorry, I actually can't believe they named it that) through the Microsoft Rewards program, which doles out points for playing games, making Microsoft Store purchases, and searching on Bing. That sweepstakes ends August 14.

SEE ALSO: The 3 best laptops of 2025 (so far)

The lid design is all that differentiates the Smurface from the standard 13-inch Surface Laptop, which debuted in May. It has an eight-core Snapdragon X Plus processor and a 60Hz touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. Those are slightly worse specs compared to Microsoft's flagship 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7, our favorite Windows laptop, but the smaller version's battery life is rated at a slightly longer 23 hours per charge.

The Smurface comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS storage, and it's priced at $999.99 — the same as its non-Smurfy counterpart. Smurftastic!

Categories: IT General, Technology

‘The Naked Gun’ review: Liam Neeson is a comedy genius in this brilliantly stupid reboot

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 15:00

On paper, a Naked Gun reboot seemed a bad idea. For one, the three-film franchise spawned from the silly TV series Police Squad relied heavily on the straight-faced buffoonery of Leslie Nielsen, who died 15 years ago. For another, this film series reveled in spoof and parody, a brand of humor that has fallen largely out of fashion since the 2000s-era boom of films like Scary Movie, Not Another Teen Movie, Epic Movie, and so on.

Beyond that, The Naked Gun's premise is potentially problematic: a shoot-first-ask-questions-never cop who doesn't play by the rules and is idiotic, violent, and catastrophic in his pursuit of a criminal. In 1988, when the first film premiered, Nielsen's Frank Drebin played as a much-needed parody to all the action films that regarded such cowboy cops as white-hat heroes. Today, when the discourse on police brutality has grown by leaps and bounds, could such a premise still play?

SEE ALSO: 'The Naked Gun' teaser: Liam Neeson takes over for Leslie Nielsen (and rocks a schoolgirl disguise)

Turns out, yes. Incredibly, 2025's The Naked Gun rivals its predecessors in hilarity, outrageousness, and sharp-shooter precision toward its comedic targets. This is thanks in no small part to Liam Neeson. No stranger to playing cops, Neeson takes on the mantle of detective Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Nielsen’s character. Just as this Frank yearns to make his predecessor proud, Neeson walks confidently in the footsteps of Nielsen, who laid down pitch-perfect parody with Police Squad!, The Naked Gun, and Airplane! However, Neeson isn't tasked with shouldering such lunacy alone. His costar, the Priscilla Presley to his Leslie Nielsen, is Pamela Anderson, who brilliantly channels her legendary sex appeal into a sensual and silly femme fatale.

Together, they are a dream team, sure to make summer audiences scream with laughter. 

The Naked Gun takes aim at tech bros.  Credit: Paramount Pictures

Who better to employ as the comically evil villain of a Naked Gun movie than a billionaire who sells electric cars with a world-conquering agenda? And who better than Danny Huston, master of the menacing smile, to play tech magnate Richard Cane? 

When an engineer turns up dead at the bottom of a cliff in a flashy electric car, Frank and Police Squad, a special department of the LAPD, are on the case. Along the way, Frank meets Beth Davenport, the kind of curvy dame who inspires lusty voiceover narration and gloriously goofy romantic tangents involving a sentient, sex-positive snowman. Beth is the surviving sister of the suspiciously dead man, but also she's a true crime writer. So she feels uniquely suited to help Frank investigate Richard's involvement in her brother's demise. But can love and justice mix? 

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are ridiculously funny in The Naked Gun.  Credit: Paramount Pictures

It’s impossible not to compare Neeson’s take on this very familiar character to Nielsen’s. But incredibly, the Northern Irish actor, who has long been an action hero and a dramatic actor, stands up well in the comparison. Just as Nielsen played the silliest jokes with a straight face, Neeson brings the gravitas of years of glowering into this role with a deliriously funny stoicism. 

He speaks in a grumble, which makes his idiotic observations all the more hilarious. And when he occasionally breaks from this paradoxical sternness, it is somehow even funnier. For instance, when Frank misunderstands a social cue, thinking the person who's addressed him is saying his own name is Frank Drebin, the top cop eagerly gasps, "Me too!" And the abrupt change in demeanor is inarguably giggle-inducing.

Props to Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer, who expertly helms the humor of The Naked Gun. He got Neeson to commit to a big ask. Alongside ludicrous lines, Neeson also embraces physical comedy, some onscreen nudity, and scatalogical humor that could risk eroding his untouchable tough guy persona. Instead, the shaking up of that persona is the special sauce that makes this hit even harder than his comedic cop turns in The Lego Movie and Derry Girls. 

As for Anderson, she spoofs splendidly, particularly with a Naked Gun-style musical performance that involves some of the most confounding scatting in human history. Adding oomph to the relentless onslaught of jokes — that had New York critics (a notoriously hard-to-impress lot!) cackling throughout the film runtime — are solid supporting players Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, Liza Koshy, and a barrage of chaotic cameo appearances that I won't spoil here. 

The Naked Gun is back and just what fans will want. Credit: Paramount Pictures

While this Naked Gun offers fewer straight-up parodies than the first three films, it’s nonetheless hysterical. Screenwriters Schaffer, Dan Gregor, and Doug Mand deliver a mix of jokes that ranges from the taboo (like a bit about Bill Cosby’s personal wine stash) to the zany to slyly cerebral wordplay about "manslaughter." With such a variety of punchlines, the hits keep coming, even if not all of them land. Audiences will laugh in theaters like they haven’t in years. This, at long last, is a laugh riot fit to be seen in theaters with a crowd.

SEE ALSO: 10 best summer movies now streaming

The Naked Gun is not only funny, it’s exhilarating because — to quote the parody king "Weird Al" Yankovic (who appears in the original three movies) — it "dare(s) to be stupid." There’s a thrilling bravery in embracing such willfully dumb humor, and doing so in a way that doesn’t punch down. Schaffer and company's keen awareness about who gets to be the butt of the jokes makes The Naked Gun feel modern, even as it keeps in signature bits that could risk feeling dated — like the finale freeze frame — but instead feel timeless.

Simply put, The Naked Gun is back and as silly and stupid as ever. And I can’t think of higher praise than that.

The Naked Gun opens in theaters Aug. 1.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We dont exactly know why, but Steak n Shake is giving away free Labubu toys

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 14:59

FREE LABUBU: According to an announcement on X, Steak 'n Shake to set to give away over 100,000 Labubu from Aug. 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steak 'n Shake Steak 'n Shake: Free Labubu Toys from Aug. 4 Learn More

I'm not going to pretend that I know a lot about Labubu. In fact, I had to ask my wife what these things were when I stumbled upon this promotion. She reliably informed me that they are like Furbies with teeth, and they are sold in blind boxes. That was also a new concept to me, but I was afriad to admit it.

But what I do know is that Labubu is popular. Seriously popular.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away a free Boombox model. Here’s how to get yours.

And that's why it's my duty to inform you that Steak 'n Shake to set to give away over 100,000 Labubu from Aug. 4. Full details have yet to be released, but the promotion is expected to be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, or through a limited in-store offer. That's all we know at this stage, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more news when it drops.

This has to be one of the weirdest promotions we've ever come across. It doesn't make a great deal of sense and details aren't clear, but this is Labubu we're talking about. I don't get what all the fuss is about, but that's not important right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 2025 MacBook Air for under $800? Yes, really — here’s where to get It

Mashable - Wed, 07/30/2025 - 14:47

SAVE $200: As of July 30, the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

Apple's 2025 MacBook Air has seen some incredible deals over the last few months, from Prime Day discounts to the same low price sticking around for longer than you'd expect. But nothing comes close to the new deal that has just dropped. As of July 30, you can get the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 for under $800. Yep, this MacBook is priced at just $799 for the first time ever.

The deal applies to all colors, so you can choose between starlight, midnight, silver, and sky blue.

SEE ALSO: Is Apple's Liquid Glass too much for you? We've got good news.

This MacBook is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, meaning it's both fast and efficient. It can handle video editing, jumping between apps, and working through heavy multiple-tab workloads. It’s also created with Apple Intelligence, Apple's personal AI system that helps you get more work done in less time.

This model also boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors, so enjoy seriously high-quality pictures at all times. Other standout features include a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-mic setup, and a four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, so you'll always look your best on work calls. And you get 18 hours of battery life, so you can work on the go without a worry.

Act fast to secure this all-time low price from Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker