IT General

The rise of age verification laws seek to prevent kids from entering websites they shouldn't use, but it will also inconvenience a lot of fully-grown users trying to use the internet normally. Google is taking a step forward and will try to guess the age of its users—and the best part, it's also applying to the US as well, even as there's no federal age verification law just yet.

The magic of the New York City subway system is that it can take you anywhere, any time of day. Even a new home, it seems. At least that was the case for a lost kitten turned viral sensation.

You might've seen the now-famous kitty on TikTok, originally posted by @Pocahontae. The kitten, seemingly a stray, wandered onto the subway at the 110th Street Station as if it were commuting to work. The post from @Pocahontae, given name Shaquantae McGee, has racked up some eight million views on TikTok.

The video shows a person safely scooping up the kitten as subway passengers wonder what to do.

"The woman got off at the next stop with the cat," McGee told local station 6ABC. "Everyone was in shock and panic."

SEE ALSO: From Moo Deng to Pesto the Penguin, here are the cutest animals taking over our feeds

But this story apparently has a happy ending. The commuter who scooped up the kitty told The Today Show that she has adopted the kitten and named her Emmie, in honor of NYC's MTA.

The rider's name is Betsaida Mercado. She posted an update on TikTok, stitched with the original video.

"I've never had a cat before, but she is so precious, I love her," Mercado said in the TikTok. Mercado's page is now full of heartwarming Emmie updates, including all the gifts sent her way, her new sibling (a dog), and her trip to the vet.

So what likely started out as a stressful ride for Emmie has now turned into a safe, loving home — and life as a viral star.

People reach for all kinds of metaphors to describe their relationship to AI. For some, AI is like a mostly reliable intern. For others, it’s a virtual assistant. Increasingly, chatbots like ChatGPT are moving into the role of companion, therapist, even romantic partner. As a college writing professor, I’ve come to think of AI as a collaborator: an archive of knowledge that talks back. But as a sober alcoholic myself, I also can’t help but imagine it as a high-functioning drunk: It can sometimes sound brilliant even when it has no idea what it’s talking about.

I can tell you stories about the ways AI has come through when I needed it, saving me hours of time by doing mundane tasks, proofreading my writing, or conversing about my latest research obsessions. But then there are those other times when it lies with a cheery tone, when it seems to not understand a word I’m saying but just keeps talking rather than admit it’s wrong or that it doesn’t have an answer. Like a few weeks ago, when I asked ChatGPT to turn my written remarks for an academic conference into a slide deck. My talk was about literary journalism, and it proudly offered me a presentation about luxury travel in Brazil.

Off-the-rails incidents like that give me plenty of cautionary tales to share with my students. But even though I think AI undercuts some of the most important human reasons to write, not all kinds of writing are the same. To write, we often have to research first, and after we’ve written a draft we need critical feedback. Instead of taking a reactionary approach to AI, I want to explore with my students how it can be a useful collaborator in that process.

Chatting with the archive

So much of college writing is based on research and reading, a process that trains the mind to organize information and think logically. But using new technologies for that process doesn’t mean we’re not still doing critical mental work. Just in my lifetime, those technologies have changed radically: We’ve gone from library card catalogs and microfiche to online databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar. Those tools don’t require any less thinking—they just speed up some of the brainstorming and collecting information, and they expand the amount of knowledge we’re able to consider.

Because I had witnessed this rapid digitization of research and writing tools even before AI, I’m more inclined to imagine ways AI can be a collaborative research partner. In my field, for example, literary scholars spend hours combing through primary sources in libraries and archives. Digitization has already made these easier to access, and AI may make them easier to analyze. 

Lately, I’ve realized we could think of talking to an AI chatbot not like browsing an archive, but like conversing with one. Before we dive into more intensive work, we can have a research-orienting chat with a “mind” that at least has a general idea of what’s out there. A few weeks ago, I used my limited access to ChatGPT’s advanced voice function to ask if it thought that this idea of chatting with the archive was a reasonable way to understand what is happening when I converse with AI. It answered, “When you’re talking to an AI like me, you’re accessing a vast amount of information and patterns derived from human knowledge up to a certain point.” It also hedged a bit: “It’s important to remember that while I can provide information and insights based on that knowledge, I don’t possess human experiences or consciousness. So, while it might feel like conversing with a vast reservoir of knowledge, it’s always good to consider the human perspective and context as well.”

Still, as our conversation went on and my questions got more pointed, I could ask it to provide references and places I could go to do further reading. Since that first tentative conversation, this pre-writing conversation with AI is becoming part of my workflow. I’ve always found it easier to work out my ideas through dialogue, but not many people are interested in hearing my half-baked ideas. That is why I’ve found that talking through ideas is one of the best uses of AI for writers.

Creating your own mini-archive

While talking with AI has proven helpful for idea generation — and the fact that it keeps a transcript makes it easier to refer to later — there are a growing number of AI-based tools designed to help with the more intensive phases of research. At the end of the fall semester last year, a student sent me an email asking if I’d heard of Google’s NotebookLM. I hadn’t, but when I opened the link, I got the concept almost immediately. NotebookLM takes the idea of talking to the archive to the next level: The archive you chat with is one you assemble yourself with sources for a particular project, which the AI can also help you collect to get started.

Preparing for my recent conference talk, I dumped 25 PDFs that I had assembled and stored in Zotero, my favorite citation manager, into NotebookLM’s interface. It quickly “read” them and provided a summary that began, “These sources discuss ordinary language philosophy, primarily focusing on the work of Wittgenstein, Austin, and Cavell, and its relationship to other philosophical and literary movements like pragmatism, transcendentalism, and deconstruction.” Below the summary is a text entry field that encourages me to “Start typing…” and provides some suggested prompts like, “How does ordinary language philosophy challenge traditional philosophical approaches to meaning?”

On the right side of the page, in an area designated “Studio,” I'm invited to create an audio overview, which takes the form of a podcast, complete with two voices — one male, one female — bantering about my chosen topic. If I use Interactive Mode, I get treated like a caller on an old late night radio show. I get compliments for my great questions and responses based on the documents I provided. The podcast part isn’t great yet; it’s creepily pandering, but I can envision it getting better and becoming more useful. NotebookLM has other helpful features: It can create a “Mind Map,” study guide, briefing doc, FAQ, and timeline. I’ll continue to use it and suggest students do so as well.

A not-quite writing tutor

One more way that AI could prove helpful to student writers is in its ability to provide instant feedback on student writing. When I asked ChatGPT about this concept, it encouraged me to “think of AI like a writing tutor that’s available 24/7” with the caveat that it “lacks the personal touch and nuanced understanding of individual students that a human tutor provides.” 

I pasted in the full text of one of my previous Mashable stories and asked for suggestions. It seemed well-versed in what we refer to in classroom peer workshop sessions as the “compliment sandwich”: criticism folded in between two compliments. 

It told me, “This is a compelling, eloquently written piece…your voice is authentic and reflective,” before offering “some suggestions to elevate the piece further.” Again, it began with “Strengths to Keep,” followed by “Suggestions for Improvement,” including “tighten the opening,” “strengthen transitions,” and “consider a stronger conclusion.” It also had a few “minor style edits” to suggest. Finally, it provided an overall rating: 9/10.

Maybe it was all the compliments, but I got greedy. I pasted in another essay (9.5/10) and then the conference talk I was working on. The overall impression started off great: “Your paper presents a compelling argument for the value of literary journalism that focuses on the “ordinary” and ‘quotidian.’” That’s true, though I never used the word “quotidian.” But then — I should have expected — it went off the rails. “The references to foundational figures (e.g., Bateson, Becker, Carey, Geertz, Tuchman) and contemporary examples (e.g., Kiese Laymon, Eliza Griswold, E. Tammy Kim) help situate your argument within a well-informed scholarly framework.” I don’t reference any of those figures as foundational or otherwise. 

I called its attention to this, and it said I was “absolutely right” and thanked me for pointing it out. Its explanation, however, was still baffling: “I mistakenly based part of my response on assumptions or cached ideas from other academic discussions of literary journalism, not your specific paper.” I study literary journalism; the names ChatGPT dropped belong to writers, but they are not scholars in my field. Still, after I corrected it, we got back on track and it provided feedback, again utilizing the compliment sandwich. 

I’m not sure what to make of the fact that ChatGPT fared much better against my more journalistic writing as opposed to the academic, except that it provides yet another opportunity for me to urge caution when helping students think through appropriate uses of AI to complement — rather than replace — the writing process.

Ultimately, I love the notion of AI as conversant, albeit something that occasionally overindulges, leading it to overly flatter and outright lie. I’m all for the notion that, in talking with a chatbot, writers can approximate something like talking to a whole host of human knowledge, especially with a tool like NotebookLM that lets writers “teach” the AI about a topic before discussing it.

AI as a collaborator appeals to me, even if I have to approach it with a healthy sense of skepticism, always prepared for the next time it will let me down.

SAVE $20: As of July 30, get the Anker Laptop Charger for $59.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $79.99. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Anker Laptop Charger $59.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you regularly look for a charger that can ensure your laptop is back up to 100% battery, it might be time to get a new one. Just so you can stop worrying about losing yours. You probably use it all the time anyway, so having a spare can't hurt. And this Anker model is a particularly good one at a great price.

As of July 30, get the Anker Laptop Charger for $59.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $79.99. That's $20 off and a discount of 25%.

SEE ALSO: Anker just dropped 3 new Nano power banks and chargers

This 140W charger comes with four ports with fast charging, so you can make sure all your devices have a place to power back up. You can charge everything from phones to laptops, and it can even bring your 15-inch MacBook Air to 50% charge in 30 minutes with two of its USB-C ports, each with a maximum output of 140W.

It uses ActiveShield 2.0 to ensure your devices' temperature stays at safe levels as well as the charger's so you don't have to worry about coming home to a disaster. Plus, it has a bright and crisp HD display directly on the charger that gives you an overview of the ports' details, charging status, and temperature all in one place.

This is a charger that has every detail covered, and it's not going to break the bank. Grab one while it's on sale for an excellent charger that you'll want to come back to time and time again. Make sure to browse our other favorite Anker charging accessories while you're at it.

Shop our favorite laptops of 2025: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 (save $200) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599 (save $400) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 deal Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 (save $350) Get Deal

Hunting for a new laptop can quickly and easily lead to analysis paralysis. The options are seemingly endless and the specs can get pretty convoluted. So allow us to be your tour guide through the computer cosmos.

Mashable's laptop experts have been busy testing different models all year and have selected just three that meet our high expectations in 2025. And as of July 30, all three laptops are on sale for record-low prices. It's a really good time to be shopping for a laptop. Here's the essential details you need in order to seal the deal.

Best Apple deal: M4 MacBook Air Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're more of a Mac than a PC person, the M4 MacBook Air is hard to beat. While it didn't exactly reinvent the wheel with the latest model, it's next-gen upgrades and crazy low price (for a MacBook, that is) make it the best pick for most people. Faster than the M3 version by 24 percent, it's one of the speediest laptops in our testing database. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said its power is "almost overkill." The 13-inch version starts at only $999 for 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage and is currently down to only $799 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's $50 cheaper than it was on Prime Day, officially a new best price ever for the laptop.

Want a little more screen real estate? The 15-inch M4 Air is also at a record-low price of $999.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).

Best Windows laptop deal: Asus Zenbook A14 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599 at Best Buy
$999 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it

Our resident laptop expert Haley Henschel was pleased to report that the Asus Zenbook A14 lived up to most of our very high expectations. Its OLED display and Ceraluminum chassis are gorgeous, it's incredibly lightweight and thin, and its battery life lasts 22 hours. The base model features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage and came just shy of the M3 MacBook Pro in our processing power test, meaning it's pretty dang fast. It's not perfect (its speakers are awful), but value-wise, it's hard to find a better Windows laptop on a budget — especially right now with a $400 discount.

Best 2-in-1 deal: Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 at Best Buy
$1,749.99 Save $350 Get Deal Why we like it

The "Aura edition" version of the premium Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 essentially means it's loaded with cool AI features — like a "Wellness Mode" that analyzes your posture. But here's where it really makes its mark: It's the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tried, with a battery life of over 23(!) hours. Our tester Sarah Chaney raved about its "super vibrant" 2.8K OLED touchscreen display and island-style keyboard. It scored slightly lower on our power test than its predecessor, even with its newer Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, which is kind of a bummer. But it's on par with the other models we've tested with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and costs less, making this our favorite 2-in-1 laptop of 2025.

As of July 30, it's down $350 from its list price, marking its lowest price to date.

After spending billions of dollars to recruit top AI talent from rival AI companies, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has shared his vision to "bring personal superintelligence to everyone."

Zuckerberg published the manifesto on Wednesday morning, after weeks of a poaching frenzy that convinced AI researchers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to join Meta's new superintelligence group, dubbed Meta Superintelligence Labs. Meta also gained Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang as part of a $14.3 billion investment in the data annotation company. The goal is to develop better AI models to compete against Meta's rivals, which have consistently bested the tech giant on key benchmarks. To accomplish this, Zuckerberg reportedly wants the new AI supergroup to operate more like a startup within Meta, keeping it compartmentalized from the larger Meta "bureaucracy," according to a recent report in The Financial Times.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Meta forges ahead with facial recognition for its AI glasses

The Meta CEO didn't get into specifics of his superintelligence vision, but emphasized an advanced form of AI that's highly personalized and empowering. "As profound as the abundance produced by AI may one day be, an even more meaningful impact on our lives will likely come from everyone having a personal superintelligence that helps you achieve your goals, create what you want to see in the world, experience any adventure, be a better friend to those you care about, and grow to become the person you aspire to be," Zuckerberg wrote.

He also threw light shade on Meta's competitors by saying "others in the industry... believe superintelligence should be directed centrally towards automating all valuable work, and then humanity will live on a dole of its output." This may be alluding to Meta's open-source approach to developing AI, compared to rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic which closely guard the secrets of their models. "At Meta, we believe that people pursuing their individual aspirations is how we have always made progress expanding prosperity, science, health, and culture."

The timing of Zuckerberg's post coincides with Meta's Q2 earnings call later today. We'll find out soon whether Wall Street likes this better than his vision for the Metaverse. You can read the full post at the Meta website.

SAVE 20%: As of July 30, you can get the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) for $319.99, down from $399.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and $80 in savings.

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, Wi-Fi, Matte Black, Obsidian Band) $319.99 at Walmart
$399.99 Save $80 Get Deal

If you're tired of waiting for the Google Pixel Watch 4 (preorders kick off on August 20), you can actually snag the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) right now on Amazon with a sweet $80 discount.

As of July 30, you can grab the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) for just $319.99, down from its usual $399.99, over on Amazon. That's a solid 20% discount and an $80 savings. While this isn't the absolute lowest we've seen the Pixel Watch 3 go for on Amazon, it's still a pretty good deal when you consider everything it offers.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel Watch 3 can detect loss of pulse and call 911

The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is essentially a souped-up fitness tracker designed for serious performance. It comes with advanced fitness tracking features from Fitbit, including in-depth monitoring for sleep, body temperature, stress, and heart rate.

You'll also find that the display is twice as bright and a good 40 percent larger than previous models. And even with those upgrades, you'll still get a full 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display, or even up to 36 hours if you switch to Battery Saver mode.

Community Notes are social media platforms' new favorite it-item. X has them. Meta has them. And now, they're coming to TikTok.

TikTok announced the pilot of Footnotes, its version of Community Notes, earlier this year. But, today, they're officially rolling out in the U.S. for users in the pilot program. Around 80,000 users are contributing to Footnotes, and each of them have had an active TikTok account for at least six months, live in the U.S., haven't had community guidelines violations in the past six months, and are at least 18 years old. If you'd like to be a part of the program, you can apply online.

Footnotes will "start to appear on videos in the coming weeks for our U.S. community, who will also be able to rate them," TikTok said in a press release.

"At first, it may take some time for a footnote to become public as contributors get started and become more familiar with the feature," according to TikTok. "The more footnotes get written and rated on different topics, the smarter and more effective the system becomes. Our ranking systems will learn and improve over time, which we expect will help close the gap between a footnote being written and becoming visible."

The footnotes will be moderated with a combination of automated moderation and human moderation, and users can report footnotes they thing are untrue or break TikTok's rules.

"Footnotes builds on our extensive efforts to maintain platform integrity with content labels, search banners, and a global fact-checking program that help people understand the reliability of content and access authoritative sources," TikTok said in its press release.

The platform introduced the launch of this feature along with a whole host of other features, including Discover & Learn, Family Pairing, a well-being mission, and new tools for creators.

TikTok's health and safety settings are getting yet another upgrade, as the app announces a suite of new features for parents, creators, and users.

In addition to rolling out the app's own stab at a community notes feature, called Footnotes, TikTok has beefed up its monitoring and personalization tools. Creators now have access to things like bulk Mute, which allows them to mute words from viewers while on Live, and Creator Care Mode, a tool that automatically filters out inappropriate comments. Parents will have more options to see how their teen uses the app, and all users will get access to well-being features intended to incentive healthier app habits.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI launches 'study mode' for ChatGPT, turning the bot into a teacher New Family Pairing tools

In March, TikTok announced broader supervision tools for parents, allowing them to view their child's follower and following lists, control screen time hours, and be notified when they report a video on the app (that tool is now available globally).

Now, parents can also get alerts each time their child posts a video, photo, or story that is visible to other users. For teen users over the age of 15, parents can now view if they have allowed followers to download, duet, or stitch their videos.

Credit: TikTok

Other new features give parents a view of how their teens have curated their own FYPs, a feature available to all users called "Manage Topics" that enables them to filter out certain content areas. And, importantly, parents will gain the power to block accounts themselves (rolling out to European users first). Teens will still be able to request an account be unblocked.

Credit: TikTok Well-being features for users

TikTok users looking to build better digital habits, but who can't quite go full digital detox yet, now have access to in-app well-being features, known as Well-being Missions. Users can earn badges by completing quick daily tasks — the first batch ask users to explore the app's already existing digital well-being settings — which will be updated periodically.

"As a platform loved by millions of people around the world, we aim to empower people to manage their time online in a way that feels right to them. That’s why we’ve built features like Screen Time Management and Sleep Hours — tools that make it easy for people to create digital routines that work for them. We also recognize that long-term change often comes not just from restriction, but from positive reinforcement: building habits through encouragement, education, and a sense of progress," the company explained.

In May, TikTok added evening meditation alerts for teen users, adding to the app's existing screen time and scroll notifications.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Amazon

• Save $10 when you spend $50 on select school supplies

• Amazon Exclusive Kids Backpack (patterns compatible with Kids Fire tablets) — $17.49 $24.99 (save $7.50)

• Beats Studio Buds+ — $129.95 $169.95 (save $40)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (WiFi, 64GB) — $209.99 $329.99 (save $120)

• HP, 14-inch (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $279.99 $389.99 (save $110)

• Lenovo Idea Tab Pro with Google Gemini (MediaTek Dimensity 8300, 8GB RAM, 12GB SSD) — $309.99 $379.99 (save $70)

• ASUS Vivobook Go, 15.6-inch (Ryzen 3 7320U Quad Core Processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD) — $314.99 $379.99 (save $65)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200)

Target

• Get a free $15 gift card when you spend $50 on household essentials and lunch packing supplies

• 30% off select backpacks

• 20% off school lunch items

Walmart

• onn. Mini Wireless Keyboard — $9.88 $14.88 (save $5)

• Deli Spiral Notebooks (6 pack) — $10.99 $21.99 (save $11)

• Mpow Kids Wired Headphones — $11.59 $24.99 (save $13.40)

• Bentgo Kids Snap & Go Leak-Proof Lunch Box — $19.98 $29.99 (save $10.01)

• JLab JBuddies Studio 2 On-Ear Wireless Headphones — $24.88 $29.88 (save $5)

• Apple AirTag — $25.99 $29 (save $3.01)

• JBL Vibe Flex 2 True Wireless Earbuds — $39.88 $58.46 (save $18.58)

• Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Python Graphing Calculator — $95 $149 (save $54)

• HP 14-inch x360 Touch Chromebook Laptop (Intel Processor N100, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $189 $429.99 (save $240.99)

Woot

• Adhesive Magnetic Cable Clips (6-Pack) — $3.99 $11.99 (save $8)

• WRITECH Retractable Gel Ink Pens (10-Pack) — $3.99 $13.99 (save $10)

• AmazonBasics 5FT 3 Outlet 3 USB Port Power Strip Extension Cord (1 USB-C and 2 USB-A) — $6.99 $19.99 (save $13)

• Quartet Whiteboard Calendar & Corkboard — $12.99 $24.25 (save $11.26)

• Furinno Luder Bookcase (3-Tier, White) — $15.99 $25.99 (save $10)

• 3 in 1 Charging Station for Apple Devices — $18.99 $35.99 (save $17)

• Samsung 25W USB-C Super Fast Wall Charger + 3.3ft USB-C Cable (2-Pack) — $24.99 $69.98 (save $44.99)

Stasher

• Buy two, get one free snack bags — $19.98 $29.97 (save $25.98)

• Buy two, get two free sandwich bags — $25.98 $51.96 (save $250)

• 30% off school essentials packs and 25% off stretch lids and single bags

Staples

• Get folders, pencils, glue, art supplies, and notebooks for under $1 and binders for under $2

• ASUS Vivobook 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core 5 120U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $499.99 $749.99 (save $250)

Old Navy

• 50% off back-to-school clothing and uniforms

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).

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.