Technology
5 free and open-source (FOSS) apps that are better than paid alternatives
Are monthly software subscriptions draining your wallet? Wondering whether you can replace your premium tools with free alternatives? Well, here are five free, open-source apps that don’t just match their paid counterparts—they often surpass them.
Volvo's EV spinoff Polestar just got banned in the US
You're about to have fewer EV choices in the American car market. The U.S. Department of Commerce has banned new car sales for Polestar, a Volvo spinoff, starting with the 2027 model year.
I turned my old Android phone into a sleep companion—and it’s better than my smartwatch
I tried using my Galaxy Watch as a sleep tracker, but it never really stuck. So, I went in the opposite direction and turned an old Google Pixel 6a into a dedicated bedside sleep companion instead. After making a few specific optimizations, it not only helped improve and stabilize my sleep schedule but also did a decent job of tracking my sleep.
FCC ID mandate plans could kill anonymous burner phones
A proposed change to FCC rules may make anonymous burner phones a thing of the past.
That's because the federal regulatory agency is introducing plans that would require the collection of names, addresses, and government identification numbers for nearly every U.S. cellphone user in a bid to curb escalating robocalls and scams.
The proposal mandates phone companies connect identifying information to numbers originating on their networks, including pre-paid phones, and flag suspicious activity associated with devices, such as cryptocurrency payments and phone numbers not listed to residential addresses. That information would then be officially verified and stored for up to four years if the number is deemed suspicious.
SEE ALSO: Climate.gov staff relaunch site after Trump killed itInitial public comment on the proposal closes today. The FCC will then open up a reply period, with a deadline of July 27, before making its final decision. There's no timeline yet for implementing the new rules should the agency proceed.
The proposal was first introduced in May and stoked immediate concerns among consumer privacy advocates. In the month since, other civil society advocates have warned that expanding Know-Your-Consumer rules could spell disaster for a wide range of privacy seekers in the digital age.
Domestic violence resource groups, for example, have filed statements to the FCC arguing that data privacy and the use of anonymous devices is an essential safety tool for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the FCC's proposed red flags "implicate practices that survivors routinely use to protect themselves from being monitored or harmed by abusive actors.”
In addition, the new rules could effectively disconnect millions of Americans who do not have government-issued identification, including undocumented residents.
"For decades, civil libertarians have looked overseas at authoritarian countries where the government requires people to register to get a mobile phone to ensure they can be tracked. We never thought that would happen here," Jay Stanley, ACLU senior policy analyst, told CNET.
Featured Video For YouI moved these 4 services off my home server to the cloud, and I'll never move them back
Where I live, internet outages and power outages are both common, so I cannot realistically keep everything on my home server. At the same time, I still want to reliably self-host my services, so I'm keeping critical stuff on a virtual private server (or VPS for short). It took some trial and error to figure what is going where, so if you're in a similar spot, this list might help.
Squirt is bringing back its face-to-face video chat feature
Grindr's been peeving off its customers, and other dating apps are starting to take note. Since its "AI era" announcement and the introduction of an astronomically priced premium tier, Grindr's competitors have stepped up to the plate to give people what they want: hookups, now.
Squirt, a cruising site that's been around since 1999 BG (Before Grindr), launched its first iOS app (SQ Dating) in April, and now it's adding new features to encourage you to download the app and check out the site, including a revamped "Video Chat" experience and a "New Guys" grid.
SEE ALSO: The best gay dating apps of 2026: Grindr is still king (even if we sometimes wish it wasn't)According to a press release shared with Mashable, "Video Chat" has been rebuilt for a "smoother, faster, and more reliable 1:1 experience." It's easier to jump between the web and mobile app; you can also switch between your front and rear cameras and receive incoming call notifications (no matter what page you're on) across both platforms.
"Bringing back Video Chat gives members a more immediate way to flirt, tease, verify chemistry, and decide what happens next," Andrew Nolan, Head of Dating Businesses at Squirt's parent company, Pink Triangle Press, said in a statement. "Whether they're browsing on the website or using the app, we want the experience to feel direct, easy, and hot.”
To make it even easier to see who's brand-new to the app, the company launched a "New Guys" grid. This is essentially a grid of guys who've joined in the last 30 days or who've been online "recently" and explicitly flag that they want to meet up right now — which helps if you're tired of seeing the same local faces over and over again.
Squirt's new user layout interface. Credit: SquirtSquirt also says it's planning to add an integrated "Map" feature later this summer (taking a page from Sniffies' book, I see) to give you another way to connect with nearby profiles. You'll find it under "Dating" on the app and "Cruising Listings" on desktop, where you can check into locations and browse nearby activity.
How to watch Ecuador vs. Germany online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Ecuador vs. Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockouts ready to kick off, Ecuador need a win over Group E leaders Germany for a chance of advancing.
It sounds like a big ask but it's not impossible — Germany looked vulnerable at times in their last game and only just nicked a win. Ecuador will have to give it everything they've got. But is it too little, too late?
If you want to watch Ecuador vs. Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Ecuador vs. Germany?Ecuador vs. Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on June 25. This fixture takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
How to watch Ecuador vs. Germany for freeEcuador vs. Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Ecuador vs. Germany for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Ecuador vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Ecuador vs. Germany (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Ecuador vs. Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
How to watch Curacao vs. Ivory Coast online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Curacao vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockouts are on the horizon, and Curacao are looking to turn their campaign into a Cinderella story. After losing to Germany then drawing with Ecuador, a win in this last group game against Ivory Coast could see them advance. But it won't be easy. Ivory Coast are solid and took Germany to the limit in their last fixture.
If you want to watch Curacao vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Curacao vs. Ivory Coast?Curacao vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on June 25. This fixture takes place at the Philadelphia Stadium.
How to watch Curacao vs. Ivory Coast for freeCuracao vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Curacao vs. Ivory Coast for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Curacao vs. Ivory Coast for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Curacao vs. Ivory Coast (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Curacao vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
Prime Day 2026 live: Were vetting the latest Amazon deals in real-time
Amazon's annual Prime Day sale runs from June 23 to 26 this year. That's right, Amazon has shifted the event from mid-July to late June. And if you've been following our coverage, then you know we've already passed the halfway point.
Without a doubt, Prime Day 2026 is one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar, second only to Black Friday. So far, this huge event is going hard on just about every category: We're seeing significant savings on Apple gadgets, limited-time price cuts on Bose headphones, and all-time lows on Samsung OLED TVs and gaming monitors. Our professional deal hunters are ready to help you save, and we're cross-checking prices at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart to make sure you get the lowest prices.
As we approach the end of the Amazon sale, we've lined up all the best deals from Prime Day. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events, the latest live updates, price drops, low-stock alerts, and news.
Samsung's new Galaxy A27 5G is the budget Android phone the US needs right now
If you need a new Android phone but are strapped for cash, you just got a lifeline. Samsung will release the Galaxy A27 5G in the U.S. on July 14 for $349, with a few key upgrades — although there are curious downgrades that will turn off A26 owners.
The 10-year-old Lexus SUV with an interior that still feels brand new
Most luxury SUVs start feeling their age once the miles stack up. What once felt premium can quickly turn into rattles, wear, and a cabin that no longer feels worth the price tag.
Amazon brought back the Black Friday $10 Fire TV Stick deal for Prime Day
SAVE $30: As of June 25, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is only $9.99 for select customers this Prime Day with the on-page coupon code FTVSELECT. That's 75% off its list price and matches its lowest price ever from Black Friday.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $9.99 at Amazon$39.99 Save $30 with on-page coupon code FTVSELECT Get Deal
One of Mashable readers' favorite deals from Black Friday is back for round two on Prime Day 2026. The newest Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K quality is 75% off for select customers, and it's a deal worth shouting about.
As of June 25, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is just $9.99 with the on-page coupon code FTVSELECT. That's $30 off its list price of $39.99 and matches its best price ever. That's also cheaper than the Fire TV Stick HD (which does not offer 4K quality). Just be sure to hit "redeem" next to the code on the product page before you add it to your cart.
It's easily the best streaming stick deal overall, but it's only available for select customers. Unfortunately, there's a chance you may not see the on-page coupon. We don't know the rhyme or reason why Amazon does this. If you do see the extra savings beneath the Prime logo, you're one of the lucky ones.
While the 4K Select is the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup that offers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, it's important to note that it's also the first to feature the new Linux-based Vega operating system. That's a good thing and a bad thing. It's great if you found the old operating system a bit laggy like we did. But if you're someone who likes to sideload apps, this streaming stick blocks that option; you'll need one of the older models, like the 4K Plus or 4K Max for that.
Otherwise, it still offers the plug-and-play design you know and love, plus support for Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, NordVPN, IPVanish, Alexa+, and Amazon Kids+.
I stopped maintaining 30 JSON files by hand with this one tool
If you've ever wondered how to reuse configuration values or how to easily inject them into your code, then I have the perfect tool for you. It's not just a JSON replacement but something more powerful that works with several config formats.
MacBooks and iPads just got more expensive. Lock in Prime Day Apple deals before its too late.
If you're shopping for some new Apple gadgets this Prime Day, your timing couldn't be better: Today, Apple raised some of its prices because of the global RAM shortage. AirPods and Apple Watches are unaffected (for now), but all MacBooks and iPads are now at least $100 more expensive than they were yesterday — even the budget MacBook Neo.
Here's the good news: The price changes haven't gone into effect on Amazon yet, only in the Apple Store. So, procrastinate at your own risk. For now, you can still shop Prime Day deals on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks. That includes a record-low price on the M4 iPad Air. (It's only $519 on Amazon right now, down from $599, but the Apple Store is charging $749.)
SEE ALSO: The top 30+ Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor on a budget: Save 50% on Bose headphonesWe'll continue to monitor Amazon's best Prime Day Apple deals through the end of the week, and we'll make note if/when Amazon adjusts Apple products' MSRPs. For now, the deals we've gathered reflect MacBooks and iPads' original launch prices (before today's increase).
We're also checking prices at other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices available. If they manage to beat one of Amazon's Prime Day Apple deals, we'll note that and link to the competition.
Note: Products marked with a 🔥 are at their lowest-ever price. Deals marked with a strikethrough weren't available at the time of writing, but could return later this week.
Best Prime Day AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 🔥 $399 at Amazon$549 Save $150 Get Deal
Apple's stylish over-ear headphones were updated in April with the H2 chip, bringing better noise cancellation and support for software features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation. This Prime Day, Amazon has them marked down to just $399 — a 27% savings and their lowest price ever (by a lot). This is a shockingly good deal, considering the original AirPods Max took several years to hit the same price. Only Walmart's managed to match it so far.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max 2.
More AirPods dealsApple AirPods 4 (pre-owned) — $65 $98 (save $33)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)
$399 Save $120 Get Deal
The Apple Watch Series 11 has a new record-low price for Prime Day. Amazon marked it down to just $279, which is 30% off its usual $399 MSRP. (It was $20 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a couple of months ago.) Apple's latest flagship wearable supports features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. Compared to its predecessor, it has a more scratch-resistant display and a longer battery life. Choose from four different case and band combinations, including one with the new space gray finish.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.
More Apple Watch dealsApple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $199 $249 (save $50) 🔥
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) — $499 $799 (save $300) 🔥
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + cellluar, 49mm) — $649 $799 (save $150) 🔥
$599 Save $80 Will soon cost $749. Get Deal
The M4 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people, especially artists and other creatives, combining a beautiful design with laptop-level performance at a reasonable price. Right now, it's more reasonable than usual: The 11-inch base model with 128GB of storage has fallen to a record low of $519 for Prime Day, which is 13% off its current sticker price on Amazon. (Pick up an on-sale Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard while you're at it, too.) If it sells out on Amazon, you can score the same deal at Best Buy.
Read Mashable's full review of the M4 Apple iPad Air.
More iPad dealsApple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399.99 $499 (save $99.01)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,249.99 $1,499 (save $249.01) 🔥
$1,099 Save $150 Will soon cost $1,299. Get Deal
If you need a new laptop that's sleek, portable, and powerful, the MacBook Air is sooo easy to recommend. Its thin all-aluminum design (available in four colors) features a haptic touchpad, a 12MP webcam, and a punchy Liquid Retina display. Its M5 chip makes it faster than most Windows laptops in just about any scenario. The 13-inch base model currently costs $1,099 on Amazon, but it's down to $949 for Prime Day. It's now $50 away from its record-low price from Memorial Day. You'll find the same deal at Best Buy this week.
Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.
More MacBook dealsApple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,549 $1,699 (save $150)
$99 Save $10 Get Deal
Here's our first-ever discount on the second-generation AirTag, Apple's recently updated Bluetooth tracker. It doesn't look any different from the original version that launched in 2021, but it has a louder speaker and a much wider range. Grab an $89 four-pack for the best value (normally $99) — that works out to $22.25 per AirTag. If you only need one or two, you'll pay $24 for them individually during Prime Day (typically $29). Best Buy and Walmart were matching both of those deals, FYI.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag 2.
More Apple accessory dealsApple AirTag 2 — $24 $29 (save $5) 🔥
Apple MagSafe Charger — $28 $49 (save $21) 🔥
Apple Pencil USB-C — $59 $79 (save $20)
Apple Magic Mouse — $59.99 $79 (save $15.01) 🔥
Apple AirTag 1 (4-Pack) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)
Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple price increases arrive: How much MacBooks and iPads will cost you now
Apple isn't immune to RAMageddon, either.
Reuters reported something on Thursday that many in the tech world had been expecting for weeks: Apple is raising prices on many of its devices. So far, iPhones and AirPods are exempt from this policy, but MacBooks, Macs, and iPads (among others) have all been affected. Here is the full list of price increases, as far as we are aware:
Entry-level iPad: $449 (increase of $100)
iPad Mini: $599 (increase of $100)
11-inch iPad Air: $749 (increase of $150)
13-inch iPad Air: $949 (increase of $200)
11-inch iPad Pro: $1,199 (increase of $200)
13-inch iPad Pro: $1,499 (increase of $200)
MacBook Neo: $699 (increase of $100)
13-inch MacBook Air: $1,299 (increase of $200)
15-inch MacBook Air: $1,499 (increase of $200)
iMac: $1,499 (increase of $200)
M5 MacBook Pro: $1,999 (increase of $300)
M5 Max MacBook Pro: $4,099 (increase of $500
M5 Pro MacBook Pro: $2,499 (increase of $300)
M4 Max Mac Studio: $2,499 (increase of $500)
M3 Ultra Mac Studio: $5,299 (increase of $1,300)
Apple TV 4K: $199 (increase of $70)
HomePod: $349 (increase of $50)
Apple Vision Pro headset: $3,699 (increase of $200)
This obviously isn't great if you're a fan of Apple hardware or of relatively affordable electronics in general. As with all other recent tech price increases, you can blame it on the rapid expansion of data centers for AI, which has put a premium on memory components and made it harder to manufacture basically every electronic device.
The MacBook Neo is getting a price bump just months after its launch, when it was heralded as finally bringing us an affordable MacBook.
Last chance: Get the MacBook Neo for $589 at Amazon before prices go up for good
We'll cut to the chase: As of Thursday, June 25, Apple is officially raising prices on its new budget laptop, the MacBook Neo. At the online Apple store, prices on the MacBook Neo have increased by $100.
However, for a little while longer, you can still order this laptop at its original price at Amazon, while supplies last.
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 at Amazon
Shop Now at Amazon
This colorful starter laptop launched in March with a starting price of $599, and Amazon quickly undercut the competition (and Apple itself) by selling the computer for $589.99. (A version with extra storage and Touch ID costs $699.99, or $689.99 at Amazon.)
The MacBook Neo was a shot across the bow of the Windows laptop market, and there's truly nothing else like it at its price point. However, the $599 MacBook Neo was apparently too good for this world.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned of impending price increases caused by the global memory shortage, aka RAMageddon. As the AI industry buys up memory components, manufacturers have been raising prices on tech products across the board in 2026. Apple held out longer than most of its rivals, but as of this morning, the company has implemented price increases on MacBooks, Mac devices, and iPads. Price increases on iPhones could follow shortly.
SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for tech price increases: See the full listHowever, as I mentioned, it will take some time before the new prices are reflected at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
So, once again, this is almost certainly your last chance to get the MacBook Neo at its original launch price.
Do not pass go. Do not waste $100. Head to Amazon and add the Neo to your cart while you still can.
We found 15+ Prime Day deals on MicroSD and portable SSDs: How to beat RAMageddon
Thanks to the global memory crisis known as RAMageddon, prices on memory products like hard drives, MicroSD cards, and portable SSDs have continued to climb. It's been a relentless trajectory of up, up, and up again. Experts interviewed by Mashable say the memory crisis will get worse before it gets better, so Prime Day marks a rare opportunity to find deals on these products.
MicroSD, portable SSDs, and hard drives are a staple of Prime Day and more relevant than ever in light of RAMageddon. We did some digging and found the best deals in the memory category. Now is the time to take advantage of these microSD, portable SSD, and hard drive offers, with Prime Day deals from Lexar, Samsung, and SanDisk.
SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Get live updates on Amazon deals from Apple, Bose, Lego, and SonySo, if your Nintendo Switch 2 or hard drive has been dangerously full, now's the best time to restock.
Best MicroSD Card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T7 MicroSDXC 1TB $239.99 at Amazon$319.99 Save $80 Get Deal
If you're maxing out device storage, enough is enough. The Samsung T7 brings an immense amount of storage space (1TB to be exact) in a tiny package. It can store your favorite games and capture high-res photos and 4K video in real time. It pulls a lot of weight, and right now, you can pay just $239.99 for the MicroSD card, saving you $80 during Prime Day. For some slightly cheaper microSDs, check out Lexar's SD cards during Prime Day.
Best portable SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Sandisk Portable SSD, 1TB $135.99$159.99 Save $24 Get Deal
A portable SSD provides an immense amount of storage in a portable package. This Sandisk portable SSD is made for people on the go with a loop on it for easy attachment to a backpack or belt loop. With 1TB of storage, Sandisk claims excellent performance with up to 800MB/s speeds. Get it for just $135.99 and save $24 during Prime Day.
Best deal for Switch 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung P9 Express MicroSD, 256GB $39.99 at Amazon$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal
If you're in the market for a microSD card for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can grab the Samsung P9 Express MicroSD for 50% off during Prime Day. It has transfer speeds up to 800MB/s and 256GB of storage, so you can store games on it in a safe spot.
More MicroSD, Portable SSD, and hard drive deals for Prime DayMicroSDs
Sandisk Max Endurance MicroSDHC, 32GB — $27.99 $32.99 (save $5)
Sandisk Ultra MicroSDXC, 256GB — $41.78 $52.99 (save $11.21)
Lexar E-Series MicroSD, 64GB — $42.49 $49.99 (save $7.50)
Lexar E-Series MicroSD 3-pack, 128GB — $75.99 $89.99 (save $14)
Lexar Play Blue MicroSD, 2TB — $279.99 $429.99 (save $120)
Portable SSDs
Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD, 512GB — $87.99 $104.99 (save $17)
SSK Portable SSD, 1TB — $129.19 $159.99 (save $30.80)
Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD, 1TB — $178.49 $209.99 (save $31.50)
Samsung T9 Portable SSD, 1TB — $179.99 $287.99 (save $109)
Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD, 2TB — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
Portable HDDs
Western Digital Elements Portable HDD, 5TB — $196.99 $274.99 (save $78)
Seagate Expansion Desktop HDD, 8TB — $249 $279.99 (save $30.99)
Western Digital Elements Desktop HDD, 20TB — $599 $814.99 (save $215)
Internal hard drives
Kingston A400 SATA-III SSD, 960GB — $185.99 $215.99 (save $30)
Samsung 9100 PRO SSD, 1TB — $206.99 $339.99 (save $133)
Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD, 2TB — $369.99 $639.99 (save $270)
Acer Predator GM7 NVMe SSD, 4TB — $469.99 $609.99 (save $140)
SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 8100 SSD, 2TB — $589.99 $694.99 (save $105)
WD_Black SN850X NVMe SSD with Heatsink, 4TB — $599.99 $649.99 (save $50)
SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 8100 SSD, 4TB — $1,149.99 $1,399.99 (save $250)
6 strange '80s movie rip-offs you didn’t know existed
The 1980s saw a plethora of revolutionary movies, such as Aliens, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Halloween, to name a few. Thus, the decade also produced numerous oddball movies to replicate the success of those more serious cinematic productions.
Acer at VidCon sweepstakes entry rules
OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Acer @ VidCon 2026 Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is governed by these official rules (the “Sweepstakes Rules”). The Sweepstakes begins on June 25th, 2026 at 9:00AM PST and ends on June 27, 2026 at 6:00PM PST (the “Sweepstakes Period”).
SPONSOR: Ziff Davis, LLC, with an address of 360 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10010 (the “Sponsor”). Acer America Corporation. is acting solely as a prize provider and co-promotional partner for this promotion (“Acer”).
ELIGIBILITY: This Sweepstakes is open to individuals who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry who are legal residents of the United States (excluding Tennessee) and the District of Columbia. By entering the Sweepstakes as described in these Sweepstakes Rules, entrants represent and warrant that they are complying with these Sweepstakes Rules (including, without limitation, all eligibility requirements), and that they agree to abide by and be bound by all the rules and terms and conditions stated herein and all decisions of Sponsor, which shall be final and binding.
All previous winners of any sweepstakes sponsored by Sponsor during the nine (9) month period prior to the Selection Date are not eligible to enter. Any individuals (including, but not limited to, employees, consultants, independent contractors and interns) who have, within the past six (6) months, held employment with or performed services for Sponsor, Acer or any organizations affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion of the Sweepstakes (“Employees”) are not eligible to enter or win. Immediate Family Members and Household Members are also not eligible to enter or win. “Immediate Family Members” means parents, step-parents, legal guardians, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses of an Employee. “Household Members” means those individuals who share the same residence with an Employee at least three (3) months a year.
HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes, you must complete the following steps during the Sweepstakes Period:
Follow the official Mashable and Acer accounts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashable and https://www.instagram.com/Acer_America
Locate the designated entry post by scanning the QR code at the Mashable VidCon booth or by finding the post directly on Instagram.
‘Like’ the designated entry post.
‘Comment’ on the designated entry post, including the hashtag #VidCon2026.
Limit one (1) entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Subsequent attempts made by the same individual to submit multiple entries by using multiple accounts or otherwise may result in disqualification of the entrant.
Only contributions submitted during the Sweepstakes Period will be eligible for entry into the Sweepstakes. No other methods of entry will be accepted. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Entries are limited to individuals only; commercial enterprises and business entities are not eligible. Use of a false account will disqualify an entry. Sponsor is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties and other technological problems.
Entries are subject to any applicable restrictions or eligibility requirements listed herein. Entries will be deemed to have been made by the authorized account holder of the email or telephone phone number submitted at the time of entry and qualification. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Should multiple users of the same e-mail account or mobile phone number, as applicable, enter the Sweepstakes and a dispute thereafter arises regarding the identity of the entrant, the Authorized Account Holder of said e-mail account or mobile phone account at the time of entry will be considered the entrant. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an e-mail address or mobile phone number by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider, telephone service provider or other organization which is responsible for assigned e-mail addresses, phone numbers or the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by the website administrator for online entries. When applicable, the website administrator’s computer will be deemed the official time keeping device for the Sweepstakes promotion. Entries will be disqualified if found to be incomplete and/or if Sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that multiple entries were submitted by the same entrant in violation of the Sweepstakes Rules.
WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: Sponsor shall select the prize winner(s) (collectively, the “Winner”) on or about July 3, 2026 (“Selection Date”) by random drawing or other randomized process from among all eligible entries. The Winner will be notified via direct message or reply through the Instagram account used to enter, and will be required to provide a valid email address and mailing address in order to claim the Prize. Notification of the Winner shall be deemed to have occurred immediately upon sending of the notification by Sponsor. Selected winner(s) will be required to respond (as directed) to the notification within 3 business days of attempted notification. The only entries that will be considered eligible entries are entries received by Sponsor within the Sweepstakes Period. Sponsor’s database computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to choose only two (2) alternative winners in the event that that a possible winner has been disqualified, fails to respond timely to the notification, or is deemed ineligible for any reason. In the case the alternate winners are also disqualified, fail to respond timely to the notification, or are deemed ineligible for any reason, Ziff Davis shall not be obligated to pick any further alternate winners for the Sweepstakes and the prize(s) shall remain un-awarded.
PRIZE: One (1) Prize Winner will receive the following prize (collectively, the “Prize”):
An Acer Swift 16 AI, valued at approximately one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($1,250 USD).
No more than the stated number of prize(s) will be awarded, and all prize(s) listed above will be awarded. Actual retail value of the Prize may vary due to market conditions. The difference in value of the Prize as stated above and value at time of notification of the Winner, if any, will not be awarded. No cash or prize substitution is permitted, except at the discretion of Sponsor. The Prize is non-transferrable. If the Prize cannot be awarded due to circumstances beyond the control of Sponsor, a substitute Prize and/or cash value of equal or greater retail value will be awarded; provided, however, that if a Prize is awarded but remains unclaimed or is forfeited by the Winner, the Prize may not be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. In the event that more than the stated number of prize(s) becomes available for any reason, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prize(s) by a random drawing among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims.
ACCEPTANCE AND DELIVERY OF THE PRIZE: The Winner will be required to verify his or her address and may be required to execute the following document(s) before a notary public and return them within 72 hours (3) days (or a shorter time if required by exigencies) of receipt of such documents: an affidavit of eligibility, a liability release, and (where imposing such condition is legal) a publicity release covering eligibility, liability, advertising, publicity and media appearance issues (collectively, the “Prize Claim Documents”). If an entrant is unable to verify the information submitted with their entry, the entrant will automatically be disqualified and their prize, if any, will be forfeited. The Prize will not be awarded until all such properly executed and notarized Prize Claim Documents are returned to Sponsor. Prize(s) won by an eligible entrant who is a minor in his or her state of residence will be awarded to minor’s parent or legal guardian, who must sign and return all required Prize Claim Documents. In the event the Prize Claim Documents are not returned within the specified period, an alternate Winner may be selected by Sponsor for such Prize. The Prize will be shipped to the Winner within 6 weeks of Sponsor’s receipt of a signed Affidavit and Release from the Winner. The Winner is responsible for all taxes and fees related to the Prize received, if any.
OTHER RULES: THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE LAWS AND IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. ALL SUBMISSIONS BY ENTRANTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES BECOME THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE SPONSOR AND WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED OR RETURNED. WINNER ASSUMES ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURIES OR DAMAGE CAUSED OR CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED BY PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR BY THE USE OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE.
BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, EACH WINNER GRANTS THE SPONSOR PERMISSION TO USE HIS OR HER NAME, CITY, STATE/PROVINCE, E-MAIL ADDRESS AND, TO THE EXTENT SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY, HIS OR HER PHOTOGRAPH, VOICE, AND/OR LIKENESS FOR ADVERTISING, PUBLICITY OR OTHER PURPOSES OR ON A WINNER’S LIST, IF APPLICABLE, IN ANY AND ALL MEDIA WHETHER NOW KNOWN OR HEREINAFTER DEVELOPED, WORLDWIDE, WITHOUT ADDITIONAL CONSENT OR COMPENSATION, EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. By submitting an entry, entrants also grant the Sponsor a perpetual, fully-paid, irrevocable, non-exclusive license to reproduce, prepare derivative works of, distribute, display, exhibit, transmit, broadcast, televise, digitize, perform and otherwise use and permit others to use, and throughout the world, their entry materials in any manner, form, or format now known or hereinafter created, including on the internet, and for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising or promotion of the Sweepstakes, the Sponsor and/or its products and services, without further consent from or compensation to the entrant. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants consent to receive notification of future promotions, advertisements or solicitations by or from Sponsor and/or Sponsor’s parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries and business partners, via email or other means of communication.
If, in the Sponsor’s opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of fraud, electronic or non-electronic tampering or unauthorized intervention with any portion of this Sweepstakes, or if fraud or technical difficulties of any sort (e.g., computer viruses, bugs) compromise the integrity of the Sweepstakes, the Sponsor reserves the right to void suspect entries and/or terminate the Sweepstakes and award the Prize in its sole discretion. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Sponsor’s website(s) or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of U.S. criminal and civil laws and will result in disqualification from participation in the Sweepstakes. Should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek remedies and damages (including attorney’s fees) to the fullest extent of the law, including pursuing criminal prosecution.
DISCLAIMER: EXCLUDING ONLY APPLICABLE MANUFACTURERS’ WARRANTIES, THE PRIZE IS PROVIDED TO THE WINNER ON AN “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT FURTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. SPONSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL FURTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE PRIZE. THIS PROMOTION IS IN NO WAY SPONSORED, ENDORSED, ADMINISTERED BY, OR ASSOCIATED WITH INSTAGRAM. BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES, YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE PROVIDING YOUR INFORMATION TO ZIFF DAVIS, LLC AND NOT TO INSTAGRAM, AND YOU HEREBY RELEASE INSTAGRAM FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY RELATED TO THIS PROMOTION.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANTS, ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES, RELEASE AND HOLD THE SPONSOR AND ACER AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENT COMPANIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, UNITS AND DIVISIONS, AND THE CURRENT AND FORMER OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF EACH OF THE FOREGOING, AND ALL THOSE ACTING UNDER THE AUTHORITY FO THE FOREGOING, OR ANY OF THEM (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL AGENCIES AND PRIZE SUPPLIERS) (EACH A “RELEASED PARTY”), HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, ACTIONS, INJURY, LOSS, DAMAGES, LIABILTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (COLLECTIVELY, THE “CLAIMS”) WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, WHICH ENTRANT EVER HAD, NOW HAVE, OR HEREAFTER CAN, SHALL OR MAY HAVE, AGAINST THE RELEASED PARTIES (OR ANY OF THEM), INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE SWEEPSTAKES OR ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEEPSTAKES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CLAIMS FOR LIBEL, DEFAMATION, INVASION OF PRIVACY, VIOLATION OF THE RIGHT OF PUBLICITY, COMMERCIAL APPROPRIATION OF NAME AND LIKENESS, INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT OR VIOLATION OF ANY OTHER PERSONAL OR PROPRIETARY RIGHT), AND THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP, USE, MISUSE, TRANSFER, SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE PRIZE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE). All matters relating to the interpretation and application of these Sweepstakes Rules shall be decided by Sponsor in its sole discretion.
DISPUTES: If, for any reason (including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes), the Sweepstakes is not capable of being conducted as described in these Sweepstakes Rules, Sponsor shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. The Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. The Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, providers, computer equipment, software, or failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to any entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes. Because of the unique nature and scope of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, in addition to those other rights reserved herein, to modify any date(s) or deadline(s) set forth in these Sweepstakes Rules or otherwise governing the Sweepstakes, and any such changes will be posted here in the Sweepstakes Rules. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Sweepstakes Rules shall not constitute a waiver of any provision.
As a condition of participating in the Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between entrant and Sponsor, and causes of action arising out of or connected with the Sweepstakes or these Sweepstakes Rules, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court of competent jurisdiction located in San Francisco, California, and entrant irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in San Francisco, California with respect to any such dispute, cause of action, or other matter. All disputes will be governed and controlled by the laws of the State of California (without regard for its conflicts-of-laws principles). Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby irrevocably waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, or any other damages, including attorneys’ fees, other than entrant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., costs incurred directly in connection with entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes), and entrant further irrevocably waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased, if any. EACH PARTY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.
PRIVACY: Information collected from entrants in connection with the Sweepstakes is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy, which may be found here. You understand that when you register on Instagram or submit information to or via Instagram, such submissions are also subject to Instagram’s privacy policy.
SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION: Although the Sweepstakes may be featured on Instagram and/or other social media platforms, the Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or association with Instagram and/or such other social media platforms and you agree that Instagram and all other social media platforms are not liable in any way for any claims, damages or losses associated with the Sweepstakes.
WINNER(S) LIST: For a list of name(s) of prize winner(s), after the Selection Date, please send a stamped, self-addressed No. 10/standard business envelope to Ziff Davis, LLC, Attn: Legal Department, 360 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor New York, New York 10010 (VT residents may omit return postage).
BY ENTERING, YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ALL OF THESE SWEEPSTAKES RULES.
Your external hard drive is already dying—here's how to catch it in time
There are a lot of misconceptions around the topic of PC storage, and external HDDs aren't immune to those. It might seem that they can just about live forever, but that's not entirely the case.
