Technology

As of writing, my NVMe SSD is about four years old—old enough to make me think about replacing it. That said, with sky-high storage prices right now, part of me wants to hold off until the market settles down. The sensible move in that situation is to check whether your drive really needs replacing—but I didn’t expect I’d have to switch operating systems just to find the answers I was looking for.

SAVE 33%: Amazon's got the Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV on sale for $998, down from $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount or $501.99 in savings.

Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV $998 at Walmart
$1,499.99 Save $501.99   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon

Rumor has it the PlayStation 6 won't drop until late 2027, so you technically have plenty of time to prep your living room setup. But if your current TV is struggling to keep up with your PS5 graphics without lagging, you might want to jump on an upgrade a little early.

Right now, Amazon's got the Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV on sale for $998, down from $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount or $501.99 in savings. This is the lowest we've seen it go for since February.

SEE ALSO: Sony sued over high PlayStation Store 'monopoly' prices and download fees

As for the screen itself, it's an OLED, which means your picture should be crystal clear no matter how dark the scene is. It also has Google TV built right in, so you can pull up Netflix or Crunchyroll from the home screen.

Bonus: Since it's a Sony TV, it comes with exclusive PS5 features (like Auto HDR Tone Mapping) and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Some New York City proposals involve a skyline view. This one involved police custody.

Two people were arrested Wednesday, July 1, after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, unfurling a banner, and apparently turning the whole thing into a marriage proposal 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan.

The pair was spotted around noon on the building’s antenna, dressed in black and wearing face coverings. They attached a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." It's a take on a quote frequently attributed to guitarist Jimi Hendrix, but actually spoken by 19th-century British politician William Gladstone.

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After spending roughly half an hour near the top of the tower, the two began climbing down to a lower platform, where one appeared to get down on one knee. Because apparently the observation deck was too basic.

The climbers were identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the Russian daredevil couple and content creators highlighted in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.

Nikolau, a former gymnast and the daughter of circus performers, and Beerkus, a longtime "rooftopper," have built their public personas around illegal climbs of skyscrapers and landmarks around the world. The documentary follows both their relationship and one of their most dangerous stunts: an attempt to scale Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, one of the tallest buildings on the planet.

Once at the top, the couple made sure to post to their social media, and the photos went immediately viral.

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Police took the pair into custody after they descended, while a spokesperson for The Empire State Building called the incident “unauthorized." Their social media team, on the other hand, used the moment to poke fun at another big event happening in New York City this week (cough Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce).

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It is still unclear how the climbers got access to the antenna, which rises far above the building’s public areas. The Empire State Building remained open during at least part of the incident, though the observation deck was reportedly later cleared as police responded.

This was not the first time someone had climbed the Empire State Building — daredevils and climbers, like Alain Roberthave, who scaled the building in 1994, have previously made their way onto the building’s antenna and other restricted areas, while Jared Leto legally scaled part of the landmark in 2023 to promote a Thirty Seconds to Mars tour.

As for proposals, this definitely was the first that didn't take place on the observation deck.

When Megan Letter uploaded her first YouTube video in 2013, she wasn't chasing a career. She simply loved playing The Sims and wanted to share that passion with other people online.

More than a decade later, she's watched the internet reinvent itself time and time again. Algorithms have changed. Short-form video has reshaped audience habits. Monetization has shifted across platforms. Through it all, MeganPlays has continued to evolve without losing sight of the thing she believes matters most: building a genuine connection with her community.

In this VidCon edition of Creator Playbook, the gaming creator reflects on the lessons she's learned from 13 years online. She shares why consistency is still one of the most important ingredients for growth, how creators can use analytics without letting the algorithm dictate every creative decision, and why YouTube and TikTok serve very different purposes for today's creators.

She also tells Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell about the realities of making a living online — from navigating brand deals and platform monetization to recovering from creator burnout. Along the way, MeganPlays offers candid advice for aspiring creators, including why they shouldn't wait for the "perfect" setup before posting their first video and how finding the right niche can help build a lasting audience.

Whether you're just starting your creator journey or looking to adapt to an ever-changing internet, MeganPlays' biggest lesson is refreshingly simple: just start.

Watch the full Creator Playbook interview above.

For the past couple of years, I have been a big fan of Samsung's One UI design language on Galaxy phones. That changed with the update to version 8.5. I'm not alone. Many people are swapping out their home screens for custom launchers and replacing Samsung apps with alternatives. What did Samsung get so wrong?

CPUs and GPUs are the two components that have the biggest impact on your PC's performance, provided everything else is fine. I'm not talking about edge-case scenarios where you're using an RTX 5090 with a dying SSD from 10 years ago; I'm talking about the way your PC ages, and how often you may find yourself re-using some parts vs. how often you'll be discarding them to get something new.

There's no other way of putting it: Things are looking grim at Xbox right now.

A couple of different reports paint a bleak picture of the Microsoft-owned video game console manufacturer. Chiefly, The Verge reported that large-scale layoffs and even studio closures could happen around July 6. This could include Arkane Studios, the French developer behind Dishonored, Prey, and the upcoming Marvel Blade game, which still exists only in vague teaser form. The Verge's report suggests Microsoft could cancel Blade, which was set to launch in 2027.

SEE ALSO: Did PlayStation outsell Xbox 8 to 1 with 'GTA VI' pre-orders? Microsoft rebuts claims.

Arkane joins a list of at least four other Xbox subsidiary studios that could either be shut down or, potentially, spun off and sold to someone else. It's unclear how likely the latter possibility is, though. One other studio on that list includes State of Decay developer Undead Labs, per Gamesbeat. The next game in that series, State of Decay 3, has been in development for years and is set to launch in 2027 at the time of this publication.

Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory round out the list of studios that might cease to exist as soon as next week, per previous reports. One of Xbox's major issues during the last decade or so has been a distinct inability to consistently ship first-party games, and shutting down or spinning off several studios is unlikely to help in that regard. Layoffs in other parts of the Xbox business that are not otherwise shutting down are also likely, per GamesBeat.

All of these developments follow a leadership change at Xbox earlier this year, though the problems go back much farther than that. New Xbox head executive Asha Sharma has made some small symbolic overtures to win hearts and minds, such as confirming the existence of a next-gen Xbox console, Project Helix, in development. However, Xbox's reputation among video game enthusiasts is at a historical low, thanks to rampant layoffs, a lack of compelling software, and Microsoft's very controversial relationship with the Israeli military.

I've been using my Pixel 10 Pro for more than three months now, and I'm mostly loving it. However, I've realized that Pixels aren't nearly as customization-friendly as Samsung Galaxy phones. The one thing I miss is Good Lock, and I recently discovered a similar suite of tools for my Pixel.

If you've spent any time with Python, you've probably used it for data work, scripting, or maybe some automation—but image editing likely wasn't on your radar. It turns out Python can handle a surprising amount of what Photoshop does, and with way less code than you'd expect. This includes resizing or cropping, removing backgrounds, or even animating a still image into a GIF. Here are seven ways I use Python to edit and animate images. I'm also sharing the code snippets to help you get started.

Fashion collabs are taking over the world right now; I've seen some partnerships that I'd never thought would happen (Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon dress sold out within hours). But with the World Cup ending on July 19, everyone's trying to get a piece of that soccer advertising pie, including T-Mobile.

SEE ALSO: FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for July 1

Today, T-Mobile announced that it's teaming up with Umbro (an iconic sportswear brand) to create limited-edition jerseys exclusively for T-Mobile members. And from the photos, they don't look half bad (most collabs are kitschy and just short-lived fads). I could definitely see someone wearing one of these jerseys while running errands or going about their day.

Credit: Atiba Jefferson

The drop won't happen until Tuesday, July 7, and as I mentioned above, you have to be a T-Mobile member to get one. They'll be available exclusively through the T-Life app for $60 on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they sell out, they're gone.

T-Mobile is framing the surprise collab as a way to celebrate a "record-breaking Member Month" (apparently, nearly 14 million members engaged during the first week alone).

Even if you miss out on the jersey, the other perks it's throwing at qualifying members right now are pretty great. Along with bringing back a free year of DoorDash DashPass, T-Mobile's basically paying for its members' streaming subscriptions with free Netflix, Hulu, and MLB.TV. It even added Apple TV+ for $3 per month, plus free texting and high-speed data in more than 215 countries if you happen to be traveling this summer.

We have Mario, Zelda, and GTA as video games that will always be part of our lives. But we can't forget Minecraft. The game that has infinite possibilities — there's something for every age and experience level in the game. Minecraft will forever be a favorite, and now we have a new way of showing our love.

The best backpacks of 2026? We're convinced. Credit: Herschel

The limited-edition Herschel Minecraft collection is now live at herschel.com, and it's packed with must-have items if you're a fan of the game. But be warned, the collab is selling out quickly, so hop on anything you want before it vanishes.

Highlights of the Herschel Minecraft collab

The Herschel Supply x Minecraft collection is filled with backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and accessories. And unlike some collabs, the collection features way more than just Steve and swords. Snag a Creeper hat, an Enderman backpack, and a hip pack with a print that depicts The End.

Credit: Herschel

At the time of writing, the incredible Cube Little America Backpack is sold out in all colorways, but we have fingers crossed for a restock. However, there's still plenty to choose from. Browse the selection of Creeper merch, Pink Sheep, and Enderman items. There are also options that reflect life in the Overworld, the Nether, and the End.

As an in-game treat, you can download the free Herschel Backpack Trials Add-On from the Minecraft Marketplace to get a massive inventory expansion so you can carry up to 442,368 items. You'll need the Minecraft Bedrock Edition to add on this free expansion.

How to buy the Herschel Minecraft collab

The entire collection of Herschel Supply x Minecraft items is on sale now at Herschel's website. Stock is dwindling on items, so shop today to get the best selection. Plus, that will ensure items arrive in time for the 2026-2027 school year. The collection has items for both kids and adults. Herschel offers free ground shipping on orders over $75.

Opens in a new window Credit: Herscel Herschel x Minecraft collection   Shop Now

Many people don't ever change their Wi-Fi password. Out of those who do change theirs, many think that that's it, they're done, their connection is now super safe.

July’s lineup on Paramount+ features a hearty mix of high-stakes live sports, major season and series finales, and brand-new originals dropping all month long. There is no shortage of must-watch moments, including the return of fan-favorite shows, gripping documentaries, and UFC showdowns like McGregor vs. Holloway.

SAVE $80: As of July 1, get the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver for $169 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $249. That's a discount of 32%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80   Get Deal

If you've got a list in your head of important home DIY projects to finish, you're going to need the right tools for the job. With Fourth of July weekend right around the corner, now's the perfect time to get it all done, too.

As of July 1, get the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver for $169 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $249. That's a discount of 32%.

SEE ALSO: Best 4th of July sales 2026: Deals on Ninja appliances, TVs, pool inflatables, tools, bedding, and much more

This combo kit comes with the perfect selection of tools to get everything you're interested in fixing or building done: two batteries, a charger, and a special DeWalt-branded bag to keep it all organized. The DDC771 has a two-speed transmission and 300 unit watts of power, so it's ready to tackle any job, whether you need its 0.5-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck or its ergonomic handle to save your hands a bit of pain.

The other tool, the DCF885, is compact and lightweight, with a three-LED light ring and a 20-second delay to illuminate even the darkest rooms so you can see exactly what you're doing. That way, if you're having to work in low-light conditions or when light isn't optimal (possibly later in the day), you're covered — and you can get things finished even faster.

This combo kit is a great pick for anyone who's handy at home, or even for brand-new homeowners who might need a nudge in the right direction when it comes to the tools they need for new home projects. Be sure to grab it while it's still discounted.

Ever since routers became commonplace, people have been experimenting with weird DIY tricks that promise to boost their Wi-Fi signal. Many of them involve common household objects, like aluminum foil and mixing bowls. After trying a few of those ideas myself, I decided it was finally time to see whether the classic soda can trick actually works.

SAVE $8: Through July 1, you can sign up for MGM+ as a Prime Video add-on subscription for only $3.99 per month for two months. That's $4 off the usual $7.99 per month, for a grand total of $8 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $3.99/month for 2 months (save $4/month) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day showcased some pretty awesome streaming deals, with popular and niche streaming services offering 99-cent subscriptions. Unfortunately, those deals have evaporated, as to be expected. If you're kicking yourself for missing your opportunity to save on your summer streaming slate, Amazon's giving you a second chance.

Through July 1, you can sign up for MGM+ as a Prime Video add-on subscription for only $3.99 per month for two months. Usually $7.99 per month, that's about $8 total in savings. Sure, it's not as impressive as the 99-cent deal, but beggars can't be choosers.

The catch is that you have to subscribe through Prime Video, which requires a Prime membership. The MGM+ streaming library will then live inside of your Prime Video app as a premium add-on channel and you'll be billed directly through Amazon for convenience.

Wondering if MGM+ is worth it? Well, as Amazon's niche streaming service, it's surprisingly robust with TV and movie options. As of now, it's the only place you can stream Project Hail Mary (which will expand to Prime Video on July 3), one of the biggest movies of the year. It's also where you'll find The Martian (another Andy Weir novel adaptation), the small town mystery MGM+ Original Series From, Nickel Boys (one of our favorite movies of 2024), and most likely Is God Is when it makes its streaming debut later this summer.

If you're looking to expand your streaming horizons this summer, this is one of the cheapest ways you can do so. It certainly beats rewatching the same shows over and over again on Netflix.

If you have an old phone lying around or like to experiment on your current devices, Termux is probably my favorite app. I decided to use an old Samsung phone, specifically my wife's old Samsung phone, to build a pocket Linux server. My plan is to use the server as a home for my Syncthing drive that's more convenient and portable for my purposes.

Apple has a new iOS update for everyone, but don't get too excited.

The Cupertino-based iPhone manufacturer released its latest software update for its flagship mobile device this week. It's called iOS 26.5.2, and according to the official release notes that appear when you try to download it, it only installs security updates on your phone. No new features, UI changes, or bug fixes are included in this update. If you hate Liquid Glass, it's not changing at all with this update, sorry to say.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 18 Pro leaks are about to get a lot more intense

That said, you should definitely still install iOS 26.5.2 because security updates are important. You don't want your iPhone to be compromised in any way. Here's how you do it, in case you've forgotten:

1. Open the Settings app

2. Go to General, then Software Update

3. Hit the install button

The update is north of 10GB, so you may need to do some storage management to make it fit.

A major vulnerability has been discovered in one of the core privacy features that Apple offers its customers. And according to the cybersecurity researchers who discovered the exploit, this issue appears to have been ongoing for more than a year.

Apple's "Hide My Email" is a privacy feature that obscures a user's email address by generating a unique iCloud email address, which then forwards emails to the user's main email address. The feature allows users to receive emails without revealing their personal email address.

According to a new report from 404 Media, a vulnerability allows anyone to discover the email address behind the "Hide My Email" address Apple creates.

The vulnerability, which the outlet isn't revealing because it is still exploitable, was discovered by online privacy company EasyOptOuts. 404 Media has also independently confirmed that the exploit exists.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 18 Pro leaks are about to get a lot more intense

Typically, before an exploit is revealed to the public, researchers report their discovery to the company and give the company a reasonable amount of time to fix the vulnerability. According to EasyOptOut, they informed Apple more than a year ago, yet the vulnerability still exists.

”Apple Hide My Email is leaking email addresses that are supposed to be hidden," said EasyOptOuts cofounder Tyler Murphy. "We reported the issue and replication instructions to Apple over a year ago. We don't know why it hasn't been fixed, but we don't feel comfortable waiting any longer. Hide My Email users deserve to know that it may be possible for attackers to discover their hidden email addresses."

Murphy told 404 Media that the issue was reported to Apple in June 2025. The company said it "addresses" the issue in March 2026. However, Murphy discovered the vulnerability still existed.

“We don't know the full scope of the issue, but in our limited tests with volunteers, 100% of Hide My Email addresses were exploitable,” Murphy told 404 Media.

Apple last told Murphy that it was "still investigating this issue" in May.

SEE ALSO: Apple price increases arrive: How much MacBooks and iPads will cost you now

Hide My Email is a feature available to paying iCloud+ subscribers. It has several use cases. For example, users may use a Hide My Email-generated email address to sign up for mailing lists so they don't get spammed at their real email address. Or they may sign up for a website using a Hide My Email address if they don't want their main address linked to that site.

In June, TechCrunch reported that Apple was planning to make changes to the Hide My Email feature that could render it useless for users. Currently, the generated anonymous Hide My Email address utilizes the "iCloud.com" domain, which is also used by people who use their iCloud.com username as their main email address. In a recent note to developers, Apple announced it would move Hide My Email addresses to the "private.icloud.com" domain. This domain would be reserved for Hide My Email addresses, meaning that platforms and services could block email addresses with that domain name outright.

iCloud+ users who rely on Hide My Email may want to explore other email privacy options as Apple sorts out the feature.

When I first tried Claude after using ChatGPT for some time, I was shocked the first time I hit my rate limit. Having to wait a couple of hours before I could pick up where I left off was really frustrating. Claude's projects can help; aside from being a useful organizational tool, using projects can help you use your quota more efficiently and make it go further.