Technology

When Microsoft intervened after LG was accused of using monitors to install adware, that was a wake-up call. Windows 11 is finally getting better after years of complaints, but PC and component makers aren't. And it's not just junk software that creates problems — it's shoddy designs that make Windows look bad, and disjointed customer support that pushes users to the breaking point.

The enthusiasm for dinosaurs never seems to get old, which feels like an ironic thing to say considering the dinos were gone long before our ancestors decided to stand up and walk on only two legs.

BoxLunch Spider-Man Umbro collection Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Drawstring Backpack $19.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Checkered Shorts $34.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Boxy Fit T-Shirt $38.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Graphic T-Shirt $38.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Wide Leg Fleece Pants $49.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Soccer Jersey $54.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Warm-Up Jacket $79.90 at BoxLunch Shop Now

Spider-Man swung into theaters last weekend, and BoxLunch is marking the moment with a new collection made in partnership with Umbro. BoxLunch's Spider-Man x Umbro collection blends streetwear with classic Spidey iconography, covering everything from tees and jerseys to track sets and accessories, so there's a decent range whether you want a full fit or just a small accessory to add to your collection.

If you're still riding the high from the movie, this is a fun way to bring a little of that energy into your everyday wardrobe.

Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Boxy Fit T-Shirt Opens in a new window Credit: BoxLunch Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Boxy Fit T-Shirt $38.90 at BoxLunch
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One of the standout pieces from the collection is the Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Boxy Fit T-Shirt, a BoxLunch exclusive that's shaping up to be one of the collection's more popular picks.

It features Spider-Man and Umbro branding printed on both the front and back, with piping details and color blocking that give it an athletic, soccer-jersey-adjacent look rather than a typical graphic tee. It's made from 100% cotton and listed in unisex sizing.

Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Wide Leg Fleece Pants Opens in a new window Credit: BoxLunch Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Wide Leg Fleece Pants $49.90 at BoxLunch
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Another BoxLunch exclusive worth calling out is the Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Wide Leg Fleece Pants — same soccer-inspired styling as the tee, with the Umbro logo embroidered up top and printed Spider-Man and Umbro patches running down the legs. They've got piping details, pockets, and an elastic waist, so they're built more for comfort and everyday wear than for looking like a costume piece. They're made from cotton and listed in unisex sizing.

Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Warm-Up Jacket Opens in a new window Credit: BoxLunch Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Warm-Up Jacket $79.87 at BoxLunch
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The Marvel Spider-Man x Umbro Warm-Up Jacket brings Spider-Man and Umbro logos embroidered on the front, a bigger printed graphic of Spider-Man's mask across the back, "Umbro" lettering along the sleeves, and web detailing on the shoulders. It's made from polyester, comes in unisex sizing, and is probably the most eye-catching piece in the lineup, thanks to that back graphic.

One day you're minding your own business in the mountains, maybe snacking on a sheep or two to pass the time. The next day you're dragged into an all-out war.

This is the fate of poor, sweet Sheepstealer in House of the Dragon Season 3, an innocent whose only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But what happens to the wild dragon claimed by Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) in episode 7? Is Sheepstealer still alive after that nasty dragon scuffle?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 7 brings a dragon back from the dead What happens with Sheepstealer in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7?

Despite trying her best to hide out in a cave in the Vale, Rhaena and Sheepstealer are eventually spotted by Addam (Clinton Liberty) and Baela (Bethany Antonia) during one of their dragon hunts. Daemon (Matt Smith), worried that his plan to keep his daughter alive will be discovered, flies off to track Rhaena down. But midway through their conversation they're interrupted by Addam — and Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) herself.

Rhaenyra is furious with Daemon for lying to her about slaying Sheepstealer's rider, and even angrier with her stepdaughter Rhaena for her (albeit accidental) part in the death of her son Jace (Harry Collett) during the Battle of the Gullet. Tensions inevitably spill over. The dragons start scrapping in what is a truly uncomfortable scene to watch, and Daemon tells the others to leave so he and his dragon Caraxes can finish off Sheepstealer.

What actually happens is Daemon falls from his mount, Caraxes stops to check on him, and a very badly wounded Sheepstealer goes limping away. They watch him go, but don't follow, instead leaving him for dead in the Vale.

Is Sheepstealer still alive?

The short answer? Surely yes. If Sunfyre managed to come back from the literal dead, we'd be stunned if this is the end of the line for Sheepstealer. Caraxes and Daemon could have easily made sure Sheepstealer was dead, but left him to his fate. Perhaps Daemon's knowledge of his daughter's connection with her dragon, as a fellow rider, stayed his hand.

Dragons, in short, seem impressively durable. Sheepstealer's injuries, while bad, are nowhere near as bad as the terrible burns Sunfyre suffered at the mouth of Vhagar.

We bet this won't be the last we see of Rhaena's chaotic companion.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Some Excel features are buried in menus and settings. Others are so simple that discovering them feels embarrassing. These seven tricks take seconds to learn but can make you wonder why nobody mentioned them sooner.

SAVE $500: As of Aug. 3, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 505 $499 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $500.99   Get Deal

If you're tired of constantly chasing the never-ending job of keeping your floors clean, maybe it's time to invest in a robot vacuum. There are plenty of brands and models to choose from, but if you'd like something that can pick up dirt, mop your floors, and navigate efficiently, check out this latest Amazon deal on the iRobot Roomba Plus 505.

As of Aug. 3, you can save 50% on this model, which is now at its lowest-ever price. That works out to a saving of $500.

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With this robot vacuum and mop combo, you'll get the power of DualClean Mop Pads with PerfectEdge and SmartScrub technology to ensure your floors are scrubbed clean, even on tough stains. The vacuuming power is intense, and its various brushes mean that crumbs, pet hair, and everyday debris will be lifted with no problems.

It's navigated with ClearView Pro LiDAR, which creates home maps, while the PrecisionVision AI technology helps identify and avoid objects such as cables and socks.

After it's done cleaning, it will return to its all-in-one dock. Here, it will automatically empty the dustbin, wash and dry the mop pads, and refresh them during cleaning, so there's very little for you to do, even for maintenance.

This robot vacuum deal is available at Amazon right now. Get it while it's still available.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Aug. 3, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. That's $18 off its full price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal

This summer has had plenty of exciting shows to stream, and there's more still to come as we enter August. If you've been on the hunt for a streaming upgrade for watching all your favorite shows and movies, Amazon's here to help by dropping a solid discount on its Fire TV Stick 4K Select.

As of Aug. 3, this streaming stick is $21.99 at the retailer. That's a huge 45% discount from its usual full price of $39.99, but it's also just a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $17.99.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

When it comes to Amazon's line of 4K Fire TV sticks, the Select is a great entry option if you're making the big leap from HD streaming. It supports 4K Ultra HD picture with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+), so you can enjoy crisp, colorful image quality while watching your favorite shows, and WiFi 5 for smooth streaming quality. Plus, it comes with 8GB of storage that you can fill up with your favorite apps.

With Fire TV Stick 4K Select, you can even access Xbox Game Pass via cloud gaming. Plus, if you're a new user, this offer even comes with one month of the service free, which is an excellent way to test it out.

A slick streaming upgrade is just a click away. Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $41: As of Aug. 3, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale for $88.95 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $129.99 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $49.96   Get Deal

A good cup of coffee at home doesn’t have to mean investing in a complicated espresso setup. It doesn't have to cost as much as one either. Pod coffee machines are a much simpler way to enjoy barista-style drinks with minimal effort, and if you've been thinking of upgrading, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is currently on sale on Amazon.

As of Aug. 3, it's on sale for its best-ever price, bringing the price down to just $88.95.

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This coffee maker can make drinks in five sizes, including 5, 8, and 12oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos. There are also options for hot or iced drinks, so all tastes are catered for. Its compact design includes a removable 25 fl. oz. side water tank for easier refilling, making it a good choice for smaller spaces. It also comes in a range of colors, so it can blend seamlessly into your space. Choose from white, aqua mint, dark gray, pistachio, and spicy red, all at the same low price.

The best part is how easy it is to use. The machine uses a one-touch brewing system with a 30-second heat-up time, an adjustable drip tray, and descaling alerts for maintenance, so there's no complicated thought process in use or maintenance. Plus, the Nespresso aluminum capsules can be recycled through the brand’s recycling program, making them environmentally friendly, too.

Pick up this coffee machine deal at Amazon now.

The Bambu Lab A1 has finally grown up in more ways than one. The Bambu Lab A2L offers several meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, only one of which is the significantly increased print volume. After spending several weeks with the A2L, I can confidently say this is one of the best budget large-format printers money can buy.

Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) is rarely correct, but in the latest episode of House of the Dragon, he can absolutely say he told you so.

In one of Season 3's biggest Uno reverse cards, Team Green's missing king found himself reunited with his beloved Sunfyre, his dragon thought felled in the Battle of Rook's Rest. Faced with certain pulverising by Team Black's army alongside Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), Aegon roars his refusal to denounce himself a usurper. It seems...unwise, given the odds. But not for long.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 7 brings a dragon back from the dead

Appearing to have dragged himself back from the brink of hell, Sunfyre appears in the dark behind his long-lost rider, battle-scarred and ready to serve up a hot steaming wave of dragonfire. Sure, Aegon might have been a piece of work for the most part of House of the Dragon, but Sunfyre? Sublime. Loyal. Notably, vengeful. And after a season of self-flagellation and lament, Glynn-Carney's Aegon gets a foreboding win, rolling out one of the most superb maniacal laughs we've ever heard in Westeros.

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Fans couldn't contain themselves online, with a stream of reactions after the episode aired.

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And the memes? Perfection.

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As far as a spanner in the works goes, Sunfyre and Aegon's wild reunion might just have derailed the whole machine. Mashable's Sam Haysom has an explainer on how this pre-finale reversal of fortune went down.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

SAVE $130: As of Aug. 3, the Lexar 2TB ES5 External SSD is down to $269.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount off its $399.99 list price — a rare deal during an industry-wide memory and storage price surge.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lexar Lexar 2TB ES5 External SSD $269.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $130   Get Deal

Welcome to RAMageddon — the memory crisis that's been driving up prices on laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and basically anything with a chip.

That's what makes this Lexar deal worth paying attention to right now. The Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD is $269.99 at Amazon, down from $399.99. That's a 33% discount, saving you $130.

This drive can reach speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s for both reading and writing, so moving large files like video is fast. However, that number only holds up on newer USB setups like Macs; older ports will see noticeably slower speeds.

It also attaches directly to your phone thanks to MagSafe compatibility, and if your phone doesn't already have a magnetic back, a metal ring is included so you can add one. It's rated IP65 for dust and water resistance and can survive a drop from about 3 meters.

It's thin, wrapped in a soft silicone shell that's comfortable to hold, and comes with a cable organizer that doubles as a lanyard. There's also a built-in thermal control system to prevent overheating during heavy use.

RAMageddon shows no mercy, but this deal does — grab the Lexar 2TB ES5 External SSD at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $80: As of Aug. 3, the DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo is on sale for $389.35 at Amazon. That's $89.65 off its full price of $479.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo $389.35 at Amazon
$479 Save $89.65   Get Deal

With the ability to record 8K-resolution 360-degree video at 30 fps, the DJI Osmo 360 is an action camera that can capture every unforgettable moment this summer. There's even a DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo that comes bundled with an invisible selfie stick and more to get you started filming right away. If that's caught your eye as a solid starter kit, Amazon's knocked over $80 off its price.

As of Aug. 3, this discount (which comes to $89.65 in total) has dropped the price of this bundle from $479 to $389.35. That's about $20 away from its lowest-ever price at the retailer, according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

In addition to shooting 8K/30 fps 360-degree video, the compact, high-quality DJI Osmo 360 action camera can capture 4K/120 fps video and 120 MP photos. On top of that, it comes with 105GB of built-in storage and offers up to 190 minutes of recording before needing to be recharged, and this bundle includes even more to start your filming journey. It also includes an invisible selfie stick, two 1950 mAh batteries, a carrying case, a lens cleaning cloth, and a USB-C-to-USB-C PD cable.

The invisible selfie stick is an especially fun addition to this combo pack. The camera won't pick this up while it's in your hands, so it looks like you're filming hands-free while you're out and about.

If the DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo has caught your eye, act fast to save at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The Samsung 37-inch Odyssey G7 G75F curved gaming monitor is on sale for $575 at Amazon, down from its $899.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 37-Inch Odyssey G7 (G75F) $575 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $324.99   Get Deal

Despite what RAMageddon price hikes might have you thinking, a monitor upgrade does not need to eat up your entire gaming PC budget. That’s especially true when Amazon is taking more than $300 off one of Samsung’s newest Odyssey G7 displays. 

As of Aug. 3, the Samsung 37-inch Odyssey G7 G75F 4K curved gaming monitor is available on Amazon for $575 — chopping $324.99 off its $899.99 list price. The monitor is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, with free delivery currently scheduled for Aug. 8 at the time of writing. Prime members can get it sooner, with delivery estimated for Aug. 4. Free 30-day returns are included as well, which gives you some insurance in case you run into any problems. 

Unlike Samsung’s 40-inch ultrawide Odyssey G7, this 37-inch model keeps a standard 16:9 aspect ratio while stretching its 3,840 x 2,160 4K UHD resolution across a much larger screen. For anyone who wants more space than a 27- or 32-inch monitor without moving to an extra-wide format, this is one of the top contenders we’ve seen.

Plus, the 1,000R curve is designed to wrap more closely around your field of view, helping games feel extra immersive when you’re racing in Rocket League, exploring in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, or dropping into a crowded Fortnite multiplayer map. 

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

What’s more, VESA DisplayHDR 600 adds brighter highlights and deeper blacks, while the VA panel carries a 3,000:1 contrast ratio for extra depth in darker scenes. 

As for keeping whatever you’re playing looking nice and fluid, the 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time will grant even fast-moving games the level of smoothness and responsiveness we love to see. Additionally, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro helps a compatible GPU and display stay in sync, reducing screen tearing, choppiness, and distracting frame breaks. 

To top everything off, there are some handy extras beyond the core gaming specs: Auto Source Switch+ detects active connected devices and automatically switches to new inputs, while CoreSync and CoreLighting+ use rear lighting to reflect the colors appearing on screen.

Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years. Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried more than 80 of the most promising configurations available. We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.

This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we've tried across different subcategories. For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks, the best Windows laptops, the best cheap laptops, and the best Chromebooks.

A note about laptop prices

A recent boom in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as "RAMageddon"). As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have seen steep price hikes this year. The shortage is expected to worsen and could last into 2028, driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer. Most recently, Apple raised its MacBook prices by $100 to $300, depending on the model.

This is something the Mashable team is taking into consideration as we assess laptops and select ones to recommend to our readers. Moreover, we've gone back and re-evaluated several models that have gotten more expensive since we first tested them. At the time of writing, only one previous top pick has gotten so unreasonably pricey that we think it's no longer worth buying. That would be the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which jumped from an already-high $750 to $1,000 as tested. We've since replaced it with a much more cost-effective option that's less snazzy, but still apt for most Chromebook users. You can read more about it and our other current picks below.

One thing to know before you buy a Windows laptop

Many great Windows laptops we've tried run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X and X2 series chips, which use ARM-based architecture instead of standard x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. The Zenbook A14 and A16 are two great examples of outstanding ARM laptops.

These Qualcomm chips are great because they offer amazing performance and battery life, but they're not compatible with some specialty software and PC games. Having said that, ARM support is getting better and should dramatically improve in the near future. Right now, I would only avoid ARM laptops if you're a college student, or if gaming is the main thing you do on your PC. You can read more about this in my best Windows laptops guide.

Recent updates to this guide

The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is officially the most portable laptop we've ever tested: It only weighs 2.18 pounds and measures 0.37 inches thin at its slimmest point. I added it as a new pick in July 2026.

In the previous update, I made the Asus ExpertBook Ultra our new favorite business laptop and named the Asus Zenbook A16 the best 16-inch laptop. I also removed the Alienware 16X Aurora as our top gaming laptop because the configuration we tested has been discontinued. We're currently testing potential replacements.

SAVE $70: As of Aug. 3, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $529.99 at Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $529.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $69.01   Get Deal

Portable power stations keep you powered and connected in all kinds of environments. Whether it's an off-grid camping trip that still needs some home comforts or a power outage at home, a unit like the Anker Solix C1000 can see you through all kinds of situations. And as of Aug. 3, it's on sale at Amazon for $70 off, bringing the price down to $529.99.

This portable power station offers 1,024Wh capacity and up to 2,000W output (3,000W peak) via 10 ports, allowing you to power multiple devices at once. It recharges fast thanks to HyperFlash technology. This means it can reach a full charge in just 49 minutes at 1,600W when enabled through the Anker app. It's also compatible with solar panels (sold separately), which can fully recharge the unit in around 1.8 hours with up to 600W of solar input.

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And it's not just designed for at-home use. This design is 14% smaller and 11% lighter than similar models, making it easier to transport for camping trips, RV use, or general outdoor activities. It also has an integrated carrying handle, making it easier to take with you on the go.

This Anker deal is available at Amazon right now, so don't miss out.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box is on sale for $145.88 at Amazon, down from its $167.76 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box (24 Packs) $145.88 at Amazon
$167.76 Save $21.88 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box may have shot up in price after launch, but Amazon has now pulled the 24-pack box back below $150 for anyone still looking to start making some fun comic book-themed decks.

As of Aug. 3, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box is available at Amazon for $145.88. This lowest-priced Amazon option is sold and shipped by third-party seller Gaming Universe Corp, with free delivery currently scheduled between Aug. 6-10 at the time of writing. Amazon also has several other sellers matching the same $145.88 price, although their delivery windows extend as far as Aug. 12.

For those who would rather order directly from the retailer, Amazon is selling and shipping the box for $150.79. That option is slightly over the $150 mark, but Prime members can currently get delivery as soon as Aug. 4. It is marked as a final sale with no returns, so make sure it is the version you want before checking out.

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As is usually the case with these types of price drops, lower prices are available outside Amazon for those willing to shop elsewhere. Against TCGplayer’s market price at $125.44, the dedicated trading card marketplace has listings sitting as low as $115.99 plus $9.99 shipping — $125.98 altogether. 

Inside the box are 24 Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Boosters, each holding 20 Magic cards. Every pack follows one of 51 possible themes built around Marvel Heroes and Villains, with the Land cards needed to play already included. 

Among those two-dozen packs are plenty of pricey singles you can pull (or buy individually from TCGplayer) — including the Borderless Mind Stone, Thanos, The Mad Titan, Borderless Doctor Doom, and Ultron Artificial Malevolence. 

For anyone who’s new to this type of MTG box, Jumpstart is all about getting you ready to play with just a couple of packs. Specifically, open two packs, shuffle them together, and you have an instant deck ready for a two-player game. The boosters can also be mixed with packs from the Jumpstart boxes of other Magic expansions, giving existing players plenty of room to try different combinations without constructing a full deck from scratch. 

TL;DR: Get Skoove Premium lifetime access for $149.99 (reg. $299.99) and learn piano with an AI-powered app that provides real-time feedback and includes 400+ interactive lessons plus ongoing updates.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Looking for a new hobby to unwind after a long day of work? Skoove Premium Piano Lessons brings the learning to your home, helping you master the piano or keyboard with an app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. And right now, you can lock in a lifetime of lessons for only $149.99 (reg. $299.99).

When was the last time you learned a new skill? If mastering the piano has always been on your bucket list, it’s time to make it happen with this lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons. This AI-powered app lets you pick up piano in your spare time without ever leaving your house.

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All you need to get started with Skoove Premium Piano Lessons is a keyboard or piano and your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. The app does the rest, as it can hear you play, recognize your notes, and give you real-time feedback so you get better as you go.

Whether you’re totally new to the instrument or you have some lessons under your belt, Skoove offers lesson options ranging from beginner to advanced. And it’s not like the boring old piano lessons from your past; you’ll get to pick up skills by playing your favorite music — from Adele to Beethoven.

Your lifetime subscription includes permanent access to more than 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, and you’ll never run out of content because new ones are added every month. There’s also one-on-one support available from real music instructors when you need it.

Get this lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Grab a lifetime subscription to iScanner for just $39.99 (reg. $199.90), while it’s on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$199.90 Save $159.91   Get Deal

There’s no reason to stress about scanning documents in 2026, and apps like iScanner are why. This document-scanning app lets you ditch clunky home scanners and trips to the local print shop, putting fast, convenient scanning right onto your iPhone, iPad, or Android for just $39.99 (reg. $199.90) for life.

Using the iScanner app is as easy as taking a picture. Simply point your camera at your assignment, contract, receipt, or page, then let the app scan it. What’s more, it will also automatically adjust the borders, straighten out the document, and make lighting adjustments for clarity. From here, you can export your document in whatever format suits you — including TXT, XLS, PPT, JPG, DOC, or PDFs.

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And if your documents need a bit of extra work, the app can handle that for you, too. Every scan you make can be edited, marked up, and merged thanks to its PDF editing and management features. Plus, you can also protect confidential documents via lock and PIN protection. You can even insert page numbers, headers, footers, watermarks, and e-signatures directly from the app.

In addition, the built-in AI can recognize text in over 20 languages, making it a great product for remote workers, digital nomads, students, and anyone handling multilingual documents. So, why not try it out?

Get your iScanner Lifetime Subscription for $39.99 (reg. $199.90).

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SAVE 90%: As of Aug. 3, the QuickBooks' Workforce Payroll plan is 90% off for the first three months, covering full-service payroll, automatic runs, 1099 e-filing, and basic HR tools like document sharing and an employee portal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Intuit QuickBooks QuickBooks: Workforce Payroll 90% off QuickBooks' Workforce Payroll plan for the first three months (Aug. 3-31) Get Deal

If you run a small business, this is a solid moment to get payroll off your plate. The QuickBooks Workforce Payroll plan is 90% off for the first three months, starting Aug. 3, and it covers a solid range of what most small teams need to get payroll off their plate.

The plan handles full-service payroll and runs it automatically once it's set up, so you don't have to process pay manually each cycle. It also handles 1099 e-filing for contractors, and deposits go out the next day rather than making your team wait for funds to clear. So if anything comes up, you've got standard product support to lean on.

SEE ALSO: How AI is revolutionizing time management for entrepreneurs and small business owners

Beyond the payroll basics, there's a decent set of team management tools bundled in too — you can upload and share documents, manage employee data, and give your team access to their own employee portal.

There's also built-in background check functionality through Checkr, which is handy if you're actively hiring. Besides that, Intuit's built-in AI feature quietly does some of the legwork behind the scenes, tracking down hours and flagging anything unusual before payroll runs, so there's less room for costly errors.

A few things worth knowing before signing up: the discount applies to the monthly base price only — it doesn't cover per-employee fees, per-contractor fees, or state tax filing fees. You also need to be a new Workforce customer to qualify, and the offer can't be combined with other promotions for the same product.

90% off a payroll that runs itself — grab it at QuickBooks before Aug. 31.

Imagine it's Friday night — the best, most exciting night of the week — and you find yourself with nothing to do. You're bored, alone, and at the loosest of loose ends. But there's one activity guaranteed to tackle that boredom: Finding a hookup and then, well, hooking up.

These days, you're almost spoilt for choice with the sheer number of apps and dating sites to trawl through. The wild world of online dating becomes ever more vast as the years go by, but that doesn't change the fact that two dating sites stand out above all the rest — particularly when you're keeping things fun and casual. They are, of course, Tinder and AdultFriendFinder. Both are veterans of the online dating game, but they've cornered opposite ends of the hookup spectrum. One's for casual, everyday fun; the other is spicier and geared towards NSFW frolics. They also take different approaches to connecting you with strangers.

Does that mean that one is inherently better than the other? Absolutely not. Everyone is looking to get something different out of online dating, so it's more about which of these platforms works best for you. It's about finding a particular kind of person and a particular kind of hookup. And we all tend to search for potential connections in different ways.

To help you choose your best hookup option, we've looked at some of the key differences between AdultFriendFinder and Tinder.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Tinder Tinder   Learn More AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder for hookups

Historically, both of these options are notoriously hookup-focused — so you've certainly come to the right place with these platforms — but they operate in entirely different ways. That means they also attract very different people, so it's important to understand the differences if you're going to get the most out of them.

But don't forget that while both are hookup platforms, they offer slightly different things — Tinder is a hookup but also a place where you can find a relationship, while AFF is more sex focused and can be pretty NSFW.

Do you prefer an app or a website?

Tinder began as an app and will likely remain an app, but AdultFriendFinder is one of the few dating websites that never opted for native smartphone support. It's kind of an old-school internet approach. So, if you prefer to do your swiping on the couch or on the toilet, Tinder is your best bet. But if you don't mind using a desktop to score your next hookup, you'll appreciate the richer selection of features through AdultFriendFinder, which includes chat rooms, discussion boards, and live webcam broadcasts. 

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

From a hookup perspective, Tinder's algorithm-driven approach can be somewhat limiting, since the only way to speak to someone is to match first, whereas AdultFriendFinder is more generous, allowing you to use the traditional match-first-and-then-talk approach while also offering more public spaces to interact with people based on shared interests.

If you're looking for the fastest possible connection, AFF is probably the way to go, but if you can be patient, Tinder's ability to serve up an endless array of nearby singles shouldn't be underestimated. There's a reason that just the name Tinder has become shorthand for the whole internet dating phenomenon.

The cost of using both services

Both services offer a free tier, but it's worth noting that Tinder is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to provide credit card information. A free Tinder account allows you to browse, swipe, match, and talk to people. There's no subscription fee necessary. A free account on AdultFriendFinder only allows you to create a profile, explore the public areas, and interact with people in group settings. If you want some one-on-one interaction via AFF, you'll need to upgrade to a Gold membership.

That being said, if you really want to make the most of both services and maximize your chances of scoring a hookup, the premium membership tiers do offer some valuable features. Tinder has three subscription Tiers — Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum — that offer unlimited likes, the ability to "boost" your profile in the search results, and even, at the highest tier, the ability to message people you haven't already matched with or see people who like your profile. Tinder uses a dynamic pricing model, depending on your age, gender, and location, but you should expect to pay between $6 and $17.99 in the United States for a Plus membership, and above that for the higher tiers.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

AdultFriendFinder's Gold membership costs between $19.95 and $35.95 per month, depending on the subscription length you choose, and it really helps the site shine. A premium membership unlocks one-on-one messaging, upgrades your search options, and gives you insights into who is checking out your profile, making it much easier to find a hookup. 

The user demographics

Another major difference between Tinder and AdultFriendFinder, and one that can make or break your hookup search, is the demographic data. Both Tinder and AFF skew male, with AdultFriendFinder clocking in at approximately 65 percent male, 35 percent female, and Tinder posting even more lopsided numbers, with roughly 75 percent of its users identifying as male. That's pretty common with any mainstream dating app or site. But that's not even the most important demographic statistic for AdultFriendFinder and Tinder.

The big difference between AdultFriendFinder users and Tinder users isn't gender but age. Tinder is most popular among the young, with its average user between 18 and 24 years of age, while the average AdultFriendFinder user is between 30 and 38 years of age.

So which option offers you the best chance of success? If you're younger, or if you live among a younger demographic, like in a city or college town, you're probably better off dipping your toe into Tinder's waters. But if you're in your 30s or 40s and looking for something fun and casual, AdultFriendFinder will have the best options for you.