Technology

Get lifetime access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and more for $70

Mashable - Sat, 06/27/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: 1min.AI gives you access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and more for life, and it’s only $70 during Deal Days.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $69.97
$540 Save $470.03   Get Deal

AI subscriptions are expensive, and it only gets worse when you need more than one. ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, and Gemini Advanced each cost $20 a month, every month, and that’s before you start paying for image, voice, or video tools. If you want a way out, try 1min.AI. This platform gives you lifetime access to many of the AI models you already use, and during Deal Days, it’s only $69.97 (reg. $540).

1min.AI gives you access to popular AI models you can use for everything from writing and image generation to grammar checks, audio transcription, or translation between languages. Instead of trying to use one AI tool for everything, you can chat with GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, Llama, Mistral, or Cohere, among others. You can also generate images, upscale or extend them, remove backgrounds, swap faces, or even create 3D images when text alone won’t cut it.

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Voice and video features come with the same lifetime plan. You can clone a voice, generate text-to-speech narration, or clean up a muddy recording without leaving the app. Video tools handle text-to-video and image-to-video generation when a static image isn’t enough on its own. Upload a PDF and chat with it directly instead of scrolling through 60 pages, or drop in a YouTube link to get a transcript, summary, or translation in seconds.

Advanced Business Plan access runs on a shared credit pool of 4 million credits a month. That works out to roughly 1.1 million words, 1,186 images, or 37 short videos in any combination you need. Daily logins add another 15,000 free credits on top of that. Up to 20 team members can share a single workspace with shared brand voices, prompt libraries, and unlimited storage. A recent update also put the app on iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows alongside the web version.

Replace all your AI subscriptions. Get a 1min.AI lifetime subscription on sale for $69.97 until June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Be sure to check out the full Deal Days collection before the sale ends.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Invite review: Olivia Wildes sex comedy is outrageous fun

Mashable - Sat, 06/27/2026 - 00:00

Whatever you may think of Olivia Wilde as a filmmaker, it's impossible to deny she has a good eye for crafting comedy. In 2019, the American actress who'd proved herself as a sultry starlet thrilled audiences and critics alike with her directorial debut Booksmart. Universally lauded, the teen comedy teamed Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever as a pair of intellectually bright but socially oblivious besties, and the results were heart-warming and hilarious. 

SEE ALSO: A24's 'The Invite' trailer: Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton really dig Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde's vibe

With Wilde's follow-up, however, she fumbled. Don't Worry Darling, a psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, was not only plagued with rumors of on-set discord and bad press before it even premiered, but savaged by critics once it did for its nonsensical plotline and underwhelming leading man. 

Thankfully, Wilde's back with another comedy that combines sexual anxiety with a crackling cast. Pulling double duty as director and star, Wilde appears opposite Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite. The quartet plays two couples whose relationships shift dramatically over the course of one dinner party. 

Together, they create a sex comedy that's absolutely hysterical, ribbed with cringe and swagger. But Wilde is the film's weak link. 

The Invite is blisteringly funny.  Credit: Courtesy of A24

Based on Cesc Gay's critically heralded 2020 Spanish comedy Sentimental, The Invite is largely confined to a sprawling San Francisco apartment that's been newly renovated. There lives bickering married couple Angela (Wilde) and Joe (Rogen), with their young daughter, who will be spoken of but never seen as she's away for a slumber party on this pivotal night. 

Screenwriting team Will McCormack and Rashida Jones (Celeste and Jesse Forever) swiftly establish the disharmony in this home with the kind of lived-in arguments that begin mundane, but grow malevolent as the years go by. Thus, when Joe tumbles in after an uninspired day as a music teacher for bored band geeks, he's met not with a greeting but with Angela's demand that he take his shoes off and put away his folding bike before he can even take a breath. 

An aspiring artist who's channeled all her creative energy into this renovation, Angela is desperate to impress the couple's chic upstairs neighbors, Pina (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), who she's invited over for dinner. After months of seeing them in the elevator or hearing them through the floor, Angela is practically giddy to get closer to this curious couple. Joe, on the other hand, mostly wants to tell them to quiet down their loud late-night sex — in part because hearing such thunderous lovemaking only makes the quiet chasteness of their own bedroom all the more obvious. 

But as suggested in The Invite's first teaser, Pina and Hawk bring more than a bottle of wine to this dinner party. Oozing a seductive confidence, the flirtatious pair seem ever on the verge of tumbling into PDA or an indecent proposal. The tension of The Invite's second act is how Joe and Angela will handle such an offer, with one seemingly crushing ahead of their arrival and the other convinced he'll be crushed by the results. 

You likely won't predict exactly how this could-be orgy plays out. But you will cackle at The Invite's sex-positive yet preposterously silly climax. 

Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton are fantastically funny in The Invite. 

To Wilde's credit, she initially puts her co-stars in their comfort zones. Rogen plays an insecure stoner whose self-defense mechanism is jokes. Norton is his foil, a frustratingly confident and erudite man who's dashing and nakedly in touch with his own feelings. As Pina, Cruz oozes an easy sensuality with an enviable cool. 

However, The Invite pushes past these familiar places, giving the actors room to stretch into comic extremes. Rogen's stoner pops off with comically combative observations. Norton's non-toxic masculinity blooms into a bizarre runner about Hawk's deep love of floor rugs. And Cruz's mature breeziness persists whether she's talking about her flan recipe or her love of pegging. But the way she repeatedly says "my boobs" with pointed nonchalance is hilarious all on its own. 

Whether they are fighting or flirting, there's a heady intensity in The Invite, reminiscent of the tension of Roman Polanski's Carnage, which also featured two couples in one room, hashing out much more serious problems. As a director, Wilde thoughtfully stages the unfolding sexual tension across an apartment full of corners perfect for heated exchanges and innuendo. The static camera favored by cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra creates an unobtrusive view into this intimate night. Wide shots early on give us a sense of distance from the lovers, but creep into close-ups as the topics get hotter. 

This creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that exacerbates the social stakes of each interaction. Because, of course, if tonight gets weird, Joe and Angela will still see Pina and Hawk in the elevator, in the lobby, and through their windows. So, a sense of cat-and-mouse comes into play, where it's not enough to say what's screaming in their hearts, but to do so in a way that feels like winning. Because if they don't, they'll always be losers in this newly renovated home. 

Working with editors Anthony Boys and Yorgos Mavropsaridis, Wilde builds a tension in The Invite that was too often absent in Don't Worry, Darling. And to her credit, she's committed to capturing Angela's electrifying need to be seen through every comment about interior design, each placement of an appetizer, and any glance at Joe, Pina, or Hawk. But she can't keep up with her cast. Where Rogen, Cruz, and Norton seem to bloom over the course of the film, Wilde seems to be straining to flesh out Angela from an archetypal self-hating nag. The other performances here feel lived-in, perhaps because the actors in them begin in familiar roles. But Wilde, whose niche might be the unflappable beauty (Tron: Legacy; Don't Worry, Darling) begins in a place of strained panic, and even as Angela begins to relax, the strain persists. 

It's easy to understand why she'd want to be a part of this ensemble even as she directs the film. But when her co-stars are operating at such a high level of developing sexual tension, comedic timing, and pathos, Wilde's performance feels thinner in comparison. Which is not to say hers is not a good performance — it's just not a great one.

This qualm aside, I was enchanted by The Invite. McCormack and Jones' screenplay is smartly written, bringing emotional depth to all four lovers, while solidly establishing the relatable frustrations of long-term relationships. Wilde's direction is deceptively simple in its aesthetic, favoring cinematography that allows us to spy without the discomfort of voyeurism. This keeps the tone light even as the talk turns dirty. And with an ensemble that's totally game to embrace the silly, sexy, and subversive, The Invite is ruthlessly entertaining. 

The Invite opens in theaters on July 3. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

You can still buy Beats, Sony, and Sennheiser headphones for under $100 before Prime Day ends

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:53

Amazon Prime Day ends tonight, and we're going to be sharing deals with you until the last minute. Remember: Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs until Friday, June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don't procrastinate on the best Prime Day deals.

If you're doing some Friday night retail therapy, I found four pairs of headphones you can get for under $100. And these aren't your typical budget headphones either. This is your chance to get mid-range headphones at budget prices, so don't miss out.

Sony WH-CH720N

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-CH720N Headphones $79.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $100.00   Get Deal

These Sony headphones are some of the lightest in the industry, only weighing in at around 192g. They contain Sony's integrated Processor V1, which keeps the audio loud, clear, and immersive. Plus, they have ambient and adaptive sound features to automatically adjust to the background environment, providing you with an optimal listening experience. And with 35-hours of battery life, you'll be able to get a lot of these in a single charge.

We reviewed the headphones, and our reviewer, Alex Bracetti, said, "The Sony WH-CH720N prove you don’t need to spend $300+ for excellent headphones. At under $200, they strike the rare balance of quality, comfort, and affordability."

Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Beats Solo 4 Headphones $99.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $100.00   Get Deal

I love style and thumping bass, which is why the Beats Solo 4 are my personal favorites. They also deliver incredible sound thanks to personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. They really make it feel like the music is enveloping every corner of your head! They're quite comfortable too, as the flex-grip headband and the adjustable ear cups fit securely yet snugly. It's got a whopping 50 hours of battery life, and just a 10-minute quick charge restores five hours of playback. The headphones are always ready when you are.

Sennheiser Accentum Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sennheiser Accentum Headphones $88.34 at Amazon
$189.95 Save $101.61   Get Deal

Sennheiser is a household name in the audio game. Thanks to the Sennheiser audio pedigree, these mid-range headphones have some of the best noise-canceling capabilities in their price range. You can block out unwanted background noise, or turn on transparency mode if you need to keep aware of your surroundings. The microphone is amazing too, as they'll make your voice sound crystal clear, whether it's on a video call or in the middle of a video game.

Apple AirPods for $99 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.99   Get Deal

Alright, we're bending the rules a bit here. The Apple AirPods 4 aren't exactly headphones, but earbuds still count, right? And who doesn't love a good deal? These earbuds have the special H2 chip, meaning that voice isolation has improved! When you're on calls, your voice now sounds extra clear to the person on the other side, while also reducing background noise.

These have also been redesigned with a refined contour and shorter stem, making them more comfortable and stable in your ears. They don't compromise on sound quality either. With personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, you'll be immersed in no time.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026 live: Join us for the final countdown as we vet deals in real-time
Categories: IT General, Technology

Cassey Ho tells Mashable her biggest advice for content creators

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:31

At VidCon 2026, Blogilates founder Cassey Ho joined VidCon's Hall of Fame alongside fellow creators Markiplier, Michelle Phan, and Philip DeFranco.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2026: Live updates from the internet's biggest weekend

Ho began her content creation journey on YouTube in 2009, posting instructional workout videos people could follow at home. On top of being a pioneering fitness influencer, she went on to launch two clothing collections: Bodypop and Popflex. (Taylor Swift wore a Popflex skort in a short video set to her song "Fortnite." The skort sold out in 15 minutes.)

While Ho started off with longer-form horizontal workout videos, she's pivoted more towards posting short-form vertical content about her design process. That evolution is key to her longevity online, she says.

"I've been doing this for 17 years now, and luckily I haven't burned out," Ho told Mashable digital culture editor Crystal Bell. "I have a lot of personal friends who have, and the reason why is because I allowed myself to evolve as a human, and that meant also evolving my content. I think people who are too afraid to do that get stuck doing something they don't like anymore. So it's important to continue evolving."

Evolution is just one of the lessons Ho would impart to aspiring content creators. The other?

"Make something of value, right? Share something that's entertaining, educational, funny, but at the same time, make sure that it means something to you as well, because you cannot live for other people. You need to live for yourself first," Ho told Bell.

You can watch the whole interview above, and for all things VidCon, Mashable has you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 must-have Linux apps to try this weekend (Jun 26-28)

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:30

The Linux terminal is incredibly powerful, but using it can feel like a chore—especially if you’re new to Linux. You have to remember too many commands, type out long strings with absolute precision, and parse dense, text-only output. But that friction is just the default experience. With the right tools, you can make the terminal far more intuitive and visually useful. To help you out, here are three such must-have Linux terminal apps to try this weekend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Michelle Phan tells Mashable how much VidCon has changed since she first attended

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:27

VidCon 2026 welcomed content creator Michelle Phan into its second class of Hall of Famers, alongside Markiplier, Philip DeFranco, and Blogilates founder Cassey Ho.

A pioneer in the beauty content creation space, Phan began posting makeup tutorials on YouTube in 2007. On top of spawning an internet beauty empire, her tutorials led to partnerships with Lancôme and L'Oréal. Phan also launched her own brands, including beauty subscription box IPSY and EM Cosmetics.

Phan started her career long before words like "YouTuber" or "content creator" became household terms, and she's witnessed the internet go through a drastic shift in terms of attitudes towards creators.

"Today, people know that the moment you turn on the camera and you're dancing in front of it or filming, they don't look at you weird," Phan told Mashable digital culture editor Crystal Bell.

"When I was being a YouTuber, people would look at me strange when I had my camcorder out and I'm filming out in public. They thought, 'Who is this person doing this weird thing?'" Phan recalled. "But today it's so normalized. Everyone's making content, and I think that's a beautiful thing, because everyone has a story to share."

That shift is clear at VidCon 2026, which has grown leaps and bounds since Phan first attended in the convention's early days.

"It was so surreal just to see how massive it is now and all the different creators," Phan said. "I would say I feel like I knew that it would become bigger like this, but it's so surreal to see that we're here now."

You can watch the whole interview above, and for all things VidCon, Mashable has you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is your last chance to get the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for under $1,000

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:12

SAVE $380: As of June 26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (unlocked, 256GB) is still at a record-low price of $919.99 for Prime Day. It usually costs $1,299.99, so Prime members will want to bolt to Amazon before Prime Day ends later tonight.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) $919.99
$1,299.99 Save $380   Get Deal

The flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in an Android phone with some serious iPhone-user-swaying powers.

And this handset is now at its lowest price ever for the final hours of Prime Day. If your current phone is on its last legs, the unlocked version of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) is just $919.99 at Amazon. It usually costs $1,299.99, and it'll likely bump back up to full price when Prime Day ends around midnight on Friday, June 26.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth gave the Galaxy S26 Ultra a glowing review when it was released back in March, going as far as to say that 2026 might just be the year he switches to Android. That's how good of a job Samsung did with its newest flagship smartphone. In particular, he noted the innovative Privacy Display, a never-before-seen hardware feature that blocks your pixels from prying eyes. Even Apple doesn't have anything like it.

SEE ALSO: 60+ best Prime Day tech deals, vetted by a tech editor on a budget. Grab AirPods for $99, Kindles for $85.

You'll get the same 200MP wide lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 50MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom, and front-facing 12MP selfie camera as the S25, now enhanced by wider camera apertures, better steadying capabilities, and upgraded night photography and video. The S26 Ultra's zooming abilities are particularly awesome.

Processing speed is another major W for the S26 Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 actually beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max's processor in a Geekbench 6 performance — this thing could technically power a laptop. If you've been complaining about your current phone's lagging for months, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be huge for your sanity.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 great new HBO Max documentaries to watch this weekend (June 26-28)

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:01

House of the Dragon is safely dominating the HBO Max charts at the moment, and for good reason—the series kicked off with a pretty epic naval battle and a shocking death. Dragons are, of course, cool and all, but it's the real-life, hard-to-believe stories of a good documentary that hit the hardest, and HBO Max has had one of the best non-fiction libraries in streaming that mix timely issues, fascinating subcultures, and human stories.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung wants SmartThings API users to pay, and Home Assistant could suffer

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 23:00

You might soon have more trouble controlling SmartThings devices through unofficial tools like Home Assistant. Samsung has revealed that it will start charging for access to the SmartThings API (app programming interface) in October 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bumble in serious decline as it considers sale, reports say

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:56

The dating app Bumble is considering a sale, according to a Reuters report Thursday. And fresh data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, shared with Mashable, may help explain why.

Bumble has experienced the largest decline in global downloads among top dating apps over the past year and a half, according to Sensor Tower.

What's going on at Bumble?

It's no secret that Bumble has been going through a tough time for the past few years. Its stock is down 96 percent from its IPO at the time of this writing, even with a boost given the news of a potential sale.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for 'Double Date Island,' Tinder's new TikTok dating show

Bumble began with the distinction that women began the conversation (in heterosexual matches). But the company decided to switch it up in 2024, allowing men to message first with the "Opening Moves" feature.

The app has since removed Opening Moves in Mexico and Australia, signaling that it wasn't a hit among users.

During Bumble's Q4 2025 earnings call, founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced that Bumble will test an AI-powered dating experience, even as the numbers showed the app's total revenue and paying users decreased year over year. The year-over-year dips in total revenue and paying users continued in Q1 2026.

Wolfe Herd also recently shared that Bumble is removing its swipe feature. While she wasn't forthcoming about what will replace it, her mention of the potential AI assistant and matchmaker seemed a strong indication to many Bumble users. Their reaction was less than positive.

How Bumble is exploring a sale

Sources close to the company told Reuters that Bumble is working with Morgan Stanley investment bankers on a potential sale process. It's not a done deal, however, and the app might stay independent.

Bumble didn't respond to Reuters' request for comment. Morgan Stanley and asset manager Blackstone, which reportedly owns 22 percent of Bumble, also declined. Mashable has also reached out to Bumble for comment.

The buzz on Bumble's numbers

Sensor Tower's senior insights analyst, Kara Lee, reported that in 2025 and the first half of 2026, global Bumble downloads fell by 23 percent and 15 percent year-over-year, respectively. Between Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, Bumble has seen the greatest decline in global total downloads, Sensor Tower says.

Tinder's downloads decreased in the same time period, Lee wrote, but by four percent and two percent year-over-year, respectively. Downloads of Hinge, meanwhile, increased by 14 percent and 25 percent during this time, respectively.

This is consistent with the financial reports. Tinder and Hinge are both owned by Match Group, and according to their Q1 2026 earnings, Hinge's direct revenue and paying users are up year over year. For Tinder, those metrics were down in previous quarters, but now it's making something of a comeback, as its direct revenue was up two percent year over year.

Hinge is also beating its two main rivals in monthly active users (MAU), according to Lee. They're up 23 percent year over year in 2025 and 25 percent year over year in the first half of 2026.

Bumble's user base, however, has experienced consistent declines over the last five quarters, Lee reported. While its monthly active users increased by 4 percent year over year in the first quarter of 2025, they dropped by 14 percent year over year a year later.

Tinder's monthly active users have fallen slightly, but it averages a mobile user base that's 2.5 times larger than Bumble's.

So while Bumble isn't the only dating app struggling, it might be faring the worst right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ Prime Day outdoor deals: Last chance to grab rare Yeti cooler deals

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:56
The best Prime Day outdoor deals at a glance: Best water filter deal LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $9.95 (save $5.54) Get Deal Best camping deal Coleman Sundome Tent $83.59 (save $34.40) Get Deal Best cooler deal Yeti Hopper M Series Portable Soft Cooler $245 (save $105) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 $799.99 (save $699.01) Get Deal Best solar lights deal Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights (33 feet) $69.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best outdoor projector deal Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector $509.99 (save $240) Get Deal Best outdoor speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $159.95 (save $40) Get Deal Best campsite deal Shibumi Park Vista sun canopy shade $192 (save $48) Get Deal Best fire pit deal Solo Stove Mesa XL $81.99 (save $18) Get Deal Best outdoor grill deal Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Outdoor Grill and Smoker $399.98 (save $100.01) Get Deal

We've made it all the way to the end of Prime Day, which means this is the final (offical) day to save. Even if you're not a hardcore fan of spending time outdoors, you could likely benefit from some fresh outdoor gear, and Prime Day has you covered. If you don't require a new tent, a comfortable chair to take to the park or the fall soccer game could come in clutch. Amazon Prime Day is always an excellent time to snag fresh outdoor gear. Plus, Prime Day shifting to the end of June this year means you'll have even more time to enjoy the new gear before the weather turns cold.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just dropped some rare Prime Day camping deals on Yeti and Coleman gear

Before the sale even started, there were plenty of power stations and portable speakers on sale. And now that we're in the thick of it, even more outdoor deals on things like Yeti coolers (which rarely go on sale), Coleman tents, and LifeStraw water filters (one of our favorite classic Prime Day deals) have entered the mix.

The sale runs through June 26, and we're tracking all the best Prime Day outdoor deals below.

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best outdoor deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops or our live blog for the most up-to-date deals, news, and stock alerts.

Best camping deal

Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent, 4 Person $83.59 at Amazon
$117.99 Save $34.40   Get Deal Why we like it

There are certain classic Prime Day deals we can count on year after year, and big discounts on Coleman camping supplies is definitely one of them. Coleman is one of the best-known names in camping, and this spacious 4-person tent is easy to set up in a pinch. Plus, it's PFAS-free for added peace of mind.

More Prime Day deals on camping gearBest portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 $699.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $799.01   Get Deal Why we like it

After testing dozens of portable power stations, the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 is the model I take on every camping trip. I like to slightly overestimate my power needs while camping (what if I decide to stay an extra night?), so I prefer the 2,048Wh offered by the C2000 Gen 2.

Anker made this as lightweight as possible, and despite landing in the 2k Wh category, it only weighs about 42 pounds. That'll be a manageable weight for camping trips where the campsite is near the car. It's also perfect for powering up the outdoor projector in the backyard for movie nights this summer. The Prime Day sale price of $699.99 is the lowest price we've seen this year at Amazon. It has since jumped up to $799.99, but we'll be keeping an eye out to see if the lower price returns.

More portable power station dealsBest outdoor projector deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector $509.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $240   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector.

Some of the best summer nights are those spent outside, but if you'd like a bit of variety from staring at campfire flames, consider an outdoor projector. The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is one of my favorite projectors, and it's perfect for backyard movie nights. The onboard battery lasts for about 2.5 hours before you'll need to plug it into power. It can project on a screen up to 120 inches, and it's easy to bring outside. Instead of lugging out a beast of a projector, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser weighs a bit over two pounds, and it's similar in size to a 12-ounce can of cola.

The Prime Day sale price of $509.99 matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon, but it's rare to see it dip this low, so grab it before the price increases.

More outdoor projector dealsBest outdoor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $159.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

What's an outdoor gathering without a playlist? Suitable for bringing to the beach, the weekend cabin rental, or a poolside party, the JBL Charge 6 is ready to play the tunes. Out of all the waterproof speakers, Mashable's favorite is the JBL Charge 6, thanks to its excellent sound and all-day battery life.

More speaker dealsBest Yeti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler $245 at Amazon
$350 Save $105   Get Deal Why we like it

Any outdoorsy person knows Yeti products come with premium price tags and that those steep costs don't drop often. Yeti coolers, specifically, rarely go on sale, but during Prime Day and other major sale events, the brand discounts select colors of many of its popular options. One of our top picks this Prime Day is the Hopper M30 portable soft cooler, which dropped down to $227.50 on day two of Prime Day. Now that we're on day three, the price has jumped a smidge to $245. While it's not quite the same discount, it's still an excellent sale price that's worth jumping on before Prime Day ends in a handful of hours.

The M30 soft cooler features powerful magnets that create a leak-resistant shield, a high-density dryhide shell that withstands everything from punctures to UV rays, a hitchpoint grid for attaching dry gear cases, bottle openers, multitools, and more, and of course, coldcell insulation. It can hold up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice. If you don't need something quite as big, check out the Hopper Flip 12 (also on sale), which can hold a case of beer or 16 pounds of ice.

More Yeti dealsMore cooler dealsEven more outdoor deals to shop on Prime Day
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon devices are heavily discounted on Prime Day — shop Fire TVs and Kindles on sale

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:51
Best Prime Day Amazon Device Deals Best echo deal Amazon Echo Spot $39.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV $159.99 (Save $140) Get Deal Best Amazon Home Security Deal Blink Outdoor 2K+ 3-Camera System $74.99 (Save $145) Get Deal Best Amazon Smart Home Deal Amazon Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi System $329.99 (Save $120) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $144.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 $89.99 (Save $40) Get Deal

We're in the final few hours of Prime Day, Amazon's annual flagship sale, which runs through June 26, and plenty of Amazon devices are on sale. We always expect some of the best deals during Prime Day to be on Amazon's very own devices, and that's playing out no differently this year. Prices have been slashed on Amazon devices, with discounts of up to 65%.

Some of the biggest savings are on Amazon Fire TVs. Every size and a variety of brands are all on sale, saving you hundreds of dollars on 4K TVs. But there are also some big savings on home security and smart home devices, like the Amazon Echo lineup.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle, and more Amazon deals

Kindles were finally discounted with the sale's official start on June 23. Our favorite deal is on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which dropped to its lowest price ever.

Here are all the Prime Day deals on Amazon devices available now. Keep in mind that Prime Day sales end tonight. While Amazon is notorious for extending some deals beyond Prime Day, that almost never applies to Amazon devices, so consider this your last chance.

Best Prime Day Echo deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning, including a weather report and tunes to get you out of bed.

During Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $39.99. That saves you $40 off its $79.99 price tag for a 50% discount. You can also bundle this deal with four months of free access to Amazon Music Unlimited while still sticking with the $39.99 sale price.

More Echo dealsBest Prime Day Amazon Fire TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV $159.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $140   Get Deal

There's nothing better than a smart TV that provides access to all your favorite streaming services, no extraneous streaming sticks or devices needed. During Prime Day, Fire TV sales are plentiful. The best deal is on the Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 LED 4K Smart TV, which is down to $159.99, saving you $140 off. We're keeping our fingers crossed it drops back down to its pre-Prime Day price of $138.98. Still, this 4K TV is great, coming equipped with Dolby Vision Atmos for clearer sound and picture for the best possible viewing experience.

TV deals move fast during big sales, so if this deal looks good to you, buy it quick before it sells out.

SEE ALSO: The best Prime Day streaming deals are live: 10+ subscriptions for less than $1 More Amazon Fire TV dealsRemote and soundbar dealsStreaming stick dealsBest Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $144.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $55   Get Deal

It's officially the best time of year to buy a Kindle, and the prices on these e-readers reflect that. The Paperwhite Signature Edition is Mashable's top pick for the best upgraded Kindle, and for good reason. It has 32GB of storage — more than any other Kindle (minus the Scribe) — and auto-adjusting screen brightness, so it's ready for reading in any situation. Even at its full $200 list price, we think it's an e-reader worthy of heavy consideration. At $145, it easily offers the best value for serious readers. Keep in mind this deal ends tonight, so shop today if you're interested.

Check out our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

More Prime Day Kindle deals Kindle accessoriesBest Prime Day home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 2K+ 3 camera system $74.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $145   Get Deal

Looking to boost your home's security? Blink's latest outdoor cameras are getting some serious markdowns during Prime Day, with a one-camera system on sale for as little as $34.99. We recommend grabbing a three-camera setup if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Usually, this bundle runs you $219.99, but Prime Day slashes 66% off the price, bringing it down to just $74.99.

More Amazon home security dealsBest Prime Day smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi System $329.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $120   Get Deal

If your WiFi isn't cutting it, it might be time to optimize with the Amazon Eero system. During Prime Day, the Eero Pro 6E Mesh WiFi system is down to $329.99, saving you $120 off its $449.99 price tag. It supports over 100 devices over 6,000+ square feet. Even if you're not the most technologically savvy, set-up will be a breeze thanks to the step-by-step guide in Eero's app.

More Prime Day smart home dealsBest Prime Day Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 $89.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

What's most surprising about the deals on Amazon devices is how limited the Fire tablet deals are. Maybe Amazon is just being conservative, or maybe it's signaling that some changes are coming. Either way, the best deal on Fire tablets is on the Amazon Fire HD 8, a small, perfectly portable tablet that's under $100. Get it for just $89.99 during Prime Day, saving you $40.

More Prime Day Fire tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Porsche beat every automaker at initial quality—here's the other surprising winners

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:45

Ford and Porsche may have very different pricing strategies, but they do have one thing in common. They both topped the most recent JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2026 IQS measured the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced in the first 90 days of ownership.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The fastest-growing jobs in the creator economy dont require going viral

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:35

With the ever-growing state of the creator economy, the allure of being a content creator is more prevalent than ever. Some of the most accessible jobs in the field, however, aren't the ones that require going viral on your own.

Two different panels at VidCon 2026 focused about the jobs that exist behind the camera, from editors to talent agents. This kind of focus makes sense: the next generation of creators will think more like media companies than ever before, and a media company needs its staff to survive.

"We all know at this point that the number one job in the country right now that kids want to do is to be a content creator, but I feel like that's 1% of what's actually happening in the creator economy," said Adorian Deck, creator and the founder-CEO of Decked Media, a company which helps creators and brands build out their multi-platform strategy.

Making yourself valuable in the creator space

Among the jobs available in the creator economies are the usual suspects of entertainment: editors, talent managers, and producers. But that's only one piece of the pie. There are heads of creator development, post supervisors for content, accountants, finance managers, and chiefs of staff.

No matter the exact job description, panelists talked about the importance of being adaptable.

Editors Sara Currie, YB Chang Biste, and talent manager Gil Krueger (far right) talked about finding opportunity on the panel Behind the Camera: the Jobs Powering the Creators. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

YB Chang Biste, creator, former senior editor for the Try Guys, and now freelancer, said that being quick to adjust to different styles of creators helped her establish herself in her career.

"You could be the best editor in the world, but if you meet a YouTuber who has a very specific style of editing and style of humor that you might not be familiar with, you might not be the best editor in the world anymore," Chang Biste said.

SEE ALSO: The creator strategies still working in an AI-saturated internet

Sean Klitzner, who was the co-creator, showrunner, and creative director of Beast Games, talked about when he initially started working with Mr. Beast, he started out in a creative wall. Then, he noticed they needed production help. From there, he noticed the budget needed reworking, and shortly after became Mr. Beast's chief of staff.

"I just said yes to whatever they needed," he said, before distilling his experience to a simple piece of advice: "Go through the door that's open."

Finding jobs supporting creators

So how does a person go about actually breaking into the space? Partially, it relates back to going through that open door. However, it can also entail going down traditional job channels.

"This is gonna sound like super old man advice but LinkedIn is your friend," said Gil Kruger, who runs the creator talent management agency Best Regards Media. Chad Wild Clay, the creator behind Spy Ninjas, also echoed this, saying that his company regularly posts jobs on LinkedIn.

Networking, of course, was also pushed as an essential part of finding work. Chang Biste and former editor for Mr. Beast, Sara Currie, also pointed to the online network they're a part of: EditHers, a group which brings together women editors on YouTube. Groups like these can be vital for making connections, and seeing call outs for work you wouldn't otherwise.

Klitzner also pointed to behind-the-scenes jobs being a viable point of entry for anyone who eventually wants to be a creator in front of the camera:

"Go learn everything you have to do to get to that point," he said.

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The tech product dilemma: buy now or wait for lower prices?

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:34

In 2026, as tech product prices rise, we're having deja vu all over again. A year ago, President Donald Trump's ever-changing tariffs had tech product prices skyrocketing. Consumers found themselves asking the question: Should I buy that laptop or smartphone, or should I wait?

Now, thanks to the AI boom, we're experiencing a shortage of computer memory known as RAMageddon, we're asking that question once again. Our recommendation: If you need it, buy it now. Why? Because there's no telling when prices will drop — or even if they will.

When we posed this question to consumer experts last year, they recommended buying products like laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles sooner rather than later as price hikes were on the way. Lo and behold, that prediction turned out to be accurate.

And prices are still rising. Apple just announced price hikes across all of its products, except the iPhone, just this week. MacBook Pros will now be $300 to $500 more expensive than they were just days ago. Last month, Nintendo raised the price of its Switch 2 console by $50. And Apple's CEO has warned of steeper prices on the iPhone 18 when it launches in September.

In short, a future "deal" on these products will very likely resemble their present prices.

It is possible that prices go back down if the AI bubble bursts and data center expansions are put on hold. But just the current buildout is going to have knock-on effects for some time to come. Earlier this year, for example, Western Digital said that the AI industry has basically bought out its entire storage supply for 2026, with agreements already being put in place for 2027 and 2028.

Of course, your mileage may vary on the "buy it now" front. If you've decided your near-decade old PC is no longer cutting it for work, that's a must-have purchase. You don't want to end up spending hundreds of dollars more on a laptop that was $500 less just yesterday.

But if you just upgraded your smartphone or laptop last year, it might make more sense to skip a version or two, and wait to see what prices look like at the end of the decade — or on Black Friday, for that matter.

After all, the enormous price hikes could backfire for some tech companies, forcing them to bring prices back down to Earth — even if it eats into their profit margins.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 excellent new Netflix shows to watch this weekend (June 26-28)

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:30

If you look at the Netflix Top 10 for the U.S. at the moment, you're still likely to see a scathing documentary series about Michael Jackson, Tina Fey and her pals gallivanting around vacation locations, and more than a couple true-crime docs vying for your time. Not to mention the World Cup trying to coax you out to a crowded sports bar. But if you're looking for something new to watch on Netflix that isn't any of those things, you've come to the right place.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Starting a smart home? Please don’t use Google Home

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:28

So you’ve decided to take your first steps towards building a smart home. The biggest hurdle ahead of you is deciding which platform you should use, and this likely depends on a few factors, like which ecosystems you’re already familiar with and comfortable using.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GPT-5.6 is here with better security and coding—so why can't you use it yet?

How-To Geek - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 22:28

OpenAI has unveiled GPT-5.6, a new set of large language models (LLMs) that promise large strides forward in biology, coding, and security. However, it's limiting initial access to a handful of customers — reportedly at the U.S. government's request.

Categories: IT General, Technology

18 Walmart deals that beat Amazon Prime Day: Lego sets, Ninja Slushi, Beats headphones, and Owala water bottles on sale

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 21:48

We all know this week as the annual Amazon Prime Day event. We've seen excellent deals on some of our favorite products like Jackery portable power stations, Amazon Echo devices, and Apple Watches while shopping the Amazon sale. But other retails get in on the fun of Prime Day savings, too, and this year, Walmart brought out the big deals.

After scouring both Amazon and Walmart, the Mashable shopping team has located 18 deals from Walmart that beat out Amazon's sale prices. The lesson here is to shop around during a major sale to make sure you're getting the best deal possible. But since that takes some serious effort, we've done the heavy lifting for you. Here are 18 items to buy at Walmart during Prime Day and skip on shopping them at Amazon.

Ninja Slushi

What better way to spend the summer than sipping frozen drinks? The Ninja Slushi sunk to $199.99 at Amazon during the first day of this year's Prime Day event, but it's been sold out for days now. Instead of sitting there overheating and parched, get the 72-ounce Ninja Slushi for $179.99 at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $179 at Walmart
$299 Save $120   Get Deal Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller

For those who plan to spend the summer chilling inside with the PS5, grab the DualSense Wireless Controller from Walmart while it's on sale for $65.60. You'll have to go with the white color to score this discount, but that's a classic. The same controller is $74 at Amazon, which makes Walmart the clear winner here.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller (white) $65.60 at Walmart
$74.99 Save $9.39   Get Deal Beats Studio Pro Headphones

Read Mashable's full review of the Beats Studio Pro Headphones.

All-day comfort and 40 hours of battery life are just some basic highlights on the Beats Studio Pro headphones. Shop the matte white colorway at Walmart and you'll get them for only $132.05, down from the list price of $349.99 at Beats. The matte white colorway is sold out at Amazon and the other options are selling for a sale price of $149.95, making Walmart the easy choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Studio Pro Headphones (matte white) $132.05 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $217.94   Get Deal Owala FreeSip (24 ounce)

Read Mashable's full review of the Owala FreeSip.

Keep hydrated through summer heat with Mashable's favorite water bottle. With a 24-ounce capacity, the Owala FreeSip is on sale at Walmart for $22.78 in several colors, like black, flamingo salmon, and gray whale. The same bottle is only available in Black for $22.78 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip (24 ounce) $22.78 at Walmart
$29.97 Save $7.19   Get Deal Apple iPad

Stock is running low at Amazon on the 2025 11-inch Apple iPad with 128GB of storage. Instead of battling with others at Amazon, snag it for the sale price of $299 at Walmart, down from the normal price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch Apple iPad (2025, 128GB) $299 at Walmart
$349 Save $50   Get Deal Lego Succulents

Lego deals are some of Prime Day's most popular. But this year, Walmart won the Lego battle by offering much better discounts. Snag the Lego Succulents set for yourself or to gift in the future for only $25, down from the normal price of $49.99. The set is also on sale at Amazon but for $39.99, so shopping at Walmart will score you an extra $14.99 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Succulents $25 at Walmart
$49.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Ray Ban Meta Warefarer (Gen 1)

Coming in at $22 cheaper than Amazon's sale price, snag the Ray Ban Meta Wayfarer glasses for only $224 at Walmart during Prime Day. The same pair is listed at Amazon for $246, so shop Walmart to get the best discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Meta Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 1) $224 at Walmart
$299 Save $75   Get Deal Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth

If you're in the market for the Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth, Walmart has your back. Plus, it's on sale for $85, down from the standard price of $114.99. That's a savings of $29.99 and you'll have your own personal British telephone booth.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Red London Telephone Booth $85 at Walmart
$114.99 Save $29.99   Get Deal Apple AirPods Max 2

The $399 sale price on the Apple AirPods Max 2 has come and gone several times at Amazon during Prime Day. Instead of playing that game, grab them at Walmart for the same price. You'll have more color options, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $399 at Walmart
$549 Save $150   Get Deal Samsung 65-inch Crystal UHD 4K TV

Prime Day is always a great time to score a discount on an upgraded TV. Coming in at a massive $400 cheaper than Amazon, the 65-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV is on sale at Walmart for $298. That's down from the normal price of $469.99, so you're in for a savings of $171.99 when shopping at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Crystal UHD 4K TV $298 at Walmart
$469.99 Save $171.99   Get Deal More Walmart deals that beat Amazon Prime Day prices
Categories: IT General, Technology

What streaming platforms wants from creators like The Besties

Mashable - Fri, 06/26/2026 - 21:46

The Besties are coming to Amazon's Fire TV Stick this summer, as announced at the VidCon 2026 panel, What Happens When a Creator's Social Content is a Big Streamer's Pipeline?

But what can other creators learn from The Besties' success? In this panel moderated by NorthStar Media Group producer Ivana Kirkbride, Besties Mackenzie Turner and Lael Hansen were joined by Pocketwatch CEO Chris H. Williams, and Global Head of Partnerships at Amazon's Fire TV Channels Dan Green. Together, they laid out the secrets to the Besties' success and what other creators need to know if they want their content on ad-revenue streaming platforms like Amazon Fire TV.

"If it works on YouTube, it'll work anywhere."

Williams repeated this in the panel, stressing that horizontal long-form content translates well to streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Fire. "As a brand and as content," he explained, "It's proven it's meddle in this insanely competitive environment, and now I have nine years of data to prove it."

From there, he explained what Pocketwatch looks for, with Green confirming along the way.

What are streamers looking for from content creators? Presentation slide on What Happens When a Creator's Social Content is a Big Streamer's Pipeline? Credit: Kristy Puchko / Mashable

Williams broke it down into three things.

1. Watch time.

Green noted that Amazon will look at a creator's subscriber numbers. But streamer studios/distributors are more interested in how long subscribers are watching. Are they making it through a full video? Watching one after another? Engagement and watch time is a better indicator of carrying over an audience than subscriber number.

"A 15-second view is different than a 15-minute view, right?" Williams explained. "In terms of the engagement of the audience, the level of fandom, what's going to translate when we take it somewhere else."

Turner expanded on this, saying that The Besties fandom is more engaged in their long-form content twice a week, making their show a part of their routine.

Green noted that a regular cadence for posting is also a good sign to streamers about a creator's ability to keep an audience interested.

2. Where are they big?

Williams explained that Pocketwatch is focusing on domestic audiences, so being big in the U.S. or at least with English-speaking audiences is a factor for him.

3. What device are they being consumed on?

Streamers want to know if creator content will be watched on television. Green noted that 20-somethings who grew up watching content on their phones and tablets are now watching that same content on TV. Kirkbride asked if Amazon had internal data to back that up, and while he declined to expand on her question he confirmed they do.

4. Horizontal over Vertical; Long form over short form

"That's what people want to watch," Green said of the horizontal, long-form content like The Besties put out. "It fits more of a laid-back TV viewing experience versus on a mobile [experience]. Mobile is more sort of for short, quickly consuming something where you've got a few spare minutes."

Williams agreed, saying, "No one has cracked the code on how to distribute vertical video, yet you know everybody's been trying."

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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