Technology

Elon Musk may soon launch his own political party. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has announced his intention to form the "America Party" if President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passes, continuing to rail against what he calls "insane spending."

SEE ALSO: No, Elon Musk can't run for U.S. Vice President

"If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day," Musk posted to X on Monday. "Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE."

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Previously a close ally of Trump, Musk has had a dramatic falling out with the U.S. president in recent weeks. The billionaire left his position as de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the end of May and publicly criticised Trump's budget bill, with the two feuding on social media since. Musk even accused Trump of being "in the Epstein files," though he later said that he regretted his posts. Time will tell whether he regrets these ones as well.

"It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country — the PORKY PIG PARTY!!" Musk wrote. "Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people."

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According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a non-partisan organisation which analyses federal budgets, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could potentially add $5 trillion to the country's debt within the next decade. The similarly non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has offered a slightly more optimistic analysis, however it still predicts the act could increase U.S. debt by approximately $3.3 trillion.

Trump has been pushing for his proposed budget to be passed prior to July 4. Though voting on the bill has commenced, as of writing the Senate has not yet passed the legislation and is continuing to vote on amendments.

"Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!" Musk posted on Monday. "And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth."

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Despite his threats, Musk has a lengthy history of making pledges he's been unable to keep. Musk initially promised that DOGE would reduce government spending by at least $2 trillion, however subsequently revised this goal down to $150 billion within three months of Trump's inauguration. Instead, DOGE has primarily thrown U.S. government agencies into turmoil, laying off over 280,000 workers and even working to entirely dismantle some agencies.

Of course, DOGE also demonstrated that forming an organisation is a much simpler task than actually delivering on its promises. The richest man in the world is already talking about soliciting funds for an election campaign, despite having a net worth of over $400 billion.

Musk also ran a poll on X asking, "Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?" The poll garnered approximately 5.6 million responses, with around 80 percent responding in the affirmative.

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"VOX POPULI, VOX DEI," Musk posted when sharing the results (emphasis original). 

"Vox populi, vox dei" is a Latin phrase meaning "the voice of the people [is] the voice of God." Musk has previously used it when running other polls, though the results don't appear to have any real impact on his actions. The phrase is actually an abbreviation of the full quotation: "Nec audiendi qui solent dicere, Vox populi, vox Dei, quum tumultuositas vulgi semper insaniae proxima sit." Translated: "And those people should not be listened to who keep saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness."

If Musk does establish a new U.S. political party, he will technically be unable to run for president himself. Under Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution, a person must be "a natural born Citizen" in order to be eligible for the office of president. As Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, this disqualifies him as a candidate. Even so, it wouldn't be surprising if he attempted to use a proxy or find some other other way around this.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199) before codes sell out.

If you haven't heard already, Microsoft has officially announced the countdown clock on Windows 10. Are you still running your PC on this dated operating system? Now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade your device's performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $15 until the end of today. However, codes are limited.

With these Windows 11 Pro keys, you can completely revamp two compatible PCs, whether they're your personal or work computers. For starters, you'll enjoy a refreshed user interface that's been designed to be intuitive and aesthetically pleasing with rounded corners.

This updated operating system provides more than just an improved navigation experience. New productivity tools like snap layouts, easy redocking, and improved voice typing can help you complete personal and professional tasks, and you'll even have a more powerful search experience to get you further.

Digital safety is paramount for anyone online, which is why Windows 11 Pro is outfitted with enhanced security measures like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and more for greater peace of mind as you browse, stream, or game. And speaking of gaming, this operating system is designed to improve PC gaming graphics with DirectX12 Ultimate.

Since this is the Pro version of Windows 11, you'll additionally get remote work-friendly features, such as remote desktop access for viewing files and running programs from your mobile device. There's also Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for extra professional usage.

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Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Humble.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

LOWLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To foreshadow.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 1, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AUGUR

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To get rid of.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 1, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ERASE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A pointed weapon.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 1 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SPEAR

Final Hurdle hint

Lotion.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CREAM

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

It might seem like the humble printer is obsolete in this paperless age. But the printer remains an office essential. There are times when only a physical document will do. For example, it's bad form to turn up to an interview and show your prospective employer a copy of your CV on your phone. Contracts and other important official documents should need to be printed. That's just a fact of the professional world.

And let’s be honest: Copies of your favourite photos and posters are far superior to digital versions. That slideshow on your laptop or desktop might have hundreds of your best snaps on a never-ending loop, but it can't possibly compare to flicking through actual photos. There are times when you simply must have a printout.

Fortunately, there's still lots of choice out there from top manufacturers such as Canon, Epson, and HP. You really are spoilt for choice if you know what you're looking for. But before you purchase a printer and start sending those all important documents, here's some useful information to get you started.

What are the different types of home printer?

It generally comes down to inkjet, ink tank, and laser printers. Inkjet printers, as the name suggests, use ink cartridges to print documents. Ink tank printers, which are probably more cost effective, have a ink reservoir that you top up, rather than using cartridges. And laser printers use laser beams to flash the image or text to be printed on the page, which is then coated by toner. (Always be mindful of the incurring costs of ink cartridges or toner.) Laser printers produce sharper edges and crisper images. If you’re going to print lots of text documents with few colours, a two-cartridge printer is fine. Consider a laser printer though for professional-grade printouts.

How big are home printers?

Also consider the dimensions and weight of a printer. You need to select a device with your home in mind. Even though that powerful printer with a lengthy list of features is attractive, the fact that it wouldn't fit through your front door cannot be ignored. Make sure you measure up before adding a printer to your home office. Luckily, printers come in all shapes and sizes — there are even printers that fit in your hand.

How do printers connect?

You can do it the old-fashioned way and simply connect your computer and printer via a cable. Some printers use a network, which means lots of computers are connected at once — either wired or wirelessly. That’s obviously common in offices. But in this increasingly wireless world, you’ll find many printers use WiFi or Bluetooth. Printing from a computer or device couldn’t be easier.

What is the best printer brand?

Most of the names that you'll come across when searching for a printer are pretty established. The likes of Canon, Epson, and Hewlett Packard will be well-known to basically everyone, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look elsewhere.

Smaller brands like Kyocera are also really popular with consumers, and even though you might not be that familiar with the name, the fact that these guys specialise in printers is a bonus. The good thing is that you've got options. There is nothing worse that one brand having a monopoly on a certain type of product.

What is the best home printer?

We've lined up some of the very best examples of compact, portable, and desktop printers, and while we can't tell you which model will work best for your office and printing needs, we do recommend all the names on this list.

These are the best home printers in 2025.

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 at just A$61 (reg. A$337) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows at just A$61 (reg. A$337) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

What you get with your purchase

• One-time purchase, lifetime access — no monthly fees, just essential Office apps

• Includes must-have tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Designed for Windows users — perfect for work, school, and personal projects

• Boost productivity with reliable tools for documents, data management, and communication

• Quick and easy setup that allows you to download it instantly and activate with your product key

• No hidden fees — pay once and use Microsoft Office Professional 2021 forever

Skip the subscription headache — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for A$61. Sale ends July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$61
AU$337 Save AU$276 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enjoy serious data security at an affordable price with a lifetime subscription to the Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$421 through July 15. 

Are you tired of hitting the storage limits on free cloud storage services like Dropbox? If you're looking for somewhere dependable and secure to keep your precious data, Internxt is an excellent option. It's an open-source platform with end-to-end encryption so that you can trust your files will remain safe and private. 

Right now, you can bypass expensive monthly fees and secure a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage's generous 10TB plan is available for just A$421 (reg. A$4,449) through July 15.

This cloud storage service truly values your privacy

Get serious about securing your important data with Internxt. They make privacy their top concern, so you can rest easy knowing your files are safe and the platform values transparency with its users. 

Though you may not have thought about it, traditional cloud storage providers can monetize user data with targeted advertising and data sharing. There's also the worry of data breaches or surveillance with these bigger companies. 

This is where Internxt shines — you don't have to worry about your data being accessed. They offer end-to-end encryption. That means data will be encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted for the receiver, so not even Internxt can access it. 

Internxt also has an open-source policy. That means their code is publicly available, offering total transparency to users. They're also GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant, which means they adhere to strict European laws that protect user privacy and data security.

Like the popular cloud storage options, Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility and easy integration across devices and operating systems. And unlike the competitors with monthly or yearly subscriptions, this lifetime subscription won't cost you a penny more after purchase. 

Enjoy a massive amount of storage with a service that prioritizes privacy with this lifetime subscription to the Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$421 (reg. A$4,449) through July 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan AU$421
AU$4,449 Save AU$4,028 Get Deal

Apple might abandon plans to develop its own in-house AI model to power Siri and could partner with OpenAI or Anthropic instead.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the iPhone maker has talked to both companies about using either ChatGPT or Claude to power Siri. Apple "has asked them to train versions of their models that could run on Apple’s cloud infrastructure for testing," said Gurman, citing unnamed sources. The talks are reportedly in early stages, and its efforts to develop its own LLM for Siri, internally dubbed LLM Siri, are still active.

SEE ALSO: Apple's big Siri update still isn't ready for primetime

If Apple outsources a Siri LLM, it would be a major concession of defeat for the company that has reportedly struggled to adapt and improve Siri to current standards. Apple stayed on the sidelines during the beginning of the genAI boom ushered in by ChatGPT. And even before ChatGPT, Siri was somewhat of a punchline for frustrated users. As one of the pioneers of voice assistants, Siri had big potential for leading the market with voice-activated actions. But users are still waiting for the so-called Siri revamp that was promised about a year ago at 2024's WWDC.

Since then, Apple teams has reportedly struggled to convert existing Siri architecture into something that rivals voice modes from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Now the AI team is reportedly building an LLM from scratch, which has led to delays. The Siri revamp has been postponed while Apple tries to come up with a plan, and aims for a spring 2026 launch. But even that might be in jeopardy, according to this report.

A solar generator is one of those things that you don't think you need until you actually do one day. Jackery makes some of the best ones, and now, its Explorer 1000 V2 is currently almost half off—knocking an insane $600 off its MSRP.

I love science fiction movies for lots of reasons, but the biggest draw is, of course, that sci-fi speculates about how science and technology will change the world. Sometimes it's a prediction of how technology that will certainly exist could change things. Other times, technology itself is a product of pure imagination.

If you’re a savvy shopper like me, you already know that having an open mind to the possibilities of refurbished tech can serve as a real-life cheat code. It’s your best gateway to levelling up a home setup for seriously less monies; be that a work-from-home battlestation, a lairier gaming cave, or your ideal weekend wind-down zone.

Today, I’m going to teach you how to kit out your casa with the stuff you crave without needing to pay a premium for it.

Before you ask, yes, Refurbished tech on eBay Australia comes straight from quality-vetted sellers, and each item is rigorously inspected and backed by a minimum one-year warranty. Plus, free standard shipping & returns means you can click “buy” with zero buyer’s remorse. And if things really go sideways, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee has you covered*.

Combined, that makes diving into premium gear at a fraction of the price feel more like a life hack than a splurge. And now, without further ado, let me show you how to piece together your dream setup—from laptop to latte machine—by wading out into arguably the best bargains on eBay.

Your best PC battlestation on a budget

Looking to max your productivity (or simply draw envious looks on Zoom calls) without stretching your wallet? Start with a sleek, refurbished Laptop for handling spreadsheets, video edits, or that burgeoning side-hustle we don't need to tell your boss about. No dual-monitor setup? Grab a refurbished Monitor to complement your main rig; these are put through multi-point inspections to ensure crisp colour and no dead pixels. Or maybe just pair it with a wireless keyboard and mouse combo (often bundled under “Gaming” or “Accessories” on eBay Refurbished) to polish out that desk aesthetic to a clean, designer-studio vibe.

Greatly reduced gaming in your rumpus room

Who says console setups need next-gen prices? From the latest consoles to retro classics, the Gaming section is your portal to immersive entertainment without sticker-shock. Snag a refurbished PS5 or Xbox at hundreds less than retail, or build a nostalgia-packed collection with a remasters-friendly Nintendo Switch and classic GameCube consoles*. Don’t forget to stock up on controllers, headsets, and charging docks, too, all vetted for full functionality and waiting in the “Video Games” and “Video Game Accessories” sections. Last but not least, realise your console’s full potential on a refurbished TV for that cinematic feel in your rumpus room, then melt into couch-mode knowing every purchase is covered by eBay’s hassle-free 30 day returns* and 12-month warranty.*

Cleaner digs and delicious noms at a discount

You can tackle chores and caffeine cravings in one swoop with kitchen and home appliances that look and work like new in the case of Excellent or Certified tier items. Browse refurbished Appliances for vacuum cleaners that actually hold suction, coffee machines that deliver life-saving start-of-the-day shots, and air purifiers that hum quietly in the background. For small-kitchen essentials, check out the “Coffee & Tea Makers,” “Vacuum Cleaner Parts,” and “Small Kitchen Appliances” subcategories under Appliances. Each comes with a minimum one-year warranty* and free shipping & returns* if you sort your search by Certified Refurbished, Excellent Refurbished, Very Good Refurbished or Good Refurbished item conditions.

Horizontal rejuvenation enablers for less

As an avid practitioner, I don’t like the term "bed-rotting,” so I’m going with more positive messaging instead. Lazy Sunday mornings were practically invented for binge-scrolling on your phone or tablet. So you’d best treat yourself to a bargain solution by shopping refurbished Phones, Smart Watches, and Tablets at budget-friendly prices. From flagship Androids to iPhone Pros*, and everything in between, these devices are tested to at least “Good” condition (i.e., moderate wear, 80%+ battery life) and include all original or equivalent accessories*. Not as slovenly as me? Fine. Go pair your phone with a refurbished smartwatch for health-tracking flair, or grab a refurbished tablet as a portable second screen to use while you’re…what’s that term again? Oh yes. Moving around.

How to pick like a connoisseur and stay protected

If you’re tempted by any of the above, then the next half of the fun (and a sliding scale of savings) is choosing the right condition tier. If you want pristine gear that feels fresh out of the box, go “Certified” for manufacturer-certified, 100% battery health devices; “Excellent” and “Very Good” offer minor wear but huge savings; and “Good” is perfect if you don’t mind a tiny scuff in exchange for the best bargain.

All items are clearly graded and come with a seller-provided 12-month warranty,* free standard shipping & 30 day returns,* and the reassurance of eBay’s Money Back Guarantee*. For full eligibility and all terms, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee Policy. When in doubt, filter by condition and price, check seller ratings, and keep an eye out for the blue-tick which means it is part of the Refurbished program. Basically, your dream setup should be risk-free from click to unbox.

In the end it’s pretty clear that building a premium home setup doesn’t have to cost a premium. With eBay Refurbished, you really can score top-tier tech-laptops, consoles, appliances, even coffee machines-at a fraction of retail, all backed by warranties and buyer protections. Ready to upgrade? Dive into eBay’s refurbished categories, pick your condition, and hit “buy now” with confidence. Your wallet (and inner tech-nerd) will thank you.

Free standard shipping & returns subject to Refurbished Program T&Cs apply.

All refurbished items include a minimum one-year seller-provided warranty subject to Refurbished Program T&Cs apply.
For full eligibility criteria and all terms and conditions, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee Policy (eBay Australia).
eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands mentioned

There is a never-ending stream of gadgets, gizmos, and tools you see advertised for camping, but the most important tool you can have is one you probably already own.

Chromebooks are unique since they can run web apps, Android apps from the Google Play Store, or Linux apps through the Terminal. To improve the Chromebook user experience, Google has created apps specifically aimed at Chromebook users.

The landscape of YouTube drama channels has evolved over the platform's 20 years, but they still rely on one tried and true marketing gambit: clickbait. And generative AI tools are bringing it back in big, and alarming, ways.

Dozens of channels, for example, have been tallying up views and profit using AI-generated thumbnails and fake quotes purported to be from the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, many of which use celebrity likenesses and graphic language to entice viewers to watch. First reported by the Indicator and later co-published by the Guardian, around 900 videos across 26 channels have generated nearly 70 million views over the past 12 months, even as Big Tech claims to crack down on deepfakes and misinformation.

SEE ALSO: Caring for ourselves amid the Diddy trial and collective trauma exposure

Most of the channels sharing so-called "Diddy slop" rely not only on AI thumbnails, but also AI-generated narration, in an attempt to misleadingly connect celebrities — the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Joe Rogan, and even U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi — to the trial's infamous reports of sexual abuse. Most of the videos recirculate real trial images or local news coverage, with only a few taking the step into fully deepfaked video, the report found. Faceless channels dedicated to AI-generated clickbait content have also taken over TikTok, slipping by both platform's automatic moderation tools and threatening to amplify an already complicated information landscape rife with misinformation and conspiracy.

And despite YouTube policies that should prevent such videos from being monetized, it's proven to be a lucrative revenue generator. "If you would say, ‘Hey, how can I make $50,000 as soon as possible?’ Number one would be like doing fucking drug [dealing], but number two would probably be to start a Diddy channel,” Wanner Aarts, a YouTube creator that makes AI-generated content, told the Guardian. In response to the Indicator's report, YouTube said it removed 16 channels and demonetized several others.

The platform has struggled to address a growing abundance of noticeably AI-generated images and videos taking over its content recommendations and even ad space — in 2024, the site deleted more than 1,000 AI-generated scam videos advertising products using the likenesses of celebrities. AI-generated thumbnails have proliferated on the platform, culminating recently in a wide scale backlash to YouTube giant Mr.Beast, who debuted and then quickly shelved a generative AI tool that would automatically generate eye-catching thumbnails.

Broadly, YouTube and its corporate owner, Alphabet, have leaned heavily into generative AI for its own purposes, including a new YouTube Shorts video generator that harnesses Google DeepMind's Veo 2 and a combined AI-powered search tool and recommendation engine for Premium users.

The best early Prime Day Chromebook deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $459 (save $140) Get Deal BEST SPLURGE Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel Core Ultra 5 115U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $629 (save $170) Get Deal BEST BUDGET DEAL Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Prime Day formally kicks off next week (July 8 through 11), but you can start saving on all sorts of gadgets and gizmos ahead of time — from headphones to TVs to laptops. While it's not quite on Black Friday level, Prime Day tends to be a pretty good time to score a deal on a new laptop (especially a MacBook), including fan-favorite, budget-friendly Chromebooks. The thing is, the best deals probably won't be at Amazon.

As in years past, all of the early Prime Day Chromebook deals are either at Best Buy or OEMs like Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo. We'll likely see some Chromebook discounts pop up at Amazon when the official sale begins, but in our experience, Best Buy will be the place to shop if you want to score the best deal. The retailer is running a "Black Friday in July" sale in direct competition of Prime Day that runs July 7 through 13.

It's worth mentioning that while Chromebooks are known for their affordability, tech-based tariffs have raised the prices of some models as much as $100. For instance, Acer verified that its Chromebook Plus Spin 714 now retails for $799.99 — a big jump from its original price of $699.99. Several Asus laptops have also hiked up their prices. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for some big Prime Day price cuts on these models to combat President Trump's tariffs.

We're tracking the best early Prime Day Chromebook deals across all retailers and will update the list with any new deals that may drop at Amazon, Best Buy, and elsewhere.

The best early Prime Day Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $459 at Best Buy
$599 Save $140 Get Deal Why we like it

The 2025 Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus is pretty impressive, earning our sister site PCMag's "best Chromebook for most people" title. It's up next on our docket for testing, but for what it's worth, we loved the previous model. The 2025 version swapped out the processor for a newer 13th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, offers an enjoyable keyboard and touchpad, has a decent number of ports, and "seriously competitive performance for way less than some competing models," according to PCMag. It also packs 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage, which is on the higher end for a Chromebook. It's not perfect (battery life is just so-so), but for under $500, it's the best value.

Acer deals

• Acer Gateway Chromebook 314 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (Intel Core i3-1315U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $359 $479 (save $120)

• Acer Chromebook Spin 312 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $379.99 $449.99 (save $70)

• Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel Core Ultra 5 115U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $629 $799 (save $170)

Asus deals

• Asus Chromebook CM30 (MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $209.99 $299 (save $89.01)

• Asus CX5601 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $349 $599 (save $250)

• Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $459 $599 (save $140)

HP deals

• HP Chromebook 14a-nf0000nr (Intel Processor N100, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $259.99 $329.99 (save $700)

• HP Chromebook x360 Laptop 14bt-cd000 (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $319.99 $419.99 (save $100)

• HP Chromebook Plus 14at-nf000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $379.99 $659.99 (save $280)

• HP Chromebook Plus x360 14b-cd0010nr (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $399.99 $659.99 (save $260)

• HP Chromebook Plus x360 14bt-cd000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $429.99 $719.99 (save $290)

• HP Chromebook Plus 15at-nb000 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $479.99 $659.99 (save $180)

Lenovo deals

• Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook (MediaTek Kompanio 838, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $279 $399 (save $120)

Tumblr is ditching — or, at least, suspending — its plan to migrate over to WordPress. Relatedly, that also means pausing plans of integrating Tumblr into the fediverse.

That news dropped Monday on the Decoder podcast from The Verge. Automattic, which owns Tumblr, announced last year it planned to move Tumblr's backend of its website to WordPress. But Automattic founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg told Decoder that idea was on hold because the company decided it wanted "to focus as much on the things that are going to be noticeable to users and that users are asking for.” That tracks: Changing the backend of a website is a major undertaking but one that isn't obviously noticeable to most users.

The seemingly temporary shift away from WordPress could have downstream effects. For instance, Tumblr might now be slower to join the fediverse, which is a network of publishing platforms that are interconnected in order to make a decentralized social media landscape. In other words, your following, follows, and posts migrate across all the platforms.

SEE ALSO: What is the fediverse — and how might it affect creators?

Tumblr's migration to WordPress would've made integrating the fediverse easy. That's because WordPress has an ActivityPub plug-in that allows users to connect to other platforms on the fediverse. Now that's no more.

"That would’ve been a free way to get it," Mullenweg told Decoder. "And so that was one of the arguments for migrating everything to WordPress."

Robotics company 1X shared new insights into their Redwood AI and 1X World Model which are helping the company's Neo humanoid robots learn how to do a variety of tasks in a home setting.

If this latest leak holds water, then we’ve just gotten nearly the full spec sheet for the soon-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.

First spotted by PhoneArena, the leak originates from a trusted tech insider on Weibo (China’s Twitter/X-adjacent social media site), translated and compiled into what looks like a comprehensive rundown of Samsung’s upcoming foldable. The most eyebrow-raising detail? The Z Fold 7 might not be an entirely new device but rather a repackaged Fold 6 SE — a special edition designed to compete in China’s ultra-competitive foldable market.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Unpacked: Every major Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 leak so far

According to the leak, the Fold 7 will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and feature a 6.5-inch external display paired with an expansive 8-inch internal screen. The main camera clocks in at a jaw-dropping 200 megapixels, while the front-facing camera is reportedly a 10 MP shooter with a wide 100-degree field of view.

As for the physical design, folded, the phone measures 8.9mm thick; unfolded, it is just 4.2mm. It’s expected to weigh 215 grams and be wrapped in an enhanced armored aluminum frame with a glass ceramic back panel, suggesting Samsung is doubling down on durability and premium materials.

The Z Flip 7, meanwhile, looks to be getting a modest but meaningful upgrade. The exterior display is said to be 4.1 inches, with ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate that peaks at 2600 nits—impressive for a cover screen. Inside, the main display spans 6.9 inches with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, matching the same refresh rate and brightness.

Folded, the device is 13.7mm thick; unfolded, a sleek 6.5mm. A 4,300 mAh battery keeps it all powered, and the whole thing weighs 188 grams.

The one spec still under wraps? The camera setup for the Flip 7. That said, you won’t be waiting long for the full story — Samsung Unpacked is scheduled for July 9, and most signs point to both devices being officially unveiled during the event.

Of course, until it’s live on stage, everything here should be filed under "credible, but not gospel."

Best early Prime Day deals on mesh Wi-Fi systems: Best deal overall TP-Link Deco S4 mesh AC1900 WiFi system $99.97 (save $30.02) Get Deal Best budget pick TP-Link Deco BE23 Dual-Band BE3600 WiFi 7 mesh WiFi router $79.98 (save $20.01) Get Deal Honorable mention Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi system $105 (save $194.99 (with code EERO6PLUS3PK)) Get Deal

Prime Day is just one week away, and Amazon’s already dropping some pretty impressive early deals on home tech. While there are tons of discounts out there, the ones that can actually fix your day-to-day frustrations (like a terrible internet connection) are the ones really worth watching.

So, if you’ve been struggling with WiFi dead zones or a crappy connection (I definitely have and have been eyeing these deals), now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade to a mesh WiFi system.

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day drone deals to shop now

One deal I couldn’t not mention is on the Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi system. Right now, select customers can get a three-pack for just $105 with code EERO6PLUS3PK. That is the absolute lowest price we’ve ever seen on this particular setup. However, not everyone on our team is seeing this deal, so availability may be subject to geographical location, account standing, or Amazon's internal promotional algorithms. Still, it's worth checking to see if you’re eligible.

If you aren’t seeing this deal, there are still some solid options out there for a mesh system upgrade. Here are all the best early Prime Day deals on mesh WiFi systems.

Best deal overall TP-Link Deco S4 Mesh WiFi System (3-Pack) $99.97 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The TP-Link Deco S4 mesh AC1900 WiFi system is on sale for 99.97, down from 129.99. This isn't the lowest we’ve ever seen this system go for (it hit 89.99 briefly last December), but it’s still a really good deal on a three-pack mesh system that can cover up to 5,500 square feet.

The Deco S4 is Alexa-compatible and supports connectivity for up to 100 devices. And, unlike most traditional mesh systems, the Deco S4 lets you roam throughout your home without needing to manually switch networks. So, you could walk from your home office to the kitchen while you’re on a video call without any interruption.

More early Prime Day deals on mesh Wi-Fi systems

• Like-New Amazon eero mesh WiFi router — $32.99 $55 (save $22.01)

• TP-Link Archer BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (Archer BE400) — $144.99 $179.99 (save $35)

• TP-Link Deco BE63 Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000 whole home mesh system — $419.98 $599.99 (save $180.01)

• Amazon eero Max 7 (1-pack) with Amazon eero Outdoor 7 (1-pack) mesh WiFi system — $699.99 $999.98 (save $299.99)

• Amazon eero Max 7 (3-pack) with Amazon eero Outdoor 7 (1-pack) mesh WiFi system — $1,499.99 $2,099.98 (save $599.99)

Anker, the electronics manufacturer, has issued another major recall — this time involving five of its most popular charging devices. It’s the second recall the company has announced this month, affecting more than one million power banks so far, with more potentially to come. Anker says the move is being made “out of an abundance of caution.”

Despite the company's reassurances, owners of specific Anker MagGo and Anker Zolo power banks are being urged to check their model numbers immediately. According to the recall notice, the affected devices are at risk of overheating, melting, smoking, or even catching fire.

The following models are included in the recall:

• Anker Power Bank (10K) – Model A1257

• Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1647

• Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh) – Model A1652

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) – Model A1681

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1689

Anker says the issue stems from faulty lithium-ion battery cells used in the affected models. Customers with eligible devices can file a claim to receive a free replacement or a gift card for use on Anker.com. To do so, users must submit a recall claim form along with proof of purchase.

Owners are also encouraged to properly dispose of recalled devices by taking them to an authorized electronics recycling facility, such as those available at local hardware stores like Home Depot.

As summer holidays kick into gear, airlines are facing a new threat. A teen hacking group known as Scattered Spider is targeting the airline industry, the FBI and cybersecurity firms have warned.

Last Friday, the FBI issued an alert saying that the cybercriminal group is "expanding its targeting to include the airline sector." At least two airlines have already been affected by cyberattacks. Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines have felt the impact of cybersecurity attacks attributed to this group. Hawaiian Airlines said that a June 23 incident affected some of its IT systems, but flights operated "safely and as scheduled". On June 13, WestJet, a Canadian airline, released a statement reporting a cyberattack that they have continued to address, saying they made "significant progress" in safeguarding their systems.

Scattered Spider is a collective of hackers comprised of teenagers and young adults. Microsoft researchers once called Scattered Spider "one of the most dangerous financial criminal groups."

The group is known for its extortion tactics. The hackers often impersonate employees or contractors to "deceive IT help desks" and gain access to systems, says the FBI. "Once inside, Scattered Spider actors steal sensitive data for extortion and often deploy ransomware," continued the statement.

Google's cybersecurity unit, Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks' research division, Unit 42 both stated that they observed Scattered Spider increasingly targeting the transportation sector.

SEE ALSO: The 6 biggest cybersecurity breaches of 2025 so far

The FBI said actively working with aviation partners to address the uptick in cybersecurity threats. In the statement, they said the hackers could target both airlines and their third-party IT providers, which means "anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, could be at risk."

In September 2023, Scattered Spider gained notoriety when the group was linked to multimillion-dollar hacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, two well-known Las Vegas casinos and hotels. MGM ultimately had to pay a ransom of around $15 million to resolve the issue.

The group has previously targeted UK retail giant Marks & Spencer, and was recently suspected to be behind a breach hitting US insurance company Aflac.