Technology

10 Hilarious 1990s Sitcoms You Can Stream Today

How-To Geek - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 16:00

The 1990s were a revolutionary era for television, with sitcoms being no exception. In an era when TV dramas and cartoons were becoming more cinematic, sitcoms ventured into new territory. Far from the typical nuclear families of yore, 1990s sitcoms featured diverse casts, single friends, and embraced more absurdism in breaking the fourth wall.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Peak Ages of Productivity for Authors, Painters, Musicians & Scientists

Information is beautiful - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 15:41

Using number of books, paintings, albums and papers released by practitioners at each age.

Interesting research from Miller (1999) and Kanazawa (2003)

Categories: IT General, Technology

Recent Outages Put My Portable Power Stations to the Test—Here's What I Learned

How-To Geek - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 15:30

I love portable power stations so much that my wife and I have backed up our home with Anker SOLIX batteries instead of an automatic gas generator or a built-in home battery. Here's what I've learned after having just experienced three power outages in the span of two weeks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Expert-approved deal: The Apple Watch Series 10 has hit its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 14:35

SAVE $100: As of July 3, the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $299 at Amazon — down from $399. That’s 25% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal

If you’ve been holding out for a truly great Apple Watch deal, your patience just paid off. The Apple Watch Series 10 has dropped to $299 at Amazon in an early Prime Day deal — a hefty 25% discount from its usual $399 price tag, and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price on record.

Mashable's Apple expert hand-picked this deal as the standout option ahead of Prime Day 2025.

The standout option here features a rose gold aluminium case paired with a plum sport loop — sleek, stylish, and the best value you’ll find. Other variants like the jet black model or the rose gold case with a light blush sport band are currently $329, while the silver case with a denim sport band lands at $319. That makes the rose gold and plum combo your best bet by far — if you act quick.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Get the Apple Watch at its lowest price ever

Aside from the eye-catching design, you’re getting all the latest iterations of the top-tier features Apple’s wearables offer. The Series 10 boasts a 30% larger screen, a thinner and lighter case, and super-fast charging that gets you to 80% battery in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with advanced health features, from ECG capabilities to menstrual cycle tracking, and even sleep apnea notifications via the new Vitals app.

Fitness junkies will appreciate deeper workout insights, customizable activity rings, and even water depth and temperature tracking for swimmers. And of course, all the Apple Watch essentials are here — texts, calls, Siri, Apple Pay, and seamless integration with your iPhone.

It’s also crack-resistant, dust-resistant, and carbon-neutral when paired with select bands.

While we don’t deem the Apple Watch Series 10 as an essential upgrade “if you already own the Series 9”, we do think it’s a “good place to start” if you’ve never owned an Apple Watch before.

If you’re curious about what to expect from Prime Day, check out our full Prime Day 2025 guide with all you need to know. What’s more, take a look at our standout early discounts.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

This Echo Frames bundle deal doesnt make sense — get a free Echo Spot ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 14:15

SAVE $90: As of July 3, Prime members can get the Echo Frames and Echo Spot bundle for $129.99 at Amazon — down from $349.98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Frames and Echo Spot $129.99 at Amazon
$349.98 Save $219.99 Get Deal

If you’re looking to upgrade your smart setup and hands-free life in one move, Amazon has bundled its sleek new Echo Frames with the all-new Echo Spot smart clock, and the result is one of the best Prime-exclusive deals we've seen ahead of Prime Day.

As of July 3, Prime members can get the Amazon Echo Frames and Echo Spot bundle for just $129.99 — that’s a massive 63% off its regular $349.98 price tag. It also matches the standalone price of the Echo Frames, but with polarised lenses instead of the bundle’s prescription-ready ones. If you don’t mind that caveat, you’re basically getting a free Echo Spot thrown in for the same price.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

These are the newest Echo Frames, with those prescription-ready lenses in a classic black rectangle style, with other frame options available. They feature open-ear audio, so you can listen to music, podcasts, or Audible without cutting yourself off from the real world. They're also great for phone calls — with hands-free access to Alexa and a VIP call button for fast check-ins with your top contact.

And then there’s the new Echo Spot, a redesigned smart clock with a customisable display, big vibrant sound, and Alexa features. Use it to check the weather, control your smart home, or tap into your music library — all from your bedside.

If you were already eyeing the Frames, this bundle is a no-brainer — assuming you’re cool with the prescription lenses. If you prefer the polarised lenses model for that sunglasses look, keep in mind that the $129.99 will only get you that version on its own, minus the Echo. Either way, you’re getting serious value here.

For even more hit bargains leading up to the big sale, take a look at the best early Prime Day Deals so far. Alternatively, check out our full Prime Day guide — containing dates, times, and what’s new about this year’s Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Our TV expert approves this early Prime Day deal: Get this 55-inch Insignia Fire TV for its best-ever price

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 13:47

SAVE $160: As of July 4, the 55-inch Insignia F50 Series 4K Fire TV is just $189.99 at Amazon — that’s 46% off its regular $349.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia The 55-inch Insignia F50 Series 4K UHD LED Fire TV $189.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $160 Get Deal

Anyone after an affordable 4K TV can rejoice, because just ahead of Prime Day, Amazon has dropped the price of the Insignia 55-inch F50 Series 4K Smart Fire TV to a jaw-dropping $189.99 — down from $349.99. That’s a massive 46% discount and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on a smart 55-inch Fire TV like this, now at its lowest-ever price.

This Insignia model is more than just a budget-friendly screen. If you've only had HD sets up until now, this TV will aim to punch above its weight with 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and DTS Virtual-X audio — delivering a sharp, dynamic viewing experience with surprisingly rich sound.

That means whether you’re revisiting blockbusters like the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, or diving into summer’s newest bingeables like Squid Game Season 3 on Netflix, the colour detail and contrast are on point.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

Powered by Fire TV, this TV also comes pre-loaded with access to over 1.8 million movies and shows altogether, with streaming service apps like Netflix, but also Prime Video, Disney+, and more — plus a healthy stack of free content from Pluto TV, Tubi, and Fire TV Channels. You also get an Alexa Voice Remote for hands-free browsing and control, and even smart home integration for things like camera feeds, lights, or thermostat tweaks right from your TV.

With three HDMI ports, eARC support, and enough inputs for your consoles, speakers, and cable box, this TV handles both streaming and home theater duties like a champ. And it’s wall-mount ready if you want that clean, floating look.

Deals this good rarely stick around long, especially as Prime Day approaches. If you’re looking for a full-featured 4K upgrade at a sub-$200 price, the F50 Series is a strong contender that should be at the top of your list.

If you're looking for a TV that's even bigger, and you've got a bit more cash to spend, the 77-inch LG C5 OLED TV is at its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day. For something smaller, the HD Amazon Fire 32-inch 2-Series TV is $40 off ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Adam Levines Hot Ones starts off strong, gets derailed hard

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 13:01

Adam Levine is so chilled for the first seven wings of his Hot Ones episode that you could be forgiven for thinking he's about to join the Bryan Cranston and Jenna Ortega hall of fame. Then Da Bomb comes along and ruins everything.

In the video above the Maroon 5 lead singer sits down opposite host Sean Evans to take on a series of increasingly spicy wings, while answering questions on everything from vocal training to basketball coaching.

It's pretty much smooth sailing until Da Bomb hits, at which point Levine is forced to stand up and angrily tell the nearby glass of milk that he doesn't want to drink it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the Tour de France 2025: Is it streaming?

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 13:00
The best ways to tune into every stage of the 2025 Tour de France: BEST PEACOCK DEAL Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year (save $15.89) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers (save $7.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium $2.99 per month for one year (save $5 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/MEDICAL STAFF Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR TEACHERS Peacock Premium $3.99 per month for one year (save $4 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99 per year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $79.99 per year) Get Deal

The world's most famous road cycling event is back for its 112th year. This year's Tour de France is bringing us back to tradition by remaining entirely within French borders for the first time since 2020. Among the 39 host towns and cities, eight will be making their official Tour debuts.

Tadej Pogačar is in pursuit of a fourth Tour de France title and second consecutive yellow jersey. But there's no doubt Jonas Vingegaard will be back with a vengeance after an injury last year impacted his performance. Slovenian veteran Primož Roglič and double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel are also top contenders.

Cycling's most prestigious race kicks off July 5 in the northern French city of Lille, and you can watch the events unfold right from the comfort of your couch. Here's everything you need to know to tune into this year's event.

When is the 2025 Tour de France?

The riders will embark on the first stage of the Tour de France on July 5 and complete one stage per day over the span of three weeks (with two rest days on July 15 and July 21). The race will finish, as it has since 1975, on the street of Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 27.

Can you watch the 2025 Tour de France for free?

U.S.-based cycling fans can watch every stage of the Tour de France for free through a few different global streaming platforms with a VPN and a teensy bit of computer skills. If you want to try it out for yourself, check out our VPN guide. While these streams are all free to watch, you will have to pay a small fee for the VPN itself to access them. So, technically, when all is said and done, it's not completely free (is anything?). But the good news is VPNs are very affordable and can serve you long-term.

Another way you can watch the 2025 Tour de France for free is with a Peacock subscription through an eligible Xfinity subscription, an Instacart+ subscription, or JetBlue Mosaic status. While there's no longer a free trial for the streamer, these third-party deals allow you to score a membership at no extra cost. We break down all the details below under the best Peacock streaming deals.

Is the Tour de France streaming?

Peacock will be streaming every stage of the Tour de France, no questions asked. Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. on July 5 and runs through July 27. You'll be able to watch every stage live or on-demand, as well as pre- and post-race studio coverage, highlights, and rider interviews.

If you just want to watch the Tour de France and then go back to a subscription-free existence, you can grab a month's subscription to Peacock, then cancel before your next payment. Prefer to stick around longer? We've rounded up the best ways to save some money on a Peacock subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

As noted above, you can easily sign up for a single month of Peacock, then cancel once the Tour ends — it'll only cost you $7.99 if you don't mind ads.

For a better deal and footage of other cycling events — including Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Critérium du Dauphiné, Vuelta a España, and Paris Tours — however, you can sign up for an entire year of Peacock Premium for only $79.99. That breaks down to just $6.67 per month and gives you 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 if you pay for a year upfront. That's about 17% in total savings.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Get Deal

Are you an Xfinity customer? Be sure to check the eligibility details below, as you might be able to score a Peacock Premium subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for the deal or you can head to Xfinity.com for more details.

  • Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

  • NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

  • New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students: Save $5/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year Get Deal

Students can get an entire year of Peacock Premium at a discounted rate of $2.99 per month instead of $7.99 — a total of just $35.88 for the year. All you have to do is verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve a unique promo code to unlock the savings. Just note that it can only be used once, and after the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again.

Best Peacock deal for first responders: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals are also able to score a Peacock Premium subscription for a discounted rate of $3.99 per month. Just verify your first responder or medical professional status via SheerID, and you'll get a unique promo code that will drop the cost of a subscription by $4 monthly. If you continue to meet qualifications, you can renew the deal yearly — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also sign up for a Peacock Premium subscription for a discounted rate of $3.99 per month. Just prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve the promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.

Best for teachers: Save $4/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for teachers $3.99 per month for one year Get Deal

For one year, teachers who can verify their status on SheerID can get Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month. However, once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price. Be sure to cancel before the year ends if you want to avoid those charges.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

If you sign up for Instacart+ (which costs $99.99 per year), you'll unlock a free Peacock Premium subscription on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. That's a $79.99 per year value tacked on to your Instacart+ subscription for zero dollars. Better yet, if you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. That means you could watch the first 13 stages of the Tour de France for free.

Best for JetBlue members: free Peacock Premium for one year for Mosaic status members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Get Deal

Through July 31, JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free (a $79.99 value). If you don't have Mosaic status yet, you can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when you sign up for Peacock through the special offer page.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Ace Hardware 4th of July sale is live: Shop grills, cordless tools, and much more

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:59
Best 4th of July deals at Ace Hardware Best Grill Deal Weber Slate 30-inch Rust Resistant Griddle $749 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Tool Deal Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill/Drive Kit + Free Milwaukee M18 Battery $299 (save $169) Get Deal Best Fan Deal Perfect Aire High Velocity Floor Fan $32.99 (Save $12) Get Deal

The 4th of July is officially on the way, marking one of the high points of the summer. The holiday is perfect for grilling up some burgers and hot dogs, spending time in the sun, and even getting some things done around the house with the extra day off.

Ace Hardware is getting in on the fun by offering some serious discounts for homeowners from June 25 through July 7. There's a sale on several items that can help get the party started for Independence Day across the board, including grills, tools, fans, and more.

SEE ALSO: Home Depot's 4th of July sale unleashes deals up to 65% off and free tools very much up for grabs

If you're still looking for the best ways to get things ready for your own 4th of July summer bash, check out some of our favorite picks from the sale below and start shopping before these deals expire.

Best grill deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ace Hardware Weber Slate 30-inch Rust Resistant Griddle $749 at Ace Hardware
$799 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're planning on doing some outdoor cooking around the 4th this year, let this outdoor griddle do all the heavy lifting. It has a pre-seasoned carbon steel cook top that you can use as soon as you unbox it that heats up to 500 degrees evenly, edge-to-edge. That means you can cook everything from burgers and pancakes to fajitas and paninis with ease. It has an interchangeable system that lets you keep both cooking and cleaning supplies at the ready as well, so you can keep slinging the food out as needed. Plus, it has a storage shelf that you can use to keep all your essentials, as well as a digital temperature readout.

More grill dealsBest tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ace Hardware Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill/Drive Kit + Free Milwaukee M18 Battery $299 at Ace Hardware
$468 Save $169 Get Deal Why we like it

This hammer drill driver packs serious power into a compact, easy-to-handle design. It's built for tough jobs, and it can handle large holes in dense materials without slowing down. It's also built to help prevent kickback, with a brushless motor and intelligent power management system to help you get the job done without having to worry about overheating or overloading. Whether you're working in tight spots or powering through tough wood, this cordless drill can get the job done. Most importantly for this deal, when you purchase the drill driver set, you also get the Milwaukee M18 Redlithium XC5.0 Battery ($159 value) for free. Not too shabby.

More tool dealsBest fan deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ace Hardware Perfect Aire High Velocity Floor Fan $32.99 at Ace Hardware
$44.99 Save $12 Get Deal Why we like it

No air conditioning or airflow in your home? This powerful fan has you covered. Its blades are 12 inches in diameter, and it has three speed settings, so you can choose what feels best while you cool off. It's sturdy, large, and has a handle that makes it easy to move around. It's perfect for keeping outside by the food to cool off guests, or indoors so no one has to sweat it out while spending time at your house for the holiday.

More Ace Hardware deals The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirPods 4 just dropped in price ahead of Prime Day — save over $30

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:53

SAVE OVER $30: As of July 4, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon. That's over $30 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) $148.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $30.01 Get Deal

Prime Day is fast approaching, so we've been carefully tracking the best early deals on all things Apple. We've celebrated great deals on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches, but we've had to be really patient when it comes to AirPods. Deals have been slim, but we've finally got something to shout about.

As of July 4, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon — saving you over $30 on list price. They've been sat at $158.99 ahead of Prime Day, but that price has eventually come down to only $10 off the record-low level we saw towards the end of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18-24? Get 6 months of Amazon Prime for free ahead of Prime Day.

AirPods 4 boast excellent sound quality so you can truly enjoy all your songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. They offer Personalized Spatial Audio that surrounds you in whatever you're listening to, and the battery can go for up to 30 hours when using the charging case.

You can also rely on the fit, according to Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon: "The AirPods 4 with ANC has a new one-size-fits-most design that's surprisingly snug. Whether I sprinted on a treadmill or bobbed my head to a song, they stayed put."

Pick up the AirPods 4 (with ANC) for under $150 ahead of Prime Day.

Prime Day is a four-day-long event in 2025. If you're not yet a Prime Member but want to secure the best deals, check out our guide on how to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day. We recommend making use of the 30-day free trial. You can cancel after Prime Day, so you don't need to spend anything to shop for less.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung’s 34-inch ViewFinity monitor is down to its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:28

$110 OFF: As of July 4, the Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Monitor is just $219.99 at Amazon — its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Ultra-WQHD Monitor $219.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Good news for any shoppers hoping to upgrade their work or gaming station: Ahead of Prime Day 2025, Amazon is slashing the price of the Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD monitor by a full 33% — dropping it from $329.99 to just $219.99. That’s the lowest price we've seen for this ultra-wide beauty, but like most early Prime Day deals, it likely won't stick around for long.

With a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and Ultra-WQHD resolution, the ViewFinity S50GC offers an expansive canvas that’s ideal for everything from spreadsheets and coding to video editing and gaming. It’s a multitasker’s dream — no more toggling between windows when you can just see everything at once.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

And it doesn’t just look good; it feels good too. The monitor features a 100Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync for buttery-smooth performance, whether you’re playing a round of Fortnite or streaming shows on Netflix. HDR10 support aims to bring vivid contrast and rich colours with over a billion shades, while Eye Saver Mode, an ambient light sensor, and flicker-free tech help reduce eye fatigue during those long workdays (or late-night Disney+ marathons of The Bear).

For power users, the built-in PIP and PBP modes let you view content from two sources at once — which also seems ideal if you're balancing productivity with play. And the near-borderless design not only looks modern, it’s great for multi-monitor setups.

This is a rare chance to grab what looks like a premium ultra-wide monitor at an entry-level price. Whether you're upgrading your home office or enhancing your gaming rig, the Samsung ViewFinity S50GC delivers serious value under $220.

For more go-to bargains going right now, check out our roundup of the best early Prime Day deals.

If you've only just jumped into the sale, take a look at our full 'everything to know about Prime Day' guide to learn about dates, times, and what makes this year different compared to past Prime Days.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

All The Sharks review: Your summer reality competition binge

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:27

Reality competition TV series are getting extremely niche in their concepts, from finding the best glassblowers (Blown Away) to the best special effects make-up artists (Face Off).

But you know what hasn't had a run in the space? Shark photography. UNTIL NOW.

Netflix's All the Sharks promises a proper challenge for its participants, tasked with a hands-off underwater scavenger hunt to take snaps of the ocean's most formidable predators. The tagline is perfection: "If you want to win this show, you can’t just find some sharks — you have to find…ALL THE SHARKS." 

It's The Amazing Race meets Pokémon Snap with sharks, and it's your summer competition reality binge.

SEE ALSO: 10 best summer movies now streaming What is All the Sharks about? "The rarer the shark, the more points you earn." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

It's exactly what it says on the tin. All the Sharks sees four teams of shark experts travelling to shark-patrolled locations in the Maldives, Galapagos, Bahamas, South Africa, Japan, and Australia to track and photograph as many sharks as they can.

“Every shark caught on camera earns you points. The rarer the shark, the more points you earn," host Tom Hird explains in the first episode. The quality of the photo isn't necessarily the key, it's just about getting the shark in the frame. At the end of the series, the team with the most points earns $50,000 for a marine conservation organisation of their choice. But the teams can win daily prizes for themselves like dive computers, regulators, limited edition free diving fins, and diving holidays.

Featured Video For You What if protecting coral reefs means growing them on land?

All the Sharks is hosted by Tom "The Blowfish" Hird, who describes himself as "heavy metal marine biologist, dive master, and proud owner of the finest beard in the ocean." He's a jovial host whose ability to announce last place like it's the best thing in the world seems to come from a genuine place.

Tom "The Blowfish" Hird, "heavy metal marine biologist." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Each location has a scale of rarity among the various shark species the teams will attempt to photograph — all captured with glorious cinematography by underwater camera operators Tom Park and Dean Spraakman, with underwater director of photography Duncan Brake. The first episode sends the team to Fuvahmulah in the Maldives, where the elusive Pelagic thresher shark minds its own business, unaware it's worth 75 points to the players. Tiger sharks here are only worth a measly three points, thanks to the high density of their population in this location. This discrepancy between the easily found sharks and camouflaged rarities becomes a key tactic for points between teams — whether to scoop up a lot of sharks or one rare shark.

The teams get eight hours a day over a few days to snap those sharks in each location, with full freedom to direct their boat captain to dive spots within that map. The teams are equipped with both GoPros and large underwater camera rigs, but they can also use their smartphones above the surface. Within each dive, the show not only shows you the shots each team takes, but overlays of interesting stats about each shark, including their size and life expectancy, and also their level of risk of global extinction, from least concern (pajama shark, leopard catshark) to near threatened (banded hound shark) and critically endangered (hammerhead, Japanese angel shark, spotted ragged tooth shark).

Sitting still in the Galapagos, episode 6. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Adding to the scavenger hunt vibe, there are also "game changer" challenges mid-competition, when the teams must change course to snap sea turtles, pufferfish, and other non-shark species to gain a competitive advantage.

But the real marvel of the show is the participants themselves, who really know their shit.

The teams on All The Sharks know their sh*t The Land Sharks, Rosie and Randy. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

No spring chickens in the depths, the contestants are genuine shark experts and experienced divers who can identify species in a second — this level of shark Shazamming is impressive to watch. Drama arises when the divers must deal with currents, rips, temperature, visibility, and other variables, including a run-in with local fishermen, jellyfish stings, and flooded cameras. Plus, they've got to try and keep their finds from each other to avoid stolen points. The show does assist the teams in some episodes; in episode 4, in Cape Recife, South Africa, each team is allowed to "chum the waters" with 50 pounds of raw fish to draw sharks — vegetarians, maybe take your glasses off for these sequences. But what's really impressive is how calm the divers are when a giant shark (or 50, watch episode 3) glides past them in the deep.

There are four teams of two vying for the prize. There's The Land Sharks, wildlife biologist Randy and ecologist and apex predator specialist Rosie. Best friends Gills Gone Wild are a delight to watch, as marine biologist and ray expert Aliah and spearfisher and shark diver MJ take big risks with deep dives throughout the show — Aliah's fan-outs over certain species are delightfully infectious. There's The Shark Docs, a pair of marine biologists: Chris, director of the Ocean First Institute nonprofit, and Brendan, fisheries ecologist. And UK team Great British Bait Off comprises environmental journalist Sarah and underwater cameraman Dan.

Gills Gone Wild, Aliah and MJ. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Each diver shows great respect for the sharks they're documenting, even if they're participating in a competition show. "For me, sharks represent resilience, represent adaptability, and also power," says MJ in episode 3. "That just makes me feel more connected to them. I am a little misunderstood, just like they are."

All the Sharks reminds you how diverse our oceans are A major encounter in episode 6. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

It's not as deep as David Attenborough's Ocean, but All the Sharks does a solid job of reminding us just how many different species of sharks, rays, other marine life live beneath the waves. The production consulted shark experts including Dr. Clémentine Séguigne, Dr. Eric Clua, Dr. Thomas Vignaud, and Jan Bierwirth, and the research shows. Cowtail rays, Epaulette sharks, Wobbegongs, leopard catsharks — we get gorgeous close-ups of them all. 

The diversity of shark species that the players can potentially photograph is mind-blowing. In episode 5 in the Bahamas island of Bimini, Hird introduces a species-diversity bonus for the team who snaps the widest array of sharks. Japan boasts 127 species of sharks alone, with the teams searching for actual sharknados of banded hound sharks off the coast of Oshima Island in episode 3. And South Africa's Port Elizabeth raises the bar in episode 4 with 200 species, including the formidable great white shark.

There's a significant level of danger to some of the species, with the point-score for powerful sharks like great whites and bull sharks significantly higher than others for the mere risk factor. "The respect I have for sharks is huge, and that respect also comes with fear," says MJ in episode 4, and it's a wise sentiment.

If you're into competition reality series and want to get up close to sharks without getting in the water, this is the perfect show for you. Watching these underwater experts come face to face with hammerheads is an excellent way to beat the heat on your couch, and you might just learn something about our sharp-toothed oceanic neighbours.

All the Sharks is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 4, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:19

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Parts of a car

  • Green: What a soldier might wear

  • Blue: Associated with HVAC

  • Purple: To squander

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Parts of a wheel

  • Green: Military clothing descriptors

  • Blue: Used in ventilation

  • Purple: Fail to take advantage of, as an opportunity

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #754 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Parts of a wheel: HUB, RIM, SPOKE, TIRE

  • Military clothing descriptors: CAMO, DRAB, FATIGUE, KHAKI

  • Used in ventilation: DUCT, EXHAUST, HOSE, PIPE

  • Fail to take advantage of, as an opportunity: BLOW, LOSE, MISS, WASTE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 4

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 4

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:19

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let's have a picnic!

The words are food-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are foods found at a cookout.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Barbecue.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 4

  • Burgers

  • Coleslaw

  • Brats

  • Barbecue

  • Salad

  • Watermelon

  • Beans

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 4, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:18

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 4 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A bend.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CURVE.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 4

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen King posts a book update that could be huge for all fans

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:10

Stephen King has been posting on social media again, but this time it's not political — it's all about his latest book. And from the sounds of it, this could be a big one for fans.

On Thursday, the horror master took to Threads — his preferred platform these days — to share an update about his latest work in progress.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

"The Talisman 3 is almost done," King wrote.

View on Threads

To recap, The Talisman is a series King co-wrote with the late horror author Peter Straub. The first novel was published in 1984, and its sequel Black House came out in 2001. Earlier in the year, King revealed that Straub had had an idea for a third book before he died in 2022.

"Peter Straub had a terrific idea before passing away," King wrote on Threads. "Dual credit, as on THE TALISMAN and BLACK HOUSE. But as always, I can never be sure a book will be done until it is. This one has a long way to go."

View on Threads

Well, it's a good thing King is a speedy writer, because it sounds as though — six months later — he's nearly finished.

The Talisman series has several overlaps with The Dark Tower series — certain settings are the same, and key Dark Tower characters are mentioned directly in Black House — and it sounds as though this third book will be no exception.

"Speaking carefully--no spoilers--I think you will find yourself in Mid-World again when you read T3," wrote King, referencing the area that's the backdrop for much of The Dark Tower series.

View on Threads

King went on to reveal that main character Jack Sawyer is 57 years old in this new book (he starts the series as a 12-year-old boy in The Talisman). "It's been an interesting life," he wrote.

View on Threads

It's not completely clear if this is the project King had in mind when he was posting last year about a new novel set in The Dark Tower universe, or something separate. But it's exciting either way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best noise-cancelling headphones we recommend picking up on Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:00

Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile investment.

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Apple, and more

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025. And with Prime Day coming up on July 8, it's a great time to pick up a pair.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking at low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Bose is often a top name (and in our top picks) when it comes to noise-cancelling audio, often leading the industry for the best ANC available.

With that said, it's not the only brand worth checking out. If you want top-notch ANC with great sound quality, Sony makes excellent options. On the other hand, folks looking for a more affordable option might be drawn to EarFun, which brings great value to the noise-cancelling space. Essentially, what makes the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on what other features and price range you're looking for in a pair of headphones — our guide below lays out where each of our picks shines.

For price in particular, we anticipate most if not all of our below picks going on sale for Prime Day. The Bose QC Ultra headphones, for instance, dropped to $349 last Prime Day.

Recent testing updates

As of July 2025, we replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with their newer counterpart, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Our testing in February 2025 saw the addition of the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100. We decided that they deserved to knock the Beats Studio Buds+ off the list (after the Apple-owned earbuds beat out the newer AirPods 4), due to the Air Pro's superior noise cancellation, battery life, and value. We also added the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones as an alternate pick for the best battery life headphones in March 2025.

In September 2024, we tried out the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, and we enjoyed their sound, unique design, and touchscreen case that made it easy to check the headphones' battery life and control audio. However, their noise cancellation wasn't quite up to par for $200 earbuds. We've also added the Dyson OnTrac headphones as our pick for the best battery life, thanks to the impressive 55-hour battery life.

In August 2024, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC. This was a long time coming — these headphones have technically been discontinued since the release of the Bose QC Ultra headphones in September 2023, but remained available from retailers other than Bose. We'll be on the lookout for any new models that match the adjustable noise cancellation that these Bose headphones once offered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Adults creators Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold react to fan fiction about the show

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 12:00

FX's Adults fills a gap in the current TV landscape, creating a hangout sitcom in the vein of Living Single and Seinfeld for and about Gen Z.

SEE ALSO: 'Adults' review: More than just Gen Z 'Friends'

Created by Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold, the series features many staples of its beloved sitcom predecessors, from a tight-knit ensemble — played by the incredible ensemble of Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Owen Thiele, Amita Rao, and Jack Innanen — to romance within the friend group. But its modern-day setting also allows it to explore current facets of adulthood, especially the role tech plays in its characters' lives. From bemoaning article paywalls to tracking one another with AirTags, Adults' leads are incredibly online, so it's no surprise that the show has found fandom in every corner of the internet, from character-focused fan edits to out-of-context compilation videos.

In this clip from Mashable's full Say More interview with Shaw and Kronengold, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards asks about the show's online reception.

"It's sort of blown us away, honestly," Kronengold said. "I think in our dream of dreams, this generation that we made the show for would take to it, and the fact that they have seem to have and there seems to have been a resonance is kind of all we can ask for."

"We're so moved by it," Shaw added. "I also think that something that's been surprising to me is how generative the fans have been back, not just tweeting about it or talking about the show, but also creating fan edits and fan fiction."

Yes, there's Adults fan fiction, and Shaw, Kronengold, and the cast have already read some. Thiele and Innanen even recreated some on TikTok (and yes, it's Rated E for Explicit).

For more on Adults from Shaw and Kronengold, check out Say More's full interview on YouTube.

How to watch: Adults is now streaming on Hulu.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score $150 off the Shark Rocket vacuum with this early Prime Day deal

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 11:54

SAVE $150: As of July 4, Prime members can snag the Shark Rocket corded vacuum for just $99 at Amazon — that’s 60% off its usual $249.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum $99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal

Amazon’s rolling out one of its best early Prime Day deals for neat freaks and pet parents alike. The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light cordless vacuum is now just $99 — a massive 60% off its usual $249.99 price. That’s a $150 saving on a vacuum that punches well above its weight class.

Weighing in at under 9 pounds, this corded stick vacuum is ultra-light and ultra-handy. It easily converts into a handheld, making for a perfect cleaning tool for everything from floors and stairs to curtains and car seats. Whether you're navigating tight corners in a small apartment or tackling dust bunnies in a multi-level home, the Rocket is built to move with you — literally. Its swivel steering lets you glide around furniture with ease, and the fingertip controls make switching from carpet to hard floors a total breeze.

SEE ALSO: These Prime Day deals landed early — save on Apple, Ninja, and Samsung gadgets

And despite its size, this thing is no lightweight when it comes to suction power. Shark’s “never loses suction” promise ensures powerful, consistent cleaning — even when you’re deep into a dust-filled marathon. Plus, the easy-empty dust cup means you can ditch the grime without a mess.

The Rocket comes with some handy extras, too: an Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool, and an Anti-Allergen Dust Brush for those hard-to-reach spots and allergy-prone areas. When you’re done, it hangs conveniently on the included storage hook — no bulky dock or closet gymnastics required.

At just $99 for a limited time, this is one of the most compelling early Prime Day home deals we’ve seen. Snag it now before this rocket blasts off the shelves.

To keep cool whilst you're cleaning, check out the best bladeless fan deals during early Prime Day. If you want to get cleaning done automatically without needing to vacuum yourself, take a look at the best early Prime Day deals on robot vacuums.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Which is the best Amazon e-reader?

Mashable - Fri, 07/04/2025 - 11:50
What the Paperwhite and Signature Edition have in common: Specs and performance Both the Kindle Paperwhite (L) and the Paperwhite Signature Edition (R) have adjustable brightness and warmth. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You won't spot any differences between the two devices just by looking at them. They're the same size, with the same resolution screen. The power button, charging port, and audio jack are in the same spot on both devices. And they both have the following specs:

  • 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness, and 300 ppi resolution

  • USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

  • IPX8 waterproof rating — can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

Throughout my weeks of testing, I found no difference between the devices' speed and usability. Both e-readers provide exceptional performance. The 2024 models are the fastest e-readers I've tested, quickly downloading books and flipping between pages.

While other e-readers lag when swiping between pages, the Paperwhite and Signature Edition move quickly between pages, never needing time to load. If you need to flip a few pages ahead, just a few taps get you there without delay. Not to mention, both Kindles have a 12-week battery life, so you rarely have to charge them.

Each device has adjustable brightness and warmth for reading in any environment. Turning up the warmth is one of the best features of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition, making it easier to read at night without eye strain.

Plus, Kindle has mastered Libby integration. To get library books on your Kindle, you just need to push a button in the Libby app.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Color The Kindle Paperwhite is just a slightly duller version of the Signature Edition's metallic jade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As mentioned, the build and design of the Paperwhite and Signature Edition are nearly identical, except for color — and only kind of. The Paperwhite and Signature Edition come in three shades: black, jade, and raspberry. The slight difference between the two is that the shades on the Signature Edition are metallic, while the Paperwhite is matte.

While the Signature Edition shades are nicer, the difference is so miniscule that it's not worth it to pick a model based on the colors, especially when there is a $40 price difference.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Storage

One of the most significant differences between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't seen. The Paperwhite has 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition has twice that at 32GB.

When it comes to phones and laptops, 16 or 32GB of storage is nothing these days. But for e-readers, 16GB is plenty of storage. The average e-book takes up to 2MB of storage, meaning you can hold thousands of e-books with 16GB. That's plenty of storage for me, and 32GB is overkill. However, if you've used an e-reader with 16GB and have run out of storage, then 32GB might be totally necessary.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Price

When considering price, the Paperwhite is the more affordable option. The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $159.99, while the Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $199.99. The Signature Edition's price isn't just because of its shiny metallic shade. For $40 more, you get added features like auto-adjusting brightness, 32GB of storage, and an ad-free lock screen.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: All the extras The Paperwhite Signature Edition even works with the Apple MagSafe charger. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Speaking of features, the Signature Edition shines. For $40 more, you'll get more storage, wireless charging, auto-adjusting brightness, and an ad-free lock screen.

The best feature of the bunch is the ad-free lock screen. On the Kindle Paperwhite, when not in use, your Kindle will push through various ads from the Kindle shop. It's not the worst, but if you're getting a Kindle for digital reading without distraction, not having ads is a massive perk. (Plus, some of the suggestions can be pretty out there.) The downside is that with no ads, the Signature Edition's lock screen has no "swipe to unlock" feature, so it tends to unlock on its own when you leave it in your bag. However, if you grab a case with a cover, it's an easy workaround.

I'm far less impressed when it comes to the auto-adjusting brightness and wireless charging. I've used the Signature Edition for months, and the auto-adjusting brightness works about 20 percent of the time, and even when it does, I still need to go in and manually adjust it. The wireless charging is also fine. Amazon makes a wireless charging pad you can purchase; however, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is also compatible with other chargers like the Apple MagSafe charger. That said, I never found this feature necessary since USB-C chargers are plentiful these days, and the Kindle only needs to be charged every two to three months.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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