Technology
Apples iPad Air just dipped back under $500
SAVE $100: As of July 21, get the 11-inch Apple iPad Air with M3 chip for $499. That saves you $100 for 17% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, 128 GB, WiFi) $499 at Amazon$599 Save $100 Get Deal
We're still recovering from Prime Day 2025. Amazon brought four days of big deals, and while the sale officially ended on July 11, we haven't stopped seeking out the lingering deals. During the sale, the 11-inch iPad Air reached its lowest price ever of $479. Post sale it bounced back up to its full-price, but now just a few weeks later, it's already on sale again.
As of July 21, the Apple iPad Air, 11-inch model, is back on sale for $499. That's just $20 short of its lowest price ever, still providing ample savings. If you missed out on the initial savings, you won't want to skip this deal, which provides $100 off for 17% savings.
Apple's iPad Air got a 2025 upgrade as the tablet now comes with the M3 chip, a powerful processor that basically makes this tablet a laptop. The liquid retina display offers a gorgeous backdrop so you can stream with crystal clear resolution, or for creative professionals, it's the perfect canvas for illustration, video-editing, or graphic design. It's compatible with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard to create a full work station on-the-go.
Grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Air for just $499 at Amazon and save $100.
Amazon has the 13-inch iPad Air M3 on sale for under $700
SAVE $100: The 13-inch Apple iPad Air M3 (128GB, WiFi) is on sale at Amazon in select colorways for $699, down from the normal price of $799. That's a 13% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch Apple iPad Air M3 (128GB, WiFi) $699 at Amazon$799 Save $100 Get Deal
The depths of summer can only mean one thing — it's way too hot out. If you'd rather not use a personal fan and slather yourself in sunscreen before you walk out the door, you might be staying indoors streaming shows or working on projects. A tablet could be awesome for that. There's a nice deal at Amazon today on one of Mashable's favorites.
As of July 21, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air M3 (128GB, WiFi) is on sale for $699 at Amazon in purple and starlight, marked down from the normal price of $799. That's a 13% discount.
On Mashable's list of the best iPads, the Apple iPad Air earns the top spot as the best model for most people. "It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects. And if you plan on using your tablet as a substitute for a laptop, it'll work for that, too, especially when paired with the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air or Apple Pencil. It's fast, moves smoothly between apps, and has a stunning high-definition display," wrote Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino.
SEE ALSO: Save $10 when you spend $50 or more on school supplies at AmazonApple released the iPad Air with the upgraded M3 chip in spring of 2025 in an 11-inch version and 13-inch model. The larger 13-inch display could be more suitable for creatives or those who plan to use the Magic Keyboard. But who'd be mad about streaming summer favorites on a 13-inch screen instead of an 11? This model comes with 128GB of storage for your movies, shows, music, and more.
While it's on sale for $699 instead of the regular price of $799, snag the purple or stardust colorway of the Apple iPad Air. Grab it now before the rush of back-to-school shopping takes hold.
The best tech deals to shop this week-
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
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Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)
12 Retro Games That Run Natively on Apple Silicon
You can run a lot of old software on a modern Mac using Apple’s Rosetta 2, but native Apple silicon versions are even better. Thankfully, a surprising amount of old games already have native versions that run on modern Macs.
Windows 11 Might Finally Get Multi-Output Audio
Have you ever wanted to connect multiple audio devices to your Windows 11 machine for playback? If so, we have some potentially good news. Similar to how you can share audio between two devices from your phone, Microsoft is finally working on a similar feature for Windows 11.
Target is ending its price match policy as of July 28
For savvy shoppers, finding a good deal isn't enough. After you've hit checkout, if you find a better price elsewhere, price matching policies can be the key to maximizing your savings. At many big box stores, retailers offer price matching, AKA, if you find a product at a better price elsewhere, a retailer matches the cheaper price. Target was one of the biggest retailers to offer price matching, but that comes to an end on July 28.
As reported by Retail Dive, Target is ending its price-match policy. Previously, the retailer allowed customers to price match products at the time of or within 14 days of purchase. Target did restrict where customers could price match from, only matching Amazon or Walmart prices. But as of July 28, Target will end its price-match policy completely, joining the likes of those same retailers — Amazon and Walmart — as big name brands without price-match guarantees.
In a statement to Retail Dive, a spokesperson for Target said that customers, "overwhelmingly price match Target and not other retailers," implying that customers were already finding the best price at the retailer.
However, the change in policy comes in the face of looming price hikes due to tariffs. Reddit users claiming to be Walmart employees took to Reddit to detail the price hikes on everyday products like cocoa powder, which have jumped nearly 80% in price. Reporting from Business Insider showed that similar products faced the same increase in prices.
So what does this mean for consumers? Price matching helps shoppers in a crowded retailer market. It serves as a savings safety net; if you were to purchase a product at one retailer and find it cheaper at another, you could price match it to get the extra savings. Without these policies, it leaves the responsibility on the consumer to do the research ahead of time to ensure the most savings.
Target shoppers still have time to enjoy the retailers price-match policy before it comes to an end on July 28.
Papa Jake Larson, D-Day veteran and TikTok star, dies at 102
D-Day veteran "Papa" Jake Larson, who became a beloved social media star later in life, has died at 102.
Born in Minnesota in 1922, Larson enlisted underage in the National Guard, later surviving German gunfire in Normandy in 1944. In his 90s, he began sharing stories of his time at war and experiences with fallen comrades, capturing millions of hearts on TikTok and making global headlines.
In an interview with the AP, Larson spoke about the horrors of war, urging world leaders to "make peace." Just three weeks ago, he co-won an Emmy award with journalist Christiane Amanpour for their interview marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Larson would often call himself "the luckiest man in the world."
His granddaughter McKaela Larson announced Larson's passing on social media, writing to fans, "Please know, he went peacefully and was even cracking jokes til the very end."
Following the news, tributes to Papa Jake trickled in from across the United States. Towns in Normandy paid homage to the veteran too; Larson had made repeated trips to the region to commemorate D-Day.
"I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all," Larson's granddaughter continued. "You meant the world to him. As Papa would say, love you all the mostest."
Judge squashes Prime Video ads lawsuit
A judge has permanently dismissed a class action lawsuit against Amazon's Prime Video streaming platform.
In a complaint filed in February 2024, plaintiffs alleged that the service's sudden addition of ads constituted an illegal stealth price increase. But US District Judge Barbara J. Rothstein shut the case down last week, saying that the addition of commercials didn't constitute a price change and were instead a modification to the existing subscription package.
The court said that Amazon's terms and conditions specify that Prime's package could change over time.
SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Video ads to double, report says"Amazon's introduction of advertisements to Prime Video was not a price increase; it was a benefit modification, and such modification was specifically contemplated and authorized by the parties' governing agreements," the judge ruled. She had previously disagreed with the case a few times already. Plaintiffs are no longer allowed to try their hand at the case again.
So ads on Prime aren't going anywhere. In fact, we're likely to see more. In June, an exclusive report from Adweek showed that Amazon will soon double its ads. To avoid this, users can opt to pay an extra $3 a month.
The PS5 30th Anniversary controller is being restocked today — heres how to get one
PS5 ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION RESTOCK: Pre-orders for the limited-edition PS5 30th Anniversary DualSense controller are live now at PlayStation Direct for $79.99, with a release date of September 9, 2025.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 30th Anniversary DualSense controller $79 at PlayStation DirectPre-order Here
Listen up, fellow '90s kids: The limited-edition PS5 30th Anniversary DualSense controller is live for pre-order now at PlayStation Direct for $79.99.
But, as always, there are a few caveats. Demand is already incredibly high, and I very quickly found out that anyone who enters the site now will be put in a virtual waiting room. (I got in in about three minutes, so it's not too bad, but definitely something to be aware of.) A word of advice from the page itself? Your spot in the queue is secure, so resist the urge to refresh your browser or open more tabs — it won't help you get in any faster. Just have your PSN Sign-In ID and payment details ready for when you get through.
SEE ALSO: Run, don't walk: The Nintendo Switch 2 and 'Mario Kart World' bundle is back in stock at TargetFor gamers in the U.S., pre-orders are for the 30th Anniversary DualSense controller, priced at $79.99. (The U.K. had a more extensive drop earlier today, which included a PS5 Slim Bundle, the PlayStation Portal, and the DualSense controller.) This is a pre-order, so it won't actually ship until its release date on September 9, 2025. Note that there's a limit of one controller per order, and a charging cable isn't included in the box. This first wave requires a PlayStation Plus membership, but a second chance for everyone else is coming on Wednesday, July 23.
You’ll still need to act fast if you want to lock in a pre-order. Sony has confirmed that quantities are "highly limited," and this controller is a hot ticket item. We expect pre-orders to sell out quickly — good luck!
President Trump posts fake AI video of President Obama getting arrested
The president of the United States is gleefully posting AI slop on the internet, imagining a world where one of his predecessors is imprisoned.
President Donald Trump posted the video on his website Truth Social. In the AI-generated video, Trump is sitting with former President Barack Obama at the White House — a scene reminiscent of their real, awkward meetings — before agents come in and abduct Obama. The AI-generated Trump smiles as Obama is hauled off to prison, shown behind bars in an orange jumpsuit.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.While behavior like this from a sitting president may have once been shocking, it's not surprising that Trump would latch onto AI-generated attacks toward Obama. He's posted frequently about his predecessor since Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed there was evidence that the Obama administration promoted the idea that Russia interfered with the 2016 election.
The timing of the Truth Social post and the claims from Gabbard are interesting, considering liberals and many MAGA diehards alike strongly criticized Trump for keeping Jeffrey Epstein's files under wraps. The president was even ratioed on Truth Social over his comments on Epstein, which feels nearly impossible. The handling of Epstein's files — and Trump's long-documented friendship with the deceased financier famously charged with sex trafficking of minors — have become a real problem for the president.
So now, a few days later, we have Trump gleefully imagining Obama's arrest. When in doubt, it feels like a safe tactic for the president.
Record-low price alert: The Sonos Ace headphones are now just $295 at Amazon
SAVE $154: The Sonos Ace headphones in black are on sale at Amazon for $295, marked down from the normal price of $449. That's a 34% discount and a new record-low.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace (black) $295 at Amazon$449 Save $154 Get Deal
Prime Day is now long gone but the sale prices haven't quit. Some items are still chilling at their lower prices even though the event ended ten days ago. Plus, a few special items have just hit a record low. If you're searching for high-quality headphones that don't come with a major price tag, check out this new deal at Amazon.
As of July 21, the Sonos Ace headphones in black are on sale for $295 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $449. That works out to a 34% discount that takes $154 off the price — an extra $4 off compared to the sale price we spotted last week. This $295 sale price the best Amazon has ever offered.
Launched in 2024, the Sonos Ace headphones mark the brand's first venture into headphones. Mashable Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews Miller Kern tested them out, and left feeling impressed overall. One of the biggest negatives Kern mentioned was the high price point, which is now dramatically lower thanks to today's sale.
"I’ll admit I’m not the biggest audio snob, but testing headphones for a living definitely makes me aware of the differences between good sound quality and outstanding sound quality," wrote Kern in her review. "Other headphones I’ve tested pale in comparison to Sonos Ace when it comes to sound quality."
While the usual $449 price point of the Sonos Ace puts them pretty high up on the pricing scale, scoring them for $295 feels a lot more reasonable. For comparison, the brand new Sony XM6 headphones sell for close to $450 and our beloved Bose QuietComfort Ultras are $449.
The Sonos Ace are especially great if you have Sonos soundbar at home that pairs with the Ace, including the Sonos Arc Ultra, Arc, Beam, or Ray. This features moves sound output from the soundbar to your headphones for a movie viewing experience like none other.
Since they're down to a record-low price at Amazon of $295, consider gifting yourself the Sonos Ace headphones. Kern wrote, "I would recommend Sonos Ace to people who 1) are true audiophiles who value incredible sound quality above all else, and 2) have a Sonos ecosystem at home and will use the TV audio swap feature with their Sonos Ace and soundbar." If that's you, now is a great time to buy.
The best headphone and speaker deals to shop this week-
Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $24.99 (List Price $39.99)
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JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $129.95)
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Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker — $99.00 (List Price $149.00)
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $278.00 (List Price $349.99)
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JBL Bar 300 5.0ch Compact Soundbar — $449.95
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Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $38.00 (List Price $59.99)
This $160 Lenovo Laptop Has Windows 11
For a limited time, you can snag the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6" HD Laptop for an astonishingly low price of just $160 at Best Buy. That's a massive $90 in savings off its regular price of $250, making this an absolute steal if you're in the market for a new laptop, and it's set up with Windows 11.
Save $140 on this Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 — its lowest price ever
SAVE $140: As of July 21, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for just $159.99 — officially its lowest price ever. Shop now at Amazon and save $140 for 47% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $159.99 at Amazon$299.99 Save $140 Get Deal
If you're not an iPhone user, you've still got plenty of options when it comes to smartwatches. Sure, Apple Watches garner a lot of the hype, but if you're an Android user you need an alternative. Samsung's Galaxy Watches are your best bet. And right now is the best time to buy one of Samsung's smartwatches.
As of July 21, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 just dropped to its lowest price ever. Normally $299.99, this smartwatch has dropped in price down to $159.99. That's nearly 50% off, and saves you $140.
Earlier this month at Samsung Unpacked, the brand announced that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are coming on July 25. While this new generation of Samsung smartwatch will have the brand's most advanced features yet, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is still an exceptional model.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is made for wellness. Not only does it cover the basics like activity tracking and heart rate monitoring, but with Galaxy AI, it produces a daily energy score so you know when it's time to recover or when to push your daily workouts a little further. Not to mention, it's also a fantastic sleep tracker for round-the-clock health monitoring.
Don't miss out on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at its lowest price ever. Shop at Amazon now, and grab it for just $159.99.
Microsoft releases urgent fix for SharePoint zero-day vulnerability
Microsoft has issued an emergency fix in its SharePoint software after hackers began exploiting a vulnerability to carry out widespread cyberattacks.
On Saturday, the company issued an alert saying organizations using the software should apply security updates immediately. SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365 was not hit by the attacks.
The Washington Post first broke the news, saying that the hacks were being used to launch an attack on targeted U.S. and international organizations. These attacks, conducted on both businesses and some federal agencies, saw hackers stealing sensitive data and passwords.
"We’ve been coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command and key cybersecurity partners globally throughout our response," said a company spokesperson in a statement.
Known as a "zero-day" attack, the threat is the result of a previously undetected vulnerability. Tens of thousands of servers were put at risk, according to CNN.
Why I’m Waiting a Few Years Before Buying a Switch 2
The Switch 2 is more than a decent successor to the highly popular original. It packs enough improvements to warrant a higher price, and a larger, 1080p screen is a most welcome upgrade. While I like what Nintendo did with it, I’m not planning to board the Switch 2 train anytime soon. Here’s why.
You Can Play Steam Games on RISC-V Processors Now
Open source developers are building an emulator called felix86, which allows you to run x86-designed software on RISC-V processors, and they recently showed off some AAA games being played through their emulator using Steam. It's a big step for the still-emerging world of RISC-V computing and gaming, specifically.
One of Mashables favorite robot vacuum and mop combos just dipped below $350 at Amazon
SAVE $350: The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, down from the standard price of $699.99. That's a 50% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 $349.99 at Amazon$699.99 Save $350 Get Deal
Now that we're over halfway through summer, we're all trying to squeeze in as much enjoyment as possible. That means chores are set aside in exchange for outdoor movie nights, trips to the beach, and clutching our personal fans like never before. If you're in this camp and would love to ignore cleaning your floors, check out this Amazon deal.
As of July 21, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $699.99. That's a 50% discount that takes a massive $350 off the price. It also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
The world of robot vacuums has gone wild over the last few years and we now have thousands of models to choose from. Shark has been a standout option that tends to hit the sweet spot between quality and affordability. When Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth tested out the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 back in 2023, he was impressed. It even earned a prestigious Mashable Choice award.
"The robot vacuum space may be dominated by iRobot and Roborock, but Shark has quietly released one of the best robot vacuums we've tested," wrote Beck Werth in the review. Shark uses impressive mapping technology that makes this model plenty functional when combined with its cleaning power. Plus, the self-emptying charging base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris.
SEE ALSO: Act fast to score the Roborock S8 Max Ultra robot vacuum for its record-low priceThe Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 also earns a spot on Mashable's ranking of the best Shark robot vacuums, coming in as the best budget robot vacuum that also mops. A note-worthy feature of this Shark robot vacuum model is its Matrix Clean technology with auto-detects areas that need extra cleaning and uses a grid pattern to clean, rather than a once-over.
When Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart tested the Shark's cleaning power, she noted, "In my testing, I watched the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 successfully clear crumbs near the kitchen counter, kitty litter in my bathroom, and minor drops on hardwood or tile several times — messes that similarly-priced Roombas I tested couldn't conquer in one pass."
Shark says this model is also pretty great for pet owners since it's designed to suck up pet hair with the self-cleaning brushroll.
While it's an impressive robot vacuum and mop combo when at full price, it's an even better option when it's 50% off. Before the sale price disappears, snag the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 while it's down to $349.99 at Amazon. Once you employ the help of a robot, you'll never go back.
The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week-
Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.95 (List Price $179.99)
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Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $159.99 (List Price $249.99)
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KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $379.95 (List Price $499.99)
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Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $419.99 (List Price $699.99)
Tesla launches a massive list of discounts and offers in the U.S.
Tesla would really, really like you to buy its cars, and is seemingly ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
As noted by Electrek and Gizmodo, the company is now offering a number of new offers, discounts, and incentives for buyers in the U.S.
The full list is available here, but it includes lease incentives, free upgrades, free Supercharging, and more.
The offers are clearly part of Tesla's push to move as many cars before the federal tax credit for EVs expires at the end of September, and – potentially – a way to boost the quarter and offset some of the the rapidly declining sales in Europe.
What's interesting about these offers is that they can be combined with one another for a pretty sweet deal. Highlights (besides the $7,500 EV credit) include free Full Self-Driving transfer from one's current Tesla vehicle to a new one (including the CyberTruck), and a $1,000 discount for "American Heroes" (including the military, first responders, teachers and students), both of which are valid for any new Tesla purchase.
As for individual models, buyers can get different perks depending on which car they choose, including free upgrades, low APR financing, discounted lease terms, and, for the Model 3 alone, 18 months of free Supercharging.
SEE ALSO: Waymo responds to Tesla's Robotaxi penis geofence with a size increase of its ownIt's all great if you can stand Musk and his politics, which a sizeable number of potential buyers clearly cannot. With the ongoing Musk-Trump feud, and the federal tax credit incentives going away soon, Tesla might have to dig deep to find the offers that will lure in enough buyers.
Run, dont walk: The Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle is back in stock at Target
NINTENDO SWITCH 2 RESTOCK: As of July 21, the hard-to-find Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is back in stock at Target.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Console + 'Mario Kart World' Bundle (Digital Download in Console) $499.99 at TargetShop Now
If you’ve been dying to get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, now’s your chance. Right now, you can get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle on Target.
To see if it’s available at a Target near you, you can enter your zip code on the product page. Note: The consoles aren’t available available for in-store pickup or local delivery at this time.
SEE ALSO: Review: 'Mario Kart World' is chaotic, hilarious funThe Nintendo Switch 2 has been notoriously hard to get a hold of since it launched earlier this year. Pre-orders were a colossal disaster, and since the console's actual release in June, restocks have been few and far between. Even Amazon is capitalizing on the scarcity by selling the console on an “invite-only” basis.
Best Apps for Home Theater Sound Calibration
Setting up a home theater system doesn’t have to be as complicated as it used to be. You no longer need expensive specialized gear just to test and calibrate your sound. You can turn your phone into a top-tier sound analyzer with an app.
A Brief History of Video Game Saves
Video games are all about making progress of some kind, and most of them can't be completed in a single session, so it makes sense that you can "save" your progress and keep playing later without starting from scratch.