Technology

Are you still looking at walls of Home Assistant notifications instead of a nice summary? What about your Home Assistant voice commands—do they work how you want? It's easier (and cheaper) to integrate AI with your smart home than you might think.

I used to joke that auditioning for Love Island is a better alternative to dating, and now Tinder is taking it seriously. The app just announced that it's partnering with TikTok to launch a full-on reality dating show this summer called Double Date Island.

The concept is a little different from most dating shows. Instead of sending single people out to navigate an island or competition alone, Tinder is asking contestants to bring a best friend along for the ride. It's all part of Tinder's attempt to be relationship-focused while promoting its Double Date Mode. They're casting single duos from various countries (the U.S., UK, Brazil, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany), according to the press release, and flying them to Portugal for a summer of on-camera courting.

The show will follow real Tinder users as they go on double dates and participate in challenges and other activities, the app told Mashable. It's (unsurprisingly) inspired by the Double Date feature, and will be unscripted.

SEE ALSO: App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.

I'm not sure if Tinder is taking a page out of InStyle's book — The InTern mockumentary series went viral soon after its first episode, and now it's so popular that celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Sarah Sherman have appeared in it — but a dating show built just for TikTok sounds like something I'd binge while huddled under my covers.

If you want to try out for it, you have to move fast. According to a LinkedIn post shared by Tinder's Global Communications and Social Media Manager, Francisco Gonçalves, the casting window opened on June 22 and closes at midnight local time on June 28, this Sunday.

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If you're 18 or older, all you have to do is open up Tinder. A special casting card will randomly pop up right in your usual profile stack over the next few days, and if you want to apply, you literally just Swipe Right on it.

Applications will then be reviewed by the production team, Tinder told Mashable. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in further casting stages, such as interviews, additional social or video submissions, social media reviews, background checks, welfare assessments, and other standard production checks.

The show will culminate in an international finale featuring contributors from multiple countries, according to Tinder. Double Date Island will premiere exclusively on TikTok (not Tinder or another streamer) this summer — apparently, if you're 18 and older.

It might be a promo for the app, but hey, traveling to Portugal with your best friend "for the plot" sounds way better than normal swiping.

There’s just so much to do in Summer, and a lot of it happens outdoors under the blazing sun, which makes adequate hydration both important and easy to overlook. After all, if you’re having fun, who remembers to drink?

In online spaces where people talk about video games, the necessity (or lack thereof) of remakes is pretty well-worn discourse. Any given remake needs to have some reason to exist beyond just being new, so the argument goes. If we are to accept that framing with regards to Nintendo's new Star Fox reboot for Switch 2, I'd say the multiplayer mode is a solid enough reason to exist.

Between playing the new online Battle Mode at a preview event a few weeks ago and then getting some more hands-on time with it during the review process, I've come away thinking that it's much more than just a tacked-on bonus for this Star Fox 64 remake. While Battle Mode is ultimately too limited in scope to become anyone's new multiplayer obsession, matches are big and chaotic enough (thanks to some added Mario Kart elements) to make it a worthwhile diversion once you're done racking up high scores and collecting medals in the single-player campaign.

SEE ALSO: The biggest announcements from the June 2026 Nintendo Direct 'Star Fox' battle mode is a frenzied take on dogfighting

Star Fox for Switch 2 is far from the first game in the series to experiment with competitive multiplayer. Its chief inspiration, Star Fox 64, had a very basic split-screen dogfighting mode that is a source of nostalgia for some, but, frankly, it was never the appeal of that game for me. Some later entries, like Assault for GameCube and the 3DS version of 64, expanded on the number of modes and vehicles, but the Switch 2 reboot is the first time since Command for the Nintendo DS that the series has allowed online play.

Given its history, Star Fox for Switch 2 is easily the most the franchise has ever delivered on the potential of online dogfighting with strangers or the homies. Battles take place between two teams of four, with one team stepping into the boots of team Star Fox, and the other inhabiting the role of the rival crew Star Wolf. These battles take place in extremely large arenas full of obstacles to maneuver around, enemy NPC ships that you can shoot down for small point bonuses, and wormholes that you can use to quickly teleport around.

SEE ALSO: This Nintendo Switch 2 bundle is leading the way on Prime Day — how to score a free game today

It can be a lot to take in at first, and you might find yourself getting shot down frequently if you get a little too adventurous before learning how the game works. The skies of the Lylat System aren't especially forgiving.

Given that the single-player modes in Star Fox are entirely beholden to a game from 1997, Battle Mode is the main avenue for the developers at Velan Studios to flex their creative muscles. That's done primarily via random weapon pick-ups a la Mario Kart; you don't know what you're getting until you've collected it, and it's gone once you use it. These can range from small drones that accompany your craft and augment your weapon fire, a quick teleport you can activate at will, homing cluster missiles, or my personal favorite, a giant f***-you laser beam that just wipes out anything it touches.

At its best, Battle Mode feels like Mario Kart in the air. A rough stretch can quickly turn around if you happen to collect the right weapon, and that can snowball into a come-from-behind victory if enough things go right. All of that combines with truly excellent flight mechanics to make something that's tremendously easy to pick up and play for a few minutes, provided you've at least played the tutorial for this game.

But there just isn't enough of it Oh yeah, you can use characters' faces in GameChat, too. Credit: Nintendo

Star Fox for Switch 2 fills a nice little niche for multiplayer dogfighting that's more approachable and family-friendly than something like Ace Combat or any of the myriad online military sims you can play on PC. Sadly, in accordance with the game's relatively low $50 price tag, there just isn't a ton of it to chew on.

Specifically, there are only three modes:

1. Capture a zone of the map before the enemy does

2. Avoid falling meteorites and collect pick-ups from their impact craters to score points

3. Steal cargo from space pirates and carry it to your enemy base

That'd be a decent enough selection of modes if not for the fact that each one is tied to a certain map, meaning there are a total of three maps in Battle Mode. Nintendo and Velan have also not indicated any plans for DLC, so there's a good possibility that this is all we'll get. While all three maps are fun enough to play on their own, it's just too meager an offering to be something that anyone but a handful of die-hards will want to play for longer than a couple of weeks.

SEE ALSO: I played 'Star Fox' on Switch 2. Multiplayer mode rules.

In a vacuum, that's not a bad thing. I'm always in favor of games being intentional with scope and not demanding that players give over their entire lives to them. I don't need Star Fox to be the next Fortnite. But this is the first Star Fox game in a decade, and the first good one in much longer than that, so it's kind of a bummer that Battle Mode is as good as it is while also being extremely limited.

But hey, at least you can also use a webcam to plaster an AR Falco model that roughly follows your facial movements in GameChat lobbies. That's funny, if nothing else.

You may have heard of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory before, but have the impression that this special type of RAM is only meant for workstations and data center servers.

The best Prime Day deals under $25: Best earbuds deal Soundcore P30i $23.69 (save $26.30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid $23.95 (save $6.04) Get Deal Best streaming stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best smart home deal Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs $15.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best water bottle deal Owala FreeSip $23.99 (save $6) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirTag (2nd gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Attention shoppers: Amazon Prime Day is underway. The sale officially runs through Friday, June 26, but if you want to ensure you lock down the deals you want, we recommend adding them to your cart ASAP.

For those sticking to a budget this Prime Day, consider that some of our favorite items are sitting at under $25. A great pair of budget earbuds, fancy smart bulbs, and an emotional-support water bottle are all on sale for impressive lows.

We scoured the pages of Amazon and rounded up all the best Prime Day deals you can score for less than $25. And be sure to check back throughout the sale, as we'll be adding to and updating this list.

Best deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore P30i $23.69 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.30   Get Deal Why we like it

The Soundcore P30i earbuds fall well within a budget price but don't skimp out on features. As a Prime Day treat, Amazon has them on sale for only $23.69 in all colorways, down from the list price of $49.99 at Soundcore.

According to Mashable's list of the best budget earbuds, the Soundcore P30i have the most impressive sound for an option under $50 (now under $25). "The active noise cancellation on them is impressive for their price, able to block out the bustle of busy streets or the noisy gym," wrote Mashable Shopping Reporters Bethany Allard and Samantha Mangino.

More deals under $25

• Jisulife 3-in-1 Mini Fan — $11.70 $13.76 (save $2.06)

• Dawn Powerwash Spray Starter Kit — $11.78 $17.50 (save $5.72)

• Blink Mini 2 — $12.99 $39.99 (save $27)

• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask — $15.96 $24 (save $8.04)

• HydroJug Everyday 14 oz Tumbler — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs (2 pack) — $15.99 $25.99 (save $10)

• Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods — $16.09 $22.99 (save $6.90)

• Topicals Faded Brightening Under Eye Masks — $16.50 $22 (save $5.50)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)

• Life 360 Tile Bluetooth Tracker — $17.99 $24.99 (save $7)

• Logitech Signature M550 Wireless Mouse — $18.99 $29.99 (save $11)

• Logitech POP Wireless Mouse — $18.99 $39.99 (save $21)

• Frost Buddy Can Cooler — $19.43 $39.99 (save $20.56)

• Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs — $19.95 $24.95 (save $5)

• Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (10,000mAh) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Echo Glow — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Silent Hill 2 (PS5) — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler — $20 $40 (save $20)

• Soundcore Select 4 Go — $21.99 $34.99 (save $13)

• Owala FreeSip 24 oz — $22.78 $29.99 (save $7.21)

• Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)

• HydroJug 40 oz Tumbler — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Apple AirTag (2nd gen) — $24 $29 (save $5)

• Hamilton Beach Go Sport Portable Blender — $24.95 $34.95 (save $10)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

Over the course of the years, a recurring cloud storage subscription can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And what does that subscription fee get you? A finite amount of storage and convenient access whenever you want it.

Polylactic acid, or PLA for short, is the world’s favorite 3D printing material. It’s cheap, easy to work with, and relatively safe to be around. Unfortunately, it also has undesirable properties that make it unsuitable for all use cases.

The best Prime Day gaming laptop deals: Best overall Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI $1,599.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best MSI deal MSI Katana 15 HX $1,829.99 (save $370) Get Deal Best budget deal Acer Nitro V 16S AI $1,099.99 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon’s Prime Day sale is officially into day two, and the retailer’s gaming laptop deals are dropping hard across various brands to save you cash on top-tier models.

Now that the main sale is in full swing, we’re seeing major discounts on machines built for much more than just everyday browsing. These include RTX-powered laptops, high-refresh-rate displays, sizeable SSDs, and models that can handle the latest PC games without needing a full desktop setup.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day is here: We found 75+ deals on Apple, Sony, Kindle, and Lego favorites

Gaming laptops can be tricky to shop for during a big sales event, with specs, third-party sellers, and inflated list prices all worth checking carefully so you don't get stuck with an outdated processor. Mashable has gone through the live offers and picked out the best gaming laptop deals worth considering before the sale wraps up.

With that, here are the very best Prime Day deals you can find right now.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,599.99 at Amazon
$2,199.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is a strong pick if you want an upper-midrange machine that handles modern titles without settling for baseline graphics. For Prime Day, Amazon has it on sale for $1,599.99, knocking a full $600 off the $2,199.99 list price.

That price drop buys you a 16-inch display driven by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card. While many laptops on sale around this price bracket default to lower-tier 5050 or 5060 cards, the 5070 Ti tier offers a step up in performance. This means you can run demanding single-player games like Cyberpunk 2077 or competitive multiplayer shooters at higher graphical settings while safely using features like ray tracing and DLSS upscaling.

Best MSI gaming laptop deal MSI Katana 15 HX (Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,829.99 at Amazon
$2,199.99 Save $370.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Katana 15 HX isn't carrying an official Amazon Prime Day badge, and its 17% discount isn't the deepest cut we've seen this week, but we're highlighting it here based on its performance history.

PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) named it the best gaming laptop for most people in its 2026 testing, and this specific configuration brings current-gen hardware down to $1,829.99 from its $2,199.99 list price. While price trackers show that lower-spec SKUs of the Katana have dropped as low as $1,369.99 in the past, this particular build justifies its price tag if you want better components out of the box.

With that $370 savings, you get a 15.6-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, a 24-core Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card with DLSS 4 support.

More gaming laptop deals

• Acer Nitro V 16S AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,399.99 (save $300)

• MSI Cyborg 17 (Intel Core 7-240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,219.99 $1,399.99 (save $180

• ASUS ROG Strix G18 (AMD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,239.99 $1,699.99 (save $460)

• ASUS ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,269.99 $1,339.99 (save $70)

• MSI Crosshair A16 HX (AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,279.99 $1,439.99 (save $160)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,959.99 $2,099.99 (save $140)

Summer is officially here, and Netflix has plenty of interesting Originals lined up to keep your watchlist full for the season. Whether you're looking for a feel-good romance or a comedy with a chaotic plot, the streamer is rolling out a variety of new films for its summer slate.

SAVE $200: As of June 24, the Apple 2026 MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) is down to $2,399.99 at Amazon. That’s a $200 discount on a high-end MacBook with 2TB SSD.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2026 MacBook Pro M5 $2,399.99 at Amazon
$2,599 Save $199.01   Get Deal

With Prime Day officially underway, Apple’s 2026 MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip has dropped to an all-time low price. It’s down to $2,399.99 on Amazon, saving you $199.

This MacBook Pro is powered by Apple’s M5 Pro chip, which is built to handle heavy workloads like large creative projects, development work, and AI-assisted tools without slowing down when things stack up.

A key shift is that more AI-related tasks can now be handled directly on the device. Apple’s system is designed to run these workloads locally where possible, with some heavier tasks still supported through external processing. It’s also paired with faster storage and memory, which helps reduce delays when opening large files or moving between apps and projects.

The display is one of the stronger parts of the experience. The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen is tuned for high brightness and strong contrast, which helps text stay sharp and visuals look defined across different lighting conditions. Despite the performance jump, it still maintains the usual MacBook Pro balance of long battery life and an easy-to-carry design for day-to-day use.

Grab the Apple 2026 MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) on Amazon before the deal ends.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99)

55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99)

Fast charging has transformed the way we use our smartphones. Instead of waiting hours for your battery to fill up, many phones can now charge from nearly empty to 50% in as little as 15 minutes. So why does it sometimes feel like it's taking forever to charge your phone?

Nintendo's new Star Fox reboot for Switch 2 has all the trademarks of something that should be totally creatively bankrupt.

It's a gussied-up remake of Star Fox 64, a game that Nintendo has already remade once before for the 3DS. On top of that, its existence feels like a big attempt at corporate synergy with the distressingly awful Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in which Fox McCloud made his surprise cinematic debut. Instead of reviving the long-dormant Star Fox series with something new, Nintendo has gone and just given us the same game for the third time.

And the wildest part is that it totally kicks ass. Nintendo and new development partner (and Troy, New York's own) Velan Studios have done the impossible and made a big, Hollywood-style remake of a classic arcade-style rail shooter that really, truly works once you sit down and play it. Star Fox for Switch 2 marries timeless levels and mechanics with gorgeous visuals, a breathtaking soundtrack, and just enough new flavor to make me excited about the future of Star Fox for the first time since the Bush administration.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo responds after alleged third-party data breach: Our ‘systems have not been compromised’ Star Fox proves that 'cinematic' doesn't have to be a dirty word in games That's a cool dude right there. Credit: Nintendo

If you haven't been following along closely, I should probably clarify a few things about Star Fox for Switch 2.

First, yes, this is a one-to-one recreation of Star Fox 64 in terms of level design and mechanics. Enemy placement, boss strategies, the branching path system, and the way scoring works are all retained here, exactly as they were in 1997. It's still a rail shooter with some open-zone segments, and you can still finish it in roughly half an hour. I have played through the original game dozens of times in my life, so I can speak pretty authoritatively on this subject.

SEE ALSO: The gaming deals we'd buy on Prime Day — Switch 2 bundles, Asus gaming laptops, Samsung monitors on sale

What Star Fox lacks in innovation, it makes up for in pure, timeless arcade-style gameplay. Controlling the Arwing spacecraft has, in my mind, never felt better than it does here. It took all of 30 seconds for me to feel totally comfortable with everything I was doing, and a new, extended tutorial should be pretty good at easing newcomers into the fun, too. Using a charged shot to eliminate a group of enemy ships and then quickly barrel rolling out of the way of an incoming obstacle was thrilling 29 years ago, and it's still thrilling now.

I am largely uninterested in conversations about whether a remake is better or worse than the original. In my mind, remakes are either additive or can be safely ignored, so long as the original is readily, legally available on modern hardware, as Star Fox 64 is on Switch.

This is the first time Aquas has been a fun level to play. Credit: Nintendo

Having said that, there are actually a couple of aspects of this new Star Fox that I feel elevate the experience beyond what the N64 was capable of. The new visuals, for example, add personality to some levels that badly needed it. Corneria, the game's opening level, regardless of which branch you choose to pursue, is downright apocalyptic here, befitting of a planet undergoing a violent invasion from an evil empire. I'm also a fan of the new take on Katina, which turns that level into a wetland marsh environment rather than the nondescript brown smudge that defined it on N64.

I'm also particularly fond of how reactive each environment is to player actions. Shooting basically any surface in the game produces a satisfying graphical effect, such as space dust on meteorites or sparks from metal surfaces. In one section, you can shoot pine trees on the ground to set them on fire. It all looks and feels right in that respect, and frankly, I think the new character designs are kinda cool. I like how much more animal-like they are.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' on Switch 2 has had a massive price drop for Prime Day — save $25 with record-low price

Arguably, the best aspect of this remake, and the one thing that I would say is a straight-up upgrade over the original, is the soundtrack. Star Fox 64's score was, and remains, extremely well composed, but the N64's sound hardware just wasn't particularly good at producing artificial orchestral sounds. Nintendo has gone and re-recorded the entire thing with a real orchestra for this remake, and I would say every single song is better here than it was before.

There are also new cutscenes sprinkled in between every story mission. These are typically pretty quick mission briefings that serve to add a little bit of flavor to the Star Fox universe, and they're mostly successful at that. I enjoy seeing the crew hang out with each other between battles, and I particularly like how often Fox makes it clear that his main motivation is getting paid because he's a mercenary. Making the world of Star Fox feel a little more grimy is cool.

As a fun bonus, you get different cutscenes based on which branching paths you choose in the campaign, so there's another little reason to play it over and over again.

These visual and audio changes work in concert to make the new Star Fox feel "cinematic," a term that has evolved into a pejorative for glossy AAA productions. In this context, though, Star Fox earns the compliment. A rail shooter ought to feel cinematic, given the genre's inherent reliance on heavy scripting while still preserving interactivity. Star Fox 64 also felt cinematic in its day, but I do believe the new version does that particular thing better than the original.

New modes are fun, but some changes fall a little flat

Of course, Nintendo and Velan also made a bunch of changes, as you'd expect from a full-on remake. Most of them are fine, but some of them are not.

I'll start with the bad. The new voice acting is generally done fairly well, in line with how modern video games and cartoons sound. That is to say, the tone on each line read is usually a bit more muted and less theatrical than the original. It can often be jarring if the lines from 1997 are imprinted on your brain like they are on mine, but I have to imagine anyone starting their Star Fox journey with this version will not notice anything wrong.

Still, it was hard for me not to notice how many lines that were previously screamed dramatically are now spoken more casually. I prefer the original reads, but that's to be expected of someone who has been hearing them for three decades. I also want to bemoan the lack of a weird robot voice saying "GOOD LUCK" when you start each level. There was no need to take that out.

The Landmaster is still rad. Credit: Nintendo

Other than that, though, most of the additions are worthwhile. Challenge Mode adds a bunch of achievement-like objectives to each level, giving you even more reason to replay them after you've earned all the medals in the story mode. Battle Mode is a new, expanded multiplayer experience that offers online 4v4 dogfights across three maps, with a different team objective on each map.

I'm pretty into what I've played of Battle Mode, but I can easily see it wearing a little thin after a week or two, given the lack of maps and (thus far) lack of indication that there will be any more added to the game. Regardless, the dream of online Star Fox dogfights has finally been realized in a console game, and that counts for something.

Star Fox for Switch 2 might not be the franchise revival many of us had in mind when rumors of its existence started trickling out months ago. But on its merits, this is a mostly excellent take on a tremendous N64 classic, and one that I think would be a fantastic starting point for anyone who has ever been Star Fox-curious. Given the way Nintendo has treated remakes made by external studios in the recent past, I also fully expect this to be an on-ramp to a new, original game in the near future.

And for the first time in a very long time, I'm actually excited by the prospect of a new Star Fox game.

A new wave of wellness influencers, biohackers, and MAHA-aligned creators are promoting nicotine pouches, patches, gums, and lozenges as cognitive enhancers.

The claim, from influencers like Dave Asprey, goes like this: Nicotine can help you focus, make you sharper, more alert, more productive, and more locked in. And, unfortunately, this is the exact kind of thing the internet is designed to make irresistible, since it’s rooted in a shred of truth and then blown out of context. Like, remember mouth taping and color analysis?

Doctors told The New York Times that many claims around nicotine are exaggerated or misrepresent the research. It’s both a stimulant and a relaxant, and really can make people feel more alert. Some studies have shown nicotine may have potential benefits in very specific medical contexts, but with the tobacco industry funding many studies, things can be a little murky here.

And notably, over time, people can build a dependence on nicotine. In any given year about half of all smokers try to quit, but only six percent actually accomplish that. Eventually, the thing that initially makes you feel "locked in" can become quite literal.

In this episode of Mashable's Trending Now series, Christianna Silva and Teodosia Dobriyanova unpack this eyebrow-raising trend.

SAVE $103: As of June 24, the Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop is on sale for $479.99 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $582.99. That's an 18% discount on a laptop with 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel's latest Core Ultra processor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop $479.99 at Amazon
$582.99 Save $103   Get Deal

Prime Day deals are already rolling in, and if you’ve been putting off replacing an aging laptop, Acer just dropped a pretty tempting option into the mix.

Right now, the Acer Aspire 14 AI is down to $479.99 on Amazon, saving you $103 on Prime Day. That's an 18% discount and an easy way to get a new everyday laptop without crossing into four-figure territory.

The Aspire 14 is for people who want a dependable everyday laptop without spending premium laptop money. It has a 14-inch display with a little more vertical screen space than the usual setup, which makes a difference when you're bouncing between documents, browser tabs, and spreadsheets.

The lightweight aluminum build helps if you're carrying it between work, school, or coffee shops, instead of keeping it desk-bound. You’re getting 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, which is enough for smooth multitasking and a healthy amount of storage for files, photos, and apps.

Acer also says the battery can last up to 22 hours under certain conditions, though real-world use will likely vary depending on what you're doing. AcerSense puts AI tools in one quick shortcut so you can tweak settings, clean up video calls, and adjust performance without digging through menus.

Grab the Acer Aspire 14 AI on Amazon before your tabs start staging a revolt.

The best Prime Day deals on Samsung monitors: Best curved monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C $189.99 (save $140) Shop Now Best HD monitor deal Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 $384.99 (save $215) Shop Now Best 4K monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 $657.77 (save $592.22) Shop Now

It's the time for gamers around the world to rejoice. Yes, Prime Day is here once more, kicking off a little earlier than usual in 2026 (it's normally a July event) and running until June 26. There are stacks of deals on otherwise expensive gaming hardware, including Samsung monitors.

If you're looking for a new monitor we would always recommend looking at Samsung models. The brand is one of the best in the business when it comes to screen technology, something that applies to Samsung TVs as much as gaming monitors.

We've picked three of the best Prime Day deals on Samsung monitors, but it's worth noting that prices may drop further and new deals may be added as the week rolls on. We'll be sure to update this page so make sure you check back in.

Best Samsung curved monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C $189.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G55C sits at the budget end of the Samsung monitor range, and is even cheaper than usual thanks to Prime Day. This one's also at an all-time low price, with a discount of $140. But don't go thinking it skimps on features. Its curved monitor creates a fully immersive gaming experience, which compensates for some of the spec shortcomings. At $189.99 for Prime Day, it's a steal from Samsung.

Best Samsung HD monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 $384.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $214.01   Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers who perfectly satisfied with 1440p, the Samsung Odyssey 27-inch OLED G6 delivers. Geared towards the mid-range gaming market, it uses QD-OLED display technology, with punchy HDR. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and a response time of 0.03ms, so the lag is pretty much non-existent. A saving of $215 marks this reliable monitor's biggest-ever discount according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Best Samsung 4K monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 $657.77 at Amazon
$1,249.99 Save $592.22   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to level up with something a little flashier, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 is an upgrade. It's bigger, bolder, and boasts 4K resolution — everything you need for eye-popping visuals and butter-smooth gameplay. It also has an AI-powered processor that upscales lower-res games to 4K quality. Those are just some of the reasons this monitor has a significant bump in price, usually listed at $1,249.99. But Prime Day has delivered its biggest ever discount — now available at $657.77 — for an overall saving of over $590.

If you want to experiment with new software, host a home service, or try a new operating system without risking your main PC, running Linux in a virtual machine is the safest way to do it. It gives you a sandbox where you can break things without worrying about the repercussions, or lets you isolate whatever is running on that VM from your other services.

The best Prime Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $150) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,229.99 (save $970) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Acer Nitro V 16S AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99 (save $300) Get Deal

The ongoing global RAM shortage has led many PC makers to raise their laptop prices this year. Even Apple's MacBooks are at risk of price bumps in the near future. Mercifully, Amazon's annual Prime Day sale is offering some sweet RAMageddon relief this week, slashing prices on select PCs through June 26.

As Mashable's resident expert on all things laptops, I want to note that Amazon carries a much smaller selection of Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and Chromebooks than other major retailers — especially Best Buy, which happens to be running a competing Tech Fest sale this week. I've rounded up Amazon's most worth-it laptop deals below and made sure all of them aren't cheaper elsewhere. But don't feel like you need to be loyal to it just because Prime Day is hogging the spotlight right now.

SEE ALSO: The 35+ best Prime Day tech deals, according to a tech editor on a budget

I'll continue to update the following list with the best Prime Day laptop deals as the sale progresses, so check back often. You can also visit the Mashable shopping team's dedicated Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest tech price drops from around the web.

Best Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

Powered by the M5 chip, Apple's sleek MacBook Air is faster than any other Windows laptop at its price point (and even many that are way more expensive). Its overall build quality also smokes most of the competition: It comes equipped with a luxe haptic touchpad, a sharp Liquid Retina display, and 12MP webcam. The 13-inch base model usually costs $1,099 — an already-great deal in this day and age — but it's marked down to just $949 during Prime Day. If it sells out on Amazon, you can find the same discount at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook Air deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,349.99 $1,499 (save $149.01)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,549.99 $1,699 (save $149.01)

MacBook Pro deals

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,549 $1,699 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,749 $1,899 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,944 $2,099 (save $155)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,399 $2,599 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,494 $2,699 (save $205)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,857 $3,099 (save $242)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pax, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,649 $3,899 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pax, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,149 $4,399 (save $250)

Best Prime Day Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,229.99 at Amazon
$2,099.99 Save $870.00   Get Deal

We loved the Surface Laptop 7 back when it launched in 2024. While its CPU isn't the freshest anymore, it still impresses as a whole: It features a 23-hour battery life, a microSDXC card slot, and a 2.5K touchscreen that's brighter and smoother than a MacBook Air's display.

Amazon's amazing Prime Day deal on this 15-inch model comes just a week after Microsoft announced the very similar Surface Laptop 8 (which isn't on sale just yet). It's currently listed for just $1,229.99 — a whopping 44% off its regular retail price of $2,099.99. I wouldn't be surprised if this deal disappears long before Prime Day ends, considering the exact same model sold out at Best Buy after dropping to $1,699.99 there.

Read Mashable's full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

More Windows laptop deals

• Acer Aspire 14 AI (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $479.99 $879.99 (save $400)

• Acer Aspire 16 AI (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $632.99 $799.99 (save $167)

• HP OmniBook 3 14 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $699.99 $969.99 (save $270)

• HP OmniBook 5 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $749.99 $1,099.99 (save $300)

• Asus Vivobook S16 (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $879.99 $1,199.99 (save $320)

• Lenovo Slim 7i Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core 7 Ultra 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• HP OmniBook X 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,479.99 $1,749.99 (save $270)

• Acer Swift X 14 AI (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,559.99 $1,699.99 (save $140)

Best Prime Day gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16S AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99
$1,399.99 Save $300   Get Deal

I haven't tried this 16-inch budget gaming laptop, but our friends over at CNET rated it a solid 7.7/10, writing that it "provides enough 3D graphics oomph for 1080p/1200p gaming." (Mashable and CNET are both owned by Ziff Davis.) It features four-zone RGB keyboard backlighting and a big, buttery 180Hz display. Plus, it's kitted out with plenty of RAM and storage — and the latter is easily upgradable. It usually retails for $1,399.99, but it's on sale for just $1,099.99 this Prime Day. That's a record-low price that last appeared on Black Friday 2025.

More gaming laptop deals

• MSI Katana 15 HX (Intel Core i7-14650HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,139.99 $1,529.99 (save $390)

• Asus ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core i7-14650HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,169.99 $1,499.99 (save $330)

• Asus ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,539.99 $1,799.99 (save $260)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $2,199.99 (save $600)

• Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,015.99 $2,299.99 (save $284)

• Asus ROG Strix G16 (AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,039.99 $2,499.99 (save $460)

• Alienware 16 Aurora (Intel Core 9 270H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,099.99 $2,299.99 (save $200)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,274.99 $2,799.99 (save $525)

The best Prime Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $399 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $519 (save $80) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $150) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack $89 (save $10) Get Deal Best Apple Accessories deal Apple MagSafe Charger $28 (save $21) Get Deal Best iPhone Deal iPhone 17 Free with T-Mobile (save up to $1,099.99) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is live now through June 26, and this year's sale is an especially important one for Apple users: Apple products are about to get price hikes because of the global RAM shortage. With that in mind, the Mashable Shopping team is monitoring the best Prime Day Apple deals extra-closely to flag any worthwhile discounts on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks.

So far, there are several notable Apple deals. The top offers from the first 12 hours of Prime Day include some record-low prices on the AirPods Max 2, the Apple Watch Series 11, and the M4 iPad Air. (Pro tip: Other past-gen models that are still in stock are also getting deep discounts.) But deals are moving fast, we already saw the M3 Macbook Air sell out.

SEE ALSO: The top 30+ Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor on a budget: Save 50% on Bose headphones

Most other Apple products are still anywhere from $9 to $100 away from their all-time lows. We're still holding out hope for further price drops on AirPods and the latest M5 MacBook laptops. So, if you're unbothered by the possibility of these products selling out, it's worth waiting a few more days to see if they get even cheaper. Amazon has been known to improve its Apple deals midway through Prime Day.

Over the next few days, we'll continue to update this page with the best Prime Day Apple deals multiple times a day. For what it's worth, we're also checking prices at other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices available on all things Apple. If they manage to beat one of Amazon's deals, we'll note that and link to the competition.

Note: Products marked with a 🔥 are at their lowest-ever price.

Best Prime Day AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 🔥 $399 at Amazon
$549 Save $150   Get Deal

Apple's stylish over-ear headphones were updated in April with the H2 chip, bringing better noise cancellation and support for software features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation. This Prime Day, Amazon has them marked down to just $399 in all five colors — that's a 27% savings and their lowest price ever (by a lot). This is a shockingly good deal, considering the original AirPods Max took several years to hit the same price. Only Walmart's managed to match it so far.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max 2.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥 $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 11 has a new record-low price for Prime Day. Amazon marked it down to just $279, which is 30% off its usual $399 MSRP. (It was $20 more expensive during Amazon's Big Spring Sale a couple of months ago.) Apple's latest flagship wearable supports features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. Compared to its predecessor, it has a more scratch-resistant display and a longer battery life. Choose from four different case and band combinations, including one with the new space gray finish.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $199 $249 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) — $499 $799 (save $300) 🔥

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + cellluar, 49mm) — $649 $799 (save $150) 🔥

Best Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $519 at Amazon
$599 Save $80   Get Deal

The M4 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people, especially artists and other creatives, combining a beautiful design with laptop-level performance at a reasonable price. Right now, it's more reasonable than usual: The 11-inch base model with 128GB of storage has fallen to a record low of $519 for Prime Day, which is 13% off its regular sticker price. (Pick up an on-sale Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard while you're at it, too.) If it sells out on Amazon, you can score the same deal at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M4 Apple iPad Air.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399.99 $499 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,249.99 $1,499 (save $249.01) 🔥

Best Prime Day MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

Apple deals are selling fast. Our previous MacBook pick, the M3 MacBook Air already sold out after the first day of Amazon's sale. That makes our next choice the latest MacBook with M5 chip. It has elite processing and a gorgeous, rich display, and right now, is just $949. That saves you $150, but full transparency, that's still $50 more than its lowest price ever.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,099 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,549 $1,699 (save $150)

Best Prime Day AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Generation), 4-pack 🔥 $89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10   Get Deal

Here's our first-ever discount on the second-generation AirTag, Apple's recently updated Bluetooth tracker. It doesn't look any different from the original version that launched in 2021, but it has a louder speaker and a much wider range. Grab an $89 four-pack for the best value (normally $99) — that works out to $22.25 per AirTag. If you only need one or two, you'll pay $24 for them individually during Prime Day (typically $29). Best Buy and Walmart were matching both of those deals, FYI.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag 2.

More Apple accessory deals

• Apple AirTag 2 — $24 $29 (save $5) 🔥

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $28 $49 (save $21) 🔥

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $59 $79 (save $20)

• Apple Magic Mouse — $59.99 $79 (save $15.01) 🔥

• Apple AirTag 1 (4-Pack) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

The best Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS) $309 (save $120) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) $199 (save $50) Get Deal

Warmer weather means more time outside, and when you're in the great outdoors, a fitness tracker or smartwatch helps track all of that activity. Whether you're headed out on a European vacation or have a list of summer hikes to tackle, an Apple Watch is one of our favorite ways to stay connected and track activity. And with Prime Day here again, we're hunting for deals on the popular smartwatch.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year which runs for four days from June 23 to 26, has only just begun but we've already spotted the Series 11 at a new low price at the retailer, but that's not all. We've gathered up all the Apple Watch deals that deserve a look during Prime Day.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $279 at Amazon
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 dropped to $279 for Prime Day. That's the lowest-ever price for this model. We rate it as our favorite smartwatch for fitness tracking, and it has an impressive battery. With improved battery life compared to the Series 10, you don't need to charge the watch midday for battery life to last you all night. So if you've been thinking about upgrading, grab it now.

More Prime Day Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 11 deals

• Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS) — $309 $429 (save $120)

Apple Watch SE deals

• Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm, GPS) — $229 $279 (save $50)

• Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm, GPS + Cellular) — $249 $329 (save $80)

Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) — $649 $799 (save $150)