Technology

In news that assures us that we are truly living in one of the worst timelines, Elon Musk has announced on X, the social media platform he owns, that Grok Imagine, the AI generator he owns, will make a "historically accurate" adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey.

SEE ALSO: Grok is producing millions of sexualized images of adults and children

You might well ask why if you have had the good fortune to be oblivious to Musk's repeated complaints about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. Well, in February of 2026, Musk used X to declare "Chris Nolan has lost his integrity," because Musk didn't like the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy.

Then, in May, Musk retweeted X posts that criticized the casting of Elliot Page, including posts that misgender the trans actor. Musk also tweeted that month, "Chris Nolan is pissing on Homer’s grave. Disgraceful."

Musk has used the platform he owns to promote the idea that Nolan was casting not for "historical accuracy" of the fictional epic poem, but to appease the Oscars' inclusion standards. Musk was also a vocal part of the "go woke, go broke" online contingent that insisted Nolan's Odyssey would sink at the box office.

To put it simply, they were wrong.

SEE ALSO: As SpaceX IPO blasts off, Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire

Critics and audiences alike have heralded The Odyssey as a "masterpiece," cheering both the ensemble cast and the political messaging within the film. The nearly three-hour movie had a $124.5 million opening weekend, which is all the more impressive for a rated-R film. By contrast, Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, a PG-13 movie with two prequels to build an audience, opened to $160 million in 2012.

On top of that, the demand to see The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX has become a status symbol to moviegoers, with tickets to screenings sold out into August — even for 3 a.m. showtimes. Audiences in person and online have also dove into discussing Nolan's unique adaptation, which plays as a spiritual sequel to Oppenheimer, and employs Matt Damon as its secret weapon.

However, Musk thinks he and Grok can do better. Today, he tweeted: "Before this year ends, Grok Imagine will make a full-length movie of The Odyssey that is historically accurate and true to the art of Homer."

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The trailer he retweeted to illustrate what such a movie made by Grok Imagine might look like certainly is a trailer made by AI.

Earlier this month, Nolan shared his thoughts on generative AI with AFP in Paris. The Guardian quotes him as saying, "But I think the idea that it replaces human beings wholesale and human creativity, to me it’s a nonsense," adding, "I’ve never seen a technology that’s been so successfully adopted by Wall Street and by investors and by tech companies that the public has so thoroughly rejected."

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is now in theaters. Elon Musk's The Odyssey is promised by the end of the year.

At Samsung Galaxy Unpacked on Wednesday, Samsung provided a closer look at its upcoming Galaxy Glasses, which will compete with the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. Samsung is working with Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on the design, and the glasses will run on Google's new Android XR operating system.

We first saw these glasses at Google I/O 2026 in May, and Google has been teasing its smart glasses collaboration with Samsung for months. Google previously said the first pair of these smart glasses would be released in 2026, and Samsung confirmed on Wednesday that the full collection from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will be released this fall. However, we still don't know how much the new wearables will cost, or exactly when they'll arrive.

SEE ALSO: Samsung reveals undeniably hip Galaxy Z Flip 8 foldable at Galaxy Unpacked in London

During Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung dedicated a portion of the keynote to providing an overview of the glasses, which were also teased throughout the event. The company said the glasses will be able to "take calls, listen to music, and capture photos."

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

According to our colleagues at CNET, there will be at least four frame designs to choose from. And after the event, two of the styles were on display for the first time, with a frame from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. (Disclosure: CNET and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)

The Samsung smart glasses designed by Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster. Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable The Samsung smart glasses designed by Warby Parker. Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

So, what do we know about the upcoming Samsung glasses?

Samsung's smart glasses will natively support Google Gemini AI and be able to connect with Android phones and Google Wear OS watches. The glasses will also utilize Samsung's Bixby AI assistant.

Samsung's COO of mobile experiences, Won-Joon Choi, told CNET that the glasses can run for nine hours on a single charge, while the case can charge them an additional seven times.

The glasses will not have a built-in display, but will have built-in cameras for content capture and microphones to help power AI features. During Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, the glasses presentation demoed different uses, such as asking the device to summarize meeting notes or tell you the next step in a recipe. You can also use the glasses' POV in Google Meet meetings.

Actions with the glasses "flow" into using other Samsung devices — for instance, double-pinching to answer calls.

For more coverage from Samsung's latest launch event, check out our Galaxy Unpacked live blog.

UPDATE: Jul. 22, 2026, 1:10 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details and photos from Samsung Galaxy Unpacked in London.

Welcome to Samsung Unpacked 2026. We have a whole new lineup of Samsung tech including fresh phones, updated Samsung Galaxy Watches, and even Samsung smart glasses with design help from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

But with every new tech launch, we have to ask ourselves, "Is it really necessary to buy the latest model?" Oftentimes, the upgrades are minimal, and, for some people, not especially noticeable.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

However, when comparing pricing on the latest Samsung phones, it might actually be worth going with the latest model instead of the previous generation (for now, at least). Let's break down the pricing of the new Flip and Fold8 verses the older Flip and Fold7 now that preorders are live.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 pricing compared to the Flip7

If you dig the looks and functions of a flip phone, the Samsung Z Flip has tons of appeal. In Mashable's review of the Galaxy Z Flip7, Freelance Reviewer Adam Doud wrote it was the best flip phone of 2025. At the time of launch, the 256GB unlocked version was selling for $1,099.99, and that's still the current price at Samsung. I found used models floating around the web, but none from especially trustworthy retailers I'd recommend.

Pricing for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at $1,199.99 for the unlocked 256GB model. That's just a $100 price increase compared to the previous model. If you don't mind having an older generation, going with the cheaper Flip 7 makes sense on paper, but with preorder offers on the Flip8, that might not be the case.

Preorders for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 at Amazon come with a free $200 Amazon gift card. Depending on if you'll use a free Amazon gift card, going with this offer might be a better option compared to paying full price of the Galaxy Z Flip7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Flip7 buying options Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,999.99 Get Deal Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,199.99 (get a free $200 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 $1,099.99 Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 pricing compared to the Fold7

Pricing comparisons of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 gets a bit more complicated. In strange news for 2026, the starting price for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (unlocked, 256GB) is actually $100 cheaper than the starting price for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (unlocked, 256GB). The base Galaxy Z Fold8 comes with a price of $1,899.99 compared to $1,999.99 for the older Z Fold7.

But things get even more complex with current sales and preorder offers. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is on sale at Amazon for $1,799.99 new or $1,424.99 for a renewed model from Amazon Resale.

However, if you want the latest model, you can preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 from Amazon for the list price of $1,899.99 and get a free $350 Amazon gift card.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 $1,899.99 Pre-Order Here Amazon Galaxy Z Fold8 $1,899.99 (get a free $350 Amazon gift card) Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,999.99 Get Deal Amazon Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,799.99 (save $200) Get Deal Amazon refurbished Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,424.99 (save $575) Get Deal Will the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 drop in price?

Now that the new lineup of Galaxy Z Flip8 and Fold8 phones are available, we're curious to see if the previous generation will drop in price. Typically, we see older generations slowly drop in price until it's no longer possible to buy them in a new condition. But with tech price increases and the global memory shortage, things could take a different path this time.

The Toyota Prius arrived in the United States in 2000 amid the SUV boom with the sole purpose of squeezing as many miles as possible out of a gallon of gas. Before the Prius, a “hybrid car” was not something American consumers had seen, let alone driven.

"Small space. Big stories." This is the motto for Microhouse Films, the vertical video platform that Taye Diggs launched with a mission of empowering creators two minutes at a time. 

The venture marks a turn away from the actor's traditional route in television and movies as he tests microdramas — vertical, short-form episodic content. 

On July 18, at ViewerCon in Newark, New Jersey, Diggs acknowledged that in the content creator to streaming platform pipeline, long-form, horizontal content has become popular. In his panel "The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & Microhouse Films," he said that microdramas are a product that “no one has really cracked." He's hoping Microhouse Films can change that as “we're including the creators from the get."

The Best Man star launched the platform with co-founders and fellow panelists Shelby Stone, who produced Starz' The Chi, and actor and producer Troy Brookins. Film producers Autumn Federici and James R. Black are also co-founders.

Through their website and mobile app, Microhouse Films offers a model that favors tokens over the more traditional monthly subscription fees. Viewers purchase tokens sold in packs of 10, 30, 50, and 120 credits, priced at roughly $0.20 apiece. These tokens can then be used to watch Microhouse Films' episodes, which cost between one and three credits to unlock. Reflecting Diggs' goal of giving content creators more control, the token price per episode is set by the creator. 

“The creators get to stay along for the ride and benefit from how far the project goes,” Diggs explained in the panel. 

From there, Diggs shared a formative experience with Netflix, where he and his agents inquired about how audiences received a film, only to be told the platform was keeping metrics “under wraps.” 

These frustrations with gatekeepers drove him to promote transparency with creators as he steps into the emerging microdrama format. Diggs acknowledged he has been criticized for diving into vertical storytelling, with people in the industry telling him that “they’re beneath you.” But now, after producing two vertical microdrama series and launching Microhouse Films, he says vertical storytelling has “introduced me into a new way of looking at the industry.”

Microhouse Films takes a minority equity split for content.  "The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & Microhouse Films" panel at ViewerCon 2026. Credit: Truth Headlam

In the panel, co-founder Stone said Microhouse Films strives for “transparency” in creators’ pay, by allowing creators to have access to audiences’ viewing metrics. Stone noted that content creators on their platform can see how many coins viewers are willing to purchase on the platform, the number of coins viewers spend to watch the content, and when viewers stop watching.

Beyond this feedback, the equity breakdown for creators on the Microhouse Films is atypical, allowing creators to walk away with the majority of their earnings rather than more traditional compensation such as flat-rate fees, ad-revenue sharing, and commissions.

“Every creator who ends up on the platform, you see your page,” she said. Of the proceeds raised from tokens, she continued, "The platform only takes 25% to manage the platform. The filmmaker takes 75% [for tokens used for their content].”

Diggs noted that providing that level of detail, transparency, and equity split “goes exactly against what the rest of the industry is doing." He added, “[When] the movie does amazingly well, they deliberately don't show anybody that information,” referencing his aforementioned experience with Netflix. “That way, they can have the power [and] if they want to do another movie with them, they can still give [the filmmakers and talent] pennies.”

In an interview with Diggs at ViewerCon, I learned more about his goals for Microhouse Films and his vision for the future of the creator economy. 

Mashable: What does the rise of microdramas mean for the entertainment industry and the creator economy?

Taye Diggs: We don't know yet. Hopefully, it'll be all good. I know that I want to prove myself because it's an exciting new time, [and] all of this is outside my wheelhouse. When it comes to acting and creating and producing and directing — this is a new kind of thrust, and I don't think anybody really knows what the future holds. 

For me, in a world where I'm used to having a script already written, a director that already has ideas, [and] producers that know how they want to produce a movie, all of this is fairly unknown, and it's very exciting.

How is Microhouse Films adding to the narrative of microdramas and creators having their own platform?

Well, it's new, so anything new to me is always welcome and exciting. And the fact that we’re not necessarily focused on ourselves and the monetary benefits, but we also want to include the creators, which unfortunately is something that is not done yet.

How many creators do you have in your network so far?

So many, and we will continue to invite them. We use submissions [to find creators]. It's great to be on the other side and to realize how many talented writers, actors, and directors there are that have not been heard of yet. 

How does your business model with Microhouse Films compare to the traditional studio business model?

The fact that we're including the artists and the fact that this is brand new. With models that already exist, they're using the blueprint that already exists. We're kind of making it up as we go along. 

SAVE $48.96: As of July 22, get the LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set for $281.03 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $329.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set $281.03 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $48.96   Get Deal

Looking for something fun to build this summer? A new LEGO kit is always a good choice. They can get quite expensive, however, so it's understandable if you've shied away from a detailed build for a while. But if you're ready to take the plunge, you can save on a gorgeous kit right now that you'll love putting together thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of July 22, get the LEGO Ideas River Steamboat building set for $281.03 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $329.99. That's $48.96 off and a discount of 15%.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

This massive set comes with 4,090 pieces to build a gorgeous paddle wheel steamboat, with a steam engine and moving pistons as well as crew quarters, special furnishing, and passenger decks. You'll learn a bit about the boat as you work to build it, and there's plenty to discover even after you're finished.

While building, you can use the LEGO Builder App to get 3D viewing tools if you're unsure where something goes as well as track your progress. Plus, when you're done, you'll have a model that stands over 15.5 inches tall, 27 inches long, and 5.5 inches wide. It may even become one of the crown jewels of your collection.

Whether you're building alone or with family and friends, it's an undertaking that'll leave you with a gorgeous finished product, and it's well worth picking up now that it's available at a discount. You may want to bust it out during a rainy day, since they're happening so often as of late.

TL;DR: The brand-new Tonies Bluey collection is now available exclusively at Target or directly through us.tonies.com.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tonies Shop the Tonies Bluey collection at Target   Shop Now

Bluey is currently the #1 most-streamed show in the U.S., which means it's playing on a near-constant loop in millions of living rooms right now. But if you're trying to cut back on screen time without triggering a full-blown toddler meltdown, an audio player might be the way to go.

We're big fans of the Toniebox around here because it gives kids a screen-free way to play and use their imagination. In our review, we called it "an intuitively-designed storyteller" and a "screen-less winner for children" — it gives kids a little slice of independent fun without needing a screen. Now, the brand's bringing the Emmy-winning Heeler family into their audio-first world.

SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' movie gets a 2027 release date

If you missed out during the initial pre-order phase, the brand-new Tonies Bluey collection is officially available for purchase exclusively at Target or directly through us.tonies.com.

The new Bluey collection features the Toniebox 2 in Cloud Pink and Sky Blue, plus brand-new interactive Tonieplay games. Credit: Tonies

The new Bluey lineup ranges in price from $15.99 for carrying accessories up to $169.99 for a play set:

• Tonies Bluey Toniebox 2 Play Set ($169.99): This includes a Sky Blue Toniebox 2, a Bluey Tonie, a Tonieplay controller, and a Tonieplay interactive game. This upgraded box features smart bedtime tools to help build routines and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones.

• Tonies Bluey Toniebox 2 Starter Set ($149.99): This set gets you a Cloud Pink Toniebox 2 and a Bluey Tonie so kids can start listening right out of the box.

• Tonies Bluey Tonie 3-Pack Bundle ($59.99): If you already own a speaker, you can get just the figures. This pack comes with Bluey, Bingo, and Muffin Tonies.

• Tonieplay Bluey: All Day Play ($24.99): This interactive game lets kids use the controller to participate in over 100 interactive moments from the show, including playing Keepy Uppy or using the Magic Xylophone to freeze Mum and Dad.

• Accessories: You can also get the padded Listen & Go Bag ($29.99) to safely store your Tonies during travel, or the Toniebox 2 Sleeve ($15.99) to customize the look of the speaker.

Earlier this month, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced this year's nominees for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. HBO Max and Netflix led the field with over 100 nominations each. Farther down the list, you'll find Peacock, which landed 18 Emmy nominations.

Whether or not your smart TV is spying on you, LG wants to make sure the apps aren't part of the problem. The tech giant is banning webOS apps that use residential proxies to rent out your TV's internet connection to third parties.

With crossovers dominating the market, it's easy to overlook the advantages that a traditional family sedan still offers. For buyers who prioritize comfort, fuel economy, and long-distance refinement, a well-executed hybrid sedan can often deliver a better ownership experience while costing less to buy and run.

Apple discontinued its AirPort Wi-Fi routers in 2018, and it's not surprising given that wireless networking had become a commodity years earlier. Why buy a router when your internet provider's included Wi-Fi is often good enough, and specialists like Eero and Netgear can sometimes offer more for your money?

BTS member j-hope may be the face of Samsung's newest Galaxy campaign, but fans hoping to see him at the company’s Unpacked event in London on Wednesday were left waiting.

j-hope did not appear in person during the presentation, where Samsung unveiled its latest generation of foldable devices. Instead, the rapper and dancer popped up on screen in a new advertisement introducing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, Samsung's redesigned, wider foldable phone.

His absence from London was not entirely surprising. j-hope arrived in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday after BTS co-headlined the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at New York-New Jersey MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The group performed their English-language hit "Dynamite" during the 11-minute production, which also featured Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and several other performers.

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But j-hope may have been promoting Samsung's new device before the company officially announced it.

Photos and videos of the BTS member arriving at Incheon International Airport circulated among fans online, with eagle-eyed ARMY members noticing the unusually wide — and lavender! — foldable phone he was holding. It was the same phone he was spotted holding last week during soundcheck footage at a BTS World Tour stop in Paris. The device appeared to be the then-unreleased Galaxy Z Fold 8, prompting speculation that j-hope had given fans an early look at Samsung's new design and color.

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Samsung confirmed the phone during its July 22 Unpacked event in London. The company introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a shorter, wider design intended to make the foldable easier to hold and use. Samsung also unveiled the more traditionally shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

Although some fans had hoped j-hope's starring role in Samsung's Unpacked promotional campaign meant he would attend the London launch, his involvement ultimately came through the advertisement that debuted during the event.

In hindsight, however, his airport appearance may have been the more fitting introduction. While Samsung waited until Unpacked to officially reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 8, j-hope had seemingly already unfolded it for the fans paying close attention.

Samsung showed two styles of its upcoming Galaxy Glasses during Wednesday's Galaxy Unpacked event. The company partnered with two eyewear titans, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, and the styles look distinct.

Mashable got a first look at them in London, and while we couldn't try them on, we were able to handle them (and they're light).

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is almost here: Everything we expect from today's event Warby Parker Galaxy Glasses Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan

The two Warby Parker frames Mashable got a sneak peek of both have square frames, showcasing a classic style. One has tinted lenses.

All the frames are dark, with two pairs tinted and the others clear. According to Samsung's press release, the tinted Warby pair is brown.

Gentle Monster Galaxy Glasses Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan Credit: Mashable/Shannon Connellan

In comparison, one Gentle Monster pair is modern-looking, with narrower lenses; it looks like something you can buy at Urban Outfitters — though, with a much heftier price tag. The second Gentle Monster pair looks similar to the Warby Parker ones, with more square lenses.

According to CNET's reporting, four styles have been revealed so far. Samsung announced during Unpacked that the glasses will launch this fall.

FREE $20 TARGET GIFT CARD: On July 22, when you purchase $100 in DoorDash gift cards at Target, you'll get a free $20 Target gift card to spend however you please. The deal is only live through 11:59 p.m. PT on July 22, so act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target / DoorDash $100 DoorDash gift card $100 at Target
+ free $20 Target gift card Get Deal

If you're a fan of free money, then Target has a deal for you on July 22. It's only around for one day, though, so you'll have to act quickly.

Through 11:59 p.m. PT on July 22, you'll get a free $20 Target gift card when you spend $100 on DoorDash gift cards at Target. That means you could buy one $100 DoorDash gift card, two $50 gift cards, four $25 gift cards, or any other variation. As long as it adds up to $100, you'll unlock the free $20 Target gift card to spend however you please.

Once you add at least $100 in DoorDash gift cards to your cart, the promotion will automatically apply at checkout. Target says your free $20 gift card will be transferred to your Target account after your items ship.

Credit: Target

DoorDash gift cards make excellent back to school gifts for college students, gifts for new moms, or practically anyone else. Everyone has to eat, right? And you can always hold onto them and use them later when you completely forget to buy a gift for an upcoming party. It's the gift that keeps on giving — especially since you'll get free money to spend at Target at a later date.

SAVE $100: As of July 22, get the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $549. That's a discount of 18%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods Max 2 $449 at Amazon
$549 Save $100   Get Deal

There's nothing quite like getting a new pair of headphones, especially if you're an audiophile. It's always fun to see how the new tech stacks up to your older options or favorites, and the Apple AirPods Max 2 are definitely a pair for those who enjoy great sound and high-level comfort. If you've yet to try them, now's the best day to do so given that they're up for grabs at $100 less than usual.

As of July 22, get the Apple AirPods Max 2 for $449 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $549. That's $100 off and a discount of 18%.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

This upgrade to the original AirPods Max comes six years after their debut, and though not much has changed, they're still worth picking up thanks to the internal Apple H2 chip. They offer fantastic active noise cancellation as well as new smart features like live translation, voice isolation, sound reduction, and comms with Siri.

They're identical to the original AirPods Max otherwise, and that means plush ear cups, a comfortably wide headband, and a build quality that's clear they're worth spending a premium on. If this is your first brush with Apple's earbuds, now's a good time to go ahead and pick up a pair given their significant discount. Plus, the fall is always a good time to look forward to a new phone from Apple, and you want to be ready with a new set of cans if you upgrade.

Starbucks is trolling us this summer. First, the company announced there'd be a brand-new Bearista Cup to fight over (spoiler: I didn't get mine; most local locations said they only got 10 cups total). Then, they brought back the S'mores Frappuccino only to let us know today (via email) that it'll be disappearing soon.

Now, they're making another surprise announcement: The Unicorn Frappuccino is back for one weekend only.

SEE ALSO: Starbucks is paying baristas to make TikToks. Expect more brands to follow.

According to the press release, it'll be back on the menu for "one magical weekend to close out the summer" starting August 15. If you missed the original hysteria in 2017 — or its brief pop-up at Coachella — it's essentially a sweet-and-tart mango-flavored blend layered with a tangy blue drizzle, topped with whipped cream, and dusted with pink and blue toppings. (Sounds super natural and fine to eat, right?) Some fans compare it to Tropical Skittles.

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As soon as baristas got a whiff of the comeback, they rushed to Reddit to voice their concerns. Apparently, employees have been predicting the drink's return for months after spotting ingredients like "spirulina" and "sparkle topping" on their inventory lists.

If you scroll through the threads, veteran baristas still talk about the 2017 launch like it gave them war flashbacks, recalling days of being grossly understaffed, running out of ingredients on Day One, and leaving their shifts covered in sticky pink and blue powder.

"Every barista that worked during this time deserves financial compensation," writes one Redditor. "I’ve worked in a lot of stores for many MANY years, and when this came out, it was hands down, one of, if not the worst, days I have ever worked in my career," writes another.

So, if you plan on participating in the great Starbucks sugar rush of 2026, be prepared for insane lines and chaos. And again: Tip your barista.

GET A FREE $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD: Preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) from Amazon for $379.99 and get a free $50 Amazon gift card. The watch is set to release on Aug. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) + $50 Gift Card $379.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Happy Samsung Unpacked 2026 for all the Samsung fans out there. We have new Samsung phones, watches, and even Samsung Galaxy Glasses. In the flurry of news, it can be a struggle to find which retailer is offering the best preorder pricing. To simplify your search, Amazon has a great deal if you're interested in the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free — how to claim

With a launch date set for Aug. 7, preorders for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, Bluetooth) are live at Amazon for $379.99. Amazon is also tossing in a free $50 Amazon gift card.

Serving double duty as a fitness tracker and smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is a powerhouse piece of wearable tech. It comes packed with health, fitness, and wellness metrics. It can even keep tabs on blood pressure from your wrist.

The Galaxy Watch 9 also comes with impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with the display always on (AOD) or up to 40 hours with AOD turned off.

For those in need of a smartwatch upgrade, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 could be a great match. Preorder today from Amazon and you'll score a free $50 Amazon gift card. That's a win-win.

After months of buildup, Samsung finally unveiled its newest, most interesting foldable device — the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

At a Galaxy Unpacked event in London, the Korean tech company announced three new foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, it's the Z Fold 8 that might be the biggest draw, for two reasons. First, the Z Fold 8 is an entirely new device and form factor. Second, it looks well-placed to compete head-to-head with the still-unannounced iPhone Ultra Fold, which we think will be revealed in September. We expect Apple's first foldable to have a shorter, wider form factor, just like the Z Fold 8.

Mashable got the chance to try the new Galaxy foldables ahead of the launch event, but before we get into the details, we have one point of clarification. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not really a successor to the Z Fold 7 from a year ago, as you might expect. If you want that, check out the new Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 $1,899.99 at Samsung
  Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at T-Mobile

The all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available for pre-order today and starts at $1,899.99. The base model has 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage. It's available in four colors — lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio — and will be widely available starting Aug. 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 specs The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a sizable inner display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 foldable smartphone has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is an ideal size whether in landscape or portrait orientation. The inner display has enough extra real estate for multi-tasking and entertainment. And if you're worried about a crease in the middle of the display, don't be. We got up close with the device, and the crease fully disappears when the display is activated.

These are the key specs to know:

• Inner display: 7.6-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Outer display: 5.5-inches AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

• Colors: Lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio

• Unfolded dimensions: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm

• Folded dimensions: 1123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm

• Weight: 201 grams

• RAM: 12GB to 16GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

• Battery: 4,800mAh battery

• Charging: 45W wired, 20W wireless

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 key features Samsung's latest foldables are ultra-thin. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

As stated above, the main distinguishing factor of the new Z Fold 8 is its wider 4:3 proportions compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra. If the latter is a book-style foldable, the former can almost be called a tablet-style foldable, instead. We think the wide screen will serve even better for reading books or multitasking with several apps open at once.

Also, at 201g, Samsung is really emphasizing how light the device is. The company is calling it the "world's lightest fold ever."

SEE ALSO: I tried Samsung's new foldables. They have a cool factor the iPhone can't match.

And while the device may be light, it's no lightweight. Samsung's newest foldable features Flex Titanium technology, which makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 more durable. Speaking of durability, it also boasts  Samsung's advantage hinge technology, Armor Flexhinge.

The Z Fold 8 feels like a solid middle point between the premium Z Fold 8 Ultra and the comparatively affordable Z Flip 8. All three phones use the same chip, but the Z Fold 8's 4,800mAh battery is smaller than that of the Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, the Z Fold 8 does have an option for 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage, similar to the Ultra.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 debuts at the London Galaxy Unpacked event. Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

Where the Ultra will feel distinctly more premium than the Z Fold 8 is in the camera array. The Ultra comes with a 200MP main shooter, while the Fold 8's is only 50MP. The former also has a telephoto lens, while the latter does not. Its relatively meager camera specs are closer to those of the Z Flip 8, meaning it's probably best for social media shots, not professional photography. However, Samsung says the Fold 8 can still shoot 8K video at 30 frames per second.

Speaking of social media, Samsung showed off a brand new feature called My Fancam. This feature can automatically track a person in a video with the help of AI and crop to the desired video dimensions of their choice to create tailor-made clips for social media.

All eyes are on Apple now. We can't wait to directly compare the Z Fold 8 to whatever Apple is cooking up. Hopefully, all will be revealed in September.

Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

You can purchase the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Samsung, Amazon, and other mobile retailers. If you're looking for the best pre-order launch offers, check out the new offers from mobile carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile as well.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 $1,899.99 at Samsung
  Pre-order Here at Samsung Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at T-Mobile

Astronomers are homing in on a distant realm where the lines between star, planet, and moon are blurred. 

Researchers have recently discovered that something appears to be orbiting a brown dwarf in the CD-35 2722 system, about 73 light-years away in space, that defies the usual labels. 

A brown dwarf is already something of a cosmic maverick — too large to be called a planet, too small to be a star. Experts sometimes refer to brown dwarfs as "failed stars" because they're not quite massive enough to sustain hydrogen fusion in their cores.

That leaves researchers at a loss for what exactly to call this thing circling it. Because the object orbits a brown dwarf that is orbiting a star, it's kind of an "exomoon," they said, a satellite of a planet found outside the solar system. 

"Being the third wheel in this system makes us want to call it a moon, even if it is nothing like the small, rocky moons we have in our system," said Kevin Hoy, lead author of the study published in Nature, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope found the missing architect of another star system

If confirmed, the research team believes this could be the first documented exomoon.  

But it's nothing like typical moons. The new object, which the team is calling an "exosatellite" for now, is roughly the weight of Jupiter, with the brown dwarf, known as CD-35 2722 B, more than 30 times more massive. 

A brown dwarf is too large to be called a planet, but too small to be a star and make its own nuclear power. Credit: NASA illustration

At that scale, it's likely a gas giant, not rocky. Right now, there are nearly 1,000 known moons orbiting planets, dwarf planets, and asteroids — all within our own solar system. 

Some scientists might argue that such an object should be considered an exoplanet. But that term doesn't fit perfectly either. 

“The exosatellite is clearly massive enough to be a planet, but it does not orbit a star," Hoy said, "though it orbits an object that orbits a star."

This is not the first time astronomers have found something that appears to be orbiting a brown dwarf, but previous detections involved objects that were much more separated. Because of that, whether those companions were moons or planets is debatable. In this case, the satellite orbiting CD-35 2722 B is hugging the brown dwarf so closely, it completes a trip every 170 days. 

Researchers used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile to make the discovery. Instead of taking a picture of the moon, the researchers used the observatory to see wobbles in the brown dwarf. Those tiny back-and-forth movements are caused by the gravity of something orbiting it. The method, known as the radial velocity technique, is frequently used to find new exoplanets. 

Over more than two years, the team collected 23 observations. They saw a signal repeat every 170 days, suggesting that something had been tugging on the brown dwarf at regular intervals. 

Astronomers have been trying to find an exomoon for many years. In 2024, for instance, a research team inferred a rocky moon around exoplanet WASP-49 b, about 635 light-years from Earth. Though they couldn't see it, the researchers proposed it as a candidate based on spectroscopic evidence of a cloud of sodium gas. The team believes volcanic eruptions from a hidden moon, similar to Jupiter's Io, is replenishing that cloud. 

Years earlier, in 2018, a team found evidence of a potential Neptune-size exomoon orbiting Kepler-1625 b using the transit method, which looks for tiny, temporary dips in a star's light, caused by orbiting objects passing in front of it. 

Though a handful of exomoon candidates has been reported in scientific journals over the years, none of them have been confirmed yet. The CD-35 2722 B candidate also will require more observations before it gets such a designation, but Alice Zurlo, an astrophysicist at Universidad Diego Portales in Chile and a coauthor, is convinced this is the first "plausible" detection of an exosatellite. 

"As exotic as it is," Zurlo said in a statement, "this system is truly unique and represents a breakthrough."

Update, July 22, 10:50 AM EST: Now that Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 has wrapped, here's everything announced at the event. For all the details, check out our Galaxy Unpacked Live Blog.

Samsung is set to capture the tech world's attention next week when it hosts its next big mobile launch event.

The Korean tech giant is hosting a Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, and Mashable will be there, reporting live on all of the big announcements. We're fully expecting to see at least five new devices from Samsung, including the latest batch of flagship foldable phones. As per usual with Samsung, these devices haven't been leaking so much as flooding.

So, as we prepare for the big show, here's everything we know (and everything we think we know) about the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event.

When is the next Galaxy Unpacked?

The next Galaxy Unpacked Event takes place on Wednesday, July 22 in London. The livestream will begin promptly at 9 a.m. ET. We expect all the new devices to be available for pre-order immediately after the event.

Mashable will be attending the event and hosting a live blog, so check back next week to unpack all of the day's news with us.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: What's actually new (and what's not) Three new foldables are arriving, including the Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Samsung's new foldable phones typically debut during a summer Galaxy Unpacked event, and Samsung recently confirmed that it will be announcing new details about its next-gen foldables on July 22.

We don't have official confirmation on which devices will be announced, but all reports indicate that three new foldable phones will arrive at Galaxy Unpacked 2026:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (previously known as the Z Fold Wide)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

This is where things get a little confusing. You'd think the Z Fold 8 Ultra would be the new addition to the lineup, but recent reports indicate that the Z Fold 8 is actually a new device this year. Rumors for months have pointed to Samsung releasing a wider foldable this year, and it sounds like that phone will take the Z Fold 8 name, while a true successor to the Z Fold 7 will be called Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The new phones will probably arrive with price increases

Again, we don't have any official details, but it's very likely the successors to the Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 will indeed cost more. Most early reports and leaks indicate a price increase of $100, which is in line with the price increases we've seen from Motorola. The global memory crisis has led to price hikes for laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and virtually every product that requires memory, and Samsung probably won't be the exception.

Recently, South Korean outlet SEDaily reported that the starting price of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will be $2,099, a $100 price increase over the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The same outlet reported the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide model will start at $1,899.99. Finally, according to leaker Lanzuk (as reported by PhoneArena), the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 will likely have a starting price of $1,199, or $100 more than its predecessor.

TL;DR: Thanks to RAMageddon, do not be surprised to see year-over-year price increases for all of the new devices.

A new Z Fold 8 to compete with the iPhone Ultra Fold

Rumors indicate that the new Z Fold 8 will potentially have a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, it will be a book-style foldable. These dimensions are very similar to the rumored design of the still-unannounced foldable iPhone, suggesting Samsung wants to introduce this third foldable as a direct competitor to Apple's upcoming device. It's the latest salvo in the ongoing Apple iPhone vs. Samsung Galaxy battle for smartphone dominance.

Featured Video For You More Folding iPhone Reports and Rumors

The Z Fold 8's rumored specs, via PhoneArena:

• Processor: Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

• Main display: 7.6 inches

• Cover Display: 5.5 inches

• Cameras: 50MP primary lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 10MP selfie lens

The new flagship: Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra The Galaxy Z Fold 7 (pictured here) was surprisingly thin and lightweight. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As mentioned above, we think the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will actually be a successor to last year's Z Fold 7, which we enjoyed testing. This new foldable should have a new chip and a stronger 200MP main camera on the back. Samsung is also said to have done some work to make the crease on the folding display less visible this year. Finally, a Korean news report indicated the Z Fold 8 will be slightly lighter than the Fold 7, which was already impressively thin and lightweight.

At this point, pretty much all of the specs for the upcoming devices have leaked. So, while none of these details are official, we think the Z Fold 8 Ultra will have the following specs, via PhoneArena:

• Processor: Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy

• RAM: 12GB or 16GB

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

• Main display: 8 inches

• Cover display: 6.5 inches

• Cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto

This week, Samsung revealed that its new foldables (which it didn't mention by name, unfortunately) will feature a new Flex Titanium technology. In short, a titanium-alloy film and a titanium plate will better support the phones' flexible display, creating a more durable device and a less noticeable crease. Samsung said more details will be revealed on July 22.

The new Z Flip 8 will look very familiar Last year's Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 on display. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

If the rumored specs for the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 are correct, this year's flip phone-style foldable will look a lot like the Z Flip 7, but with a better processor and a less visible crease.

Until recently, the rumor mill indicated that the Z Flip 8 would get a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. However, leaker WinFuture (as reported by 9to5Google) claimed that instead, the flip phone will get a new Samsung Exynos 2600 processor.

And here are the rumored specs:

• Processor: Samsung Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• RAM: 12GB

• Main Display: 6.9 inches

• Cover Display: 4.1 inches

• Storage: 256GB or 512GB

• Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP selfie

New Galaxy Watches are also on the way

Samsung usually uses this summer event to showcase its latest smartwatch advancements, and 2026 looks no different. This year, we expect to see two new Samsung watches:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

It's generally accepted that both of these watches will see fairly incremental changes from before. There will surely be new health-tracking features, and some small design changes, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in particular said to incorporate classic numbers on the watch face, a thinner bezel, and better side buttons. Most importantly, for some, it sounds like Samsung is skipping out on a new Galaxy Watch Classic this year. You'll get a base model and a premium model, and that's it, as far as anyone can tell.

Finally, don't forget that Samsung is all-in on artificial intelligence, so we expect major upgrades to the Samsung Health app and the watches' overall health-tracking features.

Could we see Galaxy Glasses make their big debut? The upcoming Galaxy smart glasses as designed by Gentle Monster (left) and Warby Parker (right). Credit: Samsung

Lastly, Samsung's long-awaited smart glasses could also make their debut at Unpacked in July. Most likely called Galaxy Glasses, we expect these specs to work similarly to the ones Meta has been releasing for a few years now. We saw a preview of these specs at Google's recently developers' conference, and we know Samsung is working with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster on the designs.

These smart glasses will not include any augmented reality or heads-up display features, focusing instead on on-board cameras and a built-in AI assistant, courtesy of Google Gemini, to provide information about what you're seeing, should you ask. We expect the first generation of these glasses to arrive in 2026, and we're holding out hope that the glasses will get a shoutout or even a proper introduction at the London Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22.

It should be a pretty packed showcase, so stay tuned for all of our coverage as we get closer to Galaxy Unpacked.

Remember: Mashable will be attending the live keynote in London, and we'll have a live blog with real-time updates on all the day's news. Don't miss it!