Technology

Yes, I'm already thinking about Christmas. It's kind of my job — and I love my job. I love making gift recommendations, and since I get to try a lot of awesome products before they're released, I have a professional advantage. We at Mashable have pulled together a list of the tech gifts we think will be filling up Santa's sleigh this year. If you notice a considerable lack of Apple products, that's because we expect to see new Apple product launches in the fall, as per usual.

But there's a good reason to get a jump start on your holiday shopping this year. Yes, we're talking about tariffs. One economics professor we spoke to recently predicted that consumer tech products could increase in price by 20 percent in the coming months. So, if you're getting your shopping done way in advance, we've got some Christmas gift ideas for you.

We've already seen some incredible product launches so far in 2025, and not just the new Nintendo Switch 2 (which is finally easier to find in stock, thank goodness). We've also covered the launch of new headphones, earbuds, smartphone gimbals, and Legos galore.

Some of our gift ideas would work great for birthdays, but we also have gifts for gamers, unique gift ideas, and ideas for early adopters who want the latest tech.

Want to buy the gifts featured in the video? Just click the links below:

• Nintendo Switch 2 — $449

• Yoshi Mario Kart Legos — $14.99

• Donkey Kong Mario Kart Legos — $34.99

• Sony XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones — $449

• Panasonic Technics AZ100 HiFi Earbuds — $299

• DJI Osmo Mobile 7 smartphone stabilizer — $149

• DJI Mic Mini wireless microphone bundle — $169

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite — $159

• Panasonic Multishape men's multigroomer — $170

• Sony ULT Field 3 portable speaker — $198

SAVE $60: The Apple Mac mini desktop computer (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $539 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $599. That's a 10% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini desktop computer (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $539 at Amazon
$599 Save $60 Get Deal

In the past, using a desktop computer meant sitting next to a massive box that served as the brains of the computer. Not only did this take up a ton of space, it was usually ugly, too. But Apple has a solution for this dilemma — and it's currently on sale.

As of July 31, the Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $539, marked down from the normal price of $599. That's a 10% discount that shaves $60 off the price.

In terms of physical size, you're looking at five inches by five inches with a weight of 1.5 pounds. Talk about portability. And even with a super compact size, the Mac mini comes with some serious specs, like the new M4 chip for snappy performance that allows you to multitask and switch between apps with no lag.

SEE ALSO: Save over 60% on this handy Apple MagSafe wireless charger

Apple also added some useful ports to the Mac mini, like two USB-C front ports and a 35mm headphone jack. On the back, you'll get a port for HDMI and ethernet, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports.

If you have an iPhone, you'll be able to view and control what's on your phone from the Mac mini with the iPhone Mirroring feature.

If you're in the market for a sleek-looking desktop, the Apple Mac mini is a great option. Snag it while it's on sale at Amazon for $539, connect your monitor, and you're on your way to computing bliss.

Updated on Thursday, July 31 at 5:10 p.m. ET — DJI may be having stock problems for U.S. customers interested in the new DJI Osmo 360 camera, as it is with drones. This product is currently listed as "Out of Stock" at the DJI store. We've reached out to DJI for comment.

The summer of 2025 is one to remember for DJI.

What started off as the "it-brand" for drones has been expanding its product lineup at a seriously hot pace. The creator-approved DJI mics are TikTok's new favorite accessory and the massive DJI Power 2000 portable power station is now a camping must-have. We're also getting DJI e-bikes here in the U.S. (if you've been wanting to drop over $7,000 on a bike) and perhaps even a DJI robot vacuum. And now, the brand has dropped news of the DJI Osmo 360 camera. The specs on this puppy are pretty swoon-worthy.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 (Standard Combo) $549.99 at DJI
Learn More

DJI's newest camera will record native 8k footage with a 360-degree view. Content creators who take us on bike rides, early-morning walks in the city, or on epic snowboarding trips will know these specs are top-notch. If you record in 8k at 30fps, DJI says the Osmo 360 will give you 100 minutes of filming time on a single charge. If you lower recording to 6K at 24fps, you can get up to 190 minutes of continuous filming.

DJI also made other major improvements with the Osmo 360, like SuperNight mode which gives clearer and crisper footage if you're in dark conditions. Selfie mode lets you import wide-angle videos with high frame rates, and the new slow-motion feature records at up to 100 fps.

Onboard storage for the DJI Osmo 360 is 105GB, but this is expandable via a microSD card. The Osmo 360's OLED touchscreen display is designed to be user-friendly and capable of high-brightness for when you'll be filming in bright settings.

DJI doesn't list the Osmo 360 as available for purchase just yet, but we can see the list price set at $549.99 for the standard combo. That includes the Osmo 360 camera itself, a protective pouch, rubber lens protector, charging cable, and a few more accessories.

Credit: DJI Credit: DJI

DJI's listing for the Osmo 360 also includes tons of upgraded combos that are activity-specific, like the Adventure Combo, the Motorcycle Handlebar POV combo, the Vlog Combo, and the Skiing Combo, to name a few. Many of these come with the new DJI Invisible Selfie Stick, which erases itself automatically: no need to edit it out.

The Osmo 360 is incredibly compact and weighs just 0.4 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the Osmo 360's direct competition, the Insta360 X5. That product coincidentally also comes with a $549.99 price tag.

DJI hasn't said when we'll be able to order the Osmo 360 in the U.S., but its website listing has us thinking it'll be soon — potentially even just days away. We'll keep an eye out and update this article as we learn more about a release date.

If you're itching to learn more, check out DJI's video that highlights features of the Osmo 360 on the listing page. Overall, this new launch furthers the notion that DJI is not messing around with making creator-friendly (essential?) gear that's loved around the world.

BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg has a new animated comedy coming to Netflix. If it's anything like BoJack, we're both ready for laughs and terrified of the emotional devastation that's sure to be coming our way.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

Titled Long Story Short, Bob-Waksberg's new series looks to be his take on the animated family sitcom. With the new trailer, we're introduced to the Schwooper siblings: Avi, Shira, and Yoshi. Not only do they have a very fun last name to say, they're also voiced by sitcom royalty: Superstore's Ben Feldman, Broad City's Abbi Jacobson, and New Girl's Max Greenfield. The series jumps back and forth through time, chronicling this trio's childhoods and adulthoods, along with all the triumphs and traumas that come in between.

The show's first trailer gives us a deeper look into the Schwoopers' chaotic, yet relatable family dynamic, from game nights gone wrong to backseat car fights. There's also a surprising amount of fire involved, along with a wild conversation where Shira asks Avi to be her partner's sperm donor while at a school Christmas play. Location is everything!

If the trailer and Bob-Waksberg's involvement have already piqued your interest in Long Story Short, we've got even more good news for you. First, the series reunites Bob-Waksberg with other BoJack creatives, like supervising producer Lisa Hanawalt (who designed art for both Long Story Short and BoJack), executive producers Noel Bright and Steven A. Cohen, and co-executive producers Corey Campodonico and Alex Bulkley.

Second, Netflix has already been renewed Long Story Short for a second season, weeks before the show's release! The news bodes well for the show, and for any prospective fans who already want to see more of the Schwoopers.

Long Story Short also stars Lisa Edelstein, Paul Reiser, Angelique Cabral, Nicole Byer, Dave Franco, and Michaela Dietz.

Long Story Short hits Netflix Aug. 22.

Nicolandria hive...we're staying fed. Since Love Island USA season 7 wrapped up, second-place couple Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen — aka Nicolandria — have been keeping their fans entertained with casual Instagram lives, an outing to Disneyland, and now a dreamy Greek vacation.

As the couple has been documenting their so-called "baecation" among the dreamy blue seascapes of Greece, they've also been posting what they packed, and we spotted a favorite camera on Olandria's Instagram.

As a shopping reporter, of course I'm curious about my favorite Love Island contestant's favorite products. Credit: Olandria Carthen / Instagram

In a quick snapshot posted to her Instagram stories, Olandria posted her beach bag along with a Fuji Instax Mini, pink personal fan, and vlogging camera. And that vlogging camera? It's the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $968 at Amazon
Get Deal

This DJI vlogging camera is a favorite among content creators, but it's also a Mashable favorite. It has impressive stabilization and motion tracking, plus a vertical video mode, perfect for creating social content. While it is expensive, with the Creator Combo priced at $968, it essentially functions as a Steadicam for filming your daily content.

Also spotted among Olandria's belongings: a personal fan, specifically the Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan. While we might not have an official song of the summer, we do have a product of the summer, and it's the personal fan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Gaiatop Mini Portable fan $7.99 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $2 Get Deal

With temperature's rising, summer temps are reaching an all-time high, meaning more and more people are reaching for a personal fan to stay cool. It's no surprise Olandria packed one for Greece, where summer temps easily reach the high 90s. The Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is an adorable option in its delightful shade of pink and less than 6-inch tall stature. It even comes with three speeds and is USB-C rechargeable. Plus, it's on sale now for just $7.99 — $2 off of its usual $9.99.

So whether they're in or out of the villa, Olandria and Nic are still keeping us under their influence.

The internet is a wild place, where memes can be mean, AI slop is everywhere, and users can post violent videos that will cause trauma. Into this treacherous terrain, American Sweatshop wades to unfurl a thriller about what one woman will do once she's seen something she can't unsee.

Riverdale's Lili Reinhart stars as Daisy, who dreams of being a nurse and helping people — but currently has a survival job as a social media moderator. At night, she gets stoned and watches videos on her phone. But by day, she's exposed to the darkest corners of the web, forced to watch videos of mutilation, beheadings, and animal torture to determine if they violate her company's user agreements.

Such a job takes a heavy psychological toll. So who better to helm American Sweatshop than Uta Briesewitz, who's directed episodes of such wickedly clever tech-centered shows as Severance and Black Mirror? Just like those mind-bending series, American Sweatshop goes down a twisted rabbit hole. Once Daisy sees a seemingly real snuff film, flagging it as offensive isn't enough. She can't shake the images therein, and needs to know if it's real. And if so, she wants justice — even if that means going vigilante.

Out of the film's SXSW premiere, I reviewed American Sweatshop. And as you see in trailer above heralded it "a cyberthriller for the doomscrolling age." I also cheered of this freaky thriller it, "gets under your skin, creeping up your spine to bend your brain. Like the internet videos that are its grim inspiration, it's not easy to shake off the chills American Sweatshop triggers."

American Sweatshop opens in select theaters and on demand on Sept. 19.

The best back-to-school laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 (save $350) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (AMD Ryzen 9 270, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD $1,349.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $599.99 (save $150) Get Deal

It's been [redacted] years since I've personally geared up for a new semester, but I still get excited for the back-to-school shopping season. That's because part of my job here at Mashable entails hunting down great laptop deals — and after Black Friday, now is the time when I see the most discounts on new and popular models across major retailers. (Even the Apple Store joins the fray: As part of its back-to-school sale, one of its rare direct savings events, every MacBook purchased there through Sept. 30 comes with a $100 discount and a free Apple accessory worth up to $199.)

Below, I've compiled a list of the best back-to-school laptop deals on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and a couple of Chromebooks, which I'll continue to update throughout the season; the discounts should stay deep and plentiful up until around Labor Day on Sept. 1. Of note, Mashable's three favorite laptops of 2025 (so far) were all sitting at record-low prices at the time of writing, and a bunch of gaming laptops with new Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series graphics were anywhere from $280 to $450 off. At+ work, everyone.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon and Best Buy
$999 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's new M4 MacBook Air is a Mashable Choice Award winner and one of the easiest laptops to recommend for students. It's gorgeous, powerful, portable, quiet, equipped with a nice 12MP FaceTime camera, and priced super competitively. Better yet, it's also been incredibly easy to find on sale pretty much since launch. As of late July, Amazon and Best Buy have the base configuration of the 13-inch model marked down to just $799 (normally $999). That's a 20% savings and its lowest price yet, beating its Prime Day discount by $50. If you'd prefer a bigger display, the 15-inch version has fallen to $999 at both retailers (another $200 off). It has two extra speakers compared to the 13-incher.

For comparison's sake, the Apple Store is only offering a $100 student discount on both sizes of the M4 MacBook Air. However, it throws in your pick of a free accessory worth up to $199: AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, a Magic Mouse, a Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard with a numeric keypad. Some shoppers will prefer the $200 straight-up discount that Amazon and Best Buy are offering, but if you go the Apple Store freebie route, you can technically save even more.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $599 $649 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,199 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,599 (save $300)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it

The Mashable Choice Award-winning Asus Zenbook A14 is an ultrathin 14-inch laptop featuring a unique matte-textured "Ceraluminum" chassis, which makes it durable, scratch-resistant, and incredibly lightweight. Altogether, this thing weighs only 2.4 pounds, or 0.3 pounds less than the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air. (Most textbooks will probably dwarf it.) In our benchmarks, the Snapdragon X Plus model was almost as fast as an M3 MacBook Pro and lasted longer than any other sub-$1,000 laptop we've tried: almost 22 hours on a single charge. I will warn you that its speakers are horrible, so make sure you have a good pair of headphones on hand. It usually retails for $999.99 at Best Buy, but right now it's on sale there for just $599.99 — an unprecedented 40% discount.

One important aside: That Snapdragon processor makes the Zenbook A14 an ARM-based laptop, which means it won't work with certain specialty apps, the biggest one being AutoCAD. If you have compatibility concerns, opt for an Intel-powered (x86-based) laptop like the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, below.

More Windows laptop deals

• Acer Swift 14 AI (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $729.99 $1,199.99 (save $470)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799.99 $899.99 (save $100)

• Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)

• Asus Zenbook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, 14-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,349.99 (save $350)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,399.99 (save $400)

• Asus Vivobook S16 (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,199.99 (save $150)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, 16-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,149.99 (save $350)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• Asus Zenbook S 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7, 258V 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,249.99 $1,599.99 (save $350)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro, 14-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,649.99 (save $350)

• Dell XPS 16 9640 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399.99 $2,199.99 (save $800)

Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 at Best Buy
$1,749.99 Save $350 Get Deal Why we like it

Oh look, another Mashable Choice Award winner. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is a sleek 14-inch hybrid with a beautiful 2.8K OLED touchscreen display, some neat exclusive AI features, a satisfyingly clackety keyboard, and a battery life of 23 hours and 34 minutes. That makes it the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tried. Potential buyers should know that there is a bit of a performance trade-off: its new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V is about 33% slower than the 15-inch MacBook Air's 10-core M4 chip in multi-core tasks, according to our testing. (It's definitely not sluggish, but it runs like a previous-gen CPU.) That said, it's still a solid buy; our reviewer recommends it for those in search of "a premium, convertible Windows laptop to handle simple productivity tasks." Best Buy just put the 32GB RAM/1TB SSD model on sale for $1,399.99 (down 20% from $1,749.99), which is the first and only discount we've seen it get.

More 2-in-1 laptop deals

• Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $549.99 $849.99 (save $300)

• HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $579.99 $849.99 (save $270)

• Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 14 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $1,199.99 (save $450)

• Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,199.99 (save $200)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149.99 $1,349.99 (save $200)

• Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399.99 $1,699.99 (save $300)

• HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 9 288V, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $1,399.99 $1,899.99 (save $500)

• Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $1,699.99 (save $100)

Best gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (AMD Ryzen 9 270, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD $1,349.99 at Best Buy
$1,799.99 Save $450 Get Deal Why we like it

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a 14-inch gaming laptop that doesn't scream "I'm a gaming laptop": It features a demure, MacBook-y design that won't look out of place in a lecture hall. After class, it can handle triple-A titles with ease; we tried a 2024 model with 4060 graphics, and it had no trouble running Cyberpunk 2077 (though it did get a bit hot underneath). Best Buy has a 2025 version with 5060 graphics, an AMD Ryzen 9 270 CPU, and a different thermal system on sale for just $1,349.99 — a 25% discount on its $1,799.99 MSRP. It's currently $250 cheaper than last year's model.

More gaming laptop deals

• Asus TUF Gaming F16 (Intel Core 5 210H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $892.49 $1,099.99 (save $207.50)

• Asus TUF Gaming F16 (Intel Core i7-14650HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD) — $1,239.99 $1,539.99 (save $300)

• MSI Vector 16 HX AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia Geforce RTX 5080, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,174.99 $2,499.99 (save $325)

• MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio (Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,499.99 $3,299.99 (save $800)

• MSI Stealth A16 AI+ (AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649.99 $2,929.99 (save $280)

• Asus ROG Strix G18 (Intel Core Ultra 9 HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,679.99 $3,059.99 (save $380)

• HP Omen Max 16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $3,159.99 (save $410)

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $599.99 at Best Buy
$749.99 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

A fall 2024 release, this 16-inch Samsung machine is the thinnest and lightest Chromebook Plus on the market. (That "Plus" just means it has certain standardized specs and support for a couple of Gemini-powered AI features.) Our sister site PCMag praised its sleek metal design, pretty AMOLED screen, and long battery life in a hands-on review earlier this spring, deeming it "the best big-screen Chromebook." It's a bit expensive for a Chromebook, but Best Buy's current 20% discount remedies that somewhat — you'll only pay $599.99.

More Chromebook deals

• Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (Intel i3-1315U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $379 $479 (save $100)

• Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $479 $599 (save $120)

SAVE $86.99: As of July 31, the Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds are down to just $213 at Amazon. That's 29% or $86.99 in savings compared to the list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $213 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $86.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been searching for a pair of high-end noise-canceling earbuds, but don't want to pay full price, we've got a deal for you. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds — some of the best around — are less than $215 on this random Thursday.

As of July 31, you can pick up a pair of WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds for $213 at Amazon instead of the usual $299.99. That's a savings of nearly 30% or about $86.99 you'll get to keep in your pocket. Due to an inflated list price, Amazon makes the deal look slightly better than it actually is. But regardless, saving $87 is still a pretty decent bargain.

While we wish they were named better, the mouthful of a name doesn't detract from how great these earbuds are. Not only are they the best earbuds Sony has to offer, but they're also some of the best-sounding earbuds we've tested overall. "The WF-1000XM5 sit safely atop the true wireless throne," Mashable's reviewer writes. "Two years in and they still maintain a heavy lead over industry favorites like the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds."

If rich sound quality is important to you, but you don't want to carry around clunky over-ear headphones, these babies are your best bet. Our reviewer called them "sonic bliss." They're also praised for their excellent noise cancellation, comfortable and lightweight design, customizable EQ, high-resolution audio support, and impressive battery life (up to 12 hours on a single charge, 36 with the case).

They've been cheaper than this before, most recently on Prime Day. But if you don't feel like waiting around for another holiday or shopping event in hopes of a bigger price drop, this is still a pretty solid discount for Sony's premium wireless earbuds.

PopSockets' latest grip, the Suck-Up Grip and Mount, is here. The Suck-Up grip borrows the classic PopSockets design but adds suction cups to the surface, letting you stick your phone anywhere. It's geared toward content creators for hands-free filming, but there's a broader appeal of being able to mount your phone to watch videos or scroll social media without having to hold up the phone.

Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets MagSafe Suck-Up Grip & Mount $30 at PopSockets
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Phone accessories range from decorative, like a Sonny Angel Hipper hanging on for dear life, to the practical, like a PopSockets offering a more ergonomic grip. Content creators often lead the charge on these mobile embellishments, not surprising considering the profession centers around the phone. But those needs are dictating the evolution of classic phone accessories, like PopSockets.

PopSockets CEO Jiayu Lin says on the product's design: "You’ve seen countless creators and celebrities with suction phone accessories, but PopSockets is stepping up the game. We designed the Suck-Up Grip & Mount as a versatile 3-in-1 solution that combines our signature grip and stand with strong suction mount technology. It empowers content creation on-the-go, has MagSafe snap-on convenience, and is a great addition to anyone’s phone wardrobe."

The Suck-Up grips combines the classic PopSockets design with the popularity of suction mount technology. Credit: PopSockets

The suction cup-style phone accessory has been in the creator sphere for some time, but popularity is at an all-time high. When we ask creators what their essential tools are for creating content, the most common answer is the Octobuddy, a suction grip tool that clings to surfaces so you can film hands-free almost anywhere.

The Suck-Up Grip will attach to phones with Magsafe. Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets' new suction cup grips work on the same premise as the Octobuddy, but in a different design. While Octobuddies attach with adhesive to the back of a phone, the Suck-Up grip attaches through MagSafe, making it easily removable. The grip remains true to PopSockets' style, popping in and out for a better phone grip, but now the top of the PopSockets will be adorned with suction cups. The Suck-Up Grip and Mount is designed to hold for up to 10 hours on smooth surfaces.

The Suck-Up Grip is available to purchase for $30 from PopSockets.com and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets MagSafe Suck-Up Grip & Mount $30 at Amazon
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Mini-games can be so much more than mere distractions within a larger package. The best games integrate mini-games neatly into the main event, making them feel just as compelling as the story or core gameplay loop.

These days, I don't get a lot of free time to do the things I truly enjoy. I have a beautiful one-year-old at home, which means my schedule revolves around her. I'm at the mercy of a little girl who doesn't want to sit around all day watching sport. She desperately wants to read a book about farm animals, and I'm not going to say no to that face.

But when I do get a rare moment of peace, you best believe I'm sitting back, relaxing, and tuning into whatever sport is on offer.

But here's the problem: It's extremely difficult (and expensive) to stream live games legally without stacking up subscriptions. All sports fans know the struggle. Some games are on Sky, others are on TNT Sports. This tournament is on DAZN, the next is on Prime Video. And then pay-per-view events are another frustrating layer on top of everything else. Keeping up with everything would cost a small fortune, and nursery isn't free.

An alternative way to stream sport

What I really need is a way to stream top-quality sport for free, but legitimate channels are few and far between. Highlights are great, but there's nothing quite like live action.

With so few options on offer, I started to wonder whether there was a smarter way to stream sports without breaking the bank. Curiosity and a little desperation led me to ChatGPT. I asked if there were any free or cheaper ways to watch live sports. Initially, ChatGPT suggested free UK-based platforms like ITVX and BBC iPlayer. Don't you think I've tried these services, ChatGPT? I watched Wimbledon on BBC iPlayer. I'm watching the Tour de France on ITVX. I've exhausted everything on offer.

Seeking more, I asked ChatGPT if there were other legal streaming options that I could consider. That’s when ChatGPT suggested using a VPN to significantly boost my content offering. By connecting to a server in another country with a VPN, I could access free platforms in other countries — like RTÉ Player in Ireland or SBS in Australia — to watch all the live sports that they host.

I know that the best VPNs aren't free, but I'm already equipped with a streaming-friendly VPN, sports fans. And even if you're not already subscribed to something, most services offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free streaming services without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream live events before recovering your investment. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.

Of course, the important detail here is that you need to use a reputable VPN and you should always double check the legality of access in your country — but this simple process opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I've gone from a very limited selection of live sport to everything the world has to offer.

How to watch sport for free in August 2025

With this new hack in hand, I asked ChatGPT to list out all the live sport taking place in the coming weeks that you can watch for free. Here are the best suggestions:

• British & Irish Lions Tour — free on 9Now (Australia)

• MotoGP — free on ServusTV (Austria)

Anyone from around the world can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming platforms by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in location with access to live sport

4. Visit streaming service of choice

5. Live stream sport for free from anywhere in the world

The process is simple, but picking a VPN is not.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN, but it's not going to be for everyone (just ask my colleague). In my opinion, it's the best choice for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

In a world where everything seems to be costing more and more, I'm going to take all the help I can get.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Paramount+ has been slinging out the hits this year with releases like Dexter: Original Sin, Happy Face, and MobLand, to name a few. Lucky for us, they continue to add quality content to their mountain of entertainment.

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 31, the Lego Botanicals Orchid is on sale for $39.95 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $49.99, saving you over $10.

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$49.99 Save $10.04 Get Deal

Lego's Botanicals line is great for those looking for cute floral displays to have around their home. If you've been hoping to pick one up, the good news is there are some great deals available at the moment. One of our favorite floral Lego sets, the Lego Botanicals Orchid, is even on sale right now.

While the Lego Botanicals Orchid is usually listed for $49.99, you can pick it up for $39.95 right now. This is a 20% discount, allowing you to save just over $10 on it. If you've had your eye on this set, now is a great time to grab it.

SEE ALSO: Score a rare discount on the Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ house set

The Lego Botanicals Orchid comes with 608 pieces that fit together to create stems, blooms, roots, and leaves (alongside a little blue vase for it) that bring this orchid to life. These elements can be rotated as well so you can pose it to your liking. No matter where you choose to put it — whether it's a table, bookshelf, or desk — it's sure to be a lovely little display to have up.

If it's been on your radar, now is a great time to pick up the Lego Botanicals Orchid and save 20%. It's not the only discounted Lego set that's caught our eye lately, either. If you're a Harry Potter fan, you can also score a nice deal on the Lego Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia right now.

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 31, Woot is offering an Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger (1st Gen) for just $14.99. This is 62% off its original price of $39.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger (1st Gen) $14.99 at Woot
$39 Save $24.01 Get Deal

If you've been on the hunt for a wireless charger for your iPhone, Woot's the place to look. The Amazon-owned retailer is offering a great discount right now on the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe wireless charger, allowing you to save over 60% on list price.

If you're interested in buying the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger, you can score it for just $14.99 right now at Woot. This is 62% off the original price of $39. However, if you're looking to pick up more, Woot's also offering value packs of two units or three units for $27.99 and $39.99, respectively. The former offers savings of 64%, the latter 66%.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 could come with a $50 price hike

This is a great way to stock up on wireless chargers, and these are a good option for Apple users to invest in. These 1st Gen Apple MagSafe chargers attach to MagSafe-compatible AirPods and iPhones with the help of magnets, offering up a fast charge so you can boost your battery without waiting around too long. These models come with a one meter USB-C integrated cable.

Deals like these from Woot only last for a limited time — in this case, a month or until they're sold out — so act fast to save on the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe wireless charger.

If you're curious what else Woot is offering at the moment, it's worth checking out this discount on a 55-inch Factory Reconditioned Samsung OLED S85D TV.

SAVE $55: As of July 31, Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are on sale for $124.95 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: SHOKZ Shokz OpenRun Pro $124.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $55.00 Get Deal

Bone-conducting headphones have taken the fitness industry by storm, and they've become a must have for runners. They're a clever concept, combining the need for both music and spatial awareness, this technology helps keep you safe and aware of your surroundings.

And as of July 31, Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are on sale at Amazon, reaching their lowest-ever price again. Right now you can save $55 at the new price of $124.95. This deal is available across all colorways: black, beige, blue, and pink.

SEE ALSO: Should you upgrade to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro? A runner's take.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro, and all bone conduction technology, works by transmitting sound through vibrations directly to the inner ear via the cheekbones, bypassing the eardrum, and increasing your spatial awareness. So you can run, walk, or do any activity with music, but you can still hear what is going on around you in the outside world.

They use 9th-generation bone conduction technology to deliver high-quality audio while keeping your ears open to your surroundings. They also have an IP55 waterproof rating, so they’re sweatproof and work for runs or walks in the rain.

Get this impressive deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $50: As of July 31, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is on sale for $199.99 on Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

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$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is back on sale, and we can thank the release of the Galaxy Watch 8 for that. But you don't always have to go for the newest models, and with this new price on the 7, this option is suddenly looking like the smarter buy.

As of July 31, this model is priced at $199.99, a $50 saving on list price. It comes with a whole lot of features, both for fitness and lifestyle, that you'll love.

SEE ALSO: Verizon is giving customers a free Samsung Z Flip 7 — here's how to get yours

It benefits from Galaxy AI, which includes starting your day with a personalized Energy Score, a stat based on what you did the day before, how you slept, and how much activity you've done. It includes all the usual data you'd expect from a smartwatch, such as sleep monitoring, fitness levels, and heart rate tracking, but at a much more advanced level.

With sleep tracking, this watch can signal whether you may be suffering from sleep apnea. While you sleep, the watch tracks your breathing patterns and oxygen levels, using AI to identify issues that may indicate episodes of sleep apnea. Galaxy AI also improves the fitness tracking too, using your previous workout data to give you an idea of how you are progressing. Whether you're running, cycling, swimming, or whatever else, the Galaxy Watch 7 will give you great stats and insights.

Told you it was a smart buy. Get it from Amazon before the deal runs out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 31 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: The beginning

• Green: Number two

• Blue: Last in a trilogy

• Purple: Not first

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

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

• Yellow: First ___

• Green: Second ___

• Blue: Third ___

• Purple: Last ___

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #781 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• First ___: AID, LADY, NATIONS, RESPONDER

• Second ___: COMING, FIDDLE, GUESS, NATURE

• Third ___: EYE, PARTY, RAIL, ROCK

• Last ___: LAUGH, RESORT, STRAW, SUPPER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 31

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 31 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Half-baked

The words are food-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of desserts.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Piece of Cake.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 31

• Fruit

• Bundt

• Piece of Cake

• Lava

• Sponge

• Pound

• Cheese

• Funnel

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 31 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 31, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Ruffle.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter L appears twice

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FRILL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 31

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 30 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 30, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An analysis.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ASSAY.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 30

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

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

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