Technology

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with a lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$38 (reg. A$308) with code SCAN through 7 September.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$38
AU$308 Save AU$270 with code SCAN Get Deal

Raise your hand if you've ever had to rush to the library to print something. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for.

This iOS app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a handy little scanner that works for basically any document type. It's also only A$38 (reg. A$308) for a lifetime subscription. 

No more wasted desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems.  Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or autofilling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized.

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Use code SCAN by 7 September at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$38. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $70: As of July 22, Amazon's Fire TV Soundbar Plus is down to just $179.99 instead of $249.99. That's 28% in savings and just $5 shy of its all-time low Prime Day price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $179.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Although Mashable's favorite soundbars could run you upwards of $999, a soundbar doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you opt for something a bit more simplistic, like Amazon's Fire TV Soundbar Plus, you'll pay less than $200.

As of July 22, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is back on sale. Regularly $249.99, it's down to just $179.99 at Amazon — just $5 more than its all-time low price from Prime Day earlier this month. That's 28% in savings.

A major step up from the basic Fire TV Soundbar, the Soundbar Plus is a 3.1-channel, all-in-one soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume. It packs three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers that pump out sound in every direction. It also offers precise tuning, a customizable dialogue-enhancing setting, a wide frequency range, and four preset listening modes — movie, music, sports, and night — making for more cinematic viewing sessions at home, whether you're watching the latest theatrical hits or streaming the big game.

As our friends at ZDNet (owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in their review, "It's an excellent choice if you're seeking to enhance your audio experience without the complexity of a high-end system."

No matter how much money you drop, adding a soundbar to your setup is always going to improve your audio experience. If you're seeking something light on your wallet, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a good bet — especially while it's on sale for just $5 shy of its best-ever price.

SAVE $500: As of July 22, get an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at Best Buy for $799.99. That's a discount of 38%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $799.99 at Best Buy
$1,299.99 Save $500 Get Deal

In the market to bring home a new smartphone? If you're firmly Team Android and plan on staying that way, you can rarely go wrong with a Galaxy device. And if you don't want to pay full price for one of the latest and greatest iterations, you've still got options. Case in point: a Best Buy discount on an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra that saves you a full $500 off the phone, and in multiple hues at that.

As of July 22, get an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at Best Buy for $799.99. That's $500 off the regular price of $1,299.99 and a discount of 38%. This price applies to all three colorways: Titanium Violet, Titanium Black, and Titanium Gray.

SEE ALSO: Last chance: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and get a free storage upgrade and $200 gift card

This is an excellent phone for the price. According to Mashable's Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon, it's the "best Android phone around." Gedeon praised the device for its lengthy battery life and chat translation tools in her review, as well as the S Pen included with the device itself: "It can, indeed, 'read' my chicken scratch," she wrote.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, it boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with 3120 x 1440 resolution, a 12MP front-facing camera and rear-facing 200MP camera array as well as a 5000mAh battery.

If you're ready to try a new phone, this is a deal you'll want to grab while it's still around, especially if you don't mind grabbing the previous model. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Best tech deals

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

AI is everywhere today, with several models all touted as being extremely capable and helpful. For me, that means having AI do research on complex topics, saving me hours every day. But I have access to several models, and I can't help but wonder: which one is worth your trust?

SAVE $79.01: The Anker Solix C300 portable power station is on sale for $219.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $299. That's a 26% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C300 portable power station $219.99 at Amazon
$299 Save $79.01 Get Deal

Going out into the great outdoors used to mean disconnecting from the rest of the world. For some, that was a blessing, but others would much prefer to stay in touch. If that's you, check out this great deal at Amazon today.

As of July 22, the Anker Solix C300 portable power station is just $219.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $299. That works out to a savings of $79.01 from a 26% discount.

Taking a portable power station on your next road trip or camping adventure is a truly smart idea. Think of these as massive extra batteries that will keep your campsite powered up. The Solix C300 is a great option if you're looking to keep your cell phones going, the string lights on, and use the projector at night.

SEE ALSO: Bluetti’s beastly AC200L power station is down to its record-low price on Amazon

The Anker Solix C300 gives you 288Wh of power which means you'll be able to recharge a phone almost 20 times or a portable speaker about six times if you're taking this model camping. If you're using at home when the power goes out, you'll be able to use a CPAP machine for five hours.

When it comes time to recharge the C300 portable power station, it'll take under one hour with a wall outlet. Since it weighs about six pounds, the C300 is a extra portable and you'll be able to easily carry it around the campsite or from room to room during a power outage at home.

While it's on sale for under $220, snag the Anker Solix C300 portable power station from Amazon. The next time to power goes out, you'll be set for staying in touch.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

While the fancy new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series is the first watch running Wear OS 6 and Samsung's One UI 8 update, those with last year's Galaxy Watch Ultra are in for a treat. Ahead of schedule, Samsung just announced that One UI 8 is rolling out today to the Watch Ultra.

SAVE UP TO 75%: As of July 22, Walmart is holding a huge sale on all things plants. Save on live indoor and outdoor plants, plant stands, drainage pots, garden beds, and even grow lamps.

Opens in a new window Credit: House Plant Dropship Live plants and planters at Walmart save up to 75% Shop Now

It happens every summer: "This is the year I'm finally going to be a plant person." (Hydrangea envy is a very real human emotion.) Walmart's current plant sale is a good place to start: As of July 22, you can save up to 75% on a ton of live plants, planters, plant stands, outdoor gardening gear, and even some grow lamps.

SEE ALSO: The Plantaform smart indoor garden uses NASA tech to grow plants with fog

The plant sale has 25 pages to click through, so you're bound to find something you need — whether you're a beginner just looking for a single easy philodendron, someone looking to decorate the porch of the home they just moved into, or a veteran green thumb adding yet another wooden flower bed to the garden. Maybe it's your sign to get that Bonsai tree you've been wanting since your days of decorating homes in The Sims. The sale is also a good opportunity to stock up on supplemental plant supplies like drainage pots, self-watering plates, or grass seed.

The Steam Deck is my favorite way to play emulated games. I’ve probably spent as much time playing retro titles on Valve’s handheld as I have playing regular Steam games, and it’s wonderful.

It’s been ages since a Marvel movie has succeeded like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a delightful throwback adventure nestling a family soap opera. In many ways, no entry in the MCU has felt as detailed or inspired, let alone shown as much adoration for Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's comic book source material. You know what they say: the thirty-seventh time's the charm.

Set in a separate universe from its more grounded peers — the original Iron Man all the way through the recent Thunderbolts* — First Steps drops us smack-dab in the middle of ongoing adventures starring Marvel's "First Family." The film swiftly establishes their personal dynamics and keeps these relationships central throughout hurried moments and sudden tonal shifts, ensuring that Marvel Studios' now-signature slapdash CGI is no match for a heart of gold.

SEE ALSO: All the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, ranked worst to best

First Steps functions both as an adaptation of a thus-far hard to translate roster (it's the fourth go-around for these characters since 1994), while also working on its own terms. While the plot is straightforward and unfolds with sincerity, the film has no dearth of raucous humor or whizbang action moments reminiscent of classic sci-fi serials. Its sense of scale is born not only out of danger and destruction, but palpable emotional stakes, yielding one of the most inspired four-quadrant Hollywood blockbusters since — quite fittingly for a Disney-owned film — Pixar's own take on the concept, The Incredibles.

What is The Fantastic Four: First Steps about? Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Credit: Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios

Novelty title cards plucked from the 1960s welcome us into the home of married couple Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), in a surprising opening scene that replaces the genre's usual first act fireworks with quaint domesticity. Sue has just taken a pregnancy test and waits to share the good news. In the meantime, Reed obsessively fixates on a task, as he often does in the comics. But this is no spaceship we find our protagonists in, as expected. Within this regular Earthly house, Reed is working on something much more mundane: rustling through every drawer for an everyday item.

On paper, this all seems unremarkable. But in performance and character blocking, it's the perfect distillation of Reed and Sue, aka Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman, and it informs the heightened drama between them throughout First Steps. The prospect of having a baby both scares and excites the celebrity couple, with Sue elated and Reed prepared to infant-proof the world if he has to. As they share the news with Sue's immature brother, Johnny (Joseph Quinn), and the couple's best and oldest friend, gentle rock-giant Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), a passionate family portrait emerges, of trepidatious parents and bickering surrogate siblings, each preparing to add one more to the pack.

Featured Video For You Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' and SNL star Sasheer Zamata plays 'Slash or Pass: Witches Edition'

Apart from Ben's appearance, an unfamiliar viewer might not realize there's anything out of the ordinary about the family at first (eventually, Sue wields invisibility and force fields, Johnny spontaneously combusts, and Reed stretches like taffy). The film is intent on this character-first approach, so it reduces the family's well-worn origin story — being hit by cosmic rays during a space mission — to an energetic montage, alongside ripped-from-the-comics highlights from their first few years as crimefighters. The retro-futuristic designs and the family's diligent robot helper H.E.R.B.I.E. make the movie feel like an update to The Jetsons, emphasized all the more by flying cars in the distance and sleek, curved public screens on which a TV host (Mark Gatiss) gets viewers up to speed.

Amidst the congenial hubbub and brotherly banter, danger arises. Mysterious space transmissions intercepted on Earth by the family mean the unforeseen arrival of an otherworldly envoy. The melancholy, metallic Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) lights up the New York sky in flames, announcing the impending apocalypse courtesy of her master, known as Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Faced with this intergalactic threat, the team returns to outer space for the first time in years in order to track down the ancient villain — a skyscraper-sized, biomechanical demigod driven only by hunger — in the far corners of the cosmos. However, their plan to negotiate goes south when Galactus senses something special about Sue's unborn son and will only spare Earth in exchange for the boy.

Thus begins the central philosophical dilemma of First Steps, one that forces the family to confront their roles as humanity's saviors — and the people of Earth don't take kindly to having their lives put at stake. As is the nature of classic superheroes, the Fantastic Four become tasked with solving an impossible conundrum.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is pure comic book adventure Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Credit: Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios

The MCU has long featured the famous ethical dilemma known as the trolley problem, but here, Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben are hell-bent on finding a solution. This imbues them with the same good-natured soul as this summer's Superman — another summer blockbuster that takes after comics' 1960s "Silver Age," when many of the medium's kookiest concepts were born. It was also when Lee and Kirby first published The Fantastic Four, but First Steps' adherence to the decade is more than just about paying tribute.

The film's era-appropriate designs are eye-popping — there are times you’ll wish director Matt Shakman lingered on each splendid detail for twice as long — but where the movie especially succeeds is in its echoes of the era's Space Race optimism. The United States was, of course, engulfed in the Cold War (and in real wars), and the Civil Rights movement was hitting its peak. But the more utopian, integrated '60s of First Steps has its eyes affixed to the stars, as people treat its space-faring scientists (and educators) as Earth's ultimate heroes. Hints of grainy, archival film footage flash back to the team's fateful venture past the stratosphere — they are this world’s first astronauts, hence the title — brief scenes in which the characters’ fear and excitement (and that of the world at large) radiate off the screen. 

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Credit: Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios

First Steps is a throwback not only to Marvel's newly beloved mid-century décor and retro superheroes, but to an old-fashioned sense of adventure, told through broad emotional strokes and accompanied by composer Michael Giacchino's bubbly, operatic score. And yet, First Steps is also distinctly futuristic and scientific, using more widely understood corners of the cosmos to create dazzling action moments. The gravity of a wormhole bends space lasers helter-skelter. The time dilation of a neutron star becomes a key part of an escape plan. And among all this cosmic chaos, Shakman centers trust and intimacy, as characters floating in zero gravity share vital moments of transformation.

In a cinematic universe of grounded villains with politically muddled motives, Ineson's horned Galactus stands out as a truly Kirby-esque horror (by way of children's building blocks). A being whose objective is to consume in order to survive, he's elemental; a force of nature with no conscience. On the flip side of this equation is the morally earnest Fantastic Four, characters who strive to foster global cooperation in the vein of Ridley Scott's feel-good space saga The Martian. Like in the aforementioned Superman reboot, the cast and characters of First Steps are an utter delight.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast is exceptional Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Credit: Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios

You could pick any interaction between Fantastic Four members and it would tell you all you need to know about their history. And yet, First Steps doesn't simply coast on these comic-inspired details. Rather, it builds plot through each character's response to danger, between Johnny's hotshot eagerness, Ben's steadfast balance of kindness and no-nonsense enthusiasm, Reed's pedantic consideration of every possible solution, and, perhaps most vitally, Sue's fierce love, externalized as protective energy shields.

It's been unfortunately characteristic for Sue, known as the Invisible Woman, to fade into the background of Fantastic Four stories or play second fiddle to her ambitious husband. However, Kirby — despite her ostentatious pantomime when using Sue's powers — exudes vigilance and radiance, which becomes a major part of the story. Lofty speeches in superhero films are a dime a dozen, but it's rare to see one that not only comes from a place of understanding but of uncertainty — during a vulnerable moment, Sue appeals to people's better angels, as the public tears down her family.

Equally understanding, but in a much quieter way, is Moss-Bachrach's Ben, the glue holding the family together in tough moments. Rather than cartoonish affectations, The Bear star opts to find the measured humanity within Ben through his voice performance. However, he also reserves an inner childishness for the character, revealing this in the moments Ben roughhouses with his more chaotic foil. Out to prove himself as more than just a dopey playboy, Quinn's Johnny is mostly seen trying to live up to the examples set by his three elders, whether in his Ben-like assumption of responsibility, his Sue-like protectiveness, or his Reed-like problem solving, when deciphering messages from outer space — captured on golden records no less, à la the optimism of Voyager 1.

The whole family's here. Credit: Marvel Studios / 20th Century Studios

But the movie's biggest strength — and arguably the defining ingredient of any great Fantastic Four story — is Reed. Pascal shapes Mr. Fantastic with obsessive cautiousness and a drive for logical altruism. The latter can verge on self-defeating, given how much of his probabilistic logic involves considering the most inhumane options (if only to later counter them). He's a walking paradox, driven by his need to protect his loved ones but in a way that leaves his soul vulnerable — especially as the world debates sacrificing his own son. Reed is cursed with having to consider all aspects of this terrible philosophical dilemma, nuances projected not just through dialogue, but by letting capable actors (and real, old-fashioned movie stars) have fun with dramatic material.

The Reed-Sue dynamic sings as well, counter-balancing the film's sense of worldwide camaraderie with interpersonal domestic drama that gets to the heart of both characters, and their respective drives of logic and love. As a couple, they are each other's North Stars, so they're never unattuned to each other's perspectives, but the rising tensions during the plot are rooted in how they might meet in the middle. The film finds a magnificently moving answer by way of the quirks of language. Reed repeatedly uses a famous quote by Archimedes that denotes his scientific drive: "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." Meanwhile, Sue speaks similarly of "moving heaven and Earth" to protect those she loves. Where these two ideas collide — in their plot function, in the ferocity with which each character believes them, and in the actors' conviction — is the kind of smart and incandescent crossroads of character, story, and theme that so few Hollywood studio products have strived for of late.

When First Steps inevitably reaches its noisy climax, occasionally losing its geographical compass while less-than-stellar effects take hold, what remains firmly affixed is its character-centric core and sense of wide-eyed adventure. The Fantastic Four will inevitably end up in a more drab version of their reality, when they're forced to cross paths with the larger MCU, but for the moment, their self-contained relaunch is one of those rare miracles of superhero cinema that ensures both fidelity to enduring characters and the demands of big-screen spectacle for new audiences. The film strikes this balance without ever sacrificing the flawed humanity and the uncompromising heart that have long made Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben some of the most lovable fixtures in all-ages American fiction. First Steps is, in a word, fantastic.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters July 24.

DJI drones in stock at Amazon In Stock Now DJI Neo Mini 4K $199 Get Deal In Stock Now DJI Mini 4K $299 Get Deal

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones that you'll likely recognize even if you don't know much about them. The brand is everywhere creators are, and that's for good reason. They can help create buttery-smooth aerial shots and work fantastically must-have wireless mics, which makes the brand something of a go-to for TikTokers, YouTubers, and even filmmakers alike.

That popularity has a downside, though. It's nearly impossible to find DJI products in stock, even at the official DJI online storefront. During Prime Day, two of the brand’s most in-demand drones, the DJI Neo Mini 4K and DJI Mini 4K, topped sales charts. Now, they’re barely available outside of third-party sellers. DJI’s own site lists most of its bestsellers as sold out, and even creator favorites like DJI wireless mics are backordered across major retailers.

Right now, you can still find these popular drones available at Amazon, however, so if you're looking to add them to your creative tool array, now is the time to lock them in while you can.

Why are the DJI drones so popular?

There’s a reason the DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 4K Neo were two of the most talked-about drones during Prime Day, and why they're selling out just as fast. These compact drones offer crisp, stabilized 4K video in lightweight packages that are still beginner-friendly but powerful enough for serious creators. They're also very affordable when compared to other models in the space.

With foldable designs, intuitive controls, and features like QuickShots (automated flight paths that make your drone footage look cinematic with zero editing), they’re a good choice for just about anyone, even if you're just getting started out. Unfortunately, that also means they're in high demand, which means if you do spot them out there in the wild, it's a good idea to grab them while you can.

DJI Neo Mini 4K Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Neo Mini 4K $199 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

We named the DJI Neo 4K one of the best drones for beginners, as it's the most affordable you can get from the best name in consumer drones. It's small, easy to maneuver, and it can be conrolled by way of app or controller. You can also opt to use voice controls to get it up into the air, but if you end up losing it, it can also use an automatic return to home function to find its way back to you. It offers 4K video, QuickShot modes, subject tracking, and a variety of other features that make it great for drone photography. If you're looking for a good entry point when it comes to drones, this is a very safe (and our favorite) bet.

DJI Mini 4K Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K $299 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

An equally beginner-friendly drone, the DJI Mini 4K is full of features that can help you get into the air and stay there fast. It has one-tap takeoff options if that's the part of flight that's the shakiest for you, and a return to home function that can help you get it back if you're not sure how to navigate. But perhaps most importantly for content creators or anyone wanting to get into photography or drone footage, it offers a 3-axis gimbal and 4K quality as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that's worth the extra cash.

The Federal Communications Commission is changing how it approaches broadband deployment under Donald Trump's second administration.

A new proposal from FCC chairman Brendan Carr would lessen the federal agency's focus on broadband affordability and lower the ceiling on its long-term ambitions for broadband deployment, per Ars Technica. The proposal, which goes to a vote in early August, would ultimately make it easier for the FCC to provide passing grades to the broadband business during its regular progress reports.

Federal law requires the FCC to figure out whether or not fast internet is being offered to Americans "on a reasonable and timely basis" and to fix the situation if the answer is no. Carr wants to change things so that the FCC no longer worries about "extraneous universal service criteria," such as whether or not people can actually afford the internet service that's being offered to them.

SEE ALSO: FCC approves T-Mobile's Starlink cell coverage plans

Similarly troubling for those who advocate for better internet for more people is that the FCC wants to eliminate a long-term goal set during the previous administration for broadband internet to meet a standard of 1,000Mbps download speeds and 500Mbps upload speeds. For years, the standard for what counted as "broadband" according to the FCC was a meager 25Mbps/2Mbps, which are speeds that won't get you very far these days. As of 2024, the standard is 100Mbps/20Mbps, which are far more in line with normal, usable internet speeds, but certainly not as fast as the 1 gigabit goal set during Joe Biden's time in office.

It's not hard to see how this manner of deregulation will affect customers around the U.S., especially in areas with poor broadband access. If ISPs don't have to worry as much about deployment and affordability as they used to, and they can get passing grades on the annual report card more easily than before, then there aren't as many incentives to increase affordable access to high-speed internet.

Elgato just released the Game Capture 4K S. This is a brand-new external capture card that's perfect for anyone looking to stream or record their gameplay from Mac, PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, or other HDMI-compatible device.

Sick, twisted freaks, rejoice — your time has come. Hellraiser: Revival, what Clive Barker himself calls the franchise’s "first true horror game," is on the way thanks to Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games.

The trailer, released today, sees players take on the role of Aidan as he ventures into Hell and across a corrupted Earth to rescue his missing girlfriend and confront the Cenobites. From the small snippets of gameplay shown, expect some brutal combat against demonic hordes and tense encounters with iconic characters like Chatterer and Butterball.

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about that WTF 'Hellraiser' ending

It might seem odd that it's taken this long. A series about sadomasochistic demons from Hell summoned by solving a cursed puzzle box sounds tailor-made for gaming. However, the adaptation fits right in with the recent trend of reviving '70s and '80s horror icons for modern gaming.

Boss Team Games, known for Evil Dead: The Game (2022), is stepping away from the asymmetrical multiplayer format and delivering a full-fledged single-player action horror experience. Unlike other horror adaptations such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Game, Friday the 13th, or Evil Dead, Hellraiser: Revival focuses on narrative-driven single-player gameplay. It trades the online matchmaking and lopsided lobbies for a more intimate and blood-soaked descent into Barker’s universe.

I'd cry, but as the saying goes, that would be a waste of good suffering.

Pokémon fans eager for the next big mainline release just got an unexpected treat. During today’s Pokémon Presents event, The Pokémon Company stealth-launched Pokémon Friends — a cozy, casual puzzle game now available on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

SEE ALSO: Review: 'Donkey Kong Bananza' is the Switch 2's first stone cold banger

Developed by Wonderfly, Pokémon Friends invites players into a whimsical world of crafting and collecting. The game features more than 1,200 puzzles centered around creating plush versions of your favorite pocket monsters. You’ll connect bulbs, lay down minecart tracks, and redirect flowing water — all to stitch together the perfect Pokémon plush, which you can proudly display in-game.

The base game is free on mobile, but it'll set you back $9.99 on Switch via the eShop — though that version comes with the Basic Pack DLC included. Just a heads-up: that's the cheapest part. The two main bundle packs (which include extra puzzles and plushies) cost $25 and $33. If you’re aiming for the full experience — both bundles, two additional puzzle packs, and the Basic Pack — expect to spend around $100 total.

It's not the next epic trainer journey, but for fans of cozy games and charming collectibles, Pokémon Friends seems to be a delightful little diversion, and it's available right now.

SAVE $100: The DJI Mic 2 bundle is on sale at Woot for $249, down from the list price of $349. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 2 $249 at Woot
$349 Save $100 Get Deal

DJI makes some of the best creator gear around. From top-of-the-line drones to portable power stations, DJI is incredibly friendly to those who make TikToks or YouTube videos on any level. And you've probably noticed that tons of content creators are using DJI mics. If you've been hoping to score DJI mics but have been running into stock issues, Woot is your savior.

As of July 22, Woot is selling the DJI Mic 2 bundle for just $249, marked down from the normal price of $349. That's a $100 savings from a 29% discount. Considering it's hard to find these mics in stock at all, seeing them on sale is extra special.

Chit loves these mics, and your favorite YouTubers do, too. The DJI Mic 2 bundle from Woot comes with two wireless microphones, one receiver, a charging case, two windscreens, two clip magnets, a carrying case, and more. All of this together gives you everything you need to pick up clear audio during your next filming session.

SEE ALSO: Meet Dean and Alexis Indot, TikTok's hottest finance couple

Each of the DJI mics has enough storage to keep up to 14 hours of internal recording, and these come with an extended range that provides stable recording within 250 meters of the receiver. With the including charging case, DJI says the mics are capable of getting 18 hours of use.

The DJI Mic 2 has direct connection to DJI creator cameras — including the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 — without a receiver, so this is a great mic option if you use any of those cameras.

While it's in stock and on sale, hurry to snag the DJI Mic 2 from Woot for $249. Woot deals tend to disappear quickly, so hop on this one soon if you're interested.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

Remember when the first big PC gaming handheld, the Steam Deck, debuted at just $399? Us too. Those really were the days, weren't they?

Well, those days are seemingly over if the latest pricing leaks for the upcoming MSI Claw A8 end up being accurate. According to two European retailers that have the handheld listed for preorder — Alza and SmartSK — the MSI Claw A8 will cost €975.90 for the white version of the handheld, and €978.90 for the green variation (first reported on by VideoCardz). That comes out to about $1,141 and $1,145, respectively, and you probably don't need us to tell you that's a far cry from the handheld PC pricing that we've become used to. Note that while these prices aren't yet final, it's still likely that they're accurate — the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which is the brand's most recently released handheld, is currently listed at €1,099 at these retailers, so it wouldn't be surprising if the upgraded Ryzen processor version (the MSI Claw A8) did end up costing nearly $1,200.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 review: A fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is one of our favorite gaming handhelds, and even that device is pretty pricey. So, it's a little worrying to see the brand go in this direction with its future pricing. Could this be the new standard? Hopefully not, but if other brands' pricing decisions are anything to go off of, it may be. For example, while Microsoft's upcoming collaboration with Asus, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, doesn't have an official MSRP yet, we can assume it'll end up somewhere in the ballpark of $899.99 — that would match the price of Asus' ROG Ally X that released in 2024. Honestly, it'll most likely cost even more, since the Xbox handheld will have an upgraded Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme APU. Lenovo's new Legion Go S also starts at $759.99, which is still pretty steep.

While we aren't certain what the reasoning for these increasing prices is, tariffs probably aren't helping much. In an interview with Mashable, Senior Director of Business Intelligence at the Consumer Technology Association, Rick Kowalski, stated that video game systems and gaming accessories have already experienced tariff-related price increases, and any additional tariffs on semiconductors will only make them more expensive. “Given this information, I'd say consumers may want to consider purchasing sooner than later. In a few months, your dollar may not buy you as much tech as it once did," Kowalski concluded.

You might not notice Gmail ads a lot—the few ads we do get are made to blend in like emails, so they tend to be a non-issue for many. But now, you're about to. Google is playing around with a brand new ad format for Gmail, and it might grind some people's gears.

Apple TV+ showcases some fabulous original content, and they do many things well. One of those is making nature documentaries. Their originals are not only engaging and educational on a much deeper level than the surface, but they’re also the most stunning, mesmerizing documentaries I’ve ever seen. They’re also narrated by hot-shot celebrities, such as Paul Rudd, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Hiddleston.

BUY 3, GET A $10 GIFT CARD: Through July 26, Target Circle Members get a free $10 gift card when they buy three or more home essentials like laundry, kitchen, or bathroom supplies.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Free $10 gift card With purchase of 3 household essentials Shop Now

Everyone is in such a rush on Prime Day that they forget to partake in the event's best money-saving hack: Stocking up on boring essentials that they'd have to buy anyway.

If you missed Prime Day deals on household items like laundry supplies or toilet paper, grab 'em at Target this week, and you'll get a free $10 gift card. The deal is open to Target Circle members (which is free to join) through July 26, and you'll need to buy three eligible items to unlock the gift card.

SEE ALSO: Target is ending its price match policy as of July 28

But you're bound to find stuff you need; there are eight pages of items participating in the promo, including several appearances from names like Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Hefty, Kleenex, and Seventh Generation. You could even get into the Plastic Free July spirit and try some products from ECOS with plastic-free packaging, like dissolvable laundry detergent sheets.

If you're not a Target Circle member yet, why not? Unlike Amazon Prime, it's free to join. And Target offers clutch promos like this pretty much every week. Sometimes it's gift card deals like these, and sometimes it's direct coupons on a variety of items. Just check the app before you go to the store or start an online order.

Best home and kitchen deals

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $139.99

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.95 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $159.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $379.95 (List Price $499.99)

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $419.99 (List Price $699.99)

SAVE $320: Through July 24, when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Amazon, you'll get double the storage (512GB) for free and earn a $200 Amazon gift card. That's a $1,419.99 total value for just $1,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (512GB, unlocked) + $200 Amazon gift card $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,419.99 Save $320 Get Deal

There's new Samsung foldables in town and they're officially set for release on July 25. There's no need to wait to snag one, though. As of July 22, you can pre-order the seventh-generation foldables for a steal.

The Z Flip 7, the smaller of the two flagship foldables, starts at $1,099.99 for the base model with 256GB of storage. However, if you take advantage of the pre-order deal at Amazon, you can get double the storage (512GB) for the same price, plus earn a $200 Amazon gift card to use on future purchases. That's essentially a $1,419.99 value for $1,099.99.

The Z Flip got a major upgrade this time around. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) already gave it a test drive and called it "the flip phone to beat." The biggest change is the new exterior cover display, which is larger and goes edge-to-edge for the first time. It also features a new 120Hz refresh rate, the ability to interact with AI features without opening the phone, and the option to ouse the camera to show things to the onboard AI. We're skeptical of its Exynos 2500 processor, but time will tell if it's powerful enough to stand up to competitors.

The Z Flip 7 comes in three distinct colors — jet black, blue shadow, and coral red — and each option is available with this pre-order deal. The promo ends on July 24, a day before the official release of the new foldables, so be sure to lock down the savings while you can. A free $200 gift card and upgraded storage? It's tempting even for an iPhone user.