Technology

SAVE $500: As of July 31, the Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ECOVACS Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $500 Get Deal

We love a good deal on a robot vacuum here at Mashable, and the latest offer on the Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni is seriously next level. As of July 31, this impressive model is $500 off. Not only that, but according to camelcamelcamel, this is the cheapest it has ever been.

This robot vacuum is seriously powerful, boasting a 16,600Pa BLAST airflow suction to pick up all kinds of dirt and dust. The BLAST Airflow system even cleans carpet efficiently, removing even the toughest of pet hair (that's thanks to the anti-tangle brushes).

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

It even has real-time self-washing mopping with OZMO ROLLER technology, and AI-powered navigation to map out your home successfully. Cleverly, its Triple Lift System automatically adjusts the mop and brushes based on surface type to avoid cross-contamination and preserve carpet dryness. Its extended OZMO ROLLER and side brush enable complete edge-to-edge cleaning, even in corners.

And you have basically no maintenance. Enjoy up to 150 days of cleaning with auto-refilling, hot washing, drying, and detergent dispensing. All you need to do is refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty one, this robot vacuum handles the rest. Your work is always done.

It can also be voice and app-controlled through the likes of Alexa, Matter, and YIKO-GPT AI Assistant for remote or voice-activated cleaning.

It's a limited-time only deal, so get this deal before it runs out.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 31, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Table game

• Green: Regionally specific football

• Blue: Different squads, same player

• Purple: Same first word

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

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

• Yellow: Terms in 8-ball pool

• Green: AFC West teams

• Blue: Associated with Jalen Hurts

• Purple: Tennis ___

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 Sports Edition #311 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Terms in 8-ball pool - CUE, SCRATCH, SOLIDS, STRIPES

• AFC West teams - BRONCOS, CHARGERS, CHIEFS, RAIDERS

• Associated with Jalen Hurts - ALABAMA, EAGLES, OKLAHOMA, SUPER BOWL, MVP

• Tennis ___ - COURT, ELBOW, RACKET, SHOES

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.

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

Every time a new detail about President Donald Trump's friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emerges, the story gets worse and worse. But when all the recent developments are laid out together, it's on another level.

In the clip above from Late Night, Seth Meyers takes "A Closer Look" at all the recent developments, from Trump being bombarded by questions about Epstein during his trip to Scotland to Trump making things worse with every attempt to defend himself during press conferences.

"The reason why this controversy is hitting so close to home and rattling Trump's MAGA base is that they cast themselves as warriors against the elites," says Meyers, "but it turns out they elected an elite who's covering up for other elites."

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 31, 2025:

AcrossQuick punches

• The answer is Jabs.

Animal with unique stripes, similar to human fingerprints

• The answer is Zebra.

The People's ___ (The Rock's signature wrestling move)

• The answer is Elbow.

Pumps the brakes, say

• The answer is Slows.

Many "Bluey" viewers

• The answer is Tots.

DownTreat once advertised as "America’s Most Famous Dessert"

• The answer is Jello.

Head of a monastery

• The answer is Abbot.

Furrowed facial features

• The answer is Brows.

Lumber mill tools

• The answer is Saws.

Grated citrus peel

• The answer is Zest.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Proton has just announced the release of Proton Authenticator. This free, open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app should give you more flexibility along with strong encryption, with a similar feature set as Authy.

The Hyper HyperDrive Flex 8-Port USB-C hub is a well-designed hub with fast speeds and textured plastics that is comfortable to hold, an investment you’ll be happy to keep in your desk or everyday carry—but it isn't without its foibles.

SAVE $5.40: The Lego Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia is now just $9.59 at Walmart, down from its usual $14.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia $9.59 at Walmart
$14.99 Save $5.40 Get Deal

Potterheads, here’s one deal that feels like it was delivered straight by owl post. Walmart has dropped the price of the Lego Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia to just $9.59 — a steal for fans of the Wizarding World or anyone looking for a charming, budget-friendly gift. At 35% off, this is the lowest price we’ve spotted yet for this whimsical set.

This 165-piece buildable car lets you relive Harry and Ron’s daring, rule-breaking flight to Hogwarts in The Chamber of Secrets, arguably the best in the entire franchise. The detailed model features opening doors, a removable roof, and room in the trunk for the included suitcase, wands, and Ron’s ever-faithful pet rat, Scabbers — or rather, the villainous Peter Pettigrew if you want to get deep. You’ll also get two minifigures: Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, plus a Hedwig owl figure to complete the scene.

SEE ALSO: Our 13 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

Once built, the Flying Ford Anglia is perfect for both display and imaginative play. Younger builders can recreate their favourite movie moments, invent their own magical escapades, or mix and match this set with other Lego Harry Potter kits for bigger adventures. And at this price, it’s hard not to grab one (or two) for future birthdays, rainy-day activities, or even holiday stocking stuffers.

Walmart’s discount won’t last forever, and with back-to-school shopping ramping up, this set could disappear as quickly as the Weasleys’ enchanted car into the Forbidden Forest. Whether you’re a collector, a gift-giver, or simply a Lego enthusiast on a budget, this is your chance to add a little Wizarding World magic to your shelf for under ten bucks.

For those who feel like building even more, take a look at our 13 favourite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans. In case you’re a Marvel fan, you can score $17 off the Lego Marvel Infinity Gauntlet set at Amazon, too.

Sony is the current king of headphones and earbuds. Look no further than the new flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds. These are two category leaders and global top sellers praised for their marvelous active noise cancellation, sound quality, and special features. However, the legacy audio brand also sells terrific entry-level and mid-range products that deliver near-flagship performance at accessible price points.

Whether you’re looking for an AirPods alternative or a pair of wireless headphones with a wider sound range than Bose headphones, Sony has you covered on all fronts. We’ve spent the past several months testing all of Sony's most popular models to help you find the right pair.

How to choose the best Sony headphones

Sony headphones and earbuds juggle several priorities, including ANC, battery life, hi-res sound, and multipoint pairing. However, you may need to compromise on some of these features if you're not willing to spend $300 or more, the minimum price for flagship headphones in 2025.

If you want audio you can tailor to your liking, look for headphones carrying Sony’s adaptive sound features: 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, and Find My Equalizer. Travelers and road warriors need a model with noise cancellation powerful enough to eliminate sounds across the entire frequency spectrum, not just airplane engines. Those who live active lifestyles or exercise regularly can find buds with a transparency mode that keeps them aware of their surroundings. Lengthy playtimes and wireless perks (e.g., Bluetooth multipoint, mobile app) have their benefits as well. 

It all comes down to preference.

Now, let’s check out the best Sony headphones of 2025, hands-on tested by Mashable staff.

SAVE $100: Grab Samsung’s 55-inch U7900 UHD 4K Smart TV for only $279.99 at Best Buy, down from $379.99 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch Class U7900 Series UHD 4K Smart TV (2025) $279.99 at Best Buy
$379.99 Save $100 Get Deal

For TV and movie fans looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without emptying their wallets, Best Buy is offering a can’t-miss deal. 

As of July 31, the Samsung 55-inch U7900 Series UHD 4K Smart TV (2025 model), is marked down to $279.99 from $379.99. That’s a full $100 in savings for a TV that packs a lot of premium features into a slim, stylish design. This 4K powerhouse is equipped with Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K, which promises rich colours, crisp detail, and enhanced clarity — even when you’re streaming lower-resolution content, like when Netflix’s ad-tier unexpectedly drops in quality due to streaming issues, thanks to this TV’s upscaling technology. 

SEE ALSO: The best 4K TVs in 2025

Pair that with HDR10+ support, and you’re looking at an offering of deeper contrast, lifelike lighting, and a level of realism that makes your favourite movies and sports pop off the screen.

But it’s not just about watching the new season of Gen-V with a better picture either. Samsung has given this TV a modern, MetalStream design that’s as much art as it is tech. With clean lines, a slim bezel, and a minimalist profile inspired by aircraft engineering, it’s designed to look good in any room without pulling focus from what’s on-screen.

Other entertainment options seem endless, too. The U7900, in particular, taps into over 2700 free channels (including 400+ premium Samsung TV Plus picks), plus thousands of on-demand movies and shows from free streaming services like Pluto TV and Freevee — all without added subscriptions. That means you’re getting more than just a display; you’re getting a full-fledged streaming hub.

So, even when you’re done being wowed by the future home releases of Superman (2025) and Fantastic Four: First Steps, you’ll have more than enough other films and shows to relax to as well.

Security hasn’t been forgotten, either. Samsung Knox Security works in the background to keep your connected devices and personal info safe from unauthorised apps or phishing threats, giving you peace of mind while you binge.

Gamers and sports fans will also appreciate Motion Xcelerator tech, which smooths fast-paced action and reduces blur for a more immersive experience when playing hit titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite. And when paired with a compatible Samsung soundbar, Q-Symphony puts forth the chance to take audio up a notch, combining TV and soundbar speakers for bigger, more dynamic sound.

If you’re still unsure which sort of television is right for you, take a look at our roundup of the best TV brands. In the event you’re willing to spend a little more, find out about the best 4K TVs in 2025, so you can grab the very best.

SAVE $207.50: The ASUS TUF Gaming F16 Laptop is down to $892.49 on Amazon — its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming F16 Gaming Laptop $892.49 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $207.50 Get Deal

The ASUS TUF F16 gaming laptop might have just become the smartest buy on Amazon, and this could be the perfect moment to level up your gaming setup without splurging. 

As of July 31, the powerful 16-inch gaming laptop has dropped to $892.49, a full $207 off its usual $1,099.99 list price. According to price trackers like camelcamelcamel, this is the cheapest this machine has ever been on Amazon, making it a tempting pick for gamers on a budget.

This deal is specifically for the Mecha Grey 16-inch F16 model (FX607VU-SS53), which packs an Intel Core 5 210H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RT 4050 GPU. Backed by 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a fast 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, this laptop is designed to handle modern AAA titles, esports, and heavy multitasking with ease, all while staying portable enough for school or travel.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025: Check out our top picks

While it's not the most powerful set of specs on the planet, you’ll still have a rig capable of playing huge modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle on medium settings — great for a machine of this price, and it should still play like a dream.

Performance isn’t the only thing this machine has going for it. The F16 sports a Full HD+ 144Hz IPS-level display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 100% sRGB colour coverage, meaning promised smoother gameplay, richer visuals, and less screen tearing thanks to Adaptive-Sync technology. 

It also carries ASUS’s signature military-grade durability, tested to MIL-STD-810H standards, so you won’t need to baby it during long commutes or gaming nights away from home.

ASUS has also packed in advanced cooling tech with Arc Flow Fans, multiple exhaust vents, and an anti-dust filter, letting you push your laptop harder without excessive fan noise or throttling. 

Throw in WiFi 6 support, a backlit keyboard, Windows 11 Home pre-installed, and a sturdy design with subtle TUF branding, and you’ve got a well-rounded gaming machine that punches above its price point.

For more gaming machine options, check out our roundup of the best gaming laptops you can get in 2025 so far. If you’re an NVIDIA-exclusive kind of gamer, be sure to also take a look at the three best gaming laptops with NVIDIA GPUs — including Razer, HP, and Acer.

The Elemind headband didn't exactly look like the cure to my insomnia the first time I strapped it on.

In fact, this just-launched $350 device — "the first neurotech headband clinically shown to help people fall asleep," according to its ad copy — reminded me of two similar EEG headbands from years past. Both promised better sleep but failed to deliver.

A chronic night owl with a chattering mind that keeps me up into the wee hours, I've been reviewing sleep gadgets that could potentially save me since the Zeo headband launched in 2010. The Zeo used electrodes to track your sleep stages, but I soon found the benefits of that knowledge were outweighed by... well, by how uncomfortable it was to go to bed with it strapped tightly to your head.

Same goes for the Muse S headband, which launched 10 years later and promised helpful sleep tracking. The much-loved Muse 1 and 2 were brain-sensing meditation aids with firm electrodes that tucked in behind the ear; the headband, aiming for comfort over electrode connectivity, was far worse at detecting a signal.

That's the kind of frustration I expected during my first test of the Elemind, especially since it took take place in an unfamiliar bed where I was being watched by the company's founder.

What I certainly didn't expect was the sound of dolphins with gentle jackhammers breaking up my waking mind.

What is the Elemind headband? Credit: Elemind

In functionality, the Elemind is nothing like those prior headbands. It's not simply reading your electrical brain wave activity; it's actively working to sabotage it.

If that sounds alarming, consider which of the five types of brain waves is in Elemind's sights: Alpha waves. This frequency of brain activity, between 8 and 12 Hz, is the last thing you want at night; it's your mind being just active enough to keep you tossing and turning.

If your brain was broadcasting Beta or Gamma waves, you wouldn't even be in bed; you'd be bounding around the house, alert, making decisions. If your brain found it easy to slip into Delta or Theta frequencies... well, you'd be having deep or light sleep, respectively, and you wouldn't need to read this.

But Alpha? For insomniacs, Alpha is the endless gossip who lives in your head. It's the chatty self-help guru who won't stop saying what you should do. And the fearful newscaster and financial analyst you didn't ask for. And the inner toddler who screams "don't wanna" any time you ask your brain, in the immortal words of a Samuel L Jackson-narrated audiobook, to go the fuck to sleep.

How the Elemind works: Elemind over matter

The Elemind uses insights from the science of oscilliotherapeutics (and if that word alone doesn't put you to sleep, you must really be in Alpha).

Basically, our neurons don't just fire together, they oscillate together — and that lets you target them with sound at very specific frequencies. (If white noise machines sometimes work for you, this is why.)

The Elemind uses its EEG readings to map your Alpha waves in real time, then the accompanying app crunches the numbers on what "pink noise" it needs to broadcast, via built-in bone conduction headphones, to reduce that alpha oscillation down to something in the sleepy zone.

Basically, this sleep tech headband is trying to get your neurons to slow their roll. But how effective is it? This is a good place to note Elemind's major caveat: it's not for everyone.

In its ongoing clinical trial, the company says 76 percent of participants saw reduction in the amount of time it took them to fall sleep. Elemind offers multiple possible reasons it didn't work for the 24 percent. One is that Alpha activity is found throughout the brain, and can be beyond the reach of oscillation broadcasts to the scalp. Your insomnia may literally be too deep to break up.

But not mine; I was relieved to discover I was firmly in the 76 percent. The company wisely offers a 30-day return window, so it's worth a shot to see if this expensive device might be worth every penny to you.

Hands-on with the Elemind The bare-bones Elemind app. Credit: Elemind

What does it sound like, this pink noise? Here's what came to mind after I strapped on the Elemind for the first time: Dolphins are chittering quietly to themselves. Hang on, are they chittering or are they using, like, very quiet machine guns? Or tiny dolphin jackhammers to break up my thoughts?

In a minute or two, I began seeing eyelid movies (you have to keep your eyes closed for an Elemind session to work). Dolphin construction crews wore adorable reflective jackets and winked wickedly.

I realized I was pleasantly woozy — a state I recognize from my dream hacking reportage as hypnogogia, a liminal dream state where you're still slightly awake. But the dolphin machine gun had soon annihilated all my thoughts.

Yet instead of protesting this attack on its thinking rights, as I'd expect, my brain was almost suspiciously happy, as if I'd drugged it.

I did note that I was only clinging to consciousness by the slender thread of a musical earworm that wouldn't go away. (Perhaps earworms appear in the part of the brain Elemind can't reach?)

SEE ALSO: Dream hacking: How to use your brain's wildest, weirdest state

It was a bad earworm, too: "Don't Mug Yourself" by The Streets. Bouncy, dancey, and very anti-sleep. By randomly selecting it on public transit on the way to this sleep test, I had effectively mugged myself.

But that I'd come that close to napping was extraordinary. This was a hands-on Elemind naptime in a Four Seasons hotel suite bathed in direct California sunlight that even the blackout blinds couldn't contain. Elemind CEO Meredith Perry was next door tracking my progress on the app.

And here's the kicker — I hadn't had a successful nap in years.

SEE ALSO: Why the best sleep tracker is one you already own

None of this was conducive to sleep success. And yet over 30 minutes, I came within a worm's width of knocking myself out. Perry's app said I'd actually had 8 minutes of light sleep. I disagreed — the fuzzy math of sleep trackers at play, something I also notice with the wild differences between the readouts on my Oura ring and my Apple Watch — but I also couldn't deny I felt refreshed.

I also couldn't wait to try it out at home, during a full-on sleep session, but I had to. The first review unit Elemind sent was a dud on the bone conduction speaker front. Its app feels very barebones. And I lost count of the number of times it asked me to charge it up or download new firmware — right when I was ready to crash. This seems like easily avoidable bad timing on the app's part.

The Elemind aims to be a sleep tracker as well as an alpha-wave blaster. To that end, the startup is selling $12.99 a month memberships (the first month's free), which simply gets you a lot of data — incomplete data, if you're anything like me and are likely to wriggle out of the headband in your sleep. (I lasted an average of 45 minutes before tearing it off.)

The Elemind's alpha-wave blocking bone conduction noises last for 30 minutes, with a slow fadeout for the last 10. Seems I was too zonked out to twang it a way, for an average 15 minutes per sleep.

In other words, it worked every damn time.

Elemind in the air

Armed with that information, I wanted to see if the Elemind could send me to sleep in the most difficult circumstances. Could I have at least a light, brief, refreshing nap while buzzing on coffee? I certainly could. After an aggravating phone call? You betcha.

The boss level, I knew, was the long-haul flight. As the luck of travel plans would have it, I had a vacation to Japan via Hawaii coming up that involved four flights of roughly 5 hours each, across several days.

Normally, to sleep on a plane, I'd take melatonin, put on noise-canceling headphones, listen to a sleep playlist or the Sleep With Me podcast, and hope for the best. The Elemind changed that.

No matter where I was on the plane, from Extra Comfort space to squeezed into a window seat next to a manspreader, it knocked me out in under half an hour.

Better yet, it worked alongside my regular noise-cancelling headphones (the AirPods Max); if anything, there was a compounding effect with my sleep playlist: together, they gave me a record 2.5 hours of super-Pacific sleeptime.

Is the Elemind sleep headband worth it?

Again, your mileage with this pink noise machine may vary. My advice: it's worth it for folks with an insomnia problem so bad they'd pay $350 to solve it. Given the roughly 1 in 4 chance that your alpha waves are too deep to be broken up, this is one piece of sleep tech that demands more than one former insomniac's opinion.

So, in short, you'll have to think about the possibility of better sleep, and weigh it against the potential mild inconvenience of returning a $350 device within 30 days.

Then sleep on it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Elemind Elemind sleep headband $349 at Elemind
Shop Now

A dying star molting its final layers in space seems to be in the midst of a sad, solitary experience — at least from a storytelling perspective. 

But a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts, shows this drama isn't a one-star act. More than one stellar object, at least for this scene, is on the playbill.

In a new look at the planetary nebula NGC 6072, located about 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, astronomers found evidence that this cosmic cloud's chaotic, lopsided shape is likely the handiwork of more than one star. The tangle of glowing gas may actually reveal a star in its final stages — with a companion sticking by its side until the proverbial curtain falls.

The results of the observation help astronomers understand how some stars die, especially in multiple-star systems, which are thought to be more prevalent in the Milky Way than solo star solar systems. 

SEE ALSO: A star may have survived partial black hole spaghettification The James Webb Space Telescope took a new look at at the planetary nebula NGC 6072. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Unlike giant stars that explode into a supernova and collapse into a black hole, a medium star like the sun is expected to just keep on burning until its nuclear fuel peters out, suffering a more prolonged death. 

This event forms a so-called "planetary nebula," a confusing misnomer for the phenomenon because it has more to do with an aging star than planets. As a sun-like star nears the end, it puffs out into a red giant — about 100 to 1,000 times its original size — eventually engulfing the space around it, including any nearby worlds. 

As the star eventually releases its outer layers, it shrivels down to its core in what's known as a white dwarf star. At that point, it'll be about the size of Earth.

Webb’s powerful infrared instruments took this new high-resolution image of NGC 6072, which doesn't have a fun nickname like some other planetary nebulas. The picture shows multiple lobes of material bursting outward at odd angles like fireworks. It's a far cry from the smooth, evenly distributed rings once expected of such end-of-life events from stars similar in mass to the sun.

Astronomers say telltale signs point to this being a binary system: two stars; one dying, the other disrupting the event with its gravity. 

Webb's Near-Infrared Camera view shows at least two or three distinct outflows of gas — jets stretching in different directions — plus a disk of compressed material forming along the middle, likely caused by winds blasting through older shells of expelled gas. 

But it’s the companion star that can't be directly seen that's grabbing astronomers' attention. The view taken by Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument, aka MIRI, shows expanding concentric rings around the dying central star, which astronomers suspect is a pinkish-white dot in the middle of the image. The rings could have been carved out as the hidden secondary star repeatedly circled its partner, plowing through the fading outer layers.

One of Webb's first images was of the Southern Ring Nebula, about 2,500 light-years away. Astronomers had suspected for more than 50 years that there were actually two stars at its core, but they hadn't actually seen the dimmer star — the true source of the nebula — until they pointed the telescope's camera at it, said Karl Gordon, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. In that case, it was the opposite: They could see the companion but not the dying star.

"We knew this was a binary star (beforehand), but we effectively didn't really see much of the actual star that produced the nebula," Gordon said during a 2022 news conference. "But now in MIRI, this star glows red because it has dust around it." 

A pinkish-white dot at the center of this mid-infrared image is thought to be the dying star creating this planetary nebula. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI

With prior Hubble Space Telescope observations, astronomers found many irregularly shaped planetary nebulas influenced by a second star — so many, in fact, they began to wonder if the extra star was actually a crucial component for their creation, said Rodolfo Montez, who studies dying sun-like stars at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

"It's called a binary hypothesis, which would suggest that [only] stars in binary systems make planetary nebulae," Montez previously told Mashable. "But then we're not clear what single stars like our sun would do in that framework."

Each lobe, arc, and filament deepens the mystery of how stars like — or perhaps not quite like — the sun die. 

But one thing scientists do know: When the glowing cloud of NGC 6072 finally dissipates, it'll leave behind a scattering of heavy elements, perhaps seeding a new generation of mind-boggling stars and planets.

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for Windows for just $49.97 — a one-time payment gets you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Publisher, Access & more for life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal

If you’re still paying monthly for Microsoft Office, we have just one question: why? For less than the price of a single dinner out, you can get Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for Windows as a lifetime license — no ongoing subscription drama, no recurring fees, just good old-fashioned ownership.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for Windows while it’s on sale for $49.97 (MSRP: $219.99) for a limited time.

This is a comprehensive Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, OneNote, and even Teams (free version). Whether you’re writing a report, building a budget, designing a flyer, managing customer data, or just desperately trying to stay on top of your inbox — this one-time deal has you covered.

Office 2021 introduces a sleek ribbon interface, enhanced performance, and a smoother workflow experience that seamlessly integrates into your work, whether you’re working remotely, launching a side hustle, or simply organizing your life. And yes, you can still work offline (cloud fatigue is a real thing).

With instant delivery, easy download, and lifetime customer support, this is one of those deals that makes you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s also great for students, freelancers, home offices, or anyone tired of paying for the same software every year.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Clean up your TV setup with the Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex, now just $23.99 (reg. $29.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscreens Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex - Cord & Mount Concealer for Wall Mounted TVs $23.99
$29.99 Save $6 Get Deal

Didn’t get around to spring cleaning? Since you’ll likely be spending a lot of time indoors during the dog days of summer, there’s no better time to make some changes to your living space.

The Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex is an easy way to make a big difference when it comes to your TV setup, and right now it’s affordable, too — just $23.99 (reg. $29.99).

Declutter your screen space with the first-ever retractable TV skirt

Keep the mess of cords behind your TV out of sight and out of mind with some help from the Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex. This handy invention is the first-ever retractable side cover system ready to hide cables, mounts, and hardware behind your TV, giving your space a cleaner, more streamlined look.

The Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex is compatible with both flat and tilted televisions, thanks to its flexible, accordion-style panel and trim-to-fit sizing. It attaches seamlessly between your TV and the wall, with no tools or drilling needed. Just measure your TV, cut it to the right length, then peel and stick the skirt and enjoy a tidy look from every angle.

Once installed, rest easy knowing that the skirt is breathable, with an open top and bottom design that prevents heat buildup. If you want to jazz things up, it’s also compatible with LED backlighting, so you can add some TV LED backlighting strips.

Give your spaces an affordable upgrade with the Dreamscreens TV Skirt Flex, now for just $23.99 (reg. $29.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Keep spaces clean without lifting a finger thanks to the ECOVACS Deebot NEO+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Auto-Empty Station, now on sale for just $229.99 (reg. $499.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: ECOVACS ECOVACS Deebot NEO+ Robot Vacuum & Mop with Auto-Empty Station $229.99
$499.99 Save $270 Get Deal

Want to keep things tidy without breaking a sweat? It’s time to call in robot reinforcements. The ECOVACS Deebot NEO+ Robot Vacuum and Mop offers hands-free cleaning that you can schedule, and right now you can get one for 54% off the usual price at just $229.99 (reg. $499.99).

Say goodbye to two annoying chores with help from this 2-in-1 robot vacuum

The ECOVACS Deebot NEO+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is a 2-in-1 cleaning solution, letting you check off two chores at once. It can vacuum up pet hair, dirt, and dust with a 4,000Pa suction, offering twice the power of many competing robot vacuums, while also handling your daily mopping needs.

The ECOVACS Deebot has laser-enabled TrueMapping that maps out your home and utilizes smart sensors, making sure the mop raises when it reaches rugs or carpet and that suction kicks in. It’s also smart enough to avoid furniture or running into things, and was made in a compact, under-furniture-ready design that cleans hard to reach spots. An OZMO Mopping System also makes sure the ECOVACS Deebot isn’t over-soaking your hard floors.

The Auto-Empty Station can hold up to 2.5L in a hypoallergenic bag, which holds about 30 to 60 days’ worth of debris. That means you can go for weeks without even touching the vacuum, letting it clean up while you tackle more important things. The 5,200 mAh battery also offers 170 minutes of continuous cleaning on a full charge.

Let the ECOVACS Deebot NEO+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Auto-Empty Station conveniently keep your space clean, now for just $229.99 (reg. $499.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Learn piano from the comfort of home with this lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for only $109.97 (reg. $299.99)

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $109.97
$299.99 Save $190.02 Get Deal

Looking for a fun summer hobby? You could be playing full songs by Labor Day with a little help from Skoove Premium Piano Lessons. This AI-powered app makes it easy to learn at your own pace — all you need is a keyboard and your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to Skoove for just $109.97 (reg. $299.99).

Want to learn piano at home? There’s now an app for that

Become a pianist this summer thanks to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons. This app lets you learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. Just grab a keyboard and your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and get started.

Whether you’re totally new to the piano or have years of lessons under your belt, Skoove makes it easy to pick up where you are and grow from there. With over 400 interactive lessons and thousands of instructional videos, the app adapts to your skill level.

Unlike the dull piano lessons you took as a kid, Skoove lets you learn using music you actually like. Pick a pop song by Adele or a classical tune by Beethoven. The monthly updates make sure you never run out of options.

Skoove’s AI features allow the app to listen to your playing and recognize your notes, providing real-time feedback to help improve your skills. If you run into any issues, Skoove also has music instructors available to help.

Master the keys with some help from Skoove Premium Piano Lessons, now just $109.97 for a lifetime subscription.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in the mood for twisted true crime, hilarious cartoons, bold tales of grief, historical epics, or absolute horror stories, we've got something just for you.

12. Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes

Conversations with a Killer is a recurring docuseries that Netflix produces with writer/director Joe Berlinger, who has spent his career digging into the most notorious America serial killers, from John Wayne Gacy to Ted Bundy, and now David Berkowitz, aka the Son of Sam or the .44 Caliber Killer.

From 1975 to 1977, when he was arrested, Berkowitz stalked New York City, shooting strangers with a .44 caliber gun, sometimes fatally. The randomness of these acts of violence instilled fear in the city, which Berlinger aims to recaptures by interviewing the cops, residents, and journalists who lived through it. But — as the title suggests — the main draw for Conversations with a Killer are the audio-taped interviews the still-living Berkowitz gave to a journalist shortly after his arrest.

Dragged out over three hour-long episodes, Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is overlong. As he has with other killers, Berlinger's fascination with their inner workings means compelling talking head interviews about the case and its effects on society are overshadowed by the way the series treats Berkowitz's brain like a sacred text, worthy of decoding. To put it mildly, Berlinger's brand of true crime is one that turns victims into two-dimensional props, while the notorious murderer gets the spotlight. Depending on what you crave from true crime, your mileage may vary. As for me? I tapped out partway through episode two. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Memoir of a Snail

A bleak, brilliant, and at times hilarious portrait of grief and loss, Memoir of a Snail is unlike the narratives you might have seen on these universal experiences. Mary and Max director, writer, and production designer Adam Elliot pulls you into a detailed stop-motion animation story, following Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) and her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who endure a staggering amount of misfortune. Wrenched apart and plunked onto either sides of the globe, the two live strangely different lives without ever forgetting each other. As I wrote in my review, "Despite appearances, this is not is a kids' movie. A funny, strangely sweet, and macabre tale, Memoir of a Snail embraces the surrealism of life's darker side in a bleak but fascinating world." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Paul Capsis, Bernie Clifford, Davey Thompson, Charlotte Belsey, Mason Litsos, Nick Cave, and Jacki Weaver

How to watch: Memoir of a Snail begins streaming on Hulu on Aug. 1.

10. The Friend

Trigger warning: The following film (and the blurb discussing it) involves mentions of suicide.

Last year, The Friend was a dramedy that earned solid film festival buzz, thanks in no small part to the charismatic performances from stars Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Bing, a beautiful Great Dane who is the film's adorable scene-stealer. During the enchanting press tour, you might have caught that Watts plays Iris a woman who's grieving the death of a friend (Murray) while caring for the problematically large pet he left behind. You might have missed, however, that Murray's character dies by suicide.

SEE ALSO: Bill Murray and Naomi Watts chose the one film for which they want to be remembered, and it's surprising

I mention this not to shock you, but so you might brace yourself (or just duck this one) as needed. Written and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend treats the topic of grieving a person who has died by suicide with great care. One aspect of grief and its different stages can be a sense of guilt, which is a significant factor in Iris' dilemma over whether or not to keep the dog. It's a bittersweet film, rightly deserving of the praise it's received. But as someone who went in not knowing what to expect, I'd recommend proceeding with caution if the topic of grieving a friend lost to suicide hits too close to home. — K.P.

Starring: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, and Ann Dowd

How to watch: The Friend begins streaming on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

9. The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball

From 2011 to 2019, across 240 episodes, creator Ben Bocquelet gave kids and grown-ups alike a bevy of colorful characters, gleefully colliding art styles, and stories hilarious and often heart-warming with The Amazing World of Gumball. And now, the titular 12-year-old cat and his bestie/brother Darwin are back with new adventures in the sequel series The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball.

What has the Watterson family been up to since they've been gone? Collecting dust per their "leaked" teaser from Cartoon Network! Which means that Gumball and company shouldn't miss a beat when it comes to fresh mayhem and mind-bending pop culture references. Will they be able to top the Golden Girls parody ep? Look, that's a very, very high bar to clear. But we're happy to see them try! — K.P.

Starring: Alkaio Thiele, Hero Hunter, Kinza Syed Khan, Teresa Gallagher, and Dan Russell

How to watch: The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is now streaming on Hulu.

8. The Yogurt Shop Murders

In 1991, a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, was the scene of a nightmarish quadruple homicide that took the lives of four teenagers. Documentarian Margaret Brown (Descendant) looks back on the cold case in this four-part docuseries with sensitivity and care. Beyond searching for clues or fresh leads, The Yogurt Shop Murders explores the lives of those who were lost, and how their families were impacted — and how they continue to endure the lingering mystery around what happened that night.

I watched the first episode of this docuseries ahead of its debut at SXSW 2025, which was hosted in Austin. Even just from this introduction to the series, Brown's empathy for the families and her desire to uncover the truth and achieve justice is clear. Be warned: This murder mystery may hook you, and haunt you. — K.P.

How to watch: The first episode of The Yogurt Shop Murders debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 3.

7. Eyes of Wakanda

The four-episode animated miniseries Eyes of Wakanda takes us back into the history of Wakanda and the MCU. Directed by Todd Harris and executive produced by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, the series follows the Wakandan warriors known as the Hatut Zeraze as they retrieve dangerous vibranium artifacts from across the globe. Maybe we'll even see the Black Panthers who preceded Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, or older iterations of the Dora Milaje warriors.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose

How to watch: Eyes of Wakanda premieres Aug. 1 on Disney+.

6. Marc Maron: Panicked

American's most stressed out stand-up is back with a new special. Marc Maron, who's been a comedy icon for decades and a top-notch podcaster with WTF with Marc Maron, dives right into MAGA America by kicking off Panicked with how "great" things are going.

Maron doesn't hold back, making punchlines of President Trump, Robert F. Kennedy, and Elon Musk before going in on comedy podcasters, who denounce "wokeness" and crave free speech. To drive his points home, he embraces language that makes some uncomfortable — but knowingly so. The result is a special that is electric, like George Carlin at his best. So, if you're feeling panicked, Maron may not be the cure. But he sure as hell knows what ails ya. — K.P.

Starring: Marc Maron

How to watch: Marc Maron: Panicked debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

5. Final Destinations Bloodlines

Summertime means family fun, blended drinks, and DEATH AROUND EVERY TURN! As teased in the enticing trailer for the latest Final Destination entry, no place — no matter how convivial — is out of the reach of death. Directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein (who made the underrated 2018 gem Freaks) bring comical carnage and eye-popping practical effects to Final Destination Bloodlines, a reboot/sequel that brings fresh horror to the franchise through a family twist.

Long before Devon Sawa deboarded that plane, a swinging '60s massacre was prevented by the premonition of a young pregnant woman. Decades later, her family thinks she's nuts for believing death is after her and her kin. But once she dies, her granddaughter Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) faces the bloody truth, one horrific freak "accident" at a time!

Twisted fun that'll have you side-eying everyday objects, Final Destinations Bloodlines is a splashy sequel not to be skipped! — K.P.

Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd

How to watch: Final Destinations Bloodlines debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.

4. Chief of War

Looking for a historical epic that will knock your socks off? Then check out Apple TV+'s Chief of War, based on the true story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Chief of War transports viewers to the end of the 18th century, when the kingdoms of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i are at war. At the center of it all is warrior Ka'iana (Momoa), who must navigate shifting sides, villainous kings, and the outside threat of colonization. The result is a bloody, exquisitely crafted look at the corrupting power of prophecy, and the compromises people make to ensure their survival. (It also boasts some jaw-dropping battle sequences that you won't want to miss.) — B.E.

Starring: Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale'o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, and Te Kohe Tuhaka

How to watch: Chief of War debuts on Apple TV+ on Aug. 1.

3. King of the Hill

Hank Hill and company returns! Fifteen years after the Season 13 finale, creator Mike Judge has gotten most of the original gang back together for new misadventures in Arlen, Texas.

Several years have passed since we last saw the Hills. Hank and Peggy were living it up in Saudi Arabia, where Hank's expertise in propane (and propane accessories) allowed them to live the sweet life, while Peggy put her language skills to learning Arabic. But now they're back home, eager to reconnect with friends like Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. And of course, they're happy to reunite with their son Bobby Hill. Now 21, Bobby has rebuffed college to start his own fusion restaurant. And while each episode of Season 14 has its moments, the one centering on Bobby's drive and dreams for his Japanese/German barbecue joint was the one that had me laughing, gasping, and tearing up.

Simply put, we're so back. — K.P.

Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Stephen Root

How to watch: King of the Hill returns to Hulu with Season 14 on Aug. 4.

2. 28 Years Later

Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland reunite for a killer sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later, delivering yet another zombie film for the ages. In 28 Years Later, the Rage Virus continues to run rampant in the quarantined UK, but survivors in an island community have found ways to thrive in the apocalypse. The film kicks off with 12-year-old islander Spike (Alfie Williams) and his father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) heading to the mainland as a rite of passage, which quickly spirals into an unrelenting stress ride.

Bursting with gore, deep emotion, and innovative filming techniques, 28 Years Later proves just as harrowing and fresh as Boyle and Garland's first foray into zombie filmmaking. As Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote in her review, "In a landscape heaving with zombie apocalypse media from The Walking Dead to The Last of Us, 28 Years Later manages to declare its footing as an original monster. Magnificently shot, ruthlessly edited, and outrageously scored, it's a rambunctious, grisly, human tale of survival." — B.E.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell

How to watch: 28 Years Later is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

1. The Life of Chuck

Writer/director Mike Flanagan and Stephen King are a match made in heaven. Look no further than Flanagan's adaptations of Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. However, with The Life of Chuck, Flanagan outdoes himself, tackling a twisty King novella and creating a gorgeous film that honestly works way better if you go in knowing nothing about it.

What I will say is this: As the title suggests, The Life of Chuck chronicles the life of 39-year-old accountant Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). But that's all you get! For more reasons to watch Flanagan's "career-best" work, look no further than its critical acclaim. In her review, Mashable's Kristy Puchko wrote, "The Life of Chuck is masterfully told. Like King's most moving adaptations, it doesn't play by standard rules of structure or audience expectations. It demands we follow the winding road through playful dialogue, painful lows, and rollicking highs, to an unknown beyond." You heard her, get to watching! — B.E.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill

How to watch: The Life of Chuck is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale for $249 at Amazon (Prime member discount). That's $50 off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Get Deal

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. For this reason, their product range is often the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone so near the top of the charts of best-sellers over Prime Day. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not AirPods popular?

Then the real reason hit us like an out-of-control drone.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty must be boosting sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news for anyone scrambling to buy before a potential ban is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon. In fact, it's on sale for $249 at Amazon for Prime members. It's being sold and shipped by AeroTech Hubs. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but AeroTech Hubs has an excellent track record and times are tough right now. With stock running low, we'll take what we can get.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users. It has one-tap takeoff options and a return to home function. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-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 we think creators will appreciate.

Prime members can get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $250 at Amazon. Not a member? You can still score this drone for under $300.

SAVE $200: The Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the list price of $1,199. That's a 17% discount and the lowest price ever at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

One of the best times to buy a new MacBook is during the Amazon Prime Day event in July. Another awesome time is right about now, during back-to-school season. And like clockwork, we're seeing great discounts on MacBooks and other Apple devices as we head into August. If you're eyeing a new MacBook, check out today's sale at Amazon.

As of July 29, the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is $999 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $1,199. That takes $200 off the price from a 17% discount. It's also the best price we've spotted at Amazon.

If you know you want a MacBook and you prioritize portability, the 13-inch MacBook Air is likely your best bet. In Mashable's comparison of the best MacBook, the Air gets the nod of the best overall, and it also happens to be the most affordable option. Today's sale price gives you a machine with the new, zippy M4 chip and it comes with 512GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: Need to stock up on Apple AirTags? Get a 4-pack for under $80.

The 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage is also on sale at Amazon for a price of $799 which means you'll get double the storage with the 512GB version for $200 more. In addition, the $999 sale price applies to all colorways of the MacBook Air, which is nice to see. It's pretty common with Apple sales to only see a few colorways included in a sale.

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the M4 MacBook Air and wrote, "The new MacBook Air is great. It's powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades. It's also cheaper than before, making it the best-buy Apple laptop, period."

Before the rush of back to school takes hold, order the MacBook Air from Amazon for $999. It comes with the reassurance that you're getting the most affordable Apple laptop with more storage than the baseline model.

SAVE 14%: As of July 31, you can get the DJI Mini 3 drone for $359 at Amazon. That's a 14% discount and $60 off.

DJI Mini 3 $359 at Amazon
$419 Save $60 Get Deal

Whether you're a hobbyist, influencer, real estate agent, or professional photographer, a drone is one of the easiest ways to capture stunning aerial views and footage with relative ease. The only issue is that drones can be a pretty hefty investment. If you want a good one, you're easily looking at spending at least $500. But if you know where to look, you can often find a good deal. And while we usually don't recommend Amazon for drones, we actually found a legit DJI Mini 3 deal live right now.

As of July 31, you can snag the DJI Mini 3 drone for $359, or $60 off its regular price of $419. That's a 14% discount. This isn't the lowest price we've seen for this model, but it's pretty close. It was around $329 last June, but since it's still summer and there are plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing aerial views, $359 isn't a bad price at all.

SEE ALSO: Insta360's new drone brand Antigravity teases world first 360-degree camera drone

The DJI Mini 3 has a 38-minute flight time (and you can extend that up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) and can soar up to 32,800 feet. There’s no registration needed for recreational flying, since it’s under 249 grams. (Just keep in mind that if you buy the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, it will weigh more.) It also shoots in 4K HDR video, and its true vertical shooting makes it super easy to take photos for social media.

This drone is also Level 5 wind-resistant, so it can stay steady even in windy conditions. And you can easily pair it with your phone for QuickTransfer at up to 25 Mb/s. This means you can use your phone as a remote and preview your shot from up to 10 km away.