Technology

Prime Day is less than 2 weeks away: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:39
Best early Prime Day deals Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (Save $70) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sony WH-CH720N $87.95 at Amazon (Save $92.04) Get Deal Best speaker deal Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon (Save $699.01) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,297.99 (Save $400) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $529.99 (Save $270) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 (Save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $39.49 (Save $20.50) Get Deal

No matter what type of shopper you are, whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap and paper towels or as a time to splurge, the time is nigh because Prime Day is coming.

Usually taking place in early July, Amazon has decided to shake things up this year and run the sale in June. Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26, and while the timing may have changed, we're still expecting the same great savings.

Even though we still have about two weeks until the official start of Prime, the deals kicked off as soon as the sale was announced. Each day we get closer to the sale, more deals go live. Look for early savings on Amazon devices, toys and games, kitchen appliances, and gadgets from Sony, Sonos, and Apple.

So if you're eager to start saving, we rounded up the top early Prime Day deals to start shopping now — including the lowest price ever on the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal

Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals, and a major one just dropped. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $179, which saves you $70 off its $249 price tag. According to Camelcamelcamel, this is the new lowest price ever on the earbuds.

This is the type of deal we normally see during Prime Day, so the fact that it's coming two weeks early is something to celebrate.

Apple Watch dealsAirPods dealsiPad dealsBest early Prime Day headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $87.95 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $92.04   Get Deal

When Prime Day actually starts, our attention will be on the big names in headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $87.95 and save $92.04.

More headphone dealsMore earbud dealsBest early Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker dealsBest early Prime Day portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $699.01   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Right now, there's an outstanding deal on the Anker Solix C2000, which is 50% off. That takes it from $1,499 all the way down to $749. Ahead of Prime Day, that saves you $750.

More portable power station dealsBest early Prime Day TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then shop the early Prime Day deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,297.99, saving you $400. That also means it's just $50 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV dealsBest early Prime Day vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270   Get Deal

Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $529.99. That's just $30 above its lowest price ever, but still provides $270 in savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsBest early Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More home dealsMore kitchen dealsBest early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $39.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.50   Get Deal

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 34% off. Grab it now for under $40 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 11

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:27

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking over the airwaves this summer, and it all starts today, June 11. The 23rd and biggest edition of the global tournament to date is hosted by three different countries for the first time (United States, Mexico, Canada) and features more competing teams than ever (48 teams across 16 different host cities). It's going to be epic and you won't want to miss out on the action.

The first day of the tournament opens with live coverage of Group A starting at 1 p.m. ET today, as host country Mexico welcomes opponent South Africa. We've broken down everything you need to know to tune in live.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 11How to livestream FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Mexico vs. South Africa

Mexico welcomes South Africa to Mexico City today to start the entire tournament. While the game doesn't officially kick off until 3 p.m. ET, live coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on Fox and Fox One. Tubi will also be streaming the match for free, and Peacock will have the Spanish-language coverage.

Watch South Korea vs. Czechia

South Korea will take on Czechia in what could prove to be an early switch match in Group A on June 11. It kicks off at 10 p.m. ET at Guadalajara Stadium, and live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will also carry the Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-month subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99 only for a limited time Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tubi Tubi (Mexico vs. South Africa only) Watch for free Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish language coverage only) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming options:
Categories: IT General, Technology

Visa is connecting with ChatGPT to let AI agents automatically make purchases

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:23

Is it too time-consuming for you to search for and buy products you need on the internet? ChatGPT and Visa have a solution.

OpenAI and Visa, the world's largest non-Chinese payment network, have worked to integrate Visa into ChatGPT, per the Associated Press. Thanks to this integration, users can now have ChatGPT operate as a shopping agent of sorts, scouring the internet for products based on natural-language queries and making purchases on the user's behalf.

SEE ALSO: Florida becomes first state to sue OpenAI over ChatGPT's alleged links to violence

“As AI agents become active participants in the economy, Visa's focus is to ensure transactions are trusted, secure, and seamless,” said Visa executive Jack Forestell.

To get an idea of how this works, one example given involved asking ChatGPT to find a new pair of headphones under a certain price threshold. Ideally, the chatbot would quickly search the internet for one, present options to the user, and complete the purchase if the user asks it to. According to Visa, some of the guardrails in place to prevent fraud or out-of-control spending include spending limits and a list of approved merchants, in addition to the basic requirement of user approval.

If you trust AI to make purchases for you, this could be a godsend. If you don't, well, nobody is making you use it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The AirPods Pro 3 are the cheapest theyve ever been ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:19

SAVE $70: As of June 11, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 have dropped to a new best price ever of $179 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target — down from their usual $249. That's 28% or $70 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal

Just the mere mention of Amazon Prime Day has sent prices into a tailspin. Though the shopping event of the season doesn't officially kick off until June 23, we've already got mad deals to shout about. The Apple AirPods Pro 3, in particular, have never been this cheap.

As of June 11, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to just $179 at Amazon, Walmart, and Target (mysteriously, Best Buy has them at full price). That's $70 or 28% off their list price of $249 and a new all-time low price.

"The AirPods Pro pop up on most best of lists, and though we've always been fans, the third generation takes these earbuds to a new level," writes Mashable's reviewer. The Pro 3's noise cancellation is twice as good as the Pro 2's. They have even better battery life at eight hours with ANC and 10 hours in transparency mode. Plus, they added the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite workout earbuds), a live translation feature, and new foam-infused tips that come in various sizes for the right fit.

If you already own a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you probably don't need to upgrade to the 3s. But if you're buying AirPods for the first time or need to replace ones you lost, this price drop should seal the deal. There's always a chance they could get even cheaper for Prime Day, but $179 is already the cheapest they've ever been.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This open-source app turned my Android phone into a free time-lapse camera

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:15

There's no shortage of cool things you can do with an Android phone. You can turn it into a security camera, a gaming handheld, an Android Auto display, and so much more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 criminally underrated ways to use the USB port on your PC or Laptop—besides charging and data transfer

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 17:00

Most people only use USB ports for charging and file transfers, but that’s barely scratching the surface. Modern USB ports can do far more than most people realize. If you’ve never stopped to think about what that little port is actually capable of, let me enlighten you. Here are three surprisingly useful ways to use the USB port on your laptop or PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why smart bulbs are actually the worst introduction to smart homes

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 16:45

Like so many of you, the first "smart" home device I ever bought and installed was a Bluetooth-enabled RGB light bulb that came with an app. Now I could lie in bed and change the room's color and light temperature to whatever I wanted, or set a time, so the light would wake me up in the morning.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The biggest panels and events scheduled for VidCon 2026

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 16:42

VidCon 2026 kicks off in less than two weeks in Anaheim on Thursday, June 25, with three days of panels, events, creator meetups, and festivities.

While some sessions are open to all VidCon attendees, most are organized by a ticket holder's track and pass level: the Fan track (VidCon pass), the Creator track (Creator pass), and the Industry track (Pro pass).

SEE ALSO: Why VidCon still matters in 2026

The Fan track focuses on more interactive events and IRL meet-ups, while the Creator and Industry track passes are geared towards networking events and informative sessions for creators and industry professionals.

Think of this as your guide to the events you need to keep on your radar heading into this year's VidCon.

The VidCon Hall of Fame

VidCon's second annual Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday, June 25, and is open to all attendees, regardless of ticket tier. 

The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees include Markiplier, Philip DeFranco, Michelle Phan, and Blogilates founder Cassey Ho. 

"The objective is to recognize legacy and impact with creators that have sustained high-performance over time and continuously innovated to set new creative standards in our industry," VidCon said on its website.

GorillaCon

VidCon attendees need to purchase a separate ticket to attend GorillaCon, described by VidCon as the "first-ever official live event celebrating the world’s largest virtual reality game, Gorilla Tag."

GorillaCon attendees will have the opportunity to meet their favorite Gorilla Tag creators, purchase limited-edition merchandise, enjoy concerts and trivia, and more. 

GorillaCon is set to take place throughout all three days of VidCon.

Mentorship Series

VidCon's Mentorship Series, described as a "fast-track to insider knowledge," is open to Creator and Pro pass holders.

Top digital creators and industry leaders — including Mashable! — will lead small-group sessions on specific topics, such as how to turn AI into a creator system, building a sustainable career as a creator, and turning views into revenue. 

The sessions, scheduled throughout all three days of VidCon, have a maximum capacity of 19 people and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Featured hosts include senior vice president of Shorthand Studios, Jared Naylor; co-head of Community at Fixated, Kai Plunk; Evan Frasca and Sean Henderson of the Spotify Content Partnerships team; YouTube audience development and optimization expert Jamie Rawsthorne; and former lead vertical editor at MrBeast, Spencer Hileman.

Creator pass holders also have access to other sessions hosted by companies like Kineto and YouTube. 

Think Tank 20 and VidCon Speed Networking

Pro pass holders have exclusive access to Think Tank 20 sessions, the VidCon networking app, and VidCon speed networking. 

Think Tank 20 sessions are similar to the Mentorship Series sessions but are focused more on topics affecting the creator economy. 

There are two Think Tank 20 sessions scheduled for Thursday: one focusing on the new rules of music licensing and one on what it takes to build a business that attracts buyers. The sessions are led by Soundstripe CEO Jeff Perkins and RockWater founder Chris Erwin, respectively.

VidCon is also holding speed networking sessions on Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, during which Pro pass holders can meet with fellow industry executives.

Pro pass holders also have access to other sessions hosted by companies like Chartbeat, iFLYTEK, Soundstripe, and Dots.

Opening Day Keynote presented by POP.STORE

Creator pass and Pro pass holders also have access to the Opening Day Keynote on Thursday, presented by POP.STORE.

Creator and journalist Jon Youshaei and POP.STORE CEO Gautam Goswami will discuss ECHO-ME, a new AI business tool for creators, and the use of AI in the creator industry.

Other events open to all VidCon attendees

All VidCon attendees have access to Meet-and-Greets with featured creators, Expo Hall events, VidCon's inaugural Pickleball Creator Tour, the Live Podcast Studio, and VidCon After Dark.

The weekend will conclude on Saturday with Creator Xplosion, a live art crossover event between FAN EXPO comic creators and VidCon artists, and the VidCon Street Fest, a festival full of food trucks and booths.

The full schedule and session details are available on the VidCon website. Here's how to purchase tickets.

Mashable will be on the ground at VidCon 2026 from June 25-27, covering the creators, trends, and conversations driving internet culture, from breaking news and creator interviews to industry insights and live updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

2 Raspberry Pi weekend projects that solve real kitchen problems and 1 just for fun (June 12 - 14)

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 16:16

As we head into another weekend, it's time to take a look at three more fun Raspberry Pi projects to tackle. This weekend, I'm showing you two similar projects that are pretty easy to accomplish with the right hardware, and one that will make you think a bit harder than normal to see through to the finish line.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 things you need to try with Gemini in Android Auto

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 15:45

Gemini began a wide rollout for Android Auto, and the shift is way more helpful than a simple rebrand. For years, Google Assistant relied on rigid, specific commands. If you didn't say the phrase exactly right, it wouldn't work. Gemini replaces that headache with the ability to speak to your car more like you would a person. You don't have to remember specific syntax; as long as you get close, it'll be able to bridge the gap.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop falling for tool-only deals: Here's why jumping brands costs hundreds more

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 15:31

Are you considering the switch to a different power tool brand? You might want to think twice before ditching them for a shiny new drill that's on sale. Switching tool platforms may feel like a simple upgrade, but the hidden "power tool tax" of jumping into an entirely new battery ecosystem will cost you hundreds.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Trump Phone is mostly a rebranded HTC phone

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 15:03

Now that the Trump Mobile T1 phone is available for purchase, we finally have a chance to see what's it really made of. And, as suspected, it's not a very original device.

The folks at iFixit have torn down the Trump Phone (as it's colloquially known), and found that it's very similar to HTC's U24 Pro phone. Very, very similar. OK, they're the same phone, with some very minor differences.

If you're unfamiliar with HTC, it's a Taiwanese consumer electronics company that used to be a big smartphone player, but these days it's a company with shrinking revenues that focuses on VR and niche Android phones. The HTC U24 Pro came out in 2024; it's a 6.8-inch smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip, 12GB of RAM, 256/512GB of storage, a triple, 50/50/8-megapixel camera, and a 4,600mAh battery.

The similarities between HTC's phone from 2024 and the Trump Phone were apparent after the two devices were scanned with an industrial x-ray CT scanner (see image below).

They're the same picture. Credit: iFixit/Lumafield

Of course, the proper teardown, as well as the similarities between the two devices' specs confirmed the suspicions (the Trump Mobile T1's official specs are here). The visual changes between the two devices boil down to a slightly different chassis, the gold paint on the Trump Phone and the shape of the holes in the speaker grille.

Inside, the components are either the same or very similar, but there are certain differences, including a slightly larger battery on the Trump Phone. It also appears that several components of the Trump Phone were made in the Phillipines, in an apparent move to avoid components made in China (where phone batteries are typically made).

SEE ALSO: So, the Trump Phone is real

One of the key selling points of the Trump Phone was that it would be made in the U.S., though the wording was later changed to phrases including "designed with American values in mind," as well as "American teams helping guide design and quality." The fact that the phone was very likely made by HTC doesn't prove it wasn't at least partially assembled or designed in the U.S., but it's definitely not a phone that was made in the USA (the FTC standards on that are quite clear).

Oh, and by the way: the HTC U24 Pro was priced $469.99 when it launched two years ago. The Trump Mobile T1 is available now for $499.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your smart home needs more of these 3 sensors, not bulbs or switches

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:31

One of the most common uses for smart home tech is to make the lights in your home turn on and off. Smart bulbs are reasonably affordable and simple to install, and combined with switches, can make your lights easy to control. There are three other smart home sensors that can make your smart home even better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Fi used to be the best for international travel—these cheap eSIMs beat it now

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:15

I wouldn’t call myself a “frequent flyer,” but I’ve done some international traveling. My carrier of choice for those trips was Google Fi. However, it seems I might need to rethink that before my next trip across the ocean—especially if it’s lengthy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to tweak Instagrams algorithm to show you the content you really want

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:10

Ever felt like social media sites don't really care about your interests anymore, instead showing you random stuff you don't even like? Instagram is taking some steps to change that.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri announced the change on Threads on Wednesday, with Instagram adding a new feature called Your Algorithm.

"As software gets better at predicting what we want, our sense of agency gets smaller. The main feed on every major app is now mostly accounts you never decided to follow, surfaced by algorithms rather than your explicit choices," he wrote. No s***, Sherlock.

View on Threads

The way to remedy that is through the Your Algorithm tool, which allows you to choose which topics you want to see in your Instagram feed. While this sounds like the same thing you go through when signing up for a new social site, Your Algorithm is a welcome change as these topics previously weren't explicitly visible on Instagram. It also gives you the option to choose the topics you don't want to see.

When I checked my Instagram to see which topics the algorithm was serving me, I've found several that were off the mark. For example, a topic that was included for me was "Muay Thai," and while I have nothing against this type of content, it's not something I actively want to see more of in my feed.

SEE ALSO: Threads is adding a Grok-like AI search feature Drum solos? OK, I'll allow it. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable How to personalize your algorithm on Instagram

The Your Algorithm feature is easy to tweak, but it is buried pretty deep in Instagram's settings. Here's how to access it on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Instagram app and tap the profile icon in the lower right corner.

  2. Tap the three lines icon in the top right corner, scroll down, and tap on "Content preferences".

  3. From here, tap on Your Algorithm, and pick the topics you want or don't want to see.

  4. You'll notice that Instagram is surfacing several suggestions for you, but you're also free to tap "+ Add" and pick any topic you want.

Mosseri says that this is "the start of something bigger than a feature," and that more features are coming in the future, including setting moods, vibes, content types, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jellyfin's best feature is its plugins—here are the 5 that matter most

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:01

Jellyfin is a powerful self-hosted media server platform that enthusiasts love, but its “developer-first” feel can be a barrier for the average user, pushing them toward the more polished but restrictive Plex. If you’re willing to tinker just a little, though, Jellyfin might be the better option — and it’s completely free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Insta360 unveils cute Hello Kitty-themed action camera

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:00

Insta360 has launched a Hello Kitty-themed action camera, collaborating with Sanrio to give the GO Ultra a cute new look.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition's specifications are identical to the original GO Ultra action camera, boasting 1/1.28-inch sensor and 70-minute battery life (or 200 minutes when in its Action Pod), and weighing 53 grams (though the Action Pod adds another 109 grams). Its highest video resolution is 4K at 60fps, though its frame rate can reach 240fps at 1080p, and it uses microSD cards for storage. 

SEE ALSO: Insta360 unveils Luna Ultra, its Osmo Pocket competitor

Like the original GO Ultra, the Hello Kitty version is a versatile little camera that's easy to throw in your bag, with a magnetic backing that significantly expands your mounting options. Insta360 has also added an exclusive Hello Kitty watermark that owners of this limited edition camera can apply when exporting their footage.

However, the real attraction of the Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition is its aesthetics. 

Credit: Insta360

While the Insta360 GO Ultra comes in either Midnight Black and Arctic White, the limited edition Hello Kitty collaboration gives it a pastel pink makeover. Miss Kitty White herself is printed on the camera's corner, peeking out curiously at whatever it is you're filming. She appears on the Action Pod as well, holding her own GO Ultra under the flippable screen, while the recording button is decorated with a picture of a pink spotted bow.

The Kitty-themed bundle comes with several Kitty-themed accessories as well. Insta360 has given its Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 and its GO Ultra Quick Release Safety Cord exclusive pink colourways, with the latter sporting an adjustment buckle in the shape of a cute Sanrio bow. Also pinkified are the included GO Ultra Magnet Pendant, Magnetic Easy Clip, Quick Release Mount, and even the USB-C charging cable.

Credit: Insta360

Despite these accessories, the Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition's most eye-catching inclusion is its pink padded Hello Kitty carry case. With its adjustable rope shoulder strap and magnetic flap covering its zip closure, the soft, structured case could almost double as a cute purse were it not for the collaboration's logo stamped on its front. Even with the logo, I'd still be tempted to use it for non-camera purposes anyway.

Credit: Insta360

Insta360 does introduce a few new features with the Hello Kitty camera, adding three new filters to its existing eight: Frosted CCD, Amber CCD, and Blue CCD. It also upgrades Portrait Mode to Portrait Mode 2.0, which lets users choose whether to minimise skin imperfections with the Smooth option or to Brighten their skin. 

However, these features aren't exclusive to the Hello Kitty collaboration, and will be available on all GO Ultra cameras. To get them, simply connect your GO Ultra to the Insta360 app and update its firmware.

The Insta360 GO Ultra x Hello Kitty Limited Edition is available now for $569.99. That's a $90 price bump compared to the un-Kittyfied version's $479.99 Snap & Shoot Bundle, which includes most of the same accessories but swaps out the carry case for three Sticky Tabs instead. 

Whether it's worth paying the extra for the Hello Kitty edition will depend on how much you value the aesthetic. For some, that cute pink bag may be more than enough.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boox just launched its latest e-reader, the Go 6 (Gen 2)

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 14:00

Boox just dropped a new e-reader, and it looks pretty familiar, but not just because it's a second-generation model.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is here and available for preorder. Measuring six inches, the Go 6 is Boox's ideal travel e-reader, nearly pocket-sized but slightly larger than the brand's Palma 2. The Gen 2 comes in four new shades: custard, plum, shell, and stone. The Go 6 (Gen 2) is a familiar-looking e-reader, too, as it appears nearly identical to the Kindle Paperwhite.

The new Boox Go 6 (left) resembles the Kindle Paperwhite (right). Credit: Boox / Amazon

Both devices have screens flush to the exterior chassis, the main difference being that the Kindle comes in black while the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is white. The new Go 6 also has a ridged exterior for a suitcase-inspired look compared to the Kindle Paperwhite's smooth case.

The biggest upgrade coming to the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) is its handwriting support. Now you can pair the e-reader with Boox's InkSense Plus stylus, and with a native notes app, you can mark up books, take notes, and journal. That definitely gives the Go 6 a leg up against the Paperwhite, which doesn't have notetaking abilities.

Supported by Android 11 with a built-in Google Play Store, the device has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of SSD. It has a front light with adjustable warmth and brightness and a max brightness of 300 ppi.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) costs $199.99 and is now available for preorder and expected to ship on Wednesday, June 17.

Opens in a new window Credit: Boox Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) $199.99 at Boox
  Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

Canada to ban social media for kids under 16

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 13:50

Canada is set to ban social media for children under 16, in a move similar to Australia's historic law.

Announced by the Canadian government on Wednesday, the proposed Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) aims to reduce online harms to children and hold social media and AI chatbot companies responsible for addressing such harms, citing child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, self-harm, and the impact on mental health.

SEE ALSO: 'You're always on': Warnings from the front lines of the teen mental health crisis

The proposed law will see the Canadian government restricting users under 16 from holding social media accounts. This also means age verification for online services, and legally mandated safety requirements for social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and companies with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

"We have seen the very serious consequences that online harms can have. As technologies evolve, we must ensure our laws keep pace, because parents cannot face these challenges alone," reads a statement by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, who introduced the bill.

"The safety of children cannot be an afterthought. This legislation will introduce stronger responsibilities for online platforms to ensure their services are safe by design and include appropriate measures to keep children safe."

The bill comes months after Australia made history last year with its unprecedented Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which banned social media for kids under 16. Notably, Australian kids have found ways around it. In 2026, Brazil, Austria, and Indonesia have followed suit, with governments in the UK, France, Thailand, Spain, and more countries looking into their own initiatives.

Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act will install a new digital safety commission that will require online services to "identify, mitigate and address the risks" on their platforms. They will also be required to take measures "to reduce children’s exposure to certain content and high-risk interactions," covering seven categories of "harmful content" identified as "content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, intimate content communicated without consent, content that induces a child to self-harm, content used to bully a child, content that foments hatred, content that incites violence, and terrorism or violent extremism content."

Social media companies will also be required by law to adequately label AI-generated content, "be transparent in terms of their reporting thresholds in crisis situations," and AI chatbot services will be required to "mitigate the risk of the chatbot communicating harmful content" or the risk of it "engag[ing] in harmful behaviour."

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, president of the Canadian Medical Association, supported the bill in a press statement, saying, "Time's up. It’s unacceptable for foreign-owned platforms to continue to get rich at the expense of our children’s mental health, privacy and personal safety. This legislation makes Canada a global leader in digital safety and ensures Canadians, especially young people, are protected online and out of harm’s way."

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection also publicly backed the bill. "For over 20 years, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has documented a steep and accelerating rise in online harms against children, including child sexual abuse and exploitation," said with executive director Lianna McDonald in a statement. "The tabling of the Digital Safety Act is a historic day that could turn the tide on this trajectory."

However, Canada's Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms noted Bill C-63 "goes far beyond targeting criminal conduct," and would "undermine freedom of expression, due process, and the rule of law in Canada."

"The Online Harms Act would dramatically expand government censorship powers, punish lawful expression online, and authorize preemptive restrictions on individual liberty," reads their statement. "In doing so, it would represent a fundamental departure from Canada’s long-standing commitment to freedom of expression and due process. Under Bill C-63, lawful speech could be subject to investigation, penalties, or removal based on vague and subjective standards. Individuals could face severe consequences not for committing crimes, but for expressing opinions that are later deemed unacceptable."

Notably, Canada's Safe Social Media Act will inside a larger legislative framework called the Digital Safety Act. This law will also cover "user-uploaded livestreaming and adult content services." This means minimum-age restrictions not only for social media services but also "for accessing pornographic content on regulated services."

The growing trend of age-verification bills, which require individuals to prove their age to access not only adult content but social media sites, has ramped over the last few years. That's despite, as Mashable's Anna Iovine has long reported, experts warning these bills pose threats to digital privacy and free speech.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set has dropped below $60 at Amazon before Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 06/11/2026 - 13:43

SAVE OVER $20: As of June 11, the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set (#75376) is on sale for $55.99 at Amazon. This is $24 off its full price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV (#75376) $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00   Get Deal

If you're searching for some good Lego deals, Amazon is worth a look right now. Even before Prime Day, the retailer is offering some great early deals on a wide variety of items, Lego sets included. For Star Wars fans, the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set (#75376) is one build that's been marked down, dropping to $55.99 as of June 11.

Compared to the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set's full price of $79.99, this deal saves you $24 overall. It may not stay discounted for long, though. Considering it's marked as a 'limited time deal', you'll want to make your move quick on this set before its price shoots back up.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

This Lego Tantive IV set is recommended for adults aged 18 and over, as it's meant to be displayed as a model once you're done. It comes with 654 pieces in total that create the Tantive IV starship from A New Hope, including details like its 11 engines and turbolasers. It also comes with a buildable stand with a nameplate you can stick on the front alongside a Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary brick.

If the Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Tantive IV set is one you've had your eyes on, now is a great time to pick it up and save at Amazon.

If you're still in the shopping mood and looking for more Lego sets to buy, have a look at our breakdown of the 10 best Lego sets of 2026 so far to see some of our top picks.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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