Technology

Astronomers have detected the signal of a colossal black hole in deep space that likely formed when two already-large black holes crashed into each other billions of light-years away.

The result is a colossal cosmic object about 225 times heavier than the sun — by far the most massive ever observed through gravitational waves, or ripples in the fabric of spacetime. Before now, the record holder for a black hole merger detection using this method weighed in at just 140 times the sun.

The discovery, announced on July 14, comes not from NASA but a collaboration of observatories around the world, including two U.S. National Science Foundation–funded observatories in Louisiana and Washington. The newfound black hole has defied expectations for its unusual size, based on known ways that stars collapse. 

"We have theories of how black holes form when stars die, and those theories are fine for black holes that are five times the mass of our sun, or 10 times, or even 50 times," wrote Mark Hannam, a Cardiff University scientist who led the research team, on his Substack, The Fictional Aether. "But once you get to about 60 times the mass of the sun, some funky nuclear/quantum/whatever processes come into play, and the star blasts away lots of its mass, and you can't form a really massive black hole. That carries on until you get to really massive stars." 

SEE ALSO: Astronomers caught a star that blew up not once, but twice when it died This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in outer space. About 50 years ago, they were little more than a theory — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem. Even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. Today, not only are black holes accepted science, some supermassive ones are getting their pictures taken by a collection of synced-up radio dishes on Earth. 

Unlike a planet or star, black holes don't have surfaces. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will fall in, never to escape the hole's gravitational clutch.

"Nothing can escape a black hole, not even another black hole," Hannam explained, "so what's left is: a bigger black hole."

The most common kind, called a stellar black hole, is thought to be the result of an enormous star dying in a supernova explosion. The star's material then collapses onto itself, condensing into a relatively tiny area. Physics predicts a gap in the sizes of black holes that can form this way. That gap — between about 60 and 130 times the mass of our sun — should be largely empty. 

One of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO, detectors, in Hanford, Washington. The second detector is located in Livingston, Louisiana. Credit: LIGO

But this merger, designated GW231123, is breaking the rules, according to the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, which together has detected about 300 since 2015. It involved two black holes estimated to land in the mass gap. Furthermore, researchers say there's something else puzzling about the event.

"The black holes appear to be spinning very rapidly — near the limit allowed by Einstein's theory of general relativity," said Charlie Hoy, a University of Portsmouth scientist, in a statement. "That makes the signal difficult to model and interpret."

One possible explanation is that at least one of the colliding black holes was not born from a collapsing star, but from another prior black hole merger. This would require extreme environments where merged black holes could stick around long enough to crash again.

The event could point to new ways the universe forms black holes that scientists are only beginning to understand.

Artificial intelligence companions have gone mainstream amongst teens, according to a new report.

The findings may surprise parents familiar with AI chatbot products like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, but haven't heard about platforms that specifically allow users to form friendships and romantic relationships with so-called AI companions.

The latter category includes products like Replika, Nomi, Talkie, and Character.AI. Some of the platforms are for users 18 and older, though teens may lie about their age to gain access.

A nationally representative survey of 1,060 teens ages 13 to 17 conducted this spring by Common Sense Media, an advocacy and research nonprofit in the U.S., found that 52 percent of respondents regularly use AI companions. Only 28 percent of the teens surveyed had never used one.

SEE ALSO: Why experts say AI companions aren't safe for teens — yet

Teens don't yet appear to be replacing human relationships "wholesale" with AI companions, said Michael Robb, head of research at Common Sense Media. The majority are still spending more time with human friends and still find person-to-person conversations more satisfying.

But Robb added that there's reason for caution: "If you look, there are some concerning patterns beneath the surface."

How teens use AI companions

A third of teens said they engaged with AI companions for social interactions and relationships, doing things like role-playing and practicing conversations. They also sought emotional support, friendship, and romantic interactions.

In the survey, teens ranked entertainment and curiosity as top reasons for using an AI companion. Yet a third of those who use AI companions have opted to use them to discuss important or serious issues, instead of a real person. Robb said this tendency points to potential downsides of AI companion use.

Though some AI companion platforms market their product as an antidote to loneliness or isolation, Robb said the technology should not replace human interaction for teens. Still, without conclusive proof of what happens to teens (and adults) who come to rely on AI companions for vital connection, technology companies may still lean into the idea that use of their product is better than feeling alone.

"They're happy to fill that gap of knowledge with a hope and a prayer," Robb said.

He also suspects that, like with social media, there may be some youth who benefit from practicing certain social skills with an AI companion, and other young users who are more susceptible to a negative feedback loop that makes them more lonely and anxious and less likely to build offline relationships.

A new report from Internet Matters, a London-based online youth safety nonprofit, suggests that's already happening amongst children in the United Kingdom who use AI companions.

Children defined as vulnerable because they have special education disabilities or needs, or a physical or mental health condition, particularly use AI companions for connection and comfort, according to survey data collected by Internet Matters.

Nearly a quarter of vulnerable children in the survey reported using general AI chatbots because they could talk to no one else. These children were not only more likely to use chatbots, they were also nearly three times as likely to engage with companion-style AI chatbots.

The report warned that as children begin to use AI chatbots as companions, "the line between real and simulated connection can blur." That may lead to more time spent online.

Earlier this year, Common Sense Media described AI companions as unsafe for teens under 18. Robb said that tech companies should put in place robust age assurance measures to prevent underage users from accessing AI companion platforms.

Red flags for parents

Parents concerned about their teen's AI companion use should look for the following red flags, Robb said:

• Behavior indicating that the teen is replacing human relationships with AI relationships.

• Excess time spent on AI companion platforms, especially when it displaces activities like sleep, exercise, and in-person socialization.

• Emotional outbursts when denied access to an AI companion.

Robb also suggested that parents discuss AI companion use with their teens, and any concerns both parties may have. These concerns could include disturbing statements or responses that AI companions can make and the sharing of personal information by a teen, including their real name, location, or personal secrets.

A quarter of AI companion users surveyed by Common Sense Media said they'd communicated sensitive information to their companion. Robb said it's important for teens to understand that personal details are often considered proprietary data owned by the companion platform once shared by the user.

Even when it's been anonymized, that information may help train the company's large language model. It could potentially show up in marketing copy or conversation scenarios. In a worst case scenario, personal data could be hacked or leaked.

For example, as Mashable's Anna Iovine reported, 160,000 screenshots of direct messages between an AI "wingman" app and its users were just leaked thanks to an unprotected Google Cloud Storage bucket owned by the app's company.

Robb encourages parents to set boundaries around AI use for their children, such as prohibiting specific platforms or the sharing of certain personal details.

"It's totally fine for a parent to have rules about AI, like the way they do with other types of screen uses," Robb said. "What are your own red lines as a parent?"

TL;DR: See the sun, moon, and stars from your phone with Hestia, the first smartphone-based telescope, now for $259.99 (reg. $299).

There’s an app for everything — and now there’s even one for exploring the cosmos. Hestia is the first-ever smartphone-based telescope with an app that lets you see the universe both day and night. And right now, this cutting-edge device can be yours for just $259.99 — $40 off the usual price.

Turn your smartphone into a smart telescope with some help from Hestia

Gone are the days of massive telescopes that cost a small fortune. You can now see the stars with Hestia, a Kickstarter and Indiegogo-funded telescope that pairs with your smartphone. Just attach it to the included tripod and align your phone’s camera with the ocular using the companion Gravity app.

Once you’re set up, you can pick a destination and the app will help you explore it. The Hestia offers 25x magnification and enhanced clarity with 5x the resolution of standard smartphone viewing so you can see stunning details of lunar craters, sunsports, and more.

Unlike old-school telescopes, the Gravity app lets you choose between day and night mode, so you can check things out at any time of day. A patented six-lens optical design directs the light right into your smartphone’s camera.

There are no batteries or chargers required, and the Hestia is waterproof and temperature resistant. All you need is your smartphone to get started. Your Hestia will come with a premium tripod, solar observation kit, a visor to reduce daylight glare, and a transport case so you can explore from anywhere.

Get ready to explore the skies with Hestia, now for only $259.99 (reg. $299).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: VAONIS Hestia: First Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope (Ultimate Pack) $259.99
$299 Save $39.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Use code READ20 to score Headway Premium, the app that makes daily reading fun and sustainable, for just $47.99 (reg. $299.95).

If you’ve ever wished you could get the key takeaways from popular nonfiction books without committing hours to read each one, Headway might be worth a look — especially while it’s on sale for only $47.99 (reg. $299.95) with code READ20 for a lifetime subscription.

What’s Headway? It’s the app that makes daily reading possible, thanks to its gamified design (which is very motivational) and its library of thousands of titles, which it distills into 15-minute reads that are accessible right from your phone.

You’ll find summaries of titles in productivity, business, self-improvement, psychology, and more. You can also opt for the audio option if you’d rather listen to them while commuting or cleaning up around the house. The app also includes personalized learning paths and spaced repetition tools, which can be useful if you’re trying to build new habits or retain key concepts from books.

The subscription gets you lifetime access to the premium tier, meaning no monthly fees, and there’s new content added regularly so you can keep learning. It’s available on iOS and Android and comes with a 4.4-star rating on the App Store from over 60,000 users.

This kind of app isn’t for everyone — it won’t replace the depth of a full book or the joy of leisurely reading. But if your to-read list is longer than your calendar allows, or you’re looking for a way to sample a book before committing, it could be a time-saver.

And while there are other summary apps out there, many charge ongoing monthly fees or limit content without a subscription. With Headway, you’re getting full access for life, for less than what most platforms charge in a single year.

It’s not clear how long the discount will last, but you can grab this Headway lifetime subscription for just $47.99 (reg. $299.95) when you enter coupon code READ20 at checkout — that’s less than the cost of a few hardcovers.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $47.99
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TL;DR: For just $60, you can have lifetime access to Pok Pok, the kids’ games app that’s inspired by the Montessori method and makes screen time healthy for them.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
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Not all screen time is created equal — especially for kids. If you’re a parent trying to balance digital play with meaningful, imagination-driven learning, Pok Pok offers a different approach. And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription for only $59.99 (regularly $199.99).

Pok Pok is an award-winning app designed for children ages 2 to 7. Instead of loud sounds, ads, or endless level-ups, it offers a quiet, open-ended digital playroom filled with interactive scenes, creative tools, and gentle animations. Think digital toys rather than traditional games — there are no scores, no instructions, and nothing to win or lose. Kids can explore and experiment at their own pace.

It’s intentionally designed to support creativity, problem-solving, and independent play — making it a solid option for parents who want something screen-based but not overstimulating. Wondering why? That’s because Pok Pok is based on the Montessori method, which was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s.

That means that every game is child-safe, ad-free, and regularly updated with new content and features. As a result, your child will be encouraged to follow their curiosity and even develop practical life skills. Pok Pok has also received recognition from Apple and Common Sense Media for its thoughtful, child-first design.

That said, this isn’t a catch-all replacement for books, toys, or hands-on play. But if you’re already navigating how to make screen time more intentional (and less of a negotiation), Pok Pok might help take some of the pressure off.

Normally, access to the full version is available only through an annual subscription. But this deal offers a one-time purchase for lifetime access — meaning no renewals, no surprise charges, and all future updates included.

Don’t miss out on this deal for one of the most thoughtfully designed app built specifically for early learners. Treat your kids to a lifetime of educational and curiosity-driven Pok Pok games for just $59.99 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Make your PDFs easier to work with on Mac. This PDF Expert lifetime license offers editing, conversion, merging, and even search and signing functionality for any PDF — and it’s only $80.

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $79.97
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Let’s be honest: working with PDFs isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. Whether you’re trying to fill out a form, edit a document, or combine files, the built-in tools on a Mac don’t always make it easy. That’s where PDF Expert comes in. Right now, a lifetime subscription to the premium version (which is fully compatible with Mac) is down to $79.97 (reg. $139.99), but only while supplies last.

PDF Expert is a powerful, Mac-only app that lets you do pretty much anything you need with PDFs. Its interface is sleek, the tools are straightforward, and the price is about as low as you’re likely to see for a full-featured PDF editor.

Edit text and images directly in the file? Check. Sign documents without printing them out? Check. Merge files, highlight text, add comments, convert PDFs to Word or Excel? All in there. It even has OCR (optical character recognition) to search or copy text from scanned documents.

You could piece together some of these features with free online tools, but if you’re doing PDF work regularly — whether for contracts, school, or freelance gigs — it’s a lot more efficient to have it all in one place. And unlike most PDF software that locks key features behind pricey subscriptions, this is a one-time payment.

If you’re someone who only opens a PDF once in a blue moon, you might not need something this robust. But if you’ve ever wished editing a PDF was just a little less annoying (and a lot more intuitive), this deal’s worth a look.

Don’t wait too long to act on this deal. Get your PDF Expert lifetime license for Mac for just $79.97 (reg. $139.99) while inventory is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

About 43 minutes into a livestream, Dr. Alok Kanojia, known more familiarly online as Dr. K, asks streamer and voice actor LilyPichu if she'd rather talk about a recent breakup or where she got the idea she's not good enough.

Even for those well-versed in the more parasocial nature of livestreaming, it's a surprisingly vulnerable scene. But for Dr. K and his guest, it's expected, with this therapy-esque interview being one of the several formats he's brought to Twitch and YouTube.

Credit: Mashable composite: Tharon Green; Dr. Alok Kanojia/Inna Kot/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Instagram/Youtube/Twitch

The Harvard-educated psychiatrist got his start on his Twitch channel HealthyGamer_GG in 2019. These days, that channel has 667,000 followers, while his YouTube channel has 2.94 million subscribers. On it, you'll find videos on all things mental health, with titles including "Why You're Struggling With Discipline," "Stop Letting Social Anxiety Control You," and "Getting a Girlfriend is NOT an Achievable Goal."

In addition to the content he creates, Dr. K is also the co-founder and president of the company Healthy Gamer, where folks can find mental health guides, coaching, and community. In addition to the Healthy Gamer comment sections, there's a Healthy Gamer Discord and an active subreddit with 143,000 members. He also wrote the book How to Raise a Healthy Gamer.

SEE ALSO: AI has entered the therapy session — and it's recording you

Below, we caught up with Dr. K to hear more about the experience of building this community up — and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Why did you start making videos?

 What I found in my office with my patients was that everyone was facing the same problems. And most of what I was doing was not therapy with my patients. It was educating them. So I started to realize that what people are missing is an understanding of how they work: How does the mind work? Where does depression come from? How do we get depressed? Where does anxiety come from? I was like, OK, I'm having the same conversation like 15 times in a week. So I started to develop talking points. And then I was like, "OK, can I just share this with everybody, and would it be helpful?" And that's what I started doing, and it turned out that it is helpful.

When you considered how to share that information, was making YouTube videos the first thing that came to mind?

 No. I started streaming on Twitch. I'm a gamer, and I really love teaching, so that's where we started out. And then I think what we realized on Twitch is that things only live there for 30 days. And a lot of the questions, like, if someone asks about how do I cut back on pornography use, that stays an important question for years. So we really started focusing on YouTube to create a storehouse of resources for people.

When you started out, was it just you running the show?

Yeah.

What was that like?

 I had an intern help me set up my camera. Then, quickly within the first two months, I looked at the metrics. My goal was to have 100 concurrent viewers by one year in. So I was like, "OK, if I can have like five new viewers by the end of the month, like that'll be a win." And then it started going really fast. Within the first 45 days of my first stream, I had two or three people starting to help me out, because they started building emoji and helping me with managing chat, moderating things, and moderating a subreddit. Those are people who are actually here with me today; they were some of our first five employees.

Within those first 45 days, how many people were coming to the stream?

My first stream had 20 to 30 concurrent viewers, which is very unusual, I think. I also did a collab super early on, and people showed up and were like, "This is pretty cool." So it started spreading and then we grew very rapidly. We started with 30, and I think within six, eight months, maybe within a year, we were up to 40,000 concurrents. That was crazy.

After that first year, how did you navigate that growth?

Our numbers kind of dropped, but we also did this on purpose. I started to realize that a lot of people were coming to us for the wrong reasons. They were coming to us for voyeurism instead of to learn, because sometimes people would get emotional on stream and things like that.

I started streaming to try to help people and that's the north star. I would rather help one person a lot than entertain 10 people.

As we shifted towards being more value-oriented as opposed to entertainment-oriented, our numbers dropped. I still think that if we had gone like the entertainment route, [the numbers] would be better, but I don't think we'd be having the impact. I started streaming to try to help people, and that's the north star. I would rather help one person a lot than entertain 10 people. There are plenty of people out there to entertain; the field is plenty saturated.

What was the selection process for who you interviewed?

 For people who are community members, it's just: Are you struggling with something that a lot of people are struggling with? Let's talk about it. With creators, it's kind of all over the place. We don't honestly care about the size of the creator — we'll do things with gigantic creators, and we'll do things with like tiny creators. It's really about the problems that they want to talk about.

The other thing that's really important is what our community tells us. If they say, "Hey, you should do a collaboration with this person," or you should do something, then we are likely to do it because our community knows us and what we bring to the table, and so we're driven by them more than anyone else.

More generally, how do you decide on your content topics?

There are a number of things. When I was in residency, you're working like 80 to 100 hours a week, every week, for like four years. And so there's this idea that when you're done with residency, it gets easier. The crazy thing is that I learn way more than I have in the history of my career. I'll read between 100 and 400 pages of scientific literature a week.

In residency, I would do that in a month because I had to. So I read a ton because there's so much research out there, and that's a chunk of my inspiration. I also read a lot of spiritual texts and have a lot of spiritual practice; that's a bunch of my inspiration.

And then there's like, things happen on the internet, which is another source of inspiration. So we just had this video about why women prefer beta males. So someone on our team sent me this tweet that was this Twitter argument between men and women about whether women are more attracted to super cut dudes.

I feel like I saw this one.

Yeah, so someone on my team said, "Hey, have you seen this? What do you think about this?" And I was like, "Let's find out." I did a literature search and found something really fascinating. Then we made a video about it, and it went great.

There's a lot of stuff that people are debating about, worrying about, and struggling with, and so we think about how we can offer an evidence-based perspective to help people navigate what the hell is going on.

The way to offer that perspective could be research-oriented, like a video or an interview. So, do we just want to talk to someone about what it's like to date nowadays or the existential threat of AI? Oftentimes, there's a lot of stuff that if there isn't [data about it], if there aren't studies to explain it, then we'll just talk to a human.

When did you start to scale up the Healthy Gamer team? How did you decide it was time?

I was CEO for six months. I suck at being CEO and [my wife's] fucking amazing. So she took over as CEO, and it was really challenging in a lot of ways, but it was also great in a lot of ways.

That's when we really started to scale. I had a group of people who were helping me out, and we weren't paying them, so those became our first five employees.

[My wife also] started thinking about monetization, started thinking about like how to get people salaries, how to get people competitive salaries. We hired our first employee in April of 2020. We're now up to a team of like 30 employees. Then we've got 150 coaches. And then we've got other contractors, so we're up to like 200. And it all started with one [employee] five years ago. So that's really when we started to kick ass and take names.

Did you go through learning curves after bringing on a team and adjusting your workflow to working with a group?

 Yeah, absolutely. I'm lucky because in medicine you learn how to work with teams, right? One of the most important things I learned in medicine is listening to nurses.  As a doctor, I know way more medicine than a nurse does, but the nurse knows the patient way more than I do.  So even if you're the boss, you listen to the people who are, quote unquote, under you because they know things you don't know.

 The biggest thing that I've learned as a content creator is that the more we've grown, the farther down the reporting structure I go. So with the content director, I am their boss on paper, but in practice, I'm their employee. When my content director is like, "Hey, I want you to make a video about this," I say, "Yes, sir." That was kind of strange, but recognizing that I'm a resource and all of these people have jobs, and in order for them to do their jobs, they need me to do certain things.

And I think that's hard for a lot of people from an ego perspective, but if you have your domain, I'm a resource, and if you need me to do something, I will do it.

You're a mental health professional and a mental health creator who has communities of people online who seek your help. Do you get burned out or deal with any empathy burnout?

What do you mean by empathy burnout?

Basically, a lot of people come to you with mental health problems — do you ever find yourself taking that stress on?

That doesn't really happen to me. I've been working for five years, and I had my first vacation of about two weeks; it was amazing. After five years, I worked six to seven days a week. I'm not saying this because I'm like, "Oh, I'm great."

The main thing is that we just don't understand how our empathy battery works. Empathy burnout can be fixed if you figure out how to fill up your gas tank. What is the gas station of your life? So, I think there are a couple of helpful things that we learn as psychiatrists. The first is to understand that there's only so much that you can do.

This lesson is something that a lot of creators do not understand. You are limited in your capacity for what you can do...there's nothing you can do that will make a video go viral.

A lot of creators do not understand this lesson: you are limited in your capacity for what you can do. You can put forth most of your effort. Absolutely. Work hard, work six days a week. But there's nothing you can do that will make a video go viral. Can you try to make it go viral? Absolutely. That attitude is how you work five years without a day off. It's really focusing on the things that you can do.

The other big thing that I do is take care of myself every day. If I drive a hundred miles, I go to the gas station every day. I don't wait until I'm at E because there are going to be times when things pile up.

I imagine some creators struggle to identify when their meter is down and getting close to E. How did you even learn to read that?

I know it's weird, but it's the wrong question.  The question is, how do you fill up your tank, and are you doing it every day?  The problem is that everyone waits until the gas tank is empty to fill it up, and then, of course, you're going to get in trouble. It's not about focusing on empty; it's about focusing on staying full.

 If anyone who looks at what you've done with Healthy Gamer wants to make content that helps people and create a community in the way you have, do you have any advice?

Do it.  There is no shortage of people who need your help, and each human being has a unique set of genetics, a unique set of circumstances, a unique set of experiences. So you can help other people in a way that no one else can.

The second thing is that it's going to be hard. It's going to suck and you're going to fail a lot, and that's OK. As you fail the first time, the second time, the third time, then you'll figure out how much your heart is really in this. And it's OK to try something and recognize even though [you] want to help people, if it's not working for you, that's OK too. It doesn't make you a bad person to not want to help people. You'll help people later in life — that karma will come to fruition — it may just not be your time. So I'd say give it a shot.

The other thing is to try to really do your best. Focus on iteration, focus on improvement. It's about, "What did I do today? How can I be better tomorrow?" I think people are way too goal-oriented. The goal is over there, right? And I'm over here. So focus on the next step you're going to take and the next step you're gonna take and the next step that you're gonna take. In my practice with my patients and in my private coaching clients, I have a ton of creators who are 10, a hundred times bigger than I am. And I think that we see something that's really interesting, which is that basically all the super successful creators focus on what's next, not what's at the end.

So what's next for Healthy Gamer?

 I have a panel in two hours, a couple of podcasts, some thoughts that I want to write down, and I'm going to try to swim today.

Spend a few minutes on TikTok or YouTube, and chances are you’ll run into one of those viral police bodycam videos. A tense traffic stop with racist undertones. A surprise arrest. A drunk, entitled woman gets her fifth DUI. A rookie officer catches a corrupt superior in the act. These clips look real enough to pass at a glance, but some of the bodycam videos currently going viral on TikTok are staged.

The staged body cam videos are the work of a YouTube channel called Bodycam Declassified, which has uploaded 35 videos over the past four months. While many of the videos are staged, the occasional legit bodycam video is mixed in for variety. The YouTube channel has more than 10.2 million views since the account was created in February.

Screenshot from a Bodycam Declassified video titled, "Cop Arrests Black Mail Carrier in Rich Neighborhood." Credit: Bodycam Declassified

The channel joins a highly trafficked corner of YouTube: police bodycam footage, itself a subgenre of the ever-expanding true crime industrial complex. These videos are usually obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and have massive audiences. Major players like Police Activity (6.6 million subscribers), EWU Bodycam (2.02 million), Code Blue Cam (2.9 million), and Audit the Audit (2.89 million) have turned this raw, often unsettling footage into algorithm gold.

Each of Bodycam Declassified clips follows a familiar pattern: a Florida police officer engages with someone (often a person of color), a conflict escalates, and the video ends with some overt moralizing. The titles are ripped straight from a Dhar Mann video — another scripted YouTube channel known for morality plays geared toward a younger audience.

Popular Bodcam Declassified videos have titles such as:

• Stolen Valor Fake Marine Arrested by Police Officer Who Was Real Marine

• Rookie Cop Pulls Over His Powerful Sheriff

• Black Female Officer Busts Arrogant Detective For Parking In Handicap Spot

• Cop Slaps Arrogant Prince in Ferrari and Gets Suspended

• Arrogant Police Officer Pulls Over Black FBI Agent and Regrets It

Bodycam Declassified labels its videos as fictional — sort of. The channel description implies the videos are real, with a lot of hedging. "In our channel, we bring you real, unfiltered bodycam footage, offering insight into real-world situations. In some cases, we may reenact some elements to clarify key aspects of certain encounters."

However, in an email to Mashable, a member of the "Bodycam Declassified Team" stated, "Yes, the videos on our channel are fully scripted and performed by actors. This is clearly disclosed in multiple places: via watermarks in the footage, on our website, and in our YouTube channel description. Transparency has been a priority from day one."

SEE ALSO: How to identify AI-generated text

The watermark plastered all over the videos leads to a website that issues bold DMCA warnings against content theft. Here, under a section titled Content Licensing, the site makes it clear:

"Our content is NOT actual bodycam footage."

However, because the channel's content is often reposted without permission by clickfarm accounts, viewers may have no idea that they're watching staged videos.

When we contacted the email address associated with the account, the individual who responded acknowledged this problem. The individual said the channel struggles with "rampant content theft." They added, "Many of our videos have been re-uploaded without context or credit, often stripped of the disclaimers, and presented on other social platforms as real events. Despite our proactive efforts, takedown processes on many platforms are slow and inconsistent, making it harder to preserve the original intent and integrity of the content."

Still, the proof is in the details. The police cars in the videos look real enough, but the logos are fabricated and don’t correspond to any real jurisdictions. The videos lack the redactions and face-blurring typical of legally released bodycam footage. Most include timestamps that repeat across clips, indicating batch filming. The upload timeline — just weeks between "incident" and release — is far too fast to reflect real FOIA-based reporting.

Who's creating these staged police bodycam videos, and why? A Bodycam Declassified video titled, 'Mall Security Guard Thinks He's A Cop. Does Not End Well.' Credit: Bodycam Declassified

For as long as the internet’s been around, trolling and outrage bait have been a reliable subgenre of social media entertainment. The formula is simple: tap into moments that trigger easy moral outrage — mid-flight meltdowns (another booming category of scripted virality), Reddit confessionals, racist white people, and of course, police encounters.

And in conversations with Mashable, the anonymous creators of Bodycam Declassified hinted at what they want to do next: staged courtroom videos.

In a series of emails to Mashable, the creators of Bodycam Declassified described the project as "part of a larger creative initiative tied to a fictional judge show currently in development."

"We created these videos to go viral and intentionally left them unresolved to spark conversation and curiosity," a team member wrote. "The goal was always to circle back with a courtroom series where the same characters and situations are brought before a fictional judge who delivers a verdict."

The group claims to be behind "hundreds of massively viral videos across a range of online niches" and says they’re building a full-scale courtroom set inside a 10,000-square-foot warehouse, with professional designers who’ve worked on major productions like Bad Boys and Netflix’s Griselda.

"We’ve seen plenty of knockoffs already, but they miss the tone and satirical edge we’re aiming for. That’s why we’ve been deliberate in building this next phase to make sure the final courtroom product lands with the impact we’re setting up now."

A preview of a Bodycam Declassified video titled, 'Stolen Valor, Fake Marine Arrested By Police Officer Who Was Real Marine.' Credit: Bodycam Declassified SEE ALSO: AI actors and deepfakes aren't coming to YouTube ads. They're already here.

They claimed the project is self-funded and declined to provide any production details or internal pitch decks on the project.

Mashable was unable to independently verify these claims. The individual corresponding via email did not provide any identifying information, and when we reached out to Griselda's lead set designer, Michael Budge, he said he had no knowledge of this project or the channel.

Additionally, when pressed with follow-up questions about the channel — for instance, why their website's mailing address is registered to a plastic surgery clinic in Fort Lauderdale, which is also the listed address for various crypto and adult content sites — the person promptly stopped speaking to us. Not long after, the address was quietly removed from domain records.

While we were reporting this story, Bodycam Declassified uploaded a new video with the watermark "property of @curbsideconflict" — a handle that had no trace on social media or in trademark records. However, it matches the name of a just-launched YouTube channel focused on parking ticket conflicts ("Woman Refuses To Pay For Parking Because She's Attractive"). [Editor's note: Shortly before we published this story, the Curbside Conflict YouTube page was removed from YouTube, along with all of its videos.]

Another recent video on the Bodycam Declassified channel shows a real police encounter in Ohio, which ends with a woman being shot by an officer. The one before that? A scripted scene where the channel’s go-to actor-cop tickets a pregnant woman and her unborn child, followed by an epilogue claiming a judge ruled her unborn child would also be liable for the fine upon his or her birth.

You honestly can't make this up. Except, clearly, someone is.

If the creators are to be believed, brace yourself for a new wave of courtroom and parking drama ragebait — likely chopped into multiple parts by TikTok clip farmers — featuring the same characters, this time arguing their cases in front of a fictional judge.

Or, maybe they're simply making ragebait for the love of the game.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk may have the sense of humor of South Park's Terrance and Phillip, but one has to acknowledge his consistency.

After expanding the Robotaxi service area in Austin to an area that looks like a giant penis, Tesla also increased the ride fare.

Originally, no matter the distance of the ride, the Robotaxi fare was a flat $4.20, a reference to weed culture. The new fare, of course, is $6.90, a reference to sex that probably goes better with the Robotaxi geofence area's intentionally provocative shape.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On X, Musk called the new price "princely."

Jokes aside, this is quite a large price increase (40 percent), though it's still fairly cheap compared to traveling an Uber (or a self-driving Waymo, which is integrated with Uber and has the same pricing as Uber in Austin), especially if you go for a longer ride (which you can now actually do, thanks to the penile shape of the coverage area).

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Robotaxis keep screwing up. There's now a list of incidents.

The new pricing comes ahead of the announced expansion of Tesla's Robotaxi service to the San Francisco Bay Area, which might come in a few months, pending regulatory approval.

SAVE $150: As of July 16, the 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is on sale for $849 at Amazon — that's 15% off its list price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

If you're an Apple fan who's been holding out for the perfect moment to upgrade your laptop, that moment may have arrived. As of July 16, the new 13-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip is down to $849 at Amazon — a rare $150 discount on what we deemed as the best among Apple’s MacBooks of 2025. 

The catch is that this deal is only available for the midnight and starlight models. If you want the silver and sky blue models, you now need to pay more. We can't say how much longer this $849 deal is going to be live, so if you're considering upgrading, we suggest you come to a decision fast.

SEE ALSO: Looking for cheaper food delivery? DoorDash gift cards are on sale at Best Buy

Designed for users who expect more from their tech, this MacBook Air blends power and portability with Apple’s signature finesse. The M4 chip boosts performance across the board — whether you’re toggling between apps, editing content, or diving into graphics-heavy work. 

It's also built to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence, the new system designed to streamline writing, productivity, and multitasking with an assist from on-device AI, along with serious privacy safeguards.

With up to 18 hours of battery life, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and 16GB of unified memory, it’s more than equipped for everything from deep work to late-night binge sessions. The 12MP Center Stage camera and Spatial Audio-ready speakers also mean you'll look and sound top-tier on video calls.

And like any great Apple device, it works with the rest of your ecosystem — like iPhone mirroring, seamless AirDrop, and Messages on your desktop.

It may not have the best framerate in the world, being capped at 60Hz, but a MacBook Air deal like this still makes it worth the investment. This deal brings Apple’s newest MacBook Air into reach right now. But there’s no telling how long this price will stick, so if you’re tempted, best to click before it’s gone.

For more bargains on the latest and greatest tech, check out the other Apple deals on MacBook Air, AirPods, and iPads this week.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

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

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

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

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

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 Wednesday, July 16, 2025:

AcrossKeeps in the loop, in a way

• The answer is CCS.

They're kept in the loop

• The answer is Belts.

Love to pieces

• The answer is Adore.

Craze

• The answer is Mania.

Single weightlifting unit

• The answer is Rep.

DownType of wood in Horace Slughorn's wand in the Harry Potter books

• The answer is Cedar.

What might have you seeing double?

• The answer is Clone.

Cartoonist's creation

• The answer is Strip.

"Ka-POW!"

• The answer is Bam.

The Caribbean, e.g.

• The answer is Sea.

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.

TL;DR: If you use a Mac and still don’t have lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021, this $59.97 deal is a no-brainer.

If you’re a Mac user who’s tired of recurring subscriptions, we’ve got some good news: You can now own Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac — forever — for just $59.97 (regularly $219). No monthly fees. No surprise renewals. Just the full suite of Microsoft’s go-to productivity tools, available as a one-time purchase that installs on one Mac for lifetime use at home or work.

This version includes the essentials: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and even Teams (basic) — all tailored for the Mac experience. Whether you’re writing papers, running your business, balancing your budget, or presenting that brilliant pitch deck, these tools have you covered.

Even better? This isn’t some pared-down version. It’s the full Home & Business suite, meaning you’re getting access to everything you’d expect from Microsoft Office — including powerful email tools in Outlook and robust data management in Excel.

Once installed, it’s yours for good. It’s connected to your Microsoft Account, not your device, so you can redownload it any time. And with instant delivery, you’ll get your license key and download links within minutes of purchase.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 for just $59.97 (reg. $219).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $59.97
$219 Save $159.03 Get Deal

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Not taken.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

GIVEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A severe throat infection.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

STREP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

What one does to butter.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHURN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Perfect.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 16 Hurdle Word 4 answer

IDEAL

Final Hurdle hint

A group of animals.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

FAUNA

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

For a while now, your couch has not been the only place to play your Xbox games, thanks to the magic of streaming. If you'd rather play them on your PC, though, that surprisingly has not been an option. Until now, at least.

Have you tried out experimental features in ChromeOS before? I used to live on the experimental branch, but lately I have just been enjoying the stable branch—mostly because Google has rolled a lot of features that used to require flags into the main operating system.

The best streaming deals to watch 'How to Train Your Dragon' at a glance: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'How to Train Your Dragon' on Prime Video $19.99 or $29.99 Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium yearly subscription $79.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium Free for one year for JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

Another beloved animated film has undergone the live-action treatment, but this time, we're pleased to say it's a gem. The tale of a boy and his adorably misunderstood beast, How to Train Your Dragon has dominated theaters this summer. Although it hasn't exactly reinvented the wheel, "the film manages to recreate the magic of the original through impeccable visual effects, faithful cinematography, and intricate production design."

Dean DeBlois is back in the writer and director's chair, and Gerard Butler reprises the role he voiced in the animated films as Viking chief Stoick the Vast. Meanwhile, Mason Thames stars as Hiccup, his awkward son.

While it's still floating around in theaters, the movie is officially streaming on digital on-demand streaming services (Prime Video, Apple TV, etc.) as of July 15, with a streaming debut on Peacock to come... eventually. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch How to Train Your Dragon (2025) at home.

Is How to Train Your Dragon worth watching?

Unlike Disney's Snow White or The Little Mermaid, the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon actually manages to recapture what made the original film so delightful. Critics and audiences alike loved it, giving it a 77 and 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It earned $239 million domestically and $561 million worldwide, surpassing the original film's box office numbers.

Mashable's own reviewer raved about the visual effects, faithful adaptation, and strong performances. "Essentially, Toothless is magnificent in live-action. Every scale glimmers, every muscle moves, and the franchise's beloved dragon's signature expressiveness shines through every scene. Supported by a heartfelt performance from Thames, who is essentially working with a puppet, the Hiccup-Toothless friendship of all friendships is lovingly rendered," writes Mashable's Shannon Connellan.

Read our full review of How to Train Your Dragon.

How to watch How to Train Your Dragon at home Credit: Universal Pictures

It's time for audiences to revisit the Isle of Berk from their couches. There are a couple of different ways you can watch. You can buy it or rent it on digital for as low as $19.99, or you can wait for its future debut on Peacock to stream it. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

The film is available now to buy for $29.99 or rent for $19.99. While saving a few bucks and opting for the rental option is tempting, just be aware that you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it's yours to keep.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase How to Train Your Dragon:

• Prime Video — buy for $29.99, rent for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $29.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $29.99, rent for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $29.99, rent for $19.99

Stream it on Peacock

As a Universal Pictures film, we know that How to Train Your Dragon will eventually make its streaming debut on Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service. While we don't know the exact date yet, we expect it to make its Peacock debut in late September or October 2025. We'll keep you updated.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without to prepare for live-action Toothless' streaming debut. But before you get ahead of yourself, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

The best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription deal. You'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 if you pay for a year upfront. An annual Peacock subscription costs just $79.99 per year with ads (which breaks down to about $6.67 per month) or $139.99 per year without ads (which breaks down to about $11.67 per month). That's about 17% in total savings compared to paying monthly.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Are you an Xfinity customer? Be sure to check the eligibility details below, as you might be able to score a Peacock Premium subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for the deal or you can head to Xfinity.com for more details.

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students: Save $5/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year Get Deal

Students can sign up for a full year of Peacock Premium at a discounted rate of $2.99 per month instead of $7.99. That's a total of just $35.88 for the year. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to unlock the savings. Just note that it can only be used once, and after the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again.

Best Peacock deal for first responders: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals can secure a Peacock Premium subscription at a discounted rate of $3.99 per month. Just verify your first responder or medical professional status via SheerID, and you'll get a unique promo code that will drop the cost of a subscription by $4 per month. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can score a Peacock Premium subscription for a discounted rate of $3.99 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month, so long as you can prove your military status using SheerID. Retrieve the promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.

Best for teachers: Save $4/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months Get Deal

For one year, educators who can verify their status on SheerID can get Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month instead of $7.99. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price. Be sure to cancel before the year ends.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

By signing up for Instacart+ for $99.99 per year, you'll unlock a free Peacock Premium subscription. That's on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. That's a $79.99 per year value tacked on to your Instacart+ subscription for free. Oh and here's a pro tip: if you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. If you wait until the streaming release of How to Train Your Dragon, you could even watch it for free during the trial period.

Best for JetBlue members: free Peacock Premium for one year for Mosaic status members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Get Deal

If you're a JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status member, you can get your first year of Peacock Premium for free if you sign up before July 31 (a $79.99 value). If you don't have Mosaic status, you can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when you sign up for Peacock. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

When Wayne's World ran with its hilarious spoofing of product placement in movies, it was almost prophetic. Today, it's hard to look past some of the immersion-breaking product spots in major films, and there's seemingly no end in sight.

Nothing is better than getting high-quality tech without paying high prices.

That's the idea behind the release of tech start-up Nothing's first pair of over-ear headphones, the aptly named Headphone (1). Clocking in at $299, these headphones are a good $100 to $150 cheaper than most premium flagship releases these days, and as of July 15, available to order.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Headphone (1) $299 at Amazon
Shop Now

As someone who's tested their share of budget to premium headphones, I know that budget headphones these days can often punch above their weight, but that a lower price also comes with some trade-offs, whether that be slightly less powerful ANC, less customizability for sound and on-ear settings, or a less comfortable wear.

With that in mind, I expect the $299 Nothing Headphone (1) to be great in some areas, and just OK in others — so far, my initial testing has proven that expectation true.

(Note: the following are my first impressions based on a couple of days of use. Though not likely to change dramatically, my opinions may develop as I spend more time with these headphones.)

The Nothing Headphone (1) has a unique, futuristic design. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Nothing Headphone (1): The specs

Before we get into my thoughts, here's the basics of what you'll encounter with these headphones:

• Size: 174mm x 189mm x 78mm

• Case size: 220mm x 220mm x 52mm

• Weight: 329 grams

• Playback with ANC: Up to 35 hours

• Playback without ANC: Up to 80 hours

• Fast charging: 5 minutes for 5 hours of playback (or 2.4 hours with ANC)

• Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC

• Water resistance: IP52 rated for water and dust resistance

• Inputs: USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack

• Microphones: 4

Nothing Headphone (1): The goodDesign

First and foremost, these headphones don't look like anything else on the market. That's typical for Nothing, whose earbuds and phones lean on a futuristic, often transparent design. While the look isn't exactly my favorite, I do appreciate a brand not going for the blatant copy of already popular headphones. And I can appreciate them offering two distinct colorways: white and black.

The white nothing headphones compared to the silver Sony WH-1000XM5s. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Aesthetics aside, I love that Nothing went for tactile on-ear controls over touch controls. I find buttons to generally be more reliable and easier to use than the touch controls on headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6s. Along with the dedicated on/off switch, these headphones have a Bluetooth button, an exterior round button, a paddle button, and a roller button. Each comes with its own presets that can be customized, earning these headphones even more points. This thoughtfulness of design and level of customizability definitely makes them feel like a premium pair of headphones.

From this vantage point, you can see three of the five on-ear controls: the volume roller, the paddle control, and the round button. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Less practical is the lack of folding ear cups, but Nothing does keep the carrying case profile ultra slim. I also have to shout out the clean design of the companion app, which offers plenty of avenues for customization without much of a learning curve.

SEE ALSO: Dyson’s first stand-alone headphones look like a vacuum, but sound incredible Active noise cancellation

Speaking of customization, Nothing's headphones come with customizable ANC, at three different levels, plus an adaptive ANC mode. After the discontinuation of the Bose 700 headphones, adjustable ANC seemed to take a back seat for a few years, but I've been seeing it pop up in more budget models from EarFun and Skullcandy, though it's not in more premium options like the Bose QC Ultras or Sony's latest release.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones we use and love

Overall, the AI-powered ANC is solid. It's not quite as powerful as Bose or Sony's flagships — which makes sense, considering those headphones have 10 and 12 mics respectively, which help out with ANC. Still, these headphones do muffle the sound of my typing and my partner, who also works from home.

Sound quality

These headphones were created in partnership with KEF to produce high-fidelity sound, and the result is a sound profile that, so far, epitomizes the word decent.

I also have a sound quality section below — that's because I truly feel like these headphones fall most in the middle in this specific category. For its good points, it has some depth out of the box with a respectable amount of clarity, but it just doesn't compare to more expensive options. However, with the companion app, it does have the most intricate equalizers I've ever seen on consumer headphones. I need to play around with it more before I give my final thoughts, but I am impressed by its existence.

The app equalizer offers simple... Credit: Screenshot / Nothing And advanced equalizers. Credit: Screenshot / Nothing

Alongside the equalizer, the app also offers a bass enhancement mode with several different levels, and two different kinds of spatial audio (fixed and head-tracking) that, upon a listen to "In My Life" by the Beatles, definitely makes a difference in the listening experience.

Battery life

At 35 hours per full charge with ANC on, these headphones have better battery life than the AirPods Max, Bose QC Ultras, and Sony WH-1000XM6s. The Dyson OnTrac have them beat at 55 hours, but they also cost $500. At a $300 price point, I'm impressed.

Nothing Headphone (1): The badComfort

I'll start with the point that could easily be in someone else's pro column: how these headphones wear. Other reviewers have found the stronger grip and heft of these headphones preferable, but it wasn't my cup of tea. For me, I like the feeling of headphones so comfortable and lightweight that I forget I'm wearing them. Though the Headphone (1) were not outright uncomfortable, they do squeeze and weigh down my head — I much prefer options like the Bose QuietComfort line or the Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6s for long-term wear. All this to say, headphone fit can be so personal.

SEE ALSO: The most comfortable headphones we've ever tested will take care of your ears So-so sound quality

To be clear, these headphones don't sound at all bad. They just don't quite match up with the rest of the premium market right out of the box. The more bass-heavy cover of "God Only Knows" by Scary Pockets and Pomplamoose lacked a richness and some clarity, while "Cookie" by New Jeans sounded good enough, but not excellent in the way it sounds on the Sony WH-1000XM6s. In other words, so far, the sound profile of these headphones reflects their lower price point.

It's also worth pointing out again that these are my very initial, out-of-the-box impressions. I'm curious to play around more with the extensive equalizer settings and test out the spatial audio more to see how that impacts my experience with the sound.

No passive playback

Where I don't imagine my opinion changing is the lack of passive playback. Though not a hugely important feature, I cannot wrap my head around the trend of requiring headphones to be on for the aux cord to provide audio playback — it defeats the purpose. It's a smaller gripe (and one also seen on the QC Ultra headphones), but one worth mentioning.

On-ear volume control

As much as I love the tactile experience, the volume roller is my least favorite of the on-ear buttons. I appreciate the thought behind swiping left or right to change the volume, but the reality is that it's hard to control the amount either way, and the way it registers touch is inconsistent.

Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (1)

If you're ready to check out the Nothing Headphone (1) based on the above, you can buy it now from Amazon or Nothing's website.

Where to buy Nothing Headphone (1) Amazon Nothing Headphone (1) $299 Shop Now Nothing's direct site Nothing Headphone (1) $299 Shop Now

If you're a programmer, particularly in data science or analysis, you've probably suffered headaches over the packages included in a Linux distribution. What if there were a way you could have a separate programming environment for your projects that was isolated from the system without having to set up a virtual machine? Mamba might be what you need.

Right now, you can snag the ASUS Vivobook 14 at Best Buy for an impressive $320, which is a massive $280 off its usual $600 price tag. This excellent deal makes it an great time to grab a reliable laptop without breaking the bank.