Mashable

TL;DR key takeaways:

• The Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is built around Galaxy AI[1], with features that surface information when you need it and stay out of the way when you don't.

• Now Brief and Now Bar recap your schedule, current weather forecast, and live activities like music playback.

• Call Screening filters unknown callers and provides a live transcript of their reason for calling before you decide whether to pick up.

• Photo Assist[2], Creative Studio[3], and Bixby work together so editing, content creation, and voice control all happen in one place.

• Privacy Display[4] on the Galaxy S26 Ultra narrows the screen’s viewing angle to keep your screen private in public spaces.

Modern existence can be exhausting. Between double-booked meetings on your work calendar and an entire digital social life to manage online, the small stuff has a way of stealing time you’d rather have for, you know, life.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is built to smooth out the rhythm of that everyday routine so you can get some of your time back. From need-to-know morning briefings that set your workday up for success, to live call transcripts that filter unknown numbers before you decide whether to pick up, to weekend photo-editing for post-worthy content, the device handles the little things for you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 £1,269
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Much of this behind-the-scenes help is thanks to Galaxy AI, Samsung’s on-device AI platform, which got a boost with the brand’s latest lineup of S26 devices. Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to setting up the most useful features the moment you’ve finished unboxing.

Step 1. Personalise your lock screen with Now Brief

Now Brief is the Galaxy S26’s personalised daily briefing. It pulls together calendar entries, weather data, and updates from your selected interests (e.g., health and wellness, travel, news, music and podcasts, SmartThings, and Wallet), so you can get all that information at a quick glance. For those days when your brain is at about 40 percent capacity before your first coffee, the day's essentials are right at your fingertips instead of buried across half a dozen apps.

To set it up:

• First, switch on Personal Data Intelligence in Settings (this is what lets Galaxy AI process your habits and preferences on-device to personalise the briefing)

• Then, open Settings, tap Galaxy AI, and select Now Brief

• Tap Content to Include and toggle on any of the categories you want to see

You can then access Now Brief from the Edge panel, from the Now Bar on your lock screen (more on that in the next step), or by adding the Now Brief widget to your home screen.

Now Brief also refreshes through the day with morning, afternoon, and evening versions, so what you see in the morning can be geared toward revving up for the day ahead, and your evening digest can be designed for wind-down mode. The feature is also intelligent and adaptive, so the longer you use it, the more tailored its suggestions become.

Step 2. Turn on Now Bar for live activities on your lock screen

Now Bar pairs with Now Brief by showing real-time activities on your lock screen, such as music playback controls and active timers. If you’re listening to a podcast while making dinner or following turn-by-turn directions, Now Bar keeps the relevant information one glance away.

To configure it:

• Open Settings, select Lock Screen and AOD, then tap Now Bar

• Under Live Notifications, tap See All and toggle on the apps you want

• Back on the Now Bar screen, turn on options like Now Brief, Current Mode, Do Not Disturb, and Torch

• Tap a Now Bar entry to expand it, swipe up to cycle between active ones, or press and hold to manage settings

Step 3. Set up Call Screening before the next unknown number rings

Spam calls always seem to ring the moment you sit down to focus, and the line between a genuine call and a scam attempt gets blurrier every year.

The Galaxy AI Call Screening feature uses on-device AI to evaluate calls from unknown numbers and supply a live transcript of the caller’s intent, so you can decide whether or not to pick up. It works across more than a dozen languages, and you can configure it to auto-screen all unknown callers if you’d rather not see them ring through.

To activate it:

• Open the Phone app

• Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right-hand corner and click Settings

• Look for Call Screening at the top of the list and toggle the feature on to enable

Step 4. Save taps with Automation in Modes and Routines

Automation lets you chain conditions to actions, so your phone behaves the way you want without manual toggling. For example: You might want your Galaxy S26 to dim the screen and switch to grayscale half an hour before your usual bedtime, or silence work-app notifications the moment you leave the office.

To create a Routine:

• Open Settings > Modes and Routines

• Tap the Routines tab (on the bottom menu)

• Hit the ‘+’ icon up top

• Set your ‘If’ conditions (location, time, app, sensor trigger, etc.), and the resulting ‘Then’ actions 

• Hit ‘Save’ to add the Routine to your device’s memory

Step 5. Edit photos with Photo Assist

Photo Assist lives inside the Gallery app and lets you remove unwanted elements in the chaotic group shot you need to tidy. You can add new details (like a full moon over the skyline or fresh snow on the ground), shift the lighting on a shot using text or voice prompts, or merge two photos together into a single frame.

To activate:

• Open any photo in your Gallery

• Tap the Galaxy AI icon at the centre of the bottom toolbar (the starburst icon)

• Circle the area you want to change or describe the edit you’re after

Edits save as copies, so your originals stay intact.

Step 6. Generate shareable content in Creative Studio

Creative Studio, accessed via the Edge panel, turns your existing photos into custom stickers, greeting cards, or invitations. It's a simple way to spin a portrait of your kid into a birthday-party invite, or a cute snapshot of your dog into a sticker pack the fam group chat will love.

To make something: 

• Swipe in the Edge panel and tap Creative Studio

• Choose a photo

• Describe what you want to make and pick a style

• Tap Generate

You'll have something ready to share within seconds (no extra design software or apps necessary).

Step 7. Switch on Privacy Display

Though not an AI feature per se, the Privacy Display is a smart enough design to deserve a spot on this list. 

It’s a hardware-level feature exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra that narrows the screen’s viewing angle — so the stranger sitting next to you on public transport can’t easily read your dating app messages, account balance on your banking app, or whatever other sensitive info may be on your screen.

To enable the feature:

• Head to Settings > Display

• Toggle Privacy Display on

To set it to activate automatically in certain circumstances:

• Tap Privacy Display > Conditions for Turning On > Apps

• Choose from the list, or toggle on PIN, pattern, password so the feature kicks in whenever you authenticate

Step 8. Get to know Bixby and pair your Galaxy Buds

Bixby on the Galaxy S26 has returned with stronger natural language understanding, so you can phrase requests the way you’d say them out loud. 

To start a conversation with Bixby:

• Open the Bixby app from your app drawer or say ‘Hi Bixby’ once you've enabled voice activation in Settings > Bixby > Voice Wake-Up

Or, for a more integrated setup, pair a set of Galaxy Buds and set them up to work with Galaxy AI: 

• Open the case near your Galaxy S26 and follow the on-screen prompt, or head to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

Once linked, your Buds can handle Bixby commands hands-free and take incoming calls[5], so you can lean on Call Screening without lifting the phone to your ear.

Those are just eight of the Galaxy S26 features most worth switching on out of the box, and there are plenty more you can play with to help streamline your daily life. A few minutes of set-up now, and the S26 takes over the small stuff that's been making the daily juggle feel heavier than it needs to be.

The Galaxy S26 Series is available now at samsung.com.

FAQsAre all these features available across the full Galaxy S26 Series?

Now Brief, Now Bar, Call Screening, Bixby, Automation, Photo Assist, and Creative Studio are available across the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Privacy Display is exclusive to the Ultra, where it’s built directly into the display hardware.

Do Galaxy AI features process my data on the device or in the cloud?

The Galaxy S26 is designed to handle Galaxy AI workloads on the device where possible, which means less data leaves your phone. On-device processing is backed by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform built into every Galaxy device, with the Personal Data Engine[6] handling your habits and preferences locally.

What can I do with Galaxy Buds that I can't do with the Galaxy S26 alone?

Once paired, Galaxy Buds let you handle Bixby commands hands-free, take incoming calls without lifting the phone (handy when you're using Call Screening), and switch audio automatically between your S26 and other Galaxy devices you're signed into.

Disclaimers:
[1] Samsung account login is required for certain AI features. Galaxy AI features are provided for free. Future releases may include additional advanced features that are offered as part of a paid subscription plan. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.
[2] Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[3] Requires network connection and Samsung account login. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[4] Requires manual activation in settings to function. Privacy Display feature is not AI-powered.
[5] Requires Galaxy smartphone with One UI 8.5 or above
[6] Personal Data Engine is exclusive to Samsung native apps and is not applicable to third-party applications. Personal Data Engine recognises 20 languages and certain accents/dialects. The Personal Data Intelligence menu must be switched on. Analysed data will be deleted once the Intelligence menu is turned off.

SAVE 38%: As of June 22, you can get the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $799. That's down from $1,299 at Amazon.

13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $500   Get Deal at Amazon

Prime Day doesn't officially start until June 23, but Amazon is already teasing us with early deals on tech, kitchen appliances, and more. If you've been holding out for a laptop, I'd say you can go ahead and take out your wallet today.

Right now, you can get the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $799 at Amazon. That's down from $1,299. That's a 38% discount or $500 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date.

SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: We're tracking prices on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

According to Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter, Haley Henschel, MacBook Airs usually don't usually hit record lows until the sale begins. That means you can feel confident this is a genuinely good deal and not another one of Amazon's marketing ploys to steal your money.

Plus, you aren't getting stuck with a bare-bones base model. Even though it's a couple of years old, this version has an M3 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, along with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and an 18-hour battery life.

SAVE $800: As of June 22, the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's $800 off this 240Hz OLED gaming display.

Opens in a new window Credit: lg LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED Curved Gaming Monitor $899.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $800   Get Deal

The LG 45-inch UltraGear curved gaming monitor deal is down to $899.99 at Amazon today only. That's a 47% discount from its usual $1,699.99 price. It’s part of early Prime Day promotions and a big price drop on a curved OLED screen built for gaming.

This monitor is made for smooth, fast gameplay and a sharp picture, and the price doesn’t often fall this low. With Prime Day kicking off, this is one of the stronger early deals to drop.

The LG 45-inch UltraGear gaming monitor is built to feel big and immersive, with a wide curved screen that wraps around your view so you feel more immersed in games and movies. It runs at a very fast refresh rate and responds almost instantly, which helps fast-moving games feel smoother and more controlled.

It also uses a high-contrast OLED display that makes dark scenes look deeper and bright details stand out more clearly. The extra-wide 21:9 layout gives you more screen space, which is great for gaming and also handy if you like multitasking or keeping multiple windows open side by side.

Grab the LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor at Amazon before this deal disappears.

TL;DR: Live stream Argentina vs. Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Argentina reminded everyone why they won the last World Cup with a dominant performance in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup game. Now they face a tougher test against Austria, a team that is coming off a straightforward win over Jordan. Can Messi sparkle again and lead Argentina into the knockout rounds?

If you want to watch Argentina vs. Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Argentina vs. Austria?

Argentina vs. Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on June 22. This fixture takes place at the Dallas Stadium.

How to watch Argentina vs. Austria for free

Argentina vs. Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Argentina vs. Austria for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Argentina vs. Austria for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Argentina vs. Austria (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Argentina vs. Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

The best early Prime Day streaming deals at a glance: Best long-term deal HBO Max Standard annual subscription $132.99 (save $52) Get Deal Best add-on deal Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months (save $26) Get Deal Best music streaming deal Amazon Music Unlimited free for 4 months (save $47.96) Get Deal Best premium Prime Video add-on deal Apple TV $5.99/month for 2 months (save $14) Get Deal Best audiobook streaming deal Audible Standard free for 3 months (save $26.97) Get Deal Best slept-on streaming deal AMC+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $20) Get Deal

Last year, Amazon surprised us by dropping a boatload of Prime Day streaming deals for the first time. In 2026, it's basically rinse and repeat. And that's not a bad thing.

Prime Day isn't just for deals on TVs and headphones anymore — it's also a great time to load up your digital libraries with streaming subscriptions, so long as you're a Prime member. (Not yet a member? Sign up here.) One of the biggest perks of having a Prime account is gaining access to Prime Video, Amazon's own streaming service. While Prime Video itself isn't on sale, tons of subscription add-ons are, including premium options like Apple TV, AMC+, and Paramount+.

In the days leading up to the official Prime Day kickoff (which takes place June 23 through 26 this year), HBO Max also dropped a killer deal. We wouldn't be surprised if even more streamers toss their hats in the ring to compete as we inch closer to the big day.

We'll be keeping an eye out for you, and updating this list as any new streaming deals roll in. While we're not expecting Black Friday-level deals, this will likely be your only chance to snag a steep discount until the end of the year — so, act fast if you see a deal you like.

Best Prime Day long-term streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max 40% off annual subscriptions Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max (Prime Video add-on) 40% off annual subscriptions Get Deal Why we like it

HBO Max always gives us one of the best streaming deals for Black Friday, but this is the first time it's decided to hop aboard the Prime Day express. And it's kicking off its Prime Day deal debut with a bang: new and returning subscribers can get any annual subscription for 40% off. Yes, that means this deal isn't just limited to the ad-supported tier like it is on Black Friday.

Typically, HBO Max annual subscriptions cost $109.99 for the Basic with ads tier, $184.99 for Standard (no ads), and $229.99 for Premium (no ads + 4K). Through July 15, however, you'll only pay $78.99, $132.99, or $164.99, respectively. After your first year, your subscription will revert to full price unless you cancel. Still, that's 12 whole months of streaming for 40% less than usual.

Psst: If you don't want to deal with logging into another streaming service, this deal is also available in the form of a Prime Video add-on.

Best Prime Day streaming add-on deal Paramount+ streaming deals: Standalone deal Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) Get Deal prime video add-on Paramount+ (Prime Video add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) Get Deal Roku add-on Paramount+ Premium (Roku add-on) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) Get Deal Why we like it

Like clockwork, we can always count on Paramount+ to dish out one of the best streaming deals during major shopping events. The streamer has resurrected the exact same streaming deal from last Prime Day for 2026, only this time it's technically a better offer since Paramount+ raised its prices earlier this year. Typically $13.99 per month for a Premium subscription (that's the ad-free tier with Showtime), you'll get two months for just 99 cents a piece. That saves you $26 total.

The Paramount+ library is surprisingly robust. Premium subscribers can enjoy Paramount+ Originals like Landman and RuPaul Drag Race All Stars, Showtime series like Dexter Resurrection and Yellowjackets, CBS shows like Survivor and Big Brother live, UFC fights, and nostalgic shows from Nickelodeon and MTV. That's not even counting the massive movie lineup (including Paramount Pictures movies straight from the theater).

The discount is only valid through the end of Prime Day on June 26, so be sure to sign up before then. You can grab the deal directly through Paramount+ itself or as a subscription add-on via Prime Video or Roku.

Best Prime Day music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Music Unlimited Amazon Music Unlimited free for 4 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not committed to a music streamer, now's a good time to check out Amazon Music Unlimited without spending a cent. Through June 29, new subscribers can secure four free months. Typically $11.99 per month for Prime members, that's a total of $47.96 in savings. Amazon Music Unlimited unlocks a massive music catalog that you can listen to on-demand, ad-free, and in the highest quality possible. Beyond music itself, Unlimited subscriptions also include "the most ad-free podcasts" of any of the major music apps, as well as one free audiobook per month via Audible. Even if you do already subscribe to another music streaming service, it's worth it to take a pause from payments for four months and lock in this deal.

More early Prime Day streaming deals

• Acorn TV (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $9.99/month (save $9/month)

• Acorn TV + AMC+ bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $1.85/month for 2 months $12.99/month (save $11.14/month)

• ALLBLK (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $6/month)

• AMC+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $10.99/month (save $10/month)

• AMC+ + Starz bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $1.85/month for 2 months $15.99/month (save $14.14/month)

• Apple TV (Prime Video add-on) — $5.99/month for 2 months $12.99/month (save $7/month)

• Audible Standard — free for 3 months $8.99/month (save $8.99/month)

• BBC Select (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $5/month)

• BritBox (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $10.99/month (save $10/month)

• Crunchyroll Fan (Prime Video add-on) — $59.99/year $99.99/year (save $40)

• Great American Pure Flix (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $9.99/month (save $9/month)

• Hallmark+ (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $7/month)

• HiDive (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $6/month)

• howdy (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $2.99/month (save $2/month)

• Lifetime Movie Club (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $4/month)

• MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $7/month)

• MovieSphere+ (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $4/month)

• PBS Documentaries (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $4/month)

• PBS Kids (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $4/month)

• PBS Masterpiece (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $6/month)

• Shudder (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $7/month)

• Starz (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $12.99/month (save $12/month)

• ViX Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $10.99/month (save $10/month)

• UP Faith & Family (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $5/month)

• Wonder Project (Prime Video add-on) — $0.99/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $8/month)

Early Prime Day streaming stick deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $34.99 (save $19)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• Google TV Streamer 4K  — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Roku Ultra — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

The 2026 World Cup doesn't stop. Another day, another batch of huge group-stage fixtures.

Today, June 22, sees the return of top sides like France, Norway, and Senegal. There are some really interesting matchups on the schedule. The action kicks off from 1 p.m. ET. We've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 22

• Group J: Argentina vs. Austria (Dallas Stadium) — kickoff at 1 p.m. ET

• Group I: France vs. Iraq (Philadelphia Stadium) — kickoff at 5 p.m. ET

• Group I: Norway vs. Senegal (New York New Jersey Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET

• Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium) — kickoff at 11 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Argentina vs. Austria

Argentina provided a reminder of why they won the last World Cup with a dominant performance in their opening game against Algeria. Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a stunning performance to secure a 3-0 win. Austria will likely provide a tougher test for the champions. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch France vs. Iraq

France stumbled in the first half against Senegal. They probably should have been punished for a slow start, but they came back with an impressive display of attacking talent in the second half. Iraq will need to deliver something special to stop Mbappé, Olise, and Dembélé. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Norway vs. Senegal

Norway looked comfortable in their opening-round victory over Iraq, but Senegal is a difficult matchup. This is an incredibly strong group, and we're expecting a real battle between these sides. This is the toughest game to call from June 22. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Jordan vs. Algeria

This isn't the most glamorous matchup on the schedule, but these sides will still believe that they can progress from the group stage. If they want to make it through, they absolutely need to secure three points here. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

SAVE $55: Ahead of Prime Day, score a Kindle Essentials Bundle for just $106.97 and save $55 on Amazon's e-reader, a cover, and a charger. But more deals are coming tomorrow, when Prime Day kicks off.

Best early Prime Day Kindle deals Best Kindle Deal Kindle Essentials Bundle 106.97 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Paperwhite Deal Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle $177.97 (Save $89) Get Deal Best Colorsoft Deal Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Bundle $244.97 (Save $108) Get Deal Best Kids Kindle Deal Kindle Colorsoft Kids $179.99 (Save $90) Get Deal

Testing Kindles and e-readers is my job, but it's also my passion. I use my Kindle Paperwhite every day — unless I'm testing a new e-reader — and it's accompanied me on many a summer adventure. So, while I spend a lot of time convincing Mashable readers to buy my favorite e-readers, I also track the best times to buy an e-reader.

I can confidently say that the best time to buy a Kindle is during a big sale, and with Amazon Prime Day 2026 coming June 23 to 26, I expect Kindles to reach record-low prices. Amazon usually saves the best Prime Day Kindle deals until the sale officially kicks off, but Kindle bundles almost always get a discount in the days and weeks before the big event.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2026

So, what early deals should you shop now? And how low will Kindle prices fall once the sale starts?

I have all the answers ahead of Prime Day, so here are the best Kindle deals to shop early, plus what prices to expect.

Best early Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $106.97 at Amazon
$161.97 Save $55   Get Deal Why we like it

If you really want a Kindle before Prime Day kicks off tomorrow, your best bet is the Kindle Essentials Bundle. It includes the basic Kindle, which has a list price of $109.99, but right now you can buy the Essentials Bundle for $106.97. The bundle is a great value and includes a case and power adapter, making it a $161.97 value. Ahead of Prime Day, you can enjoy $55 of savings.

Looking for a different Kindle model? There are lots of other Amazon e-reader bundles on sale ahead of Prime Day, plus tons of Prime Day book deals to watch.

Remember, early shoppers: For the best savings on Kindles, you're gonna have to wait until Prime Day kicks off on Tuesday, June 23.

More early Prime Day Kindle deals

Bundles

• Kindle Paperwhite Bundle — $147.97 $216.97 (save $69)

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle — $177.97 $281.97 (save $89)

• Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Bundle — $244.97 $367.97 (save $108)

Kids Kindles

• Kindle Paperwhite Kids — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)

• Kindle Colorsoft Kids — $179.99 $269.99 (save $90)

How much will Kindles cost during Prime Day?

Having tracked prices on Kindles for years, I have a pretty good sense of how much Amazon's e-readers cost during a sale. It's always the same dance: pre-Prime Day, Amazon offers savings on Kindle bundles, but standalone devices don't go on sale until Prime Day officially starts.

So, how much will the Kindle Paperwhite be on Prime Day? And what about Amazon's other e-readers?

We tracked the prices on the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite over the past four sales to predict this years prices. Credit: Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite's lowest price ever is $124.99, which the device dropped to during Black Friday, Prime Big Deals Days, and of course, last year's Prime Day. So, unless Amazon decides to give it a new all-time low price, we expect to see it drop to $124.99 on June 23.

For a more budget-friendly purchase, the basic Kindle has seen even bigger savings. The e-reader had a new, all-time low price during Black Friday 2025 when it dropped to $79.99. This Prime Day, I hope to see that $79.99 price tag again, but an $84.99 price might be more likely.

Dashcam company BlackVue is broadcasting real-time video feeds of its users' cameras to all app users around the world, in a potentially concerning privacy issue.

First reported by Australia's Nine News, BlackVue's official app includes a world map showing the location of many of its dashcams, which users can tap to watch real-time footage. A red ring around a BlackVue logo on the map indicates that a dashcam is openly viewable to the public, while those without a red ring indicate a vehicle's location without footage. These appear to be from users who have opted in to sharing their location, but not their live feed.

Mashable downloaded the BlackVue app and was able to view real-time footage from people's dashcams in countries across the world, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. These cameras are pinpointed on the in-app world map, down to the exact street the vehicle is located on and how fast it's travelling. It also includes audio, allowing strangers to listen in on any conversations happening during the drive.

SEE ALSO: Amazon faces class action suit over Ring facial recognition feature

The BlackVue app shows footage from parked vehicles as well, marked with a blue P on the map. BlackVue's Parking Mode keeps its dashcams running 24/7 off the car's battery or an external power source, even when the vehicle isn't in use.

Anyone who downloads the app and makes an account can view these livestreams, even if they don't have a BlackVue dashcam themselves. Free accounts are limited to 10 minutes of live viewing per day, though buying BlackVue's paid Smart subscription unlocks unlimited time.

Mashable has reached out to BlackVue for comment.

Zooming in further reveals the exact locations of these BlackVue dashcams. Credit: Mashable screenshot: BlackVue

BlackVue appears to have made its dashcam broadcasting feature opt-in rather than opt-out in 2018. Even so, Nine News reports that some users remain unaware of it, speaking to one dashcam owner who was shocked to discover the feature.

"You could keep listening to them, watching them and go from there, it’s bad for predators," user Alex told Nine News.

This isn't the first time concerns have been raised about this BlackVue dashcam feature. The company previously addressed the matter in a blog post last July, assuring customers that their footage was "private by default."

"When you first connect your BlackVue dash cam to BlackVue Cloud, your privacy settings are automatically set to private," wrote BlackVue. "This means your footage stays exactly where it should be — with you. No strangers can access your videos, no public viewing is enabled, and your journeys remain completely confidential unless you wish to share them."

Featured Video For You Moltbook's real risk isn't AI. It's your data

BlackVue's website markets its optional Cloud features as a way to check on your car from anywhere, with remote live view and video playback. However, such uses don't require everyone else with the app to be able to access your footage as well.

If you have a BlackVue dashcam and don't want to broadcast your live location to the world — and you shouldn't — it may be a good idea to double check your app's settings. According to BlackVue, you simply need to open the app, tap on your camera, select "More," then "Camera Settings" and "Privacy." From there you can toggle off "Share Location" to keep both you and your camera's video feed from the world.

It's Amazon Prime Day season again, aka the best time of year to score excellent deals on Apple gadgets (outside of Black Friday, at least). Amazon typically offers extra-low prices on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks during its annual members-only sale, and the Mashable team is already closely monitoring the best Prime Day Apple deals.

A word of caution: Don't fill your cart just yet! Having covered Prime Day for Mashable for seven straight years, I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that most of these offers will get even better when the event formally begins. Amazon saves its very best deals for the main event, and this year, Prime Day runs from June 23 to 26.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is right around the corner: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

I say "most of these offers," not "all," because there are a handful of exceptional deals that I would in fact shop early. Some devices, including the Apple Watch Series 11, are currently sitting at record-low prices, and you can also pick up the Apple AirPods 4 for just $99.

Over the next week, we will regularly update this page with the best Prime Day Apple deals, and not just at Amazon. We'll also check prices at competing retailers like Best Buy and Walmart to make sure you're truly getting the lowest prices on all things Apple. Plus, we'll tell you how low we expect prices to go on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, and more.

The only Apple deals I'd shop before Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why I like it

There's just something about the phrase "$99 AirPods" that feels good, doesn't it? Ahead of Prime Day 2026, you can already score the latest Apple wireless earbuds on sale. Technically, this isn't the product's lowest-ever price, but we wouldn't count on a better discount next week, though that is possible. In the past, we've seen these buds hit $69 before, so you may want to wait just in case Amazon revives that deal next week.

If you want the pricier version of AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Amazon currently has deals on these buds starting at $148.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why I like it

Ahead of this year's sale, the 15-inch M5 model is already $149 off. Its current price is $1,149.99, down from $1,299. Unlike earlier deals that only applied to one color, this discount now applies to all colors of this model.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Air.

Prime Day AirPods deals to watch

• Apple AirPods Pro 3: Ahead of Prime Day, we've seen these noise-cancelling earbuds on sale for $179.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. Check back during Prime Day, when they'll surely get another discount.

• Apple AirPods Max 2: These snazzy over-ear headphones have been hanging out at their record-low price of $499.99 since early June (normally $549). That's not bad, but the first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C charging were a full $100 off on their first Prime Day and $120 off last Black Friday. Let's see if Amazon can get these new ones down to around $449, at least.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, see where they land on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-cancelling headphones.

The best early Prime Day AirPods deals for now: Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $148.99 (save $30.01) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Prime Day Apple Watch deals to watch

The best Prime Day deals on Apple products always include savings on the latest Apple Watch, plus the SE and Ultra models. Soon you'll be able to buy these smartwatches at their lowest-ever prices.

• Apple Watch Series 11: Apple's latest smartwatch is currently marked down to $279 (normally $399), which is its lowest price to date and a $120 savings. However, it's probably going to get even cheaper on Prime Day. 

• Apple Watch SE 3: Apple's budget wearable has hit $199 before, and its predecessor dipped down to $169 during last October's Prime Big Deal Days sale. It was on sale for $199 at the time of writing (typically $249), or only $50 off, so don't add it to your cart just yet.

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultra 3 has now dropped to its lowest price yet at $649, down from $799, marking a 19% discount. This rugged premium smartwatch with GPS + Cellular and advanced health and fitness tracking is now cheaper than its previous Black Friday-style lows.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Series 11. If you're not sure which model is right for you, check out our guide to the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

The best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now: Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $279 (save $120) Get Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $649 (save $150) Get Deal Prime Day iPad deals to watch

• Apple iPad: Apple's entry-level tablet is on sale for $299 right now, down $50 from its usual sticker price of $349. I'm thinking Amazon will revive its Prime Day 2025 price of $279 before the event wraps up.

• Apple iPad Air: The 11- and 13-inch M4 iPad Airs weren't around last Prime Day, but they've previously hit record lows of $519 and $699, respectively — a savings of up to $100. The 13-inch version has dropped back to its record-low of $699.99, while the 11-inch model is still hovering a little above its best-ever pricing at $559.

• Apple iPad Pro: The 11- and 13-inch M5 iPad Pro models are both on sale right now, but neither has fully hit their deepest-ever price drops yet. The 11-inch version is down to $899.99, while the 13-inch model is sitting at $1,199.99. Don't hit the buy button until you see them drop to $799 and $1,149, respectively (or lower, ideally). Their regular retail prices are $999 and $1,299.

• Apple iPad mini: The most compact Apple tablet is on sale for $474 in the lead-up to Prime Day (usually $499) — a hard skip. I'd be happy if it returned to last year's Prime Day price of $379, but hope Amazon can match its best-ever Black Friday price of $349.

Read our reviews of the M4 iPad Air, the M5 iPad Pro, and the iPad mini. Plus, find out which iPad you should buy.

The best early Prime Day iPad deals for now: Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 (save $50) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $559 (save $40) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $699.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $899.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,199.99 (save $99) Get Deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $474 (save $25) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook deals to watch

• Apple MacBook Neo: Apple's new budget laptop has been enjoying a $9 discount on Amazon for a couple of months now (normally $599). It would be suuuper cool if the retailer managed to match Apple's $499 student pricing on Prime Day, but that's very wishful thinking. Realistically, it probably won't get any cheaper than $549, if it gets any cheaper at all. A sizable MacBook Neo discount is my white whale for Prime Day 2026.

• Apple MacBook Air: The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is only $949 right now (normally $1,099), its lowest price yet. It’s sitting below its usual retail price right now, while the 15-inch model is also seeing a $150 discount. Apple’s MacBook Air lineup often gets matching deals across both sizes during major sale events. Hold steady until it hits $899.

• Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch base model with the vanilla M5 chip is going for $1,549 ahead of Prime Day (usually $1,699), but its record-low of $1,499 will probably return soon.

Read our reviews of the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is right for you.

The best early Prime Day MacBook deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 (save $149) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal

Steven Spielberg has captivated audiences for decades with cinematic masterpieces like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., but his film Disclosure Day marks a sharp turn toward historical reality. Inspired by the groundbreaking 2017 New York Times exposé on the Pentagon's secret UAP task force, the film blurs the lines between Hollywood entertainment and genuine ufology. This comprehensive breakdown explores the five real-world historical pillars anchoring the plot, evaluating the actual declassified documents, congressional testimonies, and folklore that Spielberg used to piece together his narrative.

Your VPN keeps your data private from snooping eyes, but sometimes the connection drops. When that happens, and you are still connected, you're naked to the world. Here's how to make sure you never get exposed. 

Does this season of House of the Dragon contain multitudes? Does a dragonseed shit in the woods?

In Season 3, episode 1, one character joins the distinguished ranks of Westeros folk who've pooped onscreen. And it's none other than Ulf the White (Tom Bennett).

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon': Who is the antlered man near Harrenhal?

Early in the episode, far from the Battle of the Gullet, we reconnect with the wild cards of Westeros. These are the three dragonriders who claimed Silverwing, Seasmoke, and Vermithor: Ulf, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew), respectively, despite being born adjacent to the royal bloodline. They've been assigned to a creepy camp near Harrenhal, tasked by Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) to await the arrival of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) on his enormous dragon Vhagar.

The thing is, Aemond's late. And when you've gotta go, you've gotta go, despite the freaky visions you might encounter. And here, we're gifted a charming shot of Ulf having a crap in the woods, with all the juicy foley effects you can imagine.

Those sound effects? Jail. Credit: Ollie

The scene instantly brings to mind one of the opening shots of Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, in which we see Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) letting loose in a very scenic location. And never forget, in Game of Thrones Season 4, Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) died on the toilet, possibly mid-poop.

When asked what it was like to join the Westeros Hall of Fame for Characters Who Hath Shat on Camera, Bennett told Mashable he relished the opportunity.

"You know what? That did go through my head. Part of me went, OK, who's had a poo in House of the Dragon or Game of Thrones?" Bennett said.

"He's actually also in a league of his own, because he's at least — to my knowledge — he's the only person that has a dragon and has pooed," noted Liberty. "So, you're very rarefied air."

"Yeah, I get to poo on camera, and uh..maybe you'll see me poo on camera again. Spoiler alert!" said Bennett.

"On Tom's CV, it says 'pooed on camera in House of the Dragon,'" said Liberty.

"'Can poo on camera,'" said Bennett.

"This is HBO," said Bew.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast on Season 3's colossal Battle of the Gullet

All shits aside, it's a complex start to the season for the dragonseeds, as Hugh, Addam, and Ulf's varied personalities clash.

"We have been forced together by circumstances. We've all come from different places, and ultimately, we all want to get something different out of this newfound power. But we're different human beings, so there is a chemistry test happening in real time, where we are forced to sit on the edge of a cliff for three days in the rain," said Bennett.

"But we're being bonded by our frustration of the information flow from our very scary bosses who don't really instil a lot of confidence and security," said Bew.

"No one's ever had that initiation to be a dragonrider...being commoners," said Liberty. "So the fear that you have to go through, I think that also pulls us together."

"We're being bonded by our frustration of the information flow from our very scary bosses..."

The camp where Addam, Ulf, and Hugh spend their assignment was originally filmed at a lakeside location in Wales near sprawling mountains — and it was actually too beautiful to be as creepy as the House of the Dragon team needed it to be.

"It looked like a Nordic vodka commercial," says Bennett. "When it came to the rushes, they went, it looks like they're having too good a time. It looks delightful. It looks like a jolly boys outing. So we had to reshoot everything in this little dank cave with water dripping, because the first time we did it, it just looked too nice."

"I was eating lamb the whole day," said Liberty. "Oh my god, I ate so much lamb. It was amazing, because I didn't eat breakfast, and then we got to set, and I was just being fed lamb. I think there was a take, I forgot my lines, because I was getting lamb out of my teeth, it was class."

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

At this point, iPads can do (almost) anything your laptop can do thanks to iPadOS 26. Not to mention, the iPad Air with M4 just got a memory boost up to 12GB, putting it a tier above some laptops. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad. Recent developments in the Pro and Air models also set them up as gaming devices.

The rapid pace of Apple's update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. So, we tested every model to help you find the best iPad for you.

And if you are ready to buy, the best time to do so is during Prime Day, which runs June 23 to June 26. We hope to see new, all-time low prices during Prime Day, but what's the price to beat?

How much will iPads be on Prime Day?

Since we can't predict the future, we can only rely on past data to know how cheap iPads will be during Prime Day. We rounded up the all-time low prices on every iPad model to get an idea of what to expect during Prime Day.

The 11th generation iPad is the cheapest but the iPad Air has had the most recent price drop. Credit: Mashable

The iPad 11th generation and iPad Mini haven't had all-time lows since December 2025 so those models are due for big drops during Prime Day. Meanwhile, the iPad Air and iPad Pro are recent releases, which probably means smaller discounts on those models. However, we have our fingers crossed for the iPad Air to drop to $499 and the iPad Pro to $749. Although, that's perhaps unlikely in the face of Apple price hikes.

Which iPad model should I buy?

The right iPad for you depends purely on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want to use a tablet as your primary workstation? Your answers should factor into your decision.

To get you started, we believe the best iPad for most people is the new M4 iPad Air (2026). It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. If you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

I can also say that with Prime Day running June 23 to 26, it's the best time to buy an e-reader, particularly a Kindle. I expect Kindles to hit all-time low prices and hope to see other e-readers like Kobos and the DuRoBo follow suit.

Featured Video For You Latest e-reader news

In April 2026, we added two new e-readers to this list. After months of testing, we've included the Durobo Krono, an open Android e-reader that allows you to access your Kindle, Libby, and Kobo libraries on one device. The Xetink X4 e-reader is a unique, compact device that doesn't look like much, but is pretty impressive.

It's been a busy few months of e-reader news. As of May 20, Amazon ceased support for e-readers released in 2012 or earlier, which includes the first generation of Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite. For Kindle users now in the market for a new e-reader, some are considering a switch to Kobo.

For those on the fence, Kobo just made it a little more enticing. In June 2026, Kobo will launch a Storygraph integration, so your reading progress is automatically synced in the app. This will be available on the Kobo app and e-readers.

Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

We've also tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

Two e-readers I recently tested included the Boox Palma 2 and the Boox Go 10.3 (Gen 2) Lumi. The Boox Palma 2 was a really solid palm-sized e-reader. On an open-Android system, you can download any reading app from the Google Play store including Libby, Kindle, and Kobo. Unfortunately, the Palma 2 is being discontinued and its availability is dwindling.

The Boox Go 10.3 (Gen 2) Lumi, offered the same operating system as the Palma 2 just in a larger screen with writing capabilities. It's exceptionally similar to the Kindle Scribe but not quite as fast, which is why it doesn't make our list.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Thest Home Depot deals at a glance: Best power tool deal Free DeWalt Power Tool $229 (save $70 + free DeWalt power tool) Get Deal Best robot lawn mower deal Mammotion Yuka mini 600H $749 (save $350) Get Deal Best robot pool cleaner deal Aiper Scuba X1 $899.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 $254.99 (save $45) Get Deal Best fan deal Dreo TurboCool Outdoor Misting Fan 711AS $161.99 (save $18) Get Deal

Prime Day is almost here. All eyes are on Amazon, but smart shopper know it's wise to check out other retailers.

Home Depot is packed with excellent deals right now, and some of them beat Amazon's early Prime Day offerings. That's especially true if you like getting free power tools.

SEE ALSO: Cordless power tool deals are already live at Amazon before Prime Day starts

If you have home improvement projects to tackle this summer or you'll be spending time in the backyard, check out these great sale prices at Home Depot that are well worth shopping before Prime Day hits.

Best free power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt Free power tool with purchase of DeWalt 20V/60V MAX Flexvolt Battery and Charger Starter Kit $229 at Home Depot
$299 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Who could say no to free power tools? Part of Home Depot's Father's Day Gifts events includes this awesome deal on DeWalt cordless power tools. To get the free tool benefit, you'll need to add the DeWalt 20V/60V MAX Flexvolt Lithium-Ion 9.0Ah Battery and Charger Starter Kit to your cart. It's on sale for $229, marked down from the normal price of $299.

Then you'll be eligible to add a free cordless tool to your cart. The free options include 11 DeWalt tools like a 20V cordless concrete and masonry rotary hammer, a sidewinder-style circular saw, or a cordless hammer drill, to name a few options.

More deals to shop at Home Depot

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit — $199 $299 (save $100)

• Google Nest Thermostat with Nest Temperature Sensor — $229.99 $279.99 (save $50)

• Traeger Pro Series 22-Pellet Grill and Smoker — $389.99 $549.99 (save $160)

Prime Day 2026 is nearly upon us — and so is one of the best times to get a deal on a MacBook. I've covered Amazon's flagship summer sale for seven years straight now, and I've noticed that Apple's laptops always fall to extra-low prices as part of the festivities. (If they don't hit record-lows, they at least get close.)

Every current MacBook is already on sale ahead of Prime Day, which begins tomorrow June 23 and runs until June 26, but I wouldn't recommend grabbing one just yet. Amazon likes to save its best deals for Prime Day proper, meaning their discounts will likely increase once the sale starts tomorrow. We could even get our first big discount on the new budget MacBook Neo; this is its first Prime Day ever.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals already live on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

Read on for my predictions for the best Prime Day MacBook deals, from the Neo to the M5 MacBook Air and the M5 MacBook Pros. Now is also a good time to check out my separate MacBook buying guide if you're not sure which model is right for you.

Prime Day MacBook Neo deals to look for

Amazon hasn't been totally resistant to putting the Neo on sale — it's been $9 off for several weeks now — but it doesn't get the same big price cuts as Apple's other laptops. (This is probably because it's already a bargain at full price.) With that in mind, I wouldn't count on Amazon matching Apple's $100 student discount on Prime Day; it's still the best way to buy the Neo if you're eligible. But I could see Amazon dropping the base model to $549, or $50 off, luring back-to-school shoppers who don't quality for Apple's education pricing.

Read our review of the MacBook Neo.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Neo deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $589.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook Air deals to look for

Last year's 13- and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs got $150 discounts for Prime Day 2025, but we've already seen the newer M5 models go on sale for $200 off this spring. While those deals weren't still live at the time of writing, I expect Amazon to revive them once Prime Day begins tomorrow. Look for records low of $899 for the 13-inch configuration and $1,099 for its 15-inch sibling.

Read our review of the M5 MacBook Air.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Air deals for now: Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Prime Day MacBook Pro deals to look for

The base 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage. Amazon is currently selling it for $1,549, or $150 off, but I wouldn't add it to my cart just yet. It fell to $1,499 earlier this month, and that all-time low will likely return come Prime Day. You might have to be a little patient, though: Last year, an identically configured M4 MacBook Pro didn't get a $200 discount until the fourth (last) day of the sale.

If you need even more power for professional creative or AI work, there's also a 14-inch MacBook Pro that's configurable with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip. If anything, the starting M5 Max model is a relatively safe buy right now: It's currently on sale at its record-low price of $3,316.31, or $282.69 off. (The M5 Pro base model is still $50-ish away from its own record low of $1,983.94, which would save you about $215.) However, its M4 Max counterpart also got much cheaper as Prime Day progressed last year — to the tune of over $400 off. When you're dropping this much cash on a new laptop, I think it's wise to wait and see if prices drop even further.

Read our review of the M5 MacBook Pro.

The best early Prime Day MacBook Pro deals for now: Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549 (save $150) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,034.05 (save $164.95) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,316.31 (save $282.69) Get Deal

The best early Prime Day portable power station deals at a glance: Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $499.99 (save $299.01) Get Deal Best portable deal Bluetti Elite 10 $113 (save $56) Get Deal Best durable deal Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $999 (save $300) Get Deal Best bundle deal EcoFlow Delta 3 + 220W Solar Panel $669 (save $330) Get Deal Best content creators deal DJI Power 1000 $369.99 (save $329.01) Get Deal

Summer 2026 is in full swing now. Barbecues, camping trips, vacation, and avoiding mosquitos are all on the agenda. But something else big happens every summer — Amazon Prime Day. This year, Amazon is hosting the annual sale earlier than ever with dates set for June 23 to 26. But if you know Amazon, you know you don't necessarily need to wait.

We already have excellent deals happening on portable power stations: from a tiny model that'll keep your phone charged up for a weekend off-grid to major power that can keep your refrigerator cooling for days. Having reviewed dozens of power stations, these are the models I would consider buying when the chaos of Prime Day is just about to begin.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $499.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $299.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.

If you're looking to buy your first portable power station, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is an excellent all-around model. It offers a respectable 1,024Wh capacity, which is a bit like a Goldilocks amount. That's a good amount of power for a weekend away, but it doesn't go overboard. It's also easy to transport, coming in at under 25 pounds. It has excellent recharging ability, going from dead to 100% power in under 50 minutes. It's a summer essential for me, and it's also excellent during a power outage.

Best portable deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 10 $113 at Amazon
$169 Save $56   Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't need heaps of power, consider the Bluetti Elite 10, one of my favorite small portable power stations. It comes with 128Wh of power, which is enough to keep your phone, earbuds, or Kindle charged up during a camping trip or when the power goes out. Plus, the green colorway option is undeniably special.

In addition to its small size, the Bluetti Elite 10 is lightweight and great for people to carry from room to room during a power outage. Before Prime Day, it's on sale at Amazon for $113.

Best durable deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra has a unique feature when it comes to portable power stations — it's resistant to water and dust. As you can imagine, it's not wise to add water into the mix with most portable power stations, but the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra has an IP 65 rating and a level nine seismic shockproofing. All of that means this model is ideal if you'll be in harsh conditions. Bring this model camping in the rain or take it to the job site. It's also ideal if you'll be working in a shed with wood shavings.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is currently $999 at Amazon, down $300 from $1,200. The same discount is now running on Jackery as well.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 3 + 220W Solar Panel $669 at Amazon
$999 Save $330   Get Deal Why we like it

A huge benefit to choosing a portable power station is its ability to recharge via sunlight. Of course, in order to do that, you'll need a solar panel. The EcoFlow Delta 3 with a 220W solar panel is a great deal to hop on. For $669, down from the normal price of $999, you get the EcoFlow Delta 3 and a 220W solar panel for recharging.

The EcoFlow Delta 3 itself comes with 1,024Wh with an impressive 3,600W surge. EcoFlow states the 220W solar panel can recharge the Delta 3 back to 100% in about six hours. Take the power station and solar panel camping this summer and you might be in for unlimited power.

Through fire and blood House of the Dragon has roared back onto HBO for Season 3, and if you've watched episode 1, you might need a cup of tea.

In a colossal, jaw-dropping episode involving the much-anticipated Battle of the Gullet and many deaths, events conspired that will change everything for Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and her son, Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett). And Mashable asked the cast about it, so consider this a major spoiler warning.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast on Season 3's colossal Battle of the Gullet What happens in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 1? Jace (Harry Collett) hits the Battle of the Gullet with Vermax. Credit: Courtesy of HBO

In Season 3, episode 1, we're finally here: the Battle of the Gullet, an inevitability the show's been foreshadowing for two seasons with Lord Corlys Velaryon's (Steve Toussaint) all-important blockade. When the Triarchy shows up, led by Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorne), the battle finally begins.

However, on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra finds herself barred from flying into war by one more man standing in her way, one she didn't expect: her son, Jacaerys. Locked in her chambers by her Queensguard, wearing her riding leathers, Rhaenyra is frustrated enough to tear her court dress to shreds. But it's complicated.

"For two seasons we've seen Rhaenyra restrained from action, often by her male council," D'Arcy tells Mashable. "And at the start of Season 3, there's finally huge momentum in her campaign, and she is poised to move into action. That momentum hits a very sudden brick wall — or locked door.

"Rhaenyra has become very familiar with the ways in which patriarchy looks to consolidate male power, and there's something interesting going on here, where something that's framed as protection or care is actually an arm of control. I think that's a strong tool within the toolkit of patriarchy."

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 1: Why Rhaenyra destroying her court dress is complicated Why did Jace defy Rhaenyra? It's essentially treason with good intentions. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

For Collett, Jace's decision to defy his mother and fight in the Battle of the Gullet in her stead isn't one of malevolence (though it's technically treason). We watch Jace pitch the move as one of valor to his fiancée Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia), as a means to prove his worth as the future king of Westeros.

"There's no malice behind it. If she goes, then she could die, and I feel like he'd rather die than lose his mother. It's a protective thing," Collett tells Mashable.

"If things did go his way, then he would have locked her up, won the battle, come back, dealt with the consequences easy, but he still would have won the battle. Well, he technically did win the battle anyway, but he lost his life in it. But there's nothing malicious about it, just all protective."

"He technically did win the battle anyway, but he lost his life in it." Credit: Courtesy of HBO.

Fans are processing the loss of Jacerys and his dragon Vermax, brought down in the midst of battle despite the efforts of Baela and her dragon Moondancer. They're left floating in the turbulent waters between Dragonstone and Driftmark. It's a shocking, deeply upsetting moment, watching Vermax thrashing to survive, slowly going under, with Jace plunged into open water. Then, Triarchy arrows end the young prince's life.

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Collett took us through how the House of the Dragon team helped him prepare for Jace's tragic demise, ranging from horse riding lessons and wetsuit fittings to developing techniques for conveying emotion on a dragon rig.

"I had loads of meetings with Loni [Peristere], the director of the episode, and Ryan [Condal] talking about how I can portray feelings while being up in the air and having all this stuff going on around me," he said. "We would make up scenarios that would happen with Jace that didn't happen in the show, which really helped me get into character...It was really fun this time around, because I finally get to get out the offices."

When asked about what he learned this season about riding dragons, Collett had one response.

"God, don't fly low next time."

So, what's next for House of the Dragon after Jace's death?

Here's a few things to think about:

• Jace was the only one who saw Sheepstealer's rider, Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), who has now fled.

• Rhaenyra doesn't know another of her sons is dead and that she's one major dragon down, so she's likely to react.

• The young Joffrey Velaryon is Rhaenyra's sole blood heir now, but he's in the Vale, under the protection of Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin).

• Baela was betrothed to Jace but she's still a high-ranking member of the house, being Daemon Targaryen's (Matt Smith) daughter.

• We still don't know whether or not Corlys is alive.

• Harry Collett was not slain in battle as Jace. He's an actor and totally OK.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

The best early Prime Day deals on AirPods: Best AirPods Pro 3 Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 with ANC deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $148.99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Apple headphones deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $499 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day season is upon us, and the mega-retailer isn't waiting until the sale proper to drop deals on AirPods.

While Prime Day usually takes place in mid-July, it got bumped up in the schedule this year: the four-day sale will now take place from June 23 to June 26. With less than a day left before the sale, Apple products are starting to get marked down. Already, a classic $99 deal on Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds is available at Amazon, and we're expecting even more discounts to drop during the sale itself.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals

And if you prefer AirPods with active noise-cancellation, you're in luck. We've seen the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as low as $179.99. Also at Amazon, you can grab a deal on the AirPods 4 with ANC earbuds starting at $148.99, saving you $30. And with Prime Day still to officially start, there’s a good chance more deals will continue to pop up.

Until the sale ends on June 26, the Mashable shopping team will be bringing you the top Prime Day deals on Apple products. For now, you'll find all of the best Prime Day AirPods deals right here on this page.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Technically, we've seen the Apple AirPods 4 drop all the way down to $69, and we're hoping we'll see the same deal when Prime Day begins on June 23. However, given the recent wave of price increases in the tech world, we're not counting on it. So, if you're hoping to avoid the Prime Day sales pressure, pick up these classic Apple earbuds while they're under $100.

More early Prime Day AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179.99 $249 (save $70)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $399 $549 (save $150)

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best Prime Day AirPods deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.

The best early Prime Day iPad deals: Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (Save $40) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) $899.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal

Is your summer travel booked? If you're getting ready to jet set or hit the road but don't want to lug your laptop around, then it might be time to consider a tablet. Our favorites for performance and overall value are Apple's iPads. So with Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, and running until June 26, we're looking for the best deals on Apple's tablets.

Prime Day doesn't officially start until tomorrow, but iPads are already on sale. Don't get too excited, though. While we found deals on every single iPad model, the markdowns are pretty minor. The good news is, if you need an iPad before Prime Day, you don't need to buy one at full price. Bad news is, you should probably wait until Prime Day for the best savings.

SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: How low prices will go on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

But if you need an iPad now, here are the best deals to shop ahead of Prime Day.

Best early Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

While we love the iPad Air and think it's the best tablet money can buy, the basic iPad with A16 chip is still a stellar tablet. The 11th-generation model is a speedy tablet perfect for streaming, internet browsing, reading, and gaming. It's a great value at full price and even better when on sale.

Right now, get the 11th-generation iPad with A16 chip for just $299, bringing the tablet under $300. It's not the best price on the iPad, but it is just $25 away from its lowest price, so not bad. Need something more advanced? Well, there are more iPad deals on the Air and Pro to explore, too.

More early Prime Day iPad Mini deals

• Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $449 $499 (save $50)

More early Prime Day iPad Air deals

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $559 $599 (save $40)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)

More early Prime Day iPad Pro deals

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) — $899.99 $999 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) — $1,199.99 $1,299 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4, 512GB, WiFi) — $1,249.99 $1,499 (save $249.01)