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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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FCC challenges gender identity themes on kids TV

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 22:15

The Federal Communications Commission is using the presence of "controversial gender identity issues" in children's television programming as a pretense for questioning how TV ratings are developed and enforced, according to a notice published Wednesday by the federal agency.

The notice generally assesses TV ratings, but specifically points out that these industry guidelines have rated shows featuring "transgender and gender non-binary programming" as appropriate for children. It argues that parents aren't provided this information, "thereby undermining the ability of parents to make informed choices for their families."

In the document, the FCC poses a series of open-ended questions about TV ratings development, including whether the board responsible for the guidelines is "sufficiently balanced" with viewpoints outside of the entertainment industry and if faith-based organizations should be represented in the body.

"What more could the board do to include family-oriented perspectives — which are not well represented in the media industry — in its ratings process?" the notice asks.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (April 24, 2026)

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the public notice on X, explaining that "parents have raised concerns with the industry's approach." He added that these parents believe "New York & Hollywood programmers" promote objectionable content in kids programming without disclosing that to parents. Carr didn't mention gender identity in his X post.

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TV parents guidelines can include both a rating as well as descriptors for content that includes crude language, sexual situations, and violence.

LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the public notice, arguing that it amounted to discrimination and censorship.

"Trump's FCC is trying to turn transgender people into a warning label," Tyler Hack, executive director of the transgender rights advocacy group Christopher Street Project, said in a statement. "It is dehumanizing, and it is part of a broader political strategy to stigmatize LGBTQ+ people in every corner of public life."

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, described the notice as government overreach.

"Media companies must be allowed to create and broadcast stories that reflect one-quarter of their audience without interference from a government agency with its own anti-transgender political agenda," Ellis said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Jimmy Kimmel pulled off the air. This is the monologue that sparked it.

This isn't the first time Carr has been accused of censorship. Carr has claimed broadcasters air "hoaxes" and "news distortions" that also happen to be unfavorable to President Trump. Carr has suggested the licenses of such broadcasters won't be renewed.

In March, dozens of free speech experts argued in an open letter to Carr that his threats against broadcasters are "unlawful jawboning" and his vague characterization of "fake news" violates the First Amendment. The authors called on Carr to "withdraw" his threats.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft continues a turbulent year with first ever voluntary buyouts

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 21:19

Microsoft just reached a new corporate milestone — but not the good kind.

The Redmond, Washington-based tech giant is set to offer voluntary buyouts to a portion of its U.S. workforce, CNBC reports. That might not be a big deal for many companies, but this is the first time Microsoft has tried to cut headcount in this way since the company's founding 51 years ago.

In order to be eligible, an employee must be at the senior director level or below, and their age plus years of employment need to add up to at least 70. The program also excludes anyone with a sales incentive plan. The details of the buyout package remains unknown, but reportedly people who are eligible will hear more on May 7.

SEE ALSO: Memory wars: Microsoft announces big price increases for Surface laptops

“Our hope is that this program gives those eligible the choice to take that next step on their own terms, with generous company support,” chief people officer and executive VP of Microsoft Amy Coleman said in an employee memo obtained by CNBC.

While Microsoft has never offered voluntary buyouts (at least in the U.S.) before, the company did lay off thousands of employees in 2025. It's a turbulent time at the Windows factory; the company is investing plenty in data centers and other AI ventures. Some analysts are growing suspicious of how much this massive AI investment is actually worth for Satya Nadella's company.

Meanwhile, many other Microsoft divisions seem to be in flux. The Xbox division just underwent a massive and somewhat surprising leadership change, the Surface laptop division just implemented a huge price increase on its products, and Microsoft itself continues to be a major target of the BDS boycott list for its partnership with the Israeli military.

Other than that, though, everything is fine in Redmond.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok tests AI Remix option. What it is, how to opt out.

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 21:06

AI bubbles this, AI bubbles that — companies apparently need to cash in on their generative AI investments, and fast. It's why many people online feel they are being inundated with new AI tools and features day in and day out. The latest example? A new TikTok setting, known as remixes, that automatically opts you in to being turned into a digital meme.

TikTok creators first spotted "Remixes" content earlier this week, buried in their account settings. With remixes on, any public content can be used by its viewers to create digitally generated images, text-based memes, and more. The reveal and lack of notification stirred widespread concern about privacy and consent. Many wondered where the setting came from — and how to turn it off ASAP.

SEE ALSO: See Spotify's most-streamed artists, songs, and albums of the past 20 years

Days later, the platform confirmed to CNET that the feature was real and still in an "experimental" stage. Remixes are available only to select creators as the platform tests the AI tool, and TikTok told CNET that it could change drastically before it goes to users en masse. The company also claimed users' content won't be used to train its AI, part of updated guidelines under its new U.S.-based owners. Still, users who have already interacted with the remix feature are skeptical of the claims, and many worry that the tool will enable widespread impersonation and content theft.

This isn't the first AI grab by the social media giant. TikTok launched its AI assistant, Tako, to app users in 2022, but it's only recently appeared at the top of users' FYP displays and in search functions. The company also debuted its "AI Self" tool, a feature that lets users create AI replicas of themselves that can be "cast" in other users' content. Earlier this year, OpenAI was ordered to rebrand a similar controversial Sora feature, known as Cameos.

How do I turn off TikTok AI remixes?

TikTok's AI remix setting is unfortunately turned on by default. In order to block viewers from remixing your content, you have to turn off remixes on every individual post you've made visible to your followers or the general public. Users have already called out the company for the complicated process, but the company didn't confirm if a unilateral opt-out option would become available alongside its eventual rollout.

Here's how you can prevent yourself from getting meme-ified for now.

Total Time
  • 5 min
What You Need
  • TikTok app

Step 1: Go to your TikTok profile

Step 2: Click on a TikTok post or video

Step 3: Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the post

Step 4: Navigate to the the bottom row of icons, scroll to the right, and select "Privacy Settings"

Step 5: Toggle off the button next to "Allow AI to remix content"

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta to let parents view topics teens discuss with AI

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 18:33

Parents worried about what their teen is discussing with Meta's AI Assistant will now be able to view topics of conversation through a Teen Account parental supervision tool. Meta announced the feature Thursday in a blog post.

The information will be available via an Insights tab in the supervision tool for the platforms Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, all of which are owned by Meta.

The feature lists broader topics, such as school, entertainment, writing, health, and wellbeing. Parents can click on the topic for additional but limited detail.

The health and wellbeing categories, for example, can include fitness, physical health, and mental health. The information only covers the past seven days of exchanges.

SEE ALSO: Former Meta employee accused of downloading 30,000 private user images

The feature is the latest safety measure Meta has implemented under intense legal and media scrutiny.

Meta recently lost two separate landmark trials related to child safety protections and the allegedly addictive design of its products. The company said it will appeal both verdicts.

The child safety lawsuit, which took place this year in New Mexico, yielded internal Meta documents demonstrating that the company's leadership knew its persona-driven AI companions, or "characters," could engage in inappropriate and sexual interactions and still launched them without stronger controls.

Last August, Meta locked down its AI characters for teen users amid reports that they were inappropriately engaging with minors, including in discussions about self-harm, suicide, and romantic interactions. In October, the company provided parents with the ability to turn off one-to-one AI character conversations and block specific characters. In January, though, Meta again restricted teen access to characters as its AI assistant remained available.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that AI characters are paused for teens globally as the company continues to build parental controls.

In addition to the latest parental supervision feature, Meta partnered with the Cyberbullying Research Center to create a list of "conversation starters" about AI chatbot use.

The company also announced the formation of a new AI Wellbeing Expert Council assembled to provide "ongoing input" on AI teen experiences. Meta said the experts are affiliated with the National Council for Suicide Prevention, the University of Michigan, and Northeastern University, among other institutions.

Josh Golin, executive director of the children's advocacy nonprofit Fairplay, said in a statement that Meta's newest supervision feature "once again" burdens parents with monitoring their child's online activity in lieu of "building a safe product to begin with."

Last fall, Fairplay published a report on independent safety testing of Meta's Teen Accounts. Fairplay said the findings indicate that Meta's safety measures don't work as advertised.

The latest feature, Golin said, "doesn't address the fundamental problem: The main function of Meta's chatbots is to manipulate young people into spending more time on the platform by encouraging teens to form unhealthy emotional connections to bots."

Additional reporting by Chase DiBenedetto.

UPDATE: Apr. 23, 2026, 9:24 a.m. PDT This story has been updated with a statement from Fairplay.

Categories: IT General, Technology

X custom timelines: What users are saying about the new feature

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 18:29

Social media app X rolled out a new custom timeline feature earlier this week, and so far, user reactions have been positive.

The new feature is reminiscent of TweetDeck, the popular feature that recently rebranded as X Pro. Using the new custom timelines feature, X users will be able to create custom feeds for specific topics.

SEE ALSO: X's custom timeline feature will sting for TweetDeck mourners

The new feature, powered by the xAI tool Grok, is now available to Premium subscribers on iOS devices. Nikita Bier, head of product at X, announced the rollout in a post on X and said that Android support would be coming soon.

"It's powered by Grok's understanding of every post with the algorithm's personalization — meaning every timeline is made just for you. And it works even better when it's a topic you already engage with. This was a huge undertaking across many months, so we're excited for you take it for a spin," Bier wrote.

X also released a short video showing how the feature works.

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

Podcaster Aakash Gupta noted that the update lets users create up to "75 custom timelines powered by Grok." Gupta also speculated that the feature would give xAI a lot of new data for AI training."

In general, X users were excited to try the feature, though there was some confusion, which is typical with new-feature rollouts like this.

In response to a user lamenting the lack of an option for a Catholicism-focused custom feed, Bier reminded users to update the X app to try the new feature.

"Update your app," Bier wrote. "That’s the old experimental feature. We’re working on supporting religions in the next 2 weeks. We had it earlier, but the quality/content didn’t meet our bar yet.

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To a user who asked if it was possible to prevent topics from appearing in a feed, Bier pointed users to another new feature — the snooze topics feature, which rolled out at the same time as the custom feeds. That feature is available now for iOS and web Premium users.

Credit: X / @nikitabier

Most other comments on Bier's post were from users requesting specific topics, such as Ukraine, manufacturing, Bitcoin, and memes.

Finally, some X users are skeptical of the feature but willing to try it.

"Using it since morning, tbh it's okay," wrote X user @syssignals. "I saw overlapping in between AI, Software and Tech. Also seeing same content again and again on these timelines. I am still on my For you timeline. But hope this custom timeline will be mature as time goes by."

User @Hoxygo shared a similar sentiment: "Finally a way to separate tech from sports without building a whole new account. The real test is whether the algorithm respects the timeline boundaries instead of bleeding the main feed into it."

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Casetify just dropped a massive The Mandalorian and Grogu collection ahead of May the 4th

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 18:28

STAR WARS x CASETIFY COLLECTION: Shop the new The Mandalorian and Grogu collection at Casetify ahead of Star Wars Day. The collection includes customizable phone cases, laptop cases, earbuds cases, tablet cases, and more. Some items are already on sale.

Casetify 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' sale items at a glance: This is The Way Special Set (mirror case, earbuds collectible case, Snappy wallet) $134 (save $14) Get Deal Gorgu Special Set (impact case, impact laptop sleeve, Snappy mirror grip stand) $124 (save $14) Get Deal The Mandalorian Grogu Collectible AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro Case $46 (save $18) Get Deal

We're gearing up for an important day for Star Wars fans — May the 4th. We already have deals from Lego to help celebrate but now we can add Casetify to the list of offerings. The tech-lifestyle accessories brand just launched a major new collection that's perfect for any Star Wars fanatic.

On April 23, Casetify launched a galactic-themed collection that focuses on The Mandalorian and Grogu, and as a surprise, a few items are already on sale. The collection features tons of options for cell phone cases, laptop cases, tablet cases, and more. A few options include customizable elements like the Impact Case with MagSafe compatibility. Shoppers can choose their ideal protection level, bumper design, additional features.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Prices for the collection vary depending on the item with some of the least expensive options being phone case accessories like a Snappy Grip Stand for $32 or Snappy Cardholder Stand for $34. There's also the The Mandalorian and Grogu Stickermania Earbuds Case for $32.

Shop the entire Casetify collection here, and be sure to order soon to be fully equipped when the new The Mandalorian and Grogu film premiers on May 22.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple bug fix will stop FBI from recovering deleted Signal messages

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 18:04

Recently, the FBI recovered old Signal messages from a suspect's iPhone, despite the messages and the app having been deleted. Now, Apple has fixed the loophole that allowed it to happen.

Signal is a popular secure messaging app, so the news that the FBI had extracted Signal messages from an iPhone was concerning for Signal users, even though the bug originated with Apple, not Signal itself. In this case, the FBI was able to recover deleted Signal messages from the suspect's iPhone notifications.

The news comes courtesy of BleepingComputer, which noticed that a small security update was issued to iPhones and iPads to theoretically rectify the issue. In an Apple security bulletin, the company noted that a bug called "CVE-2026-28950" had been fixed. Apple didn't provide a lot of specificity here, but its official description of the bug seems right in line with the Signal notifications loophole: "Notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device."

If you haven't already, update your iPhone to iOS 26.4.2 to take advantage of the security update.

Signal even thanked Apple for doing this on X.

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The Signal bug in question, originally reported by 404 Media, involved deleted and end-to-end encrypted messages extracted from iPhone push notifications. Since the notifications contained the text of the message, and the iPhone didn't delete them in a timely fashion, the FBI was able to read them.

While Apple's security update didn't mention this story, it seems fairly obvious that this update was meant to address this particular bug. Moving forward, old notifications will be deleted instead of retained.

SEE ALSO: The Tim Cook era at Apple is defined by 5 achievements

As a reminder, Signal users can also avoid this problem by going to the app's Settings menu, tapping "Notification," then "Notification Content," and then finally choosing "No Name or Content." If you do that, your push notifications will merely alert you to the presence of a message without spoiling its sender or contents for you — or for anyone else who might get a warrant for your device in the future.

Users running iOS 26.4.2 (and iOS 18.7.8) will get the benefits of the latest security update. Users whose iPhones are running older software should ensure their push notification settings are up to date.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Big screen on a budget: The Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED 4K TV just hit a record-low price

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 17:27

SAVE $300: As of April 23, Amazon and Best Buy have dropped the price of the Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV to just $499.99. That's $300 off its list price of $799.99 — a new all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Budget-friendly TV brand Hisense is offloading its older inventory to make space for all of its new models. That's great news if you're shopping for a new TV, as you can find 2025 models for the cheapest they've ever been.

As of April 23, the Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale at both Amazon and Best Buy for a record-low $499.99. That's $300 off its already low list price of $799.99. According to our favorite price-tracking tool camelcamelcamel, this discount beats its previous all-time low by $50.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

With full array local dimming (typically only found in more expensive TVs), excellent contrast and brightness levels, plus features like an AI upscaler, Filmmaker Mode, and native 144Hz refresh rate, we can see why our friends at CNET (Mashable's sister site, also owned by Ziff Davis) called the QD7 the best budget TV.

"In my head-to-head comparisons, I found the Hisense delivers picture quality that I have never seen in a TV this cheap," writes TV expert Ty Pendlebury. He heartily recommends it.

As a fire TV, you'll get built-in Alexa. So you can press a button on the remote and ask Alexa for just about anything from sports scores to content recommendations. If you link your smart home gadgets, you can even ask your TV to adjust the lights, show you who's at the front door, set reminders, and more.

There's no doubt the Hisense QD7 is excellent value — especially now that it's $300 cheaper. At a cost this low, there's a good chance it could sell out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lego just dropped two Shrek builds — preorders are live and come with free gifts

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 17:24

It's hard to believe it, but Shrek came into our lives 25 years ago. While the franchise is celebrating the anniversary, Lego has gotten in on the fun and just announced two Shrek-themed Lego builds. One is geared toward experience builders while the other is great for smaller displays. Both undeniably combine the fun of Shrek and Legos.

Both the Lego Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots build and the BrickHeadz Shrek, Donkey and Gingy Figures are set to ship on June 1 and preorders are already live online at Lego. The Danish company has put a limit a household order limit of three sets on each build to give everyone the best chance to score their very own Lego ogre. Here are all the details.

Lego Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots (72423) The posable Shrek figures make for a great gift for a fan of the films. Credit: Lego

Fans of Shrek, the lovable Donkey, and witty Puss in Boots will love this 1,403-piece Lego build. The trio stand in a swamp and have posable features like Shrek's head and hands as well as Donkey's mouth and tail. The scene includes Easter eggs fans will appreciate, and Lego added a hidden element in Shrek's belly.

The Shrek Lego set is selling for $129.99 with a ship date set for June 1. Preorder the build by April 26 and you can score a free Lego Adventure Peely and Cuddle Team Leader build from Fortnite courtesy of Lego.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots (72423) $129.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego BrickHeadz Shrek, Donkey and Gingy Figures (40923) Adorable mini-builds are designed for ages 10 and up. Credit: Lego

For those looking for a smaller build or something suitable for younger Shrek fans, we have the Lego BrickHeadz Shrek, Donkey, and Gingy Figures. In total, all three figures have 259 pieces that are designed for those ages 10 and up. Shrek is standing proud with a "Beware Ogre" sign while Donkey's oversized teeth bring about a fun Lego twist to the character. Each figure is between two and three inches tall, so the mini builds will fit on any nightstand, bookshelf, or toy table.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego BrickHeadz Shrek, Donkey, and Gingy Figures (40923) $24.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here

Categories: IT General, Technology

See Spotifys most-streamed artists, songs, and albums of the past 20 years

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 17:12

To celebrate 20 years of streaming, Spotify just released lists of the most-streamed artists, albums, songs, podcasts, and audiobooks on the app. Popular artists, rappers, and bands like Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Coldplay appear repeatedly on the "Spotify at 20" lists, with Swift nabbing the title of most-streamed Spotify artist of all time.

In a blog post, Spotify said it was the first time they had ever revealed the all-time top performers on the platform.

While the top artists are mostly what you'd expect, there are a handful of surprises on the lists. Britney Spears appears once, but only in the audiobooks section. And neither Jay-Z nor Beyoncé appears on the lists at all.

You can find the complete "Spotify at 20" lists at the Spotify website, or keep scrolling to see the top results.

Top 20 most-streamed artists on Spotify
  • Taylor Swift

  • Bad Bunny

  • Drake

  • The Weeknd

  • Ariana Grande

  • Ed Sheeran

  • Justin Bieber

  • Billie Eilish

  • Eminem

  • Kanye West

  • Travis Scott

  • BTS

  • Post Malone

  • Bruno Mars

  • J Balvin

  • Rihanna

  • Coldplay

  • Kendrick Lamar

  • Future

  • Juice WRLD

Most-streamed albums on Spotify
  • Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny

  • Starboy by The Weeknd

  • ÷ (Deluxe) by Ed Sheeran

  • SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

  • After Hours by The Weeknd

  • SOS by SZA

  • Hollywood’s Bleeding by Post Malone

  • Lover by Taylor Swift

  • AM by Arctic Monkeys

  • WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish

Most-streamed songs on Spotify
  • “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

  • “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran

  • “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood

  • “Starboy” by The Weeknd and Daft Punk

  • “As It Was” by Harry Styles

  • “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi

  • “Sunflower – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” by Post Malone and Swae Lee

  • “One Dance” by Drake, Wizkid, and Kyla

  • “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

  • “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber

Most-streamed podcasts on Spotify
  • The Joe Rogan Experience

  • Gemischtes Hack

  • Crime Junkie

  • Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

  • Last Podcast On The Left

  • The Daily

  • Fest & Flauschig

  • Morbid

  • My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

  • Relatos de la Noche

Most-streamed audiobooks in Premium on Spotify
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

  • The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

  • Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

  • I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

  • A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

  • Lights Out by Ted Koppel

  • A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

  • The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

  • The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

  • Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung is selling refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 7 phones for more than new ones

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 17:05

The good news is that Samsung is now selling cheaper versions of last year's foldables. The bad news is that "cheaper" is relative.

The Korean tech giant announced on Wednesday that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, two phones we at Mashable really liked a year ago, are now available in refurbished form via the company's "Re-Newed" program. You can check out refurbished Fold and Flip phones on Samsung's websites, with the former starting at $1,699 and the latter at $939. In a vacuum, if you go by the phones' suggested retail prices, those are discounts of $300 and $160, respectively.

SEE ALSO: Samsung leak shows open earbuds are likely in the pipeline

The only problem, as 9to5Google pointed out, is that you can currently get a brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 7 on Samsung's website for $1,599, which is less than the refurbished model with the same specs. The same goes for the brand new Flip 7, which Samsung is selling for $899, a slight discount from the refurbished model. Of course, the discounted prices of the new phones could just be temporary, while the refurbished prices might stay the same over time, but it still feels a little bit backward that the new phone costs less than the refurbished one right now.

That said, either way, you're getting a deal compared to the devices' launch prices. And, for what it's worth, both phones are very good foldable devices. If you want one, this might be the time to get one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for half off — save $750

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 16:10

SAVE $750: The Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $749, down from the list price of $1,499. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 $749 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $750   Get Deal

Summer is on its way, and with it come two scenarios where we tend to go off-grid — while camping and during the much less fun summer storms. In both cases, it's no one's idea of a great time to have a phone run out of batteries or have zero lighting. Instead of dealing with the inconvenience, upgrade to a portable power station. There's a great model from Anker on sale today.

As of April 23, the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 is on sale for $749 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $1,499. That's a massive 50% discount that takes $750 off the normal price.

We have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a portable power station these days, but if you're looking for something in the 2,000-Wh range, the Solix C2000 Gen 2 could be your best bet. It focuses on quick recharging, taking under 60 minutes to reach 100 percent. Since it's a higher-powered unit, you can expect a continuous output of 2,400W with a peak surge of 4,000W.

In real-life terms, Anker says the Solix C2000 Gen 2 can keep a refrigerator running for as long as 32 hours or keep the WiFi router on for 105 hours. Of course, you could also power the TV, espresso machine, a blender, a CPAP machine, or a garage chest freezer.

Despite its powerful performance, the Solix C2000 Gen 2 is surprisingly small. It measures about 18 inches long and 10 inches in both height and depth. The weight clocks in at about 41 pounds, which is made easier to carry around thanks to the stable side handles.

SEE ALSO: Regularly $2,999, the Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off if you act fast

In addition to recharging with standard wall AC power, you can use your car's alternator, a car cigarette port, a gas generator, or solar panels. With 800W of solar input, the C2000 Gen 2 will get a full charge in about three hours.

Before the summer storms roll in or you take off on a camping trip, make the upgrade to the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2. It's on sale at Amazon for 50% off, which saves shoppers a whopping $750.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bluetti Elite 300 portable power station has hit its all-time low price — act fast to save over $800

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 16:04

SAVE $870: As of April 23, the Bluetti Elite 300 power station is on sale at Amazon for only $1,129 instead of $1,999. That's a savings of $870 and its best price ever. But as a Lightning Deal, it will disappear before the day is through.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 300 $1,129 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $870   Get Deal

There's a reason (or two or three) why portable power stations have become so popular. From off-grid adventures to unexpected power outages, these devices can serve as nice-to-have companions or true lifesavers. They typically come with steep price tags, but the compact Elite 300 model from Bluetti just got a massive price drop.

As of April 23, Amazon has the Bluetti Elite 300 portable power station for $1,129 instead of the usual $1,999. That's 44% in savings and the cheapest this particular model has ever been, according to our favorite price-tracking tool. There is a catch, though. Since it's a Lightning Deal, the discount will disappear as soon as the timer runs out on the deal page (around 10 hours left at the time of writing) or the inventory tracker reads "100% claimed" — whichever comes first. In other words, if you're interested in this steep discount, grab it ASAP.

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At only 58 pounds, the Elite 300 is the ideal size for portability while camping, tailgating, or simply running backup around your home. Yet, despite its small footprint, it packs in 3,014Wh of battery capacity and 11 different ports for your charging needs. In real-life scenarios, that looks like keeping a diesel heater running for over 40 hours or a 12V fridge cold for 60 hours.

Among its 11 ports are four AC outlets, a TT-30 RV port, a 12V/30A DC output, two 15W USB-A ports, one 100W USB-C port, one 140W USB-C port, and a 120W cigarette lighter port. Practically any power source you need is at the ready.

The Elite 300 is not the cheapest power station on the market, but it does pack a lot of perks. And now that it's 44% off, it's a pretty solid deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 15:32

Pure is one of the coolest dating apps I've tested, full stop. I've always loved the aesthetic and the ability to somehow share everything and nothing at all and still have a damn good time. (It's particularly effective for having saucy off-camera convos with strangers.)

Now, the app's doing even more to differentiate itself from the herd of mainstream swiping platforms by redesigning its feed. It's now even more colorful and even easier for users to express themselves in the loudest way possible.

SEE ALSO: I spent a month on Pure. It was hot, weird, and way better than Bumble.

Here's what's new:

  • Aesthetics and color patterns: With this new feature, you can choose your profile's aesthetic and color pattern with a single tap. (Options include bright pink, periwinkle, black, and more.)

  • Better usability: The new redesign prioritizes one profile at a time; there's no grid in sight.

  • Turn-ons are front and center: Turn-ons are now a prominent part of your profile, and there's also a new "Mutual Turn-Ons" view that lets you see shared interests with potential matches instantly.

The redesigned feed shows you one profile at a time. Credit: Pure

The new design wasn't driven by a decline in users. In fact, Pure wrapped up 2025 with close to $100 million in gross revenue and a 95 percent year-over-year increase in registrations. Its revenue grew 46 percent year-over-year in 2025, the app announced in Feb., compared to Tinder's direct revenue (which is revenue received directly from users) down three percent year-over-year in Q4 2025, and Hinge's up 26 percent.

Instead, the update is a direct response to mainstream "app fatigue" — the company wanted to create a feed that "moves the way people feel," according to Pure's press release.

"After conducting a series of user interviews, the feedback was clear: people are tired of endless swiping and want something that feels more real and intentional," Anna Hintsyak, Product Marketing Lead at Pure, tells Mashable. "In a world of dating apps increasingly shaped by algorithms and homogeneity, keeping how people connect as humane as possible was our main goal. So we redesigned the feed to reflect that, giving everyone the tools to express their personality and mood so each profile can truly stand out."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Power 1000 Mini portable power station just launched — U.S. availability is pending

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 15:13

DJI is on a roll with portable power. We're all smitten with the ability to go off grid without actually losing power and DJI is helping us achieve this. A portable power station is ideal for camping, powering up the projector in the backyard this summer, or to use during power outages. They're also useful for content creators who tend to stray off-grid for projects.

DJI has long been a creator-favorite brand, and they're keeping up with the world of portable power. The brand just launched the DJI Power 1000 Mini which is small only in terms of its footprint. It packs in a respectable 1,0008Wh but its physical size is nearly halved compared to the original DJI Power 1000 as well as being smaller than the DJI Power 1000 V2. It clocks in at weighing about 25 pounds, so it certainly ticks of box of being ultra portable. Max output is rated at 1000W.

Credit: DJI Noteworthy features on the DJI Power 1000 Mini

DJI made some nice additions to this new model compared to previous versions. For starters, there's a lightbar at the bottom, which is a feature I love. It makes a big difference to have a built-in light when walking up stairs with a power station or moving it around a dark campground.

DJI also added a retractable USB-C cable with 100W output which feels like a real luxury. DJI also makes all of their portable power stations especially friendly for content creators, and the new Power 1000 Mini is no different. DJI drone owners get access to an SDC port for quick-charging of drone batteries.

Another content-creator friendly element is the noise level on the DJI Power 1000 Mini. The brand notes when recharging in standard mode, it'll reach about 30 decibels which should be quiet enough to sleep through or record content near without interrupting.

How to buy the DJI Power 1000 Mini in the U.S.

As of last December, the FCC voted to prohibit DJI from getting authorization to market and sell new products in the U.S. DJI products that already authorized by the FCC don't apply to this new regulation. But since then, the company has struggled to get new products into the country.

Earlier this month when DJI released the new Osmo Pocket 4, a DJI spokesperson told Mashable the company was still waiting for authorization with the FCC to sell the device in the United States. Sadly, there's no current route to get your hands on the DJI Power 1000 Mini in the U.S. A DJI spokesperson told Mashable that they have submitted an application to sell the Power 1000 Mini in the U.S., but authorization is pending. We'll be sure to keep this page updated once it launches in the U.S.

In terms of pricing, toggling over to the brand's Canadian site indicates the station's price as $467 USD.

DJI power stations to shop today: DJI Power 1000 $349 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $429 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal DJI Power 2000 $749 at Amazon (save $550) Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 23, 2026

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 14:21

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're on Twitter.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 23, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 23, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A bird's sound.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

TWEET

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab a Samsung Galaxy S26 for under $100 without a trade-in — heres how to claim

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 13:52

TL;DR: You can get the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S26 for under $100 at T-Mobile, and you don't even have to trade in your old phone. You just need to add a new line on a qualifying plan (starting at $85/month) and keep the line active for 24 months to get up to $800 in bill credits.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26   Get Deal

Getting a new phone usually means trading in your old one (as long as it's in pristine condition) or forking over a bunch of cash in fees, accessories, etc. If your current screen is cracked or you were hoping to pass it down to your kid, you're out of luck. But T-Mobile is offering a no-trade-in-required deal where you can get the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S26 for under $100.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases: Where to get fun ones right now

The catch? You'll need to buy the phone on a monthly payment plan and add a new line on a qualifying plan, like Experience More (which runs $85 per month with AutoPay). The good news is that this isn't just for new sign-ups — existing T-Mobile members on select plans, including legacy Go5G Plus, also qualify. (Just keep in mind that depending on your specific plan tier, you might need to meet certain tenure requirements, like having been on a postpaid plan for two to five years.) T-Mobile applies up to an $800 discount via 24 monthly bill credits, so as long as you keep the line active for two years, you just have to cover the tax on the $899.99 pre-credit price and a $35 device connection charge upfront.

If you decide to make the jump, the S26 has plenty of new tech to justify the upgrade. It features new Galaxy AI tools, including Circle to Search, which lets you highlight text or images on your screen to translate them or look them up without switching apps. Plus, with full RCS support, you can finally send high-res photos and get read receipts in group chats with your iPhone friends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon has knocked over $10 off the Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker — buy now for under $25

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 13:15

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 23, the Soundcore Select 4 Go ultra-portable speaker has been marked down to $22.99 at Amazon. This is $12 off its list price of $34.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Select 4 Go $22.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal

Portable speakers come in a range of prices, but if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option to bring along on your outdoor adventures this spring, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is our favorite pick under $50 in our roundup of the best portable Bluetooth speakers. And now is a great time to grab it, as Amazon currently has this tiny but mighty speaker on sale for less.

As of April 23, the Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker is down to $22.99, which is $12 off its list price of $34.99. All of the available colors are on sale at Amazon, although most cost more at $23.99.

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No matter if you want to bring it to the beach, on a camping trip, or just have it for an outdoor excursion, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is built to handle any elements along the way as it's IP67 waterproof and dustproof. It also features quite a long battery life that lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge, so you can stay plenty entertained with your favorite tunes for hours and hours.

Those songs will sound good, even if the quality won't be quite as crisp as more high-end portable speakers. Our roundup of the best portable speakers found "the Select 4 Go to be pleasantly resonant when jamming out to different music genres, from alternative rock to hip-hop to jazz." However, it does note that "The high-end isn’t as transparent as we would like."

If you're looking for a solid speaker that won't break the bank, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is worth a look. Don't miss out on this deal on it at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are over $200 off at Amazon — buy now for $222

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 13:09

SAVE OVER $200: As of April 23, Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones have dropped to $222 at Amazon. This is $227.95 off their list price of $449.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum 4 $222 at Amazon
$449.92 Save $227.92   Get Deal

If you're in need of new headphones with a longer battery life that can last you through extended trips this spring and summer, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are a pair we'd recommend. They've earned a spot on our list of the best headphones as the best pick for long battery life, and select models are currently on sale at Amazon.

As of April 23, Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are on sale for $222 at Amazon. This is a huge discount of $227.95 off their list price of $449.95. Keep in mind that they're marked as a limited time deal, so the clock is ticking to take advantage of this offer.

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The Sennheiser Momentum 4's battery life is a real strength, as our best headphones roundup notes that "the Sennheiser Momentum 4s offer more insurance with 60 hours of battery life on a full charge." On top of that, they also sound "excellent right out of the box."

They even offer solid noise-canceling features. Our best headphones roundup found that, "While the ANC felt less adept at blocking out noise generally than the Sony WH-1000XM5s, it still did a fair job for its price point, never feeling like an obvious con to the listening experience."

Limited-time offers like these don't tend to stick around for very long. If the Sennheiser Momentum 4s have caught your eye, this is your chance to save over $200 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Regularly $2,999, the Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off if you act fast

Thu, 04/23/2026 - 11:57

SAVE $1,300.01: As of April 23, the Jackery HomePower 3000 is on sale for $1,698.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3000 $1,698.99 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $1,300.01   Get Deal

If you’re looking for whole-home backup, the Jackery HomePower 3000 is back on sale at Amazon. This portable power station can power pretty much anything, from your fridge to your laptop.

As of April 23, the unit with solar panels is reduced by over $1,000, bringing the price down to $1,698.99 from $2,999.

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This Jackery device has a 3,600W output (7,200W surge) and 3,072Wh capacity, so it can keep essential household devices running during outages, often for many hours or even days. For seamless connection, it features a fast-switching UPS system that can take over within 20ms to help prevent interruptions to important equipment like security systems or medical devices.

It includes a range of ports such as AC, USB-C, USB-A, and DC, plus an RV-ready output, so it can be used on the road, not just at home. It also supports multiple charging methods, including fast AC and hybrid charging, as well as solar, car, and generator options. And because it's built with LiFePO4 battery technology, you know it'll last for years.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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