Mashable

Cybersecurity researchers say they've identified a major vulnerability within Google's Gemini CLI, an open-source AI agent for coding. Because of the vulnerability, attackers could use prompt injection attacks to steal sensitive data, the researchers claim.

Google released a preview version of Gemini CLI in June, and this isn't the first issue that's been brought to light. A "vibe coder" recently described how Gemini CLI deleted his code by mistake.

Researchers at security firm Tracebit devised an attack that overrode the tool's embedded security controls. Attackers could use an exploit to hide malicious commands, using "a toxic combination of improper validation, prompt injection and misleading UX," as Tracebit explains.

Sam Cox, Tracebit's founder, says he personally tested the exploit, which ultimately allowed him to execute any command — including destructive ones. "That's exactly why I found this so concerning," Cox told Ars Technica. "The same technique would work for deleting files, a fork bomb or even installing a remote shell giving the attacker remote control of the user's machine."

SEE ALSO: Google Gemini deletes user’s code: ‘I have failed you completely and catastrophically’

After reports of the vulnerability surfaced, Google classified the situation as Priority 1 and Severity 1 on July 23, releasing the improved version two days later.

Those planning to use Gemini CLI should immediately upgrade to its latest version (0.1.14). Additionally, users could use the tool's sandboxing mode for additional security and protection.

SAVE $10.99: As of July 30, get the Roku Streaming Stick HD for $19, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 37% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roku Streaming Stick HD $19 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal

If you like to binge-watch TV shows at your own pace or check out movies when you're ready to veg out on the couch and not when the theater says, you probably appreciate streaming content. And you can turn just about any modern TV into a place where you can enjoy all of it at once with a Roku streaming device. They aren't too expensive, either, and are especially good deals when you can catch them on sale. Right now, you can snag one at an excellent price thanks to Amazon.

As of July 30, get the Roku Streaming Stick HD at Amazon for 37% off. Get it for just $19, down from its usual price of $29.99, for $10.99 off. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (July 25, 2025)

Just plug the streaming stick into your HDMI port and you're off. It's slim enough so that it won't block the others on your TV, and it's powered by the set itself. You don't need a wall outlet or any external electricity for it. Then turn on your TV and use the included remote to start watching.

The Roku stick allows for all your favorite streaming apps, like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Peacock, HBO Max, and the Roku Channel, with plenty of other options on offer as well. You can customize your own home screen with your top used apps, and even view live TV and on demand content with over 500 TV channels from Roku itself. That means even if there's nothing on the streaming platforms you want to watch, you can check for free content, too.

If you're ready to up your streaming game without paying an arm and a leg, don't miss out on this deal — and get ready to round out the summer with your favorite shows and movies.

When it comes to slang, "goat" means "greatest of all time." But in Goat, the new animated movie from Sony Pictures, we're talking a literal goat who aims to be "goat" — specifically the greatest roarballer of all time.

From the studio that brought us the epic Spider-Man Across the Universe comes an original adventure that make Zootopia 2 seem like kids' stuff. (Get it? It's a goat pun.)

Meet Will Harris (voiced by Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin), a small goat with big dreams. Roarball is a sport of ferocity, where predators face off, flexing their superior might. So what hope does a small goat have? Directed by Tyree Dillihay with co-director Adam Rosette, Goat brings a distinct style to its animal world that has us eager to see more.

But on top of a compelling premise and a fresh aesthetic, Goat also boasts a star-stuffed voice cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, and Jennifer Hudson. Plus, this trailer scratches millennial nostalgia with the smart employment of Skee-lo's banger "I Wish."

Shame we have to wait until next year to see Goat in full!

Goat will open exclusively in movie theaters on Feb. 13.

SAVE $23: The Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is on for $86.98 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $109.98. That's a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle $86.98 at Amazon
$109.98 Save $23 Get Deal

If you're a Star Wars fan, you've been blessed with plenty of home decor that makes your space more enjoyable. If you're looking to add something to your house that isn't a Lego set (we love those), there's a limited-edition item at Amazon that's on sale today.

As of July 30, the Star Wars Echo Dot bundle is on sale for $86.98 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $109.98. That's a 21% discount that shaves $23 off the price. The bundle includes the 5th gen Echo Dot smart speaker and the limited edition Star Wars TIE Fighter Stand.

The 5th gen Echo Dot speaker is Amazon's latest version of the Echo Dot, a compact smart speaker that impresses in terms of sound quality. It works great with Alexa's help, and she'll play your favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks if you ask nicely. She can also cue you in on the day's weather or add items to your shopping list. Stick the Echo Dot in the kitchen, and you have access to a hands-free timer with Alexa.

SEE ALSO: Save $20 on one of the best Lego sets for Star Wars fans

But today's deal also offers a super fun way to display the Echo Dot, which is on a Star Wars TIE Fighter Stand. It won't interfere with the functionality of the Echo Dot, but rather elevate its look in your home. The engine port on the stand lights up thanks to the light ring on the front of the Echo Dot, which brings the whole thing to life. Plus, Amazon included a TIE Fighter diorama in the bundle, so can add extra ambiance to the display.

If you're a Star Wars fan and you're looking to add the convenience of an Echo Dot speaker to your life, today's sale was designed for you. Snag the Star Wars Echo Dot bundle from Amazon while it's 21% off, and get ready to show it off to your friends.

This Thanksgiving, Zootopia 2 brings audiences back to the mammalian metropolis first introduced in 2016's Zootopia, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. And Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan is joining the fun for the sequel!

SEE ALSO: 'Zootopia 2' teaser: Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as a mysterious snake

Zootopia centered on the unlikely collaboration between bunny police officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and trickster fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). By the end of the heralded buddy-comedy, the two became police partners. Now that the sequel has rolled around, viewers get to see how that partnership has evolved. And based on the trailer, it's clear that it still needs a lot of work.

Zootopia 2's trailer puts Judy and Nick in partners' therapy, run by supremely calm quokka Dr. Fuzzby (voiced by Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson). After just a few seconds together, Dr. Fuzzby calls out Judy's overbearing energy and Nick's emotional insecurity. Ouch.

Clearly, Judy and Nick have a lot to sort out if they're going to succeed as a duo. But the self-improvement might have to take a backseat to a new major case.

A pit viper named Gary De'Snake (voiced by Quan of Everything Everywhere All at Once) is hiding out in Zootopia. He's the first reptile to slither into the all-mammal city in ages, so naturally, his arrival wreaks havoc all over town, even though he claims he's just trying to help his family. Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba) puts Judy and Nick on his trail, with a warning: If they can't find Gary, he'll split them up.

Watch the full trailer above to see Judy, Nick, and Gary in action, along with the return of some familiar faces. I'm talking Zootopia's DMV sloths, mafia shrews, and pop star Gazelle (voiced by Shakira). Given that "Try Everything" is a total bop, we can't wait to see what new bangers she's got cooking.

Zootopia 2 hits theaters Nov. 26.

Writer/director Paul Greengrass might be best known for helming a string of Bourne Identity sequels, including The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne. However, the Oscar-nominated director has won acclaim for his cinematic adaptations of real-life stories turned into gripping dramas, like Bloody Sunday, Captain Phillips, and United 93. Which means his latest, The Lost Bus, is right in his lane.

Just months after the L.A. fires rattled the nation, The Lost Bus looks back at the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire of the last century. Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey stars as a bus driver, who is called upon to become a hero to 23 schoolchildren cause in the path of destruction. Golden Globe Award-winner America Ferrera co-stars as the teacher aiding in the rescue effort by trying to keep her class calm. But it'll be one hell of a ride.

SEE ALSO: Matt Damon casually recaps the 'Bourne' series in 90 seconds

Greengrass is a master of building suspense. Even from this trailer, the tension is suffocating. Consider us seated.

Ahead of the film's release this fall, The Lost Bus will have a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Special Presentation slate. Look for Mashable's TIFF coverage as the festival kicks off Sept. 4.

The Lost Bus will debut in select theaters on Sept. 19, 2025, and premiere globally on Apple TV+ Oct. 3, 2025.

It's nearly iPhone launch time, and we're seeing the usual onslaught of rumors about the new phones, with a dozen new reports appearing every week.

The latest one is the type that we don't like to see, reporting a possible price hike across the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

According to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee (via MacRumors), all of the upcoming iPhone 17 models — that's iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — will see a $50 price increase.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 Pro might come in a surprising shade of orange

The reason for the change, according to the report, is offsetting rising component costs and U.S. tariffs on China. The report also notes that other potential cost pressures from India (where Apple is now manufacturing a big chunk of its iPhones), as well as sector tariffs, are not yet included.

We've heard reports of iPhone 17 being pricier than its predecessor in May. Back then, the Wall Street Journal said Apple was "weighing price increases," while pointing out that the company was not likely to publicly blame any price increases on tariffs.

Apple's iPhone 16 starts at $799, and the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. If the above report is accurate, the iPhone 17 could start at $849, the iPhone 17 Pro could start at $1,049, while the iPhone 17 Air (if real) is an entirely new model so it's harder to predict its price; we've previously heard that it would start at roughly $899.

Do you need a new laptop? Do you also really, really love tiny blue creatures that wear white Phrygian caps, live in mushroom houses, and stand three apples high? Well, it's your lucky day.

Microsoft has quietly launched the Surface Laptop Smurface Edition, a limited-edition variant of its 13-inch laptop that has four Smurfs laser-etched into its lid. It's a collaboration with the new Smurfs movie, which hit theaters on July 18 — and a puzzling one, to say the least.

The lore implications of the Smurface are certainly interesting. Does the concept of a Copilot+ PC exist in the Smurf universe? Since when do Smurfs prefer Windows? Do Smurfs email? Does the Smurf Village even have WiFi? Mashable has reached out to a Microsoft rep for more details about how the device came to be.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Smurface Edition (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS) $999.99 at Amazon
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Microsoft initially announced the Smurface through its @surface Instagram account on July 7, then put it up for sale on Amazon the day Smurfs premiered. It's a retailer exclusive, according to some fine print, and only 100 of them are available for purchase. I was able to add 87 to my cart at the time of writing on July 29, so evidently it's already had some takers.

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You can also enter to win a Smurface (sorry, I actually can't believe they named it that) through the Microsoft Rewards program, which doles out points for playing games, making Microsoft Store purchases, and searching on Bing. That sweepstakes ends August 14.

SEE ALSO: The 3 best laptops of 2025 (so far)

The lid design is all that differentiates the Smurface from the standard 13-inch Surface Laptop, which debuted in May. It has an eight-core Snapdragon X Plus processor and a 60Hz touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. Those are slightly worse specs compared to Microsoft's flagship 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7, our favorite Windows laptop, but the smaller version's battery life is rated at a slightly longer 23 hours per charge.

The Smurface comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS storage, and it's priced at $999.99 — the same as its non-Smurfy counterpart. Smurftastic!

On paper, a Naked Gun reboot seemed a bad idea. For one, the three-film franchise spawned from the silly TV series Police Squad relied heavily on the straight-faced buffoonery of Leslie Nielsen, who died 15 years ago. For another, this film series reveled in spoof and parody, a brand of humor that has fallen largely out of fashion since the 2000s-era boom of films like Scary Movie, Not Another Teen Movie, Epic Movie, and so on.

Beyond that, The Naked Gun's premise is potentially problematic: a shoot-first-ask-questions-never cop who doesn't play by the rules and is idiotic, violent, and catastrophic in his pursuit of a criminal. In 1988, when the first film premiered, Nielsen's Frank Drebin played as a much-needed parody to all the action films that regarded such cowboy cops as white-hat heroes. Today, when the discourse on police brutality has grown by leaps and bounds, could such a premise still play?

SEE ALSO: 'The Naked Gun' teaser: Liam Neeson takes over for Leslie Nielsen (and rocks a schoolgirl disguise)

Turns out, yes. Incredibly, 2025's The Naked Gun rivals its predecessors in hilarity, outrageousness, and sharp-shooter precision toward its comedic targets. This is thanks in no small part to Liam Neeson. No stranger to playing cops, Neeson takes on the mantle of detective Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Nielsen’s character. Just as this Frank yearns to make his predecessor proud, Neeson walks confidently in the footsteps of Nielsen, who laid down pitch-perfect parody with Police Squad!, The Naked Gun, and Airplane! However, Neeson isn't tasked with shouldering such lunacy alone. His costar, the Priscilla Presley to his Leslie Nielsen, is Pamela Anderson, who brilliantly channels her legendary sex appeal into a sensual and silly femme fatale.

Together, they are a dream team, sure to make summer audiences scream with laughter. 

The Naked Gun takes aim at tech bros.  Credit: Paramount Pictures

Who better to employ as the comically evil villain of a Naked Gun movie than a billionaire who sells electric cars with a world-conquering agenda? And who better than Danny Huston, master of the menacing smile, to play tech magnate Richard Cane? 

When an engineer turns up dead at the bottom of a cliff in a flashy electric car, Frank and Police Squad, a special department of the LAPD, are on the case. Along the way, Frank meets Beth Davenport, the kind of curvy dame who inspires lusty voiceover narration and gloriously goofy romantic tangents involving a sentient, sex-positive snowman. Beth is the surviving sister of the suspiciously dead man, but also she's a true crime writer. So she feels uniquely suited to help Frank investigate Richard's involvement in her brother's demise. But can love and justice mix? 

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are ridiculously funny in The Naked Gun.  Credit: Paramount Pictures

It’s impossible not to compare Neeson’s take on this very familiar character to Nielsen’s. But incredibly, the Northern Irish actor, who has long been an action hero and a dramatic actor, stands up well in the comparison. Just as Nielsen played the silliest jokes with a straight face, Neeson brings the gravitas of years of glowering into this role with a deliriously funny stoicism. 

He speaks in a grumble, which makes his idiotic observations all the more hilarious. And when he occasionally breaks from this paradoxical sternness, it is somehow even funnier. For instance, when Frank misunderstands a social cue, thinking the person who's addressed him is saying his own name is Frank Drebin, the top cop eagerly gasps, "Me too!" And the abrupt change in demeanor is inarguably giggle-inducing.

Props to Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer, who expertly helms the humor of The Naked Gun. He got Neeson to commit to a big ask. Alongside ludicrous lines, Neeson also embraces physical comedy, some onscreen nudity, and scatalogical humor that could risk eroding his untouchable tough guy persona. Instead, the shaking up of that persona is the special sauce that makes this hit even harder than his comedic cop turns in The Lego Movie and Derry Girls. 

As for Anderson, she spoofs splendidly, particularly with a Naked Gun-style musical performance that involves some of the most confounding scatting in human history. Adding oomph to the relentless onslaught of jokes — that had New York critics (a notoriously hard-to-impress lot!) cackling throughout the film runtime — are solid supporting players Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, Liza Koshy, and a barrage of chaotic cameo appearances that I won't spoil here. 

The Naked Gun is back and just what fans will want. Credit: Paramount Pictures

While this Naked Gun offers fewer straight-up parodies than the first three films, it’s nonetheless hysterical. Screenwriters Schaffer, Dan Gregor, and Doug Mand deliver a mix of jokes that ranges from the taboo (like a bit about Bill Cosby’s personal wine stash) to the zany to slyly cerebral wordplay about "manslaughter." With such a variety of punchlines, the hits keep coming, even if not all of them land. Audiences will laugh in theaters like they haven’t in years. This, at long last, is a laugh riot fit to be seen in theaters with a crowd.

SEE ALSO: 10 best summer movies now streaming

The Naked Gun is not only funny, it’s exhilarating because — to quote the parody king "Weird Al" Yankovic (who appears in the original three movies) — it "dare(s) to be stupid." There’s a thrilling bravery in embracing such willfully dumb humor, and doing so in a way that doesn’t punch down. Schaffer and company's keen awareness about who gets to be the butt of the jokes makes The Naked Gun feel modern, even as it keeps in signature bits that could risk feeling dated — like the finale freeze frame — but instead feel timeless.

Simply put, The Naked Gun is back and as silly and stupid as ever. And I can’t think of higher praise than that.

The Naked Gun opens in theaters Aug. 1.

SAVE $200: As of July 30, the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

Apple's 2025 MacBook Air has seen some incredible deals over the last few months, from Prime Day discounts to the same low price sticking around for longer than you'd expect. But nothing comes close to the new deal that has just dropped. As of July 30, you can get the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 for under $800. Yep, this MacBook is priced at just $799 for the first time ever.

The deal applies to all colors, so you can choose between starlight, midnight, silver, and sky blue.

SEE ALSO: Is Apple's Liquid Glass too much for you? We've got good news.

This MacBook is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, meaning it's both fast and efficient. It can handle video editing, jumping between apps, and working through heavy multiple-tab workloads. It’s also created with Apple Intelligence, Apple's personal AI system that helps you get more work done in less time.

This model also boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors, so enjoy seriously high-quality pictures at all times. Other standout features include a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-mic setup, and a four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, so you'll always look your best on work calls. And you get 18 hours of battery life, so you can work on the go without a worry.

Act fast to secure this all-time low price from Amazon.

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 30, Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones are on sale for $37.99 at Amazon. This is $22 off their list price of $59.99 and marks their lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones $37.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22 Get Deal

Noise-canceling headphones are more often than not a pricy investment. If you're on the hunt for a more budget-friendly option to pick up, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones are worth a look, especially now that they sport an excellent discount that's dropped them down to a new low price.

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones usually retail for $59.99, but you can score the black headphones with a 37% discount right now.This marks their lowest-ever price, so there's no better time to scoop them up. They're currently listed as a limited-time deal, so this deal may not last for long.

SEE ALSO: We put the top 10 headphones of 2025 to the test

With the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones you'll experience high-quality sound thanks to 40mm dynamic drivers and hybrid active noise cancelation that can reduce sounds around you by up to 90%. And with BassUp technology, you can bump up the bass in your favorite songs while you listen. On top of that, it boasts a fantastic battery life of up to 70 hours when listening in standard music mode. If you have ANC enabled, it can last up to 50 hours.

If you've been looking for new headphones, this deal on the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones is well worth taking advantage of. And if you'd prefer to pick up earbuds instead, the Beats Studio Buds + are back to their lowest price since Prime Day right now as well.

One of our favorite reality shows returns to our screens this week, and we couldn't be more excited. The Challenge: Vets and New Threats is back for its 41st season, and this time there's a twist. This season, legendary veterans are paired with fresh-faced rookies, reality stars from other hit shows. We love a dynamic shake-up.

The "new threats" come from shows like Love Island, Too Hot To Handle, and Big Brother, bringing their own skills and experience into the competition. Yeah, we're really excited.

Ready to tune in? We've got all the information you need for the new season.

How to watch 'The Challenge: Vets and New Threats'

The Challenge: Vets and New Threats will premiere at 8 pm ET/PT on Wednesday, July 30. It will be shown on MTV, and will soon follow on MTV's international networks.

Can't catch it live? You can stream The Challenge: Vets and New Threats on Paramount+ anytime.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Shop Now What is 'The Challenge: Vets and New Threats'

The season doesn't officially get underway until July 30, but on July 23, a launch special episode was released which revealed the pairings for the upcoming season. The format will pit returning veterans against reality TV newcomers, with each team made up of one seasoned player and one rookie.

The veteran players, many of whom are Challenge legends, will have to guide their rookie partners through the game's challenges while also navigating historic rivalries.

Missed the launch special episode? Find it on the MTV YouTube.

Who are The Challenge Vets?

This year's returning vets are:

• Michaela Bradshaw, Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X and Survivor: Game Changers

• Theo Campbell, Love Island UK

• Derek Chavez, The Real World: Cancun

• Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, The Real World

• Aneesa Ferreira, The Real World

• Leroy Garrett, The Real World: Las Vegas

• Nany González, The Real World: Las Vegas

• Olivia Kaiser, Love Island USA

• Derrick Kosinski, MTV's Road Rules: X-Treme

• Aviv Melmed, Fresh Meat

• Ashley Mitchell, The Real World: Ex-Plosion

• Nia Moore, The Real World: Portland

• Rogan O'Connor, Ex on the Beach UK

• Cara Maria Sorbello, Fresh Meat

• CT Tamburello, The Real World

• Turbo, Survivor Turkey

Who are The Challenge Threats?

Do you recognize any of the reality stars taking part as this year's "threats"?

• Jake Cornish, Love Island UK and Love Island All Stars

• Ben Davis, Boxer

• Leonardo Dionicio, Love Island USA

• Izzy Fairthorne, Too Hot Too Handle

• Will Gagnon, Are You The One

• Justin Hinsley, Cheer

• Cedric Hodges, Big Brother 26

• Yeremi Hykel, The Amazing Race 35

• Blue Kim, Big Brother 25

• America Lopez, Big Brother 25

• Adrienne Naylor, Married At First Sight UK

• Sydney Segal, Survivor 41

• Leka Sodade, Canada's Ultimate Challenge

• Dee Valladares, Survivor 45

• Gabe Wai, Former WWE talent

• Tay Wilcoxson, Big Brother Australia 15

Five years ago, 21-year-old Zoe found herself needing an outlet.

The then-recent UCLA grad was working as an accountant, a career she'd opted for because of its stability — though she describes herself as a creative kid, she also admits, she was " scared of becoming a starving artist." When the pandemic hit and she no longer needed to commute in LA traffic, she decided to start spending her free time making YouTube videos.

" It was just a space for me to breathe," she told Mashable. "I had no background in video creation whatsoever."

SEE ALSO: Who is VidCon really for? 3 takeaways that reveal the creator economy's future.

That space to breathe evolved into a full-time career with the now 26-year-old's channel, ZoeUnlimited, which has 3.42 million subscribers at the time of writing. Over the years, she's evolved her channel from lifestyle content to marketing studies on everything from Billie Eilish to Glossier.

Credit: Cole Kan/Mashable; Image Credit: Getty Images/ Zoe Unlimited's Instagram

We caught up with Zoe at VidCon 2025 to hear about how she navigated the corporate-to-creative career change and everything she's learned along the way.

Do you remember when you first realized your content was taking off?

I always had a delusional mindset where I was going to make it, like even when I was getting 100 or 200 views on YouTube. I was like, "Yeah, I'm gonna get to 500K [subscribers] by the end of the year." I did not, but I did reach around 100K.

Since the very start, even though I didn't see the results coming in, I was so grateful for every single new subscriber, new view. I had a little YouTube journal where I was like, "Today I gained like two subscribers, and then I'm working on this video, and I'm having fun with it."

Do you ever go back and read those old entries?

 Yeah. Especially during the harder times, where I'm like, "Oh, this video flopped, am I incompetent as a creator?" And I'm like, "Remember the times that you were just enjoying all these small moments? "

How did you decide to make the jump from corporate to full-time content creation?

So,  I worked in both marketing and tech — I pivoted from finance to tech marketing. At the time, I was very fortunate and grateful that I was able to learn from the experience of actually doing the marketing itself. I really loved doing both corporate and content at the same time because I was learning different skills. It was at a point where I no longer felt like I was learning the things that I wanted to learn, that I was like, OK, I think it's time to double down on content.

How many years into your content journey was that?

Three years.

So you were balancing both for quite a while.

Oh yeah. I lived a Hannah Montana life.

Did you deal with burnout during that time?

Definitely. I would say burnout usually does not stem from the workload. It stems from losing touch with a purpose. I think I felt the most burnout when my channel was, quote unquote, successfully rising.

But I couldn't feel any joy about that. All the metrics I thought I was going to be so happy about didn't bring any joy to me. On top of that, I was getting a lot of backlash online, where people misunderstood my intentions. So that really hurt. I think that hurt more because I felt disconnected from the community.

I had to really get in touch with myself and be like, "Why am I creating?" And I think the why can change, but I have to be brutally honest. And sometimes, at one point, I was like, "Oh. It's because I was chasing after vanity metrics." I was letting my self-worth be so tied up with how much people like me or accept me online. And I was like, that is not why this journey began in the first place. I had to be so confrontational with my ego, and that's not an easy thing to do, but I definitely needed an ego check and to reground myself and tune in with where my curiosity lies again.

How have you navigated the evolution of your content over the past five years?

 I love letting my curiosity guide me. I love sharing my growth journey online with this community of growth-minded people, especially Gen Z and millennial women. But if I'm tackling a certain thing and growing in a specific area, I want to share that. My interest might evolve over time, or the things I want to share might evolve over time. So I just let that lead me.

Right now, I'm trying to bring more people into the world of pop culture, beauty, and fashion through the lens of marketing by making business more tangible, fun, and less intimidating for women because my audience is mostly women. I come from a business background, but sometimes I still get scared of things. If I'm scared, then how much of this could intimidate and limit so much of my audience?

What were some of the biggest learning curves you went through as you grew your channel?

 Hiring. I ran a one-woman show for two and a half years while working full-time, like nine-to-nines. I don't know how I did it — I think it's just that I never really viewed it as work, I was just having fun.

But still, my time was at like full capacity. And I wish that I learned it's OK to let go of creative control because if you train people right, they will eventually outgrow you and your style, and that's the best feeling of accomplishment — to train someone to edit better than me in my style and to work together collaboratively.

 That's something that I've heard other creators say, that hiring an editor can be so daunting because it's like letting go of your baby.

 Exactly. Also, when working in social media, you always have that kind of risk mentality that this could all go away. Should I be investing in this? Should I be spending money and pouring it out?

Do you have any tips for creators seeking management for the first time?

 Don't lock yourself in. Trust, but verify. They have to show the receipts, show the records — it can't just be talk, like everybody can talk, right? They're always like, "We're gonna take you there. We wanna do this and that with you." OK, but have you done it? Do you have the credentials? Do you have the record and experience to do that?

And do you have the record and experience in helping someone like me, as a creator, the type of creator I am, to go where I wanna go? So cater it to yourself there. You're hiring someone to help you. My initial mistake was that I felt like, "Oh my God, am I bothering my manager?" I'm so grateful this big management company took me on; I felt like not enough. I don't think it was the right type of dynamic.

 What advice would you give to an aspiring creator?

 I would say don't quit your job yet. Having a good financial foundation is so crucial because I don't think anything is sustainable, like creating, just from a money perspective. I did it when I wasn't making a cent on YouTube. In fact, someone would've had to pay me — probably a lot — to stop making cringy videos. So if you're doing it for money, you're not gonna have a very long career in the content space. You have to genuinely be making things you would make whether or not there is money on the table.

And I would say create a structural system. Have a schedule to block in times that you could squeeze any time in the week to create content. It's doable. The only limit really is your own belief.

Are there any other creators out there whom you draw inspiration from?

 I'd love to give a shout-out to my best friend, Alivia D'Andrea. She has impeccable taste and visuals, and phenomenal storytelling. She really inspires me. I'd been watching her along with the other YouTube girlies, like Emma Chamberlain and BestDressed. These three really inspired me before I even started creating.

 Alivia and I met through Instagram DM and became best friends. I'm seriously so grateful for how she's in my life. She saw the photo of me in front of my VidCon sign, and she's like, "I'm getting so emotional," and she's always celebrating my wins with me and always there for me.  I'm actually getting emotional talking about this.

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So she has a new series coming out called "The Dating Diaries," after her "Glow Up Diaries," which is like iconic and started the Glow Up movement on YouTube.

SAVE $900: As of July 30, Woot is offering a 55-inch Samsung OLED S85D Smart TV (Factory Reconditioned) for $799.99. Normally this TV is listed for $1,699.99, so you're saving $900.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung OLED S85D Smart TV (Factory Reconditioned) $799.99 at Woot
$1,699.99 Save $900 Get Deal

If you've been looking for a TV upgrade, Woot — an Amazon-owned online retailer — has quite an exciting selection of TVs to look through right now. A highlight is this 55-inch Samsung OLED S85D Smart TV that's down to $799.99.

Usually this TV retails for $1,699.99 at Samsung, so you're saving $900 with this deal. Factory Reconditioned means that it's "returned, inspected, and restored to fully working condition by the original manufacturer or a certified partner," according to Woot. It also comes with a Samsung Warranty. And while this model of TV is available to buy via third parties from places like Amazon, the 55-inch model is actually out of stock on Samsung's website, so now is a great opportunity to scoop it up for less.

SEE ALSO: The 55-inch Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is back down to its Prime Day sale price

This Samsung TV offers vibrant colors and contrast — alongside high-quality, crisp details — thanks to its OLED display and 4K resolution. Top it off with built-in Dolby Atmos and your ears are in for just as much of a treat when you pop in a movie or settle in to binge-watch a show. And speaking of the latter, since it's a smart TV, you can have all of your favorite streaming apps in one convenient location.

This Woot deal only lasts for a limited time (it says there's a month left on it, or until it's sold out) so now's your chance to get the 55-inch Samsung OLED S85D Smart TV for under $1,000.

Looking for more great TV deals? Over at Amazon you can also save on the 55-inch Samsung Frame TV right now.

Try as he might, Donald Trump cannot escape from the Epstein story — and when he or anyone else tries to defend him, it only makes things worse.

"When asked yesterday about the release of the Epstein files at an event in Ohio, Vice President JD Vance said that President Trump has been 'incredibly transparent about that stuff,'" says Seth Meyers in the Late Night clip above. "And I agree: We can absolutely see right through him."

Meyers goes on to talk about Trump being asked whether or not he rushed to finish an EU trade deal as a way to get past the Epstein story at a press conference in Scotland.

"Oh yeah, I'm sure all the conspiracy theorists and MAGA will stop talking about Epstein now that there's a new trade deal," says Meyers. "'So you think Trump is on the list, or what?' 'Who cares? We can get cheaper sardines from Portugal!'"

SAVE $20: The Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro is on sale for $79 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Get Deal

Immediately after Nothing launched the CMF Watch 3 Pro, it was being hailed as a strong contender for the best budget smartwatch and fitness tracker of the year. And shoppers seemed to agree. The prospect of an AI-powered smartwatch for under $100 was obviously too much to ignore, because these smartwatches sold fast and stock vanished just like that.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro has only been out of stock at Amazon for a few days, but those days will have been incredibly painful for anyone looking to invest. We've been keeping a keen eye on stock, and we're delighted to see the CMF Watch 3 Pro make a triumphant return in ash grey, dark grey, and orange. Everyone has their own taste, but that orange model sure does look good.

SEE ALSO: The Fitbit Charge 6 is lacking a key feature, and I just can't get over it

And we're equally pleased to see that the sale price remains intact. Nothing lists the retail price at $99 and offers a $20 discount, and Amazon has matched that record-low price in all colorways. The last thing we want you to do is panic and make a purchase without properly considering your options, but if you've already decided to buy this impressive watch, we recommend acting fast to avoid another out-of-stock situation.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro offers enough features to double as a fitness tracker. Andrew Freshwater, Head of Smart Products Marketing at Nothing, says it's designed to be the "perfect starting point for anyone beginning their health and fitness journey."

This smartwatch also has direct ChatGPT integration. Using natural voice prompts, wearers can ask the AI chatbot questions, set reminders, record voice notes, and perform other tasks with simple voice prompts. It can even act as a voice recorder, automatically transcribing conversations or notes.

We still need to give the CMF Watch 3 Pro the full review treatment, but it looks like it offers a lot of value at list price. And for just $79, it sounds like an absolute steal.

Over-ear headphones are everyone's usual go-to solution for blocking out the world. And listen, I get it. You couldn't pry my Sony WH-1000XM4s out of my cold dead hands. But honestly, as much as I love them, carrying around a clunky pair of headphones when I'm on the go is not ideal. I want a pair of headphones to tuck in my pocket that will still block out noise. That's the promise of the best noise-cancelling earbuds.

Every top brand has its own take on ANC earbuds, each with a unique style and a plethora of features. Since you can't possibly try all the latest earbuds, I've taken on the task of reviewing the best ANC earbuds for you.

What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds? Not all earbuds are created equal — some are far more comfortable than others. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While there are plenty of audio brands that provide good sound quality and noise cancellation, audio leaders Bose and Sony are in a league of their own. Not only do they offer phenomenal ANC, but they also make music and podcasts sound better. On a good pair of headphones, "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter sounds even catchier, somehow.

Earbuds usually aren't as comfortable as over-the-ear headphones. I know this well, as I've found many pairs of earbuds that just plain don't fit in my ear. Others are downright uncomfortable. Once again, Bose offers the most comfortable headphones and earbuds. However, Bose and Sony aren't the only brands out there. That's why I set out to test the best the market offers and see what makes a great pair of wireless earbuds.

How do noise-cancelling earbuds work? Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to slip in your pocket. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All noise-cancelling headphones, including earbuds, have some passive noise cancellation. While over-the-ear headphones naturally block out noise by wrapping around the ears, earbuds don't block sound as effectively. Instead of covering your ears, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to drown out other noises. They rely more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce environmental noise.

ANC is an electronic process within the headphones. Internal microphones listen to your surroundings and then invert the sound, effectively canceling it. Sometimes, with noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, you'll hear a slight buzzing or humming in the background, and that's the ANC at work. The best ANC earbuds shouldn't have this buzzing, however.

Apple might be shaking things up a little when it comes to iPhone colors this year.

Leaker Sonny Dickson just shared dummy units of Apple's entire upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, and one color stands out in a big way.

Dickson's "color dummies" mostly follow what we've heard so far, with most of the colors being fairly subdued, as is traditional Apple iPhone fashion. But the iPhone 17 Pro and the 17 Pro Max are shown in a bold, orange color.

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This is in contrast with previous leaks which claimed the iPhone 17 Pro's new color will be copper, or at least a cross between copper and orange. Frankly, it's also in contrast with every iPhone Pro color so far, so take this leak with a grain of salt.

It's fun to dream, however, of Apple finally choosing a slightly more colorful shade of...any color, really, for one of its iPhone Pro models.

The other colors on offer for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are black, white, and blue.

The iPhone 17 Air is shown in black, white, beige (gold?), and light blue, while the iPhone 17 can be seen in black, iPhone, light blue, and pink.

SEE ALSO: Take this iPhone 17 camera 'leak' with a bucket of salt

If I had to guess, I'd say these colors are a good way off from what Apple is really going to show in September; regardless of the color choices, Apple's actual devices always look a bit sparklier and nicer than these dummy units we keep seeing ahead of launches.

Apple will likely launch the iPhone 17 lineup in September; until then, nothing is official.

The AI browser wars hath begun, which fighter will you choose?

Of course, you could always opt for a traditional, static browser, free of AI chatbots and agentic AI features. But tech companies are banking on AI-powered web browsers replacing the likes of Chrome and Safari.

The generative AI boom has already ushered us into a new paradigm for search. More and more, users turn to chatbots like ChatGPT instead of the traditional search engine. So, if search is changing, why are companies developing AI browsers?

Platformer's Casey Newton summed it up well in a May newsletter:

Search and browsers are two sides of the same coin. When you search for something on the web, you see your results in a browser. That's what made Chrome such a great investment for Google. Its innovative omnibox address bar, which would go on to become the industry standard, encouraged you to search more than ever. And as Chrome gained market share, Google leveraged its influence to make the world increasingly Google-shaped: easy to index, to search, and to serve ads against.

Today, a new generation of companies are coming to the same conclusion that Google did a generation ago: if you're really serious about search, you should build a browser.

Meanwhile, Google may be forced to sell off Chrome as part of an antitrust ruling, putting its dominance under threat. New tech companies are jockeying for the top spot in the coming AI browser era, guided by the premise that browsers powered by AI can do so much more than just navigate users to a webpage.

What are AI browsers?

Imagine a browser that acts as your research assistant, plans trips, sends emails, and schedules meetings. As AI models become more advanced, they're capable of autonomously handling more complex tasks on your behalf. For tech companies, the browser is the perfect medium for realizing this vision.

Several nascent AI browsers can already perform some of these tasks, and we think a rumored browser from OpenAI is on the way.

For now, here are the top AI browsers you can try today, with details about pricing, availability, and features.

1. Dia from The Browser Company Credit: The Browser Company

Last year, The Browser Company launched an AI browser called Arc. Then, it pivoted and started building Dia, a new browser with even more AI features. For now, only macOS users can try the beta.

Dia's sidebar chatbot is the hub for its AI features, including summarizing pages, turning lengthy emails into action-items, and helping with writing and editing. Dia also maintains awareness across your tabs for comparison shopping and research assistance. Mashable's sibling site ZDNet tried Dia, and even though it's not able to make purchases yet, the site said the browser was very impressive. For the privacy-minded, user data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. Chat data is encrypted and sent to a third party search engine, Dia servers, or partner servers, which don't store the data.

Availability: A beta version of Dia is available for Arc members; non-members can sign up for the waitlist. Dia requires macOS Sonoma and up with M1 chips or later. For this beta, Windows users are out luck.

2. Perplexity Comet

Perplexity Comet launched a few weeks ago to much fanfare, especially since Perplexity's CEO Aravind Srinivas said the reason they built the browser was to collect your data. "That’s kind of one of the other reasons we wanted to build a browser, is we want to get data even outside the app to better understand you," said Srinivas on the TBPN podcast in April. "We plan to use all the context to build a better user profile and, maybe you know, through our discover feed we could show some ads there," he continued.

Indeed, according to Comet's privacy policy, it collects a lot of data. That includes browsing data, interactions with the Perplexity chatbot, and payment information and passwords — if you choose to save them to your Comet profile.

All this data goes into making Comet highly personalized. I recently tried Comet for myself, and my experience was very mixed. Comet's AI assistant can research and add items to your shopping cart, automatically organize tabs, and even schedule events and send emails with email integration, again, with mixed results. It also has awareness across all of your tabs and voice mode. When prompted with "take control of my browser," Comet can make purchases and book reservations.

Availability: Comet is available for Perplexity Max subscribers ($200 a month) or by selection from the waitlist. It's available for macOS and Windows.

3. Neon and Aria from Opera AI Introducing the Opera Neon browser. Credit: Opera

Opera announced its agentic browser Neon with a truly surreal marketing campaign. Access is invite-only and there's a waitlist to sign up. But it's described as a "browser designed to understand your intent, assist with tasks, and take actions."

Meanwhile, Opera's existing browser Aria comes with AI features that aren't as autonomous. Aria has a pop-up chatbot that can summarize and generate text, create images, and automatically organize tabs. With the Explore Topic feature, you can right click on a highlighted word or term and get an explanation in the chat. It also has text-to-speech mode for reading content out loud. The contents of your tabs for automated organization are stored locally on your device.

Because it's widely available for free, Aria is one of the top AI browsers to explore if you're curious about the technology and don't have the patience for waitlists.

Availability: Aria is publicly available and free to download on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

4. Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft just entered the AI browser war with something called Copilot Mode for Edge, announced on July 28. Copilot Mode is launching as an opt-in experiment that currently offers contextual awareness across open tabs, voice mode, and a pop-up chatbot that can answer questions about the page you're on. Microsoft says its launching the ability to book reservations and browser history memory soon so Copilot can pick up where you left off with various searches.

As with other AI browsers, all this personalization comes at the cost of your privacy. Microsoft says the memory feature can be turned off, will require explicit permission to access search history and passwords, and "there will always be clear, visual cues on your browser when Copilot is viewing or listening."

Availability: Copilot Mode is free as an opt-in experiment for Edge on Windows and Mac, but only for a limited time. Learn more and opt in at Microsoft.

5. Brave Leo AI browser Credit: Brave

Brave is known for its privacy protections, which extends to its Leo AI app (relatively, since LLMs still need a lot of your data to function properly). Leo AI doesn't collect IP addresses or retain personal data, and it sends your request through anonymized servers and discards responses after they're generated. Activate Leo AI from the icon next to the search bar or sidebar for AI-generated summaries, or chat with it by asking questions about what's on the page. It also has text generation, translation, and on iOS, voice-to-text.

Availability: Free version with lower usage limits, or Brave Leo AI Premium ($20 a month) with more models, higher usage limits, and early access to new features. On macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

6. DuckDuckGo's Duck.ai Credit: DuckDuckGO

Duck Duck Go is another privacy-focused browser that keeps privacy in mind with its Duck.ai chatbot. While it's not a true AI browser, you can think of it as an AI-enhanced browser, and one that prioritizes privacy.

Duck.ai lets you choose between multiple chatbots from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Mistral. Within the browser, you can search in chat mode or traditional search mode, which shows AI-generated summaries at the top of the page, or turn it off altogether. DuckDuckGo also says it honors publisher sites that use anti-scraping code robots.txt, which prevents sites from appearing in AI-generated summaries. This something that other AI companies reportedly bypass.

DuckDuckGO says it proxies Duck.ai chats by removing users' IP addresses, anonymizes queries, stores chats locally on device instead of cloud servers, and does use chat data for AI model training.

Availability: Duck.ai is free with a daily limit on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. DuckDuckGo is exploring a paid subscription for higher limits. Try it at DuckDuckGO.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: To teach

• Green: A way

• Blue: They contain numbers

• Purple: Things you play

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

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

• Yellow: Instruct

• Green: Means

• Blue: Starting with Greek numerical prefixes

• Purple: Anagram of musical instruments

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #780 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Instruct: COACH, DIRECT, GUIDE, TRAIN

• Means: INSTRUMENT, MEDIUM, ORGAN, VEHICLE

• Starting with Greek numerical prefixes: DIOXIDE, MONORAIL, TETRACYCLINE, TRIANGLE

• Anagram of musical instruments: ABUT, BULGE, GROAN, VOILA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 30

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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